Novato City Council Meeting – April 28, 2026

The Novato City Council met on April 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM to consider a range of items, including proclamations, the consent calendar, public comments, and two major discussion items: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations and the continuation of a study on commercial cannabis retail storefronts. The meeting also included a study session on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Ceremonial Matters

• The council recognized American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month, noting that over 2,000 Muslims reside in Marin County.
• A proclamation celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Ignacio, which has 54 members and has supported numerous local and international humanitarian projects.
• The San Marin High School Boys Varsity Basketball team was honored for winning the school's first state championship in basketball.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent calendar, with Councilmember Eklund and Mayor Farrakh abstaining on item G4. No other objections were noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alexander Ordonius expressed deep concern about permitting cannabis dispensaries, citing potential harm to youth. He stated that 100 families share this concern.
• Sophia Ocassi reminded the council about the upcoming Fourth of July Parade and requested volunteers (50-60 needed). The parade is organized by an independent nonprofit.
• Samaranta Silva and Veronica Hernandez thanked the council for approving a just-cause tenant protection ordinance, representing a major step for tenant rights in Novato.
• Robert Boeero and Jason Petch spoke about the threat of the Mediterranean Oak Borer, an invasive beetle confirmed in Novato in 2025. They urged proactive measures including public education, containment sites, and funding support for tree removal.
• Dale Klein supported moving forward with cannabis retail regulation, arguing that cannabis is already present in Novato through delivery and unregulated markets, and that local control would improve safety.
• John Wright opposed retail cannabis, stating that potential tax revenue is speculative and outweighed by public health costs, including increased youth access and normalization.
• Tony Vargas (UFCW Local 5) and Josh Lewis (Embark) supported retail cannabis, emphasizing job creation, union opportunities, and well-regulated markets.
• Michael Clarkson (Velvet Fog) urged a transparent process for existing license holders if the city proceeds.
• Alexandra Peterson and Melissa Wallstrom opposed retail cannabis, citing personal experiences with youth access and mental health risks. Wallstrom noted a February 2025 study in JAMA Health Forum linking youth cannabis use to doubled risk of psychotic and bipolar disorders.
• Laura Bonnet (cannabis industry executive) argued that licensed retailers have a 99%+ compliance rate with age restrictions, higher than alcohol or tobacco, and that regulation reduces the illicit market.
• Kate Rowley, a suicide loss survivor, implored the council to consider human lives lost to cannabis-related psychosis and suicide.
• Jeremiah Mock (UCSF professor) noted that Marin County has the highest youth cannabis use rates in the state and urged the council to maintain the current delivery-only policy to avoid normalization.
• Multiple other speakers from both sides expressed support or opposition, with industry representatives highlighting job creation and community involvement, while opponents emphasized health risks and inadequate enforcement.

Discussion Items

J1: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Recommendations

• The council received a presentation from Lily Thomas (Marin County CDA) on the FY 2026-27 CDBG allocation. Novato's allocation is $305,000, up from $289,000 last year.
• Recommended projects include: Eden Housing's Oak Hill Project, Habitat for Humanity Home Rehab, Homeward Bound's New Beginning Center improvements, and Community Action Marin's Hamilton Children's Center renovation. Public services (Legal Aid, Fair Housing, North Marin Community Services, North Bay Children's Center) continue on a two-year cycle.
• The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution recommending these projects to the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

J2: Commercial Cannabis Retail Storefronts – Continuation of Study

• This was a continuation from the April 14 meeting. Staff presented a market study and community survey results (one of the most responded-to surveys the city has conducted).
• Public comment was extensive (over 30 speakers). Positions were deeply divided: supporters cited local control, tax revenue, and regulated safety; opponents cited youth health risks, high youth use rates in Marin, and enforcement challenges.
• Two motions were made:
  1. A substitute motion by Councilmember Eklund to discontinue the study (failed 2-3: Eklund and Farrakh in favor; Carkle, O'Connor, Jacobs opposed).
  2. A main motion by Councilmember O'Connor to continue the work plan (passed 3-2: Carkle, O'Connor, Jacobs in favor; Eklund and Farrakh opposed).
• The council directed staff to prepare draft policies, conduct community engagement, and return with recommendations by September 2026.

L1: Study Session – Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

• Public Works Director Chris presented a high-level overview of the CIP, focusing on prudent fiscal management and consolidating related projects.
• Notable projects include:
  • Novato Boulevard Widening: $8.36 million from TAM Measure A; construction to start late summer 2026, lasting 24 months.
  • Olive Avenue Roadway Phase 3: Construction scheduled for summer 2026 (June 15 start).
  • Redwood Boulevard Pavement Rehab: Mill and overlay, slurry seal, and new bike lanes from Rowland to San Marin (Class IV separated lanes).
  • Hamilton Amphitheater Playground: Design in-house, new structure and ADA improvements.
  • Police Department HVAC Replacement: Energy audit underway.
  • Parks: Hamilton pool assessment ($50,000), Downtown Rec Center turf replacement assessment, Marin Highlands Park improvements ($300,000), Diablo Marion Park upgrades ($200,000), Miwok Park fence phase two.
  • Municipal Buildings: Scout House renovations (donor-funded), DRC/gymnastics center HVAC replacement, rooftop solar module replacement study.
  • Storm Drain Pipe Replacement: New $50,000/year program.
• Councilmember Eklund raised concerns about the Hamilton Field History Museum entryway hazard, requesting a separate item to address it sooner than the planned facility needs assessment. Staff agreed to bring information back for the May 12 budget workshop.
• Council provided direction to staff to proceed with the proposed CIP and return with more detailed budget information on May 12, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved (Eklund and Farrakh abstained on G4).
• CDBG Funding Recommendations: Approved unanimously; forwarded to County Board of Supervisors.
• Cannabis Retail Storefront Study: Motion to discontinue failed (2-3); motion to continue the work plan passed (3-2). Staff to prepare draft policies for a public hearing by September 2026.
• CIP Study Session: Council received the presentation and directed staff to include Hamilton Museum entryway repairs in the May 12 budget discussion. The full budget workshop will address both operating and capital budgets.
• Next Regular Meeting: May 12, 2026 (budget workshop).