Novato City Council Meeting – June 9, 2026: Costco Fuel Facility Approved, Budget Hearing, and Infrastructure Actions
Novato City Council Meeting – June 9, 2026: Costco Fuel Facility Approved, Budget Hearing, and Infrastructure Actions
The Novato City Council met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at approximately 2:15 PM (Pacific) for a regular meeting. All councilmembers were present: Mayor Farak, Mayor Pro Tem Jacobs, Councilmembers Eklund, Carpal, and O'Connor. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, public comments, a major public hearing on the appeal of the Costco fuel facility certification, a budget hearing for fiscal year 26-27, and a resolution of necessity for eminent domain on a property needed for road improvements.
Ceremonial Presentations
- Juneteenth Proclamation (June 19, 2026): The council recognized June 19 as Juneteenth in Novato. Students from the Novato High Black Student Union (Jade Stanton and Peyton Shore) accepted the proclamation and highlighted their club's work.
- Pride Month Proclamation: June 2026 was proclaimed LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Elin Zapella accepted, thanking her creative writing teacher.
- Love to Dance Recognition: Tara Caprice Broadwater was honored for founding Love to Dance in 2002, an inclusive dance studio. She spoke about building community and invited attendees to the All Abilities Talent Show on June 16, 2026.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved the final agenda (moved council updates to end). Councilmember Jacobs recused from item G16 due to neighborhood association membership. Councilmember Eklund pulled item G8 (Olive Avenue project) for separate discussion and voted no on G6 and G9.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Lacey Barnes and Bianca Level Parker (Vineyard Road residents): Expressed concern about a sober living facility being converted in their single-family neighborhood without transparency or community input. They asked the city to provide information and oversight. The city manager confirmed no formal proposal had been received and noted state preemption may limit local control.
- Fred Reese (Hill Road resident): Reported disrepairs at Hill Recreation Field, including broken pickleball court doors, unlocked restrooms, and noise ordinance violations. He requested repairs and enforcement of park hours.
Discussion Items
1. Proposed Renaming of Hamilton Amphitheater Park
Councilmember O'Connor proposed to create an agenda item for July or August to discuss renaming Hamilton Amphitheater Park in honor of former mayor Mark Milberg, who served District 5 and passed away in 2025. The council unanimously approved adding this item to a future meeting.
2. Appeal of Costco Fuel Facility (Item I-1)
The council held a de novo hearing on an appeal of the Planning Commission's certification of the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approval of a use permit and design review for a Costco gas station adjacent to the existing store at 300 Vintage Way. Key points:
- Project Description: 14 fuel dispensers (28 fueling positions), three 40,000-gallon underground storage tanks, and one 1,500-gallon additive tank on a one-acre site. The facility is expected to serve about 2,310 vehicles per day (4,620 trips).
- Appellants' Arguments (Susan Stopp, Soka Valentine, and representatives of 350 Marin, Sierra Club, etc.):
- The EIR inadequately analyzed health impacts on the nearby pediatric clinic, which serves children with asthma. They argued the clinic should be classified as a sensitive receptor and that the air quality analysis used unrealistic assumptions.
- The greenhouse gas analysis was incomplete, ignoring emissions from fuel combustion by vehicles (tailpipe emissions account for 75-85% of a gas station's total impact).
- The VMT analysis relied on proprietary Costco data showing a reduction of 702 vehicle miles per day, but the data was not publicly reviewable. They questioned whether members would truly consolidate trips, noting that many buy gas on the way to work.
- The project violates the spirit of the city's 2022 ordinance banning new gas stations (though the project was grandfathered).
- Applicant (Costco) and City Staff Positions:
- The EIR was independently reviewed by third-party consultants.
- The VMT reduction of 702 miles per day is based on transaction data showing about 200 Novato members per day drive to Costco in Rohnert Park or Vallejo (40+ miles round trip) to buy gas. Localizing these trips reduces regional driving.
- The pediatric clinic is not a sensitive receptor under Bay Area Air Quality Management District definitions, but even under conservative assumptions (three hours/week for 21 years), health risks were well below thresholds.
- Geotechnical analysis shows the site sits on bedrock; groundwater is five feet deep but not highly corrosive. Tanks are double-walled fiberglass, continuously monitored, and anchored. Costco operates over 650 similar facilities with no known failures.
- The project will generate a net gain of 30 parking stalls (150 employee parking spaces added behind the shopping center; 120 lost).
- Council Questions: Councilmembers probed corrosion risks, lighting impacts on wildlife, queuing management, and the feasibility of removing the facility if demand declines. Councilmember Eklund asked about fiberglass tank durability and requested a condition to turn down lights after 11 p.m.
- Public Comment (30+ speakers): Strongly divided. Supporters cited economic benefits, tax revenue, convenience, and lower fuel prices. Opponents cited climate contradictions, health risks, wetland vulnerability, and competition with local gas stations.
- Motion and Vote: Councilmember O'Connor moved to approve the project with a condition requiring all non-essential exterior lighting to be turned off after 11 p.m., consistent with municipal code. Seconded by Councilmember Eklund. The motion passed 4-1, with Mayor Farak dissenting (stating the project harms the environment and future sustainability). Councilmembers Eklund, Carpal, O'Connor, and Mayor Pro Tem Jacobs voted aye.
3. Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 26-27 (Item I-2)
City staff presented a balanced general fund budget of $62.5 million in revenues and expenses. The budget includes $10 million in Measure M revenue allocated to maintain services, infrastructure, and reserves. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) totals $25.9 million, with major projects including Novato Boulevard ($15.5 million), Olive Avenue ($2.1 million), and annual pavement program ($2.4 million). The Marin Valley Mobile Country Club (MVMCC) operating budget includes a proposed 3% rent increase (capped at CPI) and $2.5 million in capital projects, including $2 million for accessibility improvements. Public comment from MVMCC residents Brad Witherspoon, John Hansen, and David King raised concerns about wildfire mitigation costs ($150,000 annually for city-owned land adjacent to the park), in-lieu-of-tax fees, and a request for a $25,000 legal fund for the PAC. No action was taken; the final budget will be considered for adoption on June 23, 2026.
4. Resolution of Necessity for Eminent Domain (Item I-3)
To complete the Novato Boulevard Improvements project, the city needs to acquire a portion of property at 1610 Novato Boulevard. The city has negotiated acquisitions on five other parcels. Staff requested adoption of a resolution of necessity, the first step in eminent domain. The property owner, Carolina Reyes, stated she accepts the city's latest offer contingent on replacing shrubs that provide a buffer. Councilmembers discussed safety code compliance for the shrubs (height near driveway). The council adopted the resolution unanimously (5-0), allowing staff to continue negotiations and proceed with condemnation if necessary.
5. Olive Avenue Project Agreement with SMART (Item G8 – Pulled)
Councilmember Eklund questioned why two bids ($490,315) were significantly higher than the engineer's estimate ($344,000). Staff explained specialized work within the SMART railroad right-of-way and inflation. The agreement with SMART provides 50% cost reimbursement. The council approved the item (4-1, Eklund dissenting) to move forward with the project.
Key Outcomes
- Costco Fuel Facility: Approved 4-1 with a lighting condition; the EIR is certified, and the use permit is granted. The decision may be subject to legal challenge.
- Renaming Hamilton Amphitheater Park: An agenda item will be scheduled for July or August 2026.
- Budget Hearing: No vote; adoption set for June 23, 2026. Council requested a paper copy of the budget and further details on MVMCC operating history.
- Eminent Domain Resolution: Adopted 5-0. The city will continue negotiations with the property owner.
- Olive Avenue Project: Approved 4-1, with staff to finalize the reimbursement agreement with SMART.
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM in memory of Leland Gustafson.
Meeting Transcript
City Council meeting for Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic. For which it stands, one nation. I'm not going to have a liberty and justice for all. Laura, can you take the role? Councilmember Ecklands? Present. Councilmember Carpal. Here. Councilmember O'Connor? Here. Mayor Purchin Jacobs? Here. And Mayor Crack. And I am here. There was no closed session, so we'll move on to item C for ceremonial matters and presentations. So if the council will join me up the front, I appreciate it. All right. And the first one we're gonna ask Jade Stanton and Peyton Shore to come accept the proclamation. And Mayor Protem Jacobs is gonna cover this one. Recognizing June 19th, 2026 as Juneteenth in the City of Nevada, whereas on January 1st, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation declaring the end of slavery and advancing freedom and equity in the United States. And whereas more than two years later, on June 19th, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger and federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved African Americans are free, making a significant milestone in the nation's journey toward justice and liberation. And whereas June 19th became known as Juneteenth, and has since been celebrated as a day of joy, remembrance, resilience, and reflection by generations of black Americans, while also serving as a reminder that the promise of freedom was not immediately realized for all, and that pursuit of equality continues. And whereas on June 17th, 2021, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, officially recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday and affirming its importance in the nation's history and ongoing story of the United States. And whereas Juneteenth serves as a time of reflection, education, and celebration, recognizing the ongoing pursuit of human rights and equality for black Americans, and is commemorating through family and community cookouts, faith services, music, storytelling, and community gatherings that honor the rich history, culture, resilience, and contributions of African Americans. And whereas the City of Nevada recognizes and celebrates the enduring contributions of Black Americans whose leadership, innovation, artistry, culture, and service have helped shape our nation and communities, and remains committed to fostering and welcoming an inclusive community where these contributions are honored, valued, and uplifted. And whereas the City of Nevada was proud to host its inaugural June 9th, Juneteenth celebration in 2026, bringing community members together to enjoy live music and celebrate the significance of Juneteenth while fostering connection, inclusion, and understanding among all residents. And whereas recognizing Juneteenth encourages us to celebrate the progress that has been made as a country while acknowledging the work that remains and affirming our collective responsibility to advance equity, belonging, and opportunity for future generations. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato on behalf of its citizens proudly proclaims June 19th, 2026 as Juneteenth in the City of Nevada, and encourages all residents and families to attend the city's inaugural Juneteenth celebration on Tuesday, June 16th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as we commemorate this important chapter in our nation's history and celebrate the enduring contributions, resilience, and achievements of black Americans. So we are both in our schools, BSU or Black Student Union. And I guess I wanted to highlight that to have something like the Black Student Union at our school, it isn't just something or how we all come together as a part of our only connection being race. We have other things that we all are passionate about, and I don't know, are that our interests? Like the main thing that we focus on right now is movies, because all of us love movies. We all love the creation of movies, the writing behind movies, all of that stuff. And we are actually working on our own movie right now. Yeah, starting it. Yes. And I'm very excited about it. And we are also partly through working on a documentary with Nevado High. And I'm very excited to be doing all that and to know the community more. So that's good. Um I want to thank everybody for being here and like supporting people and supporting us and just kind of going off of what Jade said is like we all unite not just with race, but with similar interests that bring us all together as a community. So thank you. Alright, so the next one, the proclamation is Pride Month. And we had actually an amazing Pride kickoff month just out here. Um and it was absolutely fabulous.
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