Novato City Council Meeting - June 23, 2026

The meeting opened with special guest mayors-for-the-day, Penny and Leo, who led the Pledge of Allegiance and presented a list of community improvement ideas. Presentations included PGE's wildfire mitigation update and a proclamation for Gun Violence Awareness Month. The council approved the final agenda, received reports from council and city manager, heard public comments on encampment resolution funding and a landscape district, and took up several key agenda items including the adoption of the FY 2627 budget, the police department strategic plan, and a policy for remote meeting participation.

Consent Calendar

• Item G12 – Hillside Park Landscape Assessment District (LAD): Pulled from consent for discussion. Residents raised concerns about incomplete weed abatement, unclear contractor scope, and a large reserve balance. City staff explained recent improvements, a new contractor (since January 2026), and ongoing coordination with the fire district. The council approved the item with a directive for public works to review financials and work with homeowners on spending priorities.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bambi K. and Jen M.: Expressed disappointment that the city withdrew its application for the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Round 5 grant, which could have provided resources to resolve camps at Hamilton Marsh. They argued the decision lacked transparency and risked missing funding opportunities.
• Sarah M. and Jason S. (Lived Experience Advisory Board): Stated the ERF funds could be used for temporary housing, outreach, sanitation, and housing navigation, and emphasized that not applying now could forfeit funding if a second round does not open. They urged the council to reconsider submitting before the June 30 deadline.
• Kim C. and Peter Evans (Hillside residents): Raised concerns about the LAD: contractor performance, lack of weed abatement ahead of fire season, and that only about half of collected funds were spent, leaving a large reserve. They asked for better communication and more active fire prevention spending.

Discussion Items

• J1 – Community Development Service Improvement Final Report: Director Claire Hartman presented the wrap-up of a two-year effort. Key achievements: hiring/promoting 14 of 25 staff, adding bilingual capacity (from 1 to 5), launching an online permit portal (Novato Permits), same-day express permits, a quick five-day permit program, and a real-time customer satisfaction survey that consistently meets a 90% excellence target. The department has completed all recommendations from the initial assessment. Council praised the transformation and customer service focus.
• J2 – Police Department Strategic Plan: Chief Noggle presented a three-year strategic plan (first since 2013), developed with a consultant and community input. Six goals were identified: strengthening leadership, investing in facilities/technology, improving operational effectiveness, enhancing communication, developing leaders at all levels, and supporting wellness/retention. The chief noted the department has stabilized staffing and will focus on retention. Council approved the plan.
• J3 – Adoption of FY 2627 Operating and Capital Budget: City Manager Cunningham and finance staff presented a balanced general fund budget of $62.5 million, a 4.28% increase from the prior year. Revenue is projected to increase 4.28%, with notable expense changes including higher personnel costs (health benefits and unfunded accrued liability) and a 5.87% decrease in professional services due to filled vacancies. The capital improvement program (CIP) includes $16.9 million in planned expenditures, primarily from special revenue funds. Some San Marin Drive projects are paused pending coordination with Marin Water. The council approved both the operating and capital budget resolutions.
• J4 – Policy on Remote Meeting Disruptions (SB 707): City Clerk presented a policy to address disruptions in telephone/internet service preventing remote public participation. The policy calls for a recess of up to one hour to restore service; if unsuccessful, the council may adjourn, continue the recess, or make findings to proceed without remote participation. The policy also addresses disruptive behavior. Council approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (G12): Approved with directive for staff to connect with homeowners on the LAD reserve and fire prevention.
• J1 – Community Development Report: Received and filed; staff commended.
• J2 – Police Strategic Plan: Resolution adopted unanimously (4-0, Councilmember O'Connor absent).
• J3 – Budget Adoption: Both resolutions (operating/capital and Marin Valley) adopted unanimously.
• J4 – SB 707 Policy: Resolution adopted unanimously.
• Upcoming Meeting: Next regular meeting scheduled for July 14, 2026.

Meeting adjourned without memorials.