Novato City Council Meeting - July 14, 2026: Proclamations, Buck Gulch Trail Extension, Park Renaming, and More
Novato City Council Meeting - July 14, 2026
The City of Novato City Council met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The meeting included proclamations, a presentation on the utility box art program, a discussion on the Buck Gulch Falls Creek Restoration and Trail Improvement Project, public hearings on landscape assessment districts, approval of a new playground design at Hamilton Amphitheater Park, renaming the park in honor of former Councilmember Mark J. Milberg, and other business items. The council voted to request a 90-day extension of the public comment period on the Buck Gulch environmental document and to schedule a full discussion of the project.
Proclamations
- Carla Calvo de Graff was recognized for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Outstanding Public Service Award. The city council congratulated her for rebuilding the finance department, completing six audits in three years, and demonstrating integrity and transparency.
- July 2026 was proclaimed as Parks and Recreation Month in Novato, honoring the Parks and Recreation staff and their contributions to community events, senior programs, youth activities, sports leagues, aquatics, and parks.
Presentation: Utility Box Art Program
- Drew Ben Dixon, Community Services Division Manager, presented the 2026 utility box art program. The program expanded from 7 to 11 boxes along Redwood Boulevard and South Novato Boulevard. The theme was "Where Stories Grow."
- 28 applications were received (more than double last year's 13). The program was funded through the public art fund ($1,000 per artist), with donations from Peony Hardware (primer) and support from the Rotary Club of Novato (sanding and priming).
- Artists included Freddie Coronado (a City of Novato public works employee), Diego Lemus (first high school student), and nine others. An interactive map is available on the city website.
Consent Calendar
- The council approved the consent calendar (items not pulled) with a motion and second. Items G3 (agenda schedule) and G9 (South Novato Boulevard opportunity zone) were pulled for separate discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Buck Gulch Falls Project (Item E1): Multiple residents from the Fairway Drive neighborhood spoke in support of Councilmember Eklund's request for an extension of the public comment period. Key concerns included:
- Insufficient parking, with cars blocking fire hydrants and driveways, creating emergency access risks.
- Fire safety risks due to a single evacuation route and high fire hazard designation.
- The project's scale (two steel bridges, boardwalk, viewing platform, 19,500 sq ft of stream bank restoration) without adequate environmental review.
- Discovery of potential Native American cultural resources (positive sacred lands file search by the Native American Heritage Commission).
- Lack of community input from Marin County Open Space District.
- The 231-page environmental document was released just before the July 4th holiday, leaving insufficient time for review.
- General Public Comment (Item F):
- Bernie Myers shared a historical connection between Congressman Barney Frank and former Novato Police Chief Bob DeGrazia.
- Eliza Cleek alerted the council to an infestation of invasive Turkestan cockroaches emerging from storm drains, urging city coordination with agencies for abatement.
Discussion Items
- Buck Gulch Falls Creek Restoration and Trail Improvement Project (Item E1):
- Councilmember Eklund presented the item, noting the project includes installing aggregate material, two steel bridges, drainage crossings, a boardwalk, trail realignment, and a viewing platform, but no on-site parking. She argued the mitigated negative declaration (MND) underestimates impacts on parking, fire safety, and increased visitation. She requested a 90-day extension of the public comment period (ending July 24, 2026) and a future council discussion on the merits.
- City Attorney Gary noted the council could direct staff to send a letter requesting an extension and schedule a future meeting.
- Council voted unanimously (4-0, with one absent) to request a 90-day extension. They also voted to agendize the project discussion for July 28, 2026, if the extension is denied, or for August 25, 2026, if granted.
- Agenda Schedule (Item G3):
- Councilmember Eklund questioned the delay in the quarterly agenda schedule (originally due in June, presented in July) and the reduction to one meeting per month in September. Staff explained the change due to holidays and council feedback. The council approved the schedule as presented, with a note to include explanations in future documents.
- South Novato Boulevard Opportunity Zone (Item G9):
- Councilmember Eklund expressed confusion about the boundaries of census tract 104102 (bordered by Diablo Avenue, Redwood Boulevard, Highway 101, and South Novato Boulevard). She noted the area is largely residential, not commercial. Staff agreed to provide a clearer map. The council approved the item as presented, with the understanding that Eklund could bring back concerns if needed.
- Hamilton Amphitheater Park Playground Design (Item J1):
- Parks and Recreation Director Katie Gauntlet and Deputy Public Works Director Mahesh Yluri presented the proposed playground replacement for ages 2–5. The design includes a music theme, inclusive ramp, three-swing set (one infant, two belt seats), and priority for two spring riders as an add-on. Community survey had 287 responses (equivalent to 14 hours of public comment). The project budget is $700,000, with construction anticipated in summer 2026. The council approved the design and authorized staff to advertise for bids.
- Renaming Hamilton Amphitheater Park (Item J2):
- The council approved renaming Hamilton Amphitheater Park to Mark J. Milberg Community Park in honor of former councilmember Mark Milberg, who passed away in October 2025. The Recreation Commission unanimously recommended the name. A dedication ceremony will be held in conjunction with the playground grand opening later in 2026. The council also noted a desire to review the community facilities naming policy.
- League of California Cities Delegate (Item J3):
- The council appointed Mayor Farak as the voting delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Jacobs as the first alternate for the September 23–25 annual conference in Anaheim.
Key Outcomes
- Buck Gulch Falls: Council directed staff to send a letter requesting a 90-day extension of the public comment period (ending July 24, 2026) and scheduled a project discussion for July 28 or August 25, depending on the extension.
- Utility Box Art: Program expanded to 11 boxes; interactive map published on city website.
- Playground Design: Approved for Hamilton Amphitheater Park; bids to be advertised; construction expected summer 2026.
- Park Renaming: Hamilton Amphitheater Park renamed to Mark J. Milberg Community Park.
- Agenda Schedule: Approved as presented despite delay; future schedules to include explanatory notes.
- Opportunity Zone: Approved as presented; a more detailed map will be provided.
- Landscape Assessments: Resolutions adopted for Hillside, Wildwood Glen, San Pablo, and San Marin landscape districts, with assessment increases for FY 2026-27.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome everyone to the City of Novato City Council meeting Tuesday, July 14th. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. To the Republic for which it stands when you should undergo liberty and justice protocol. Moving on to item B, there was no closed session. So I'd like to invite the council up for a proclamation. We have two tonight. Her hard work has just made a tremendous difference, and I'm just honored I get to present this to you. So for the GOA, Outstanding Public Service Award recipient, whereas the Government Finance Officers Association was founded in 1906 and represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. And whereas the work of finance professionals is critical to the government's ability to serve, yet it often happens behind the scenes. And whereas GFOA's membership network includes many individuals who exemplify public service, supporting others, leading organizations through both good times and challenges, and making a positive impact on those they serve. And whereas Carla joined the city following the pandemic when the finance department was operating with limited staffing, several years of outstanding audits, she focused on rebuilding the department while maintaining essential financial operations. Whereas she recruited, trained, and mentored staff, established clear processes, improved internal controls, and helped the city complete six audits in just three years. Now, therefore, they have resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato on behalf of the residents of Novato does hereby congratulate Carla Calvo de Graff for this outstanding achievement and offered its heartful appreciation for all that she's done for the Novato community. Let's give a big round of applause. This award reflects a commitment to serving our community with integrity, transparency, and dedication. I'm grateful to the GFOA for this recognition, and I'm equally appreciative of our city council and leadership for valuing the work we do to support our city's financial health. Public service is never done alone. I want to thank my colleagues and the finance department for hard work, collaboration, and shared purpose. This honor represents the efforts of many people who care deeply about this community. Thank you again for this recognition and for your continued support of responsible and transparent public service. So next, um I see actually a lot of gymnastics teachers here that teach my uh daughter. Um, and we'd like to invite the uh Park and Rec's crew and Katie up uh to accept the recognition. Recognizing July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Novato, whereas parks and recreation services are essential to a healthy, connected, and vibrant community, creating opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to gather, play, learn, grow, and build meaningful connections with one another. And whereas Novato's community events bring thousands of people together each year to celebrate, connect, and create shared experiences, strengthening civic pride and fostering the sense of belonging that makes Novato a special place to call home. And whereas recreation opportunities for older adults at the Margaret Todd Senior Center support active and engaged lives for providing spaces for social connection, lifelong learning, wellness, creativity, and meaningful participation in community life. And whereas youth enrichment camps and activities provide children and teens with safe and supportive environments to discover new interests, develop skills and confidence, build friendships, and create memories that will last well beyond their time in the program. And whereas classes at the Nevada Gymnastics Center encourage participants to challenge themselves, build strength and confidence, develop new skills and experience, and joy the joy of movement in a positive and supportive environment. And whereas youth and adult sports leagues bring people together through teamwork, friendly competition, and a shared love of the game, helping participants build skills, stay active, form friendships, and strengthen connections across the community. And whereas Novato's aquatics program at the Hamilton Community Pool provide opportunities for recreation, fitness, and connections for all ages while teaching critical water safety and swimming skills that build confidence and help keep community members safer in and around the water. Whereas Novato's parks and open spaces serve as a community shared backyard where playgrounds inspire imagination, courts, and athletic fields encourage play and competition, picnic and barbecue areas, bring families and friends together, and trails and open spaces provide opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. And whereas these programs, events, facilities, and public spaces are made possible by dedicated parks, recreation, and community service professionals who create whose creativity, expertise, care, and commitment enrich community life and help make Novato a more welcoming, active, connected, and joyful place for all. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Novato on behalf of its residents proudly proclaims July 2026 as park and recreation month in the City of Novato, encourages all community members to celebrate by visiting a park, joining a program, attending an event, trying a new activity, and recognizing the dedicated staff who work every day to create opportunities for Novato to play, connect, grow, and thrive. Thank you. Thank you so much. I know that was a lot of whereas. But that's because this is very small but mighty team does a lot. So there's a lot of uh work behind the scenes that most of you don't know, and that's how we like it because we want to deliver a quality service to you all. Um this is your staff of Parks and Recreation. We have a couple missing tonight, but there's only 19 of us. There's a hundred and fifty part-time staff that serve you during this summer, um, but we're really happy to be here, and we couldn't do it. I couldn't do it without all of you. So really the thanks goes to them. So thank you all. All right, Laura, can you do roll call? Councilmember Eklund, are you present? I think I am. Okay. Uh Councilmember Carkle is absent. Councilmember O'Connor.
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