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.
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.