Novato City Council Meeting - July 28, 2026

The Novato City Council met on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Mayor Rachel Farac was absent, so Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Jacobs presided. The meeting covered four General Business items: a contested trail project (Buck Gulch Falls), an update on fleet electrification, a multi-jurisdictional shoreline adaptation grant application, and formation of an ad hoc committee on homelessness. Several votes were taken, with the Buck Gulch comment letter passing 3-1 after a motion to limit debate.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved (4-0) with all items adopted: waiving ordinance readings, approving July 14 minutes, extending Coastland Civil Engineering agreement ($450,000), authorizing bid advertisement for Wooden Streetlight Replacement Project (Phase II), authorizing recreation services agreement with Buzzer Beater Events ($200,000/yr), and awarding construction contract for 2026 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project to Team Ghilotti, Inc. ($1,389,483 plus contingency).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock cameras (non-agenda): A citizen requested the city terminate its Flock camera contract and delete stored data. Councilmember Jacobs offered to meet with the speaker and discuss with the police chief.
• Buck Gulch Falls project:
  • Supporters (trail accessibility): Dr. Colleen Arnold urged focusing on safety, environment, and trail design rather than parking; Lauren Vreeland Long (Age & Disability Friendly Novato) argued the project provides vital access for seniors and people with disabilities and helps restore creek habitat; Melissa Incho OGA spoke as a parent of a child with a disability, asking the council to consider the disability community; Jeremy Hogan emphasized that open space belongs to all residents and noted the environmental restoration aspect.
  • Opponents (neighborhood impacts): Leonard Shaw (Fairway Dr. resident) said the county had not meaningfully engaged residents despite claims of outreach; Gail Perrin highlighted lack of cumulative analysis and concerns about aggregate material compaction and runoff; Mark Scardina (Marin Country Club Neighborhood Association) said the IS/MND fails to comply with CEQA procedural requirements including tribal consultation; Gary Jones cited parking dangers for emergency evacuation; Cara Brown (Fairway Dr. resident) worried about increased speeding and litter; Attorney Bridget McDonald (representing Fairway residents) urged the city to require mitigation for visitor traffic, parking enforcement, and wildfire risk analysis.
• Homelessness ad hoc committee: Sarah M. supported the idea and suggested an open forum for community outreach; Jason Saras also supported, asking for transparency and public engagement sessions rather than private meetings.

Discussion Items

J.1 – Buck Gulch Falls Creek Restoration and Trail Improvement Project Public Works Director Chris Benigni presented a review of the Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) Draft IS/MND. The city had requested a 90-day extension, which the county declined. Staff drafted a comment letter covering construction/traffic/parking, trail surfacing, emergency access, public outreach, and technical corrections. Councilmember Eklund extensively critiqued the draft letter, raising concerns about: lack of verification of 25 parking spaces cited; absence of handicapped parking for an accessible trail; storage of construction equipment; need for public review of encroachment permits; requiring a construction traffic and parking management plan; advance notice to residents (7-15 days); exclusion of street parking for construction; posting project status updates; emergency evacuation plan; and aggregate material compaction impacts. Councilmember O'Connor moved to limit debate (which passed 4-0). Councilmember O'Connor then moved to send the letter as drafted; Eklund offered a substitute motion to incorporate her comments, which failed for lack of a second. The original motion passed 3-1 (Eklund opposed, Karkal, O'Connor, Jacobs in favor). The Mayor Pro Tem was authorized to finalize and transmit the letter.

J.2 – Fleet Electrification Plan Update Sustainability Coordinator Gretchen Schubeck provided an informational update. The city received a no-cost consultant from MTC to develop a Fleet Electrification Plan (due fall 2026) to comply with CARB's Advanced Clean Fleet regulation (50% zero-emission purchases by 2024, 100% by 2030). Challenges include high costs, limited vehicle availability, and changing policy. Current fleet charging exists at corporation yard, 922 Machin Ave, and police station; public chargers at Margaret Todd, Hamilton. Councilmember Eklund asked about expanding stations to other city properties; staff noted this plan is fleet-specific, while a separate countywide initiative covers public charging. No further action was taken.

J.3 – Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan Grant Application Staff requested authorization to join a multi-jurisdictional grant application led by Marin County to the California Ocean Protection Council's SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant. The plan would meet SB 272 requirements (due 2034) and address vulnerable shorelines. Councilmember Eklund expressed concern about repeating outreach missteps seen with the Buck Gulch project and urged that decision-makers be involved early. The resolution passed unanimously (4-0).

J.4 – Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee City Manager Amy Cunningham proposed forming a two-member ad hoc committee to engage stakeholders, build relationships, and bring policy options to the full council. Councilmember Eklund noted Novato's successful history (Homeward Bound program). Councilmember O'Connor suggested four focus areas: county partnership, expanded outreach, data/performance metrics, and prevention. Councilmember Karkal expressed interest. A motion to form the committee with O'Connor and Karkal as members passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Buck Gulch Falls comment letter: Approved 3-1 (Eklund dissenting) as drafted; Mayor Pro Tem authorized to finalize/transmit. Staff will follow standard encroachment permit processes, with public review of construction plans allowed per council discussion.
• Fleet Electrification: Informational only; plan completion expected fall 2026.
• Shoreline Adaptation Grant: Resolution adopted 4-0 authorizing participation in county-led grant application by September 11, 2026 deadline.
• Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee: Established 4-0; Councilmembers O'Connor and Karkal appointed to serve; committee will report back periodically with recommendations.