Novato City Council Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Novato City Council met on August 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM at 901 Sherman Avenue and via teleconference. The meeting included ceremonial presentations, two public hearings, a strategic plan framework adoption, and approval of multiple consent calendar items. Key decisions included introducing an updated floodplain management ordinance, adopting zoning ordinance amendments (excluding the Transfer of Development Rights program), and approving a $16.8 million construction contract for the Novato Boulevard Improvements Project subject to a bid protest resolution.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the consent calendar (Items G.1–G.7, G.10–G.11) with a single vote, after removing Items G.8, G.9, and G.12 for separate discussion.
• Approved items included: routine minutes, investment report, Economic Development Advisory Commission work plan, traffic signal maintenance contract, Scott House Renovations Project plans, professional services agreement for corridor studies, OBAG 3 grant application, Hamilton Amphitheater Park playground contract, and response to the Marin County Civil Grand Jury report on MCE.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gene McClame (Novato Historical Guild Museum Project Manager) thanked the city for support on the Scott House renovation project, noting a 50-year partnership and community fundraising success. He expressed appreciation for staff and consultants, and looked forward to returning for construction contract award in the fall.
• Jeremy Hogan (Novato Chamber of Commerce) invited the community and council to the Chamber’s Casino Night fundraiser on September 18, 2026, at the Jonas Center.
• No public comments were made during the public hearings for Items I.1 or I.2.

Discussion Items

• I.1 – Floodplain Management Ordinance (Public Hearing): Staff presented a proposal to repeal and replace Section 5-31 of the Novato Municipal Code to add a one-foot freeboard requirement, aligning the municipal code with existing California Building Code standards and maintaining the city’s Class 6 Community Rating System (CRS) status, which provides a 20% discount on flood insurance for residents. Councilmember O’Connor confirmed the change is documentation only, not a new requirement. Councilmember Eklund asked about impacts on manufactured homes; staff agreed to conduct outreach to affected communities. The ordinance was introduced unanimously.
• I.2 – Zoning Ordinance Amendments (Public Hearing): Staff presented comprehensive amendments to multiple zoning divisions to align with the General Plan 2035, including updated density/intensity tables, a new section for housing development project review (150 units or fewer by Community Development Director, over 150 by Planning Commission), and a proposed Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program (Division 19.29). Council discussion focused on the TDR program: Councilmember O’Connor expressed concerns that it might never be used and questioned the exemption from affordable housing requirements. Councilmember Eklund opposed the entire item due to insufficient public engagement. Councilmember Karkal supported moving forward with all other amendments but tabling the TDR program. A motion to adopt the ordinance with Exhibit A (all amendments) and exclude Exhibit B (TDR) was made and seconded. The vote was 4-1 (Eklund opposed). The TDR program will be returned to staff for further work with council input.
• J.1 – City Council Strategic Plan Framework (General Business): Management Analyst Stacey Hogan presented the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan Framework, outlining five goals: Outstanding Quality of Life, Proactive Stewards of Natural and Built Environments, Safe and Prepared Community, Economic Vitality, and Organizational Excellence. Councilmembers discussed the need for measurable action items; staff clarified that the framework is a high-level structure, and a detailed work plan with specific, measurable objectives will be developed and presented later. Councilmember Eklund voted yes with the understanding that measurable actions would be included before final publication. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• I.1 – Floodplain Management Ordinance: Introduced by a unanimous vote (5-0). The ordinance will return for second reading and adoption at a subsequent meeting.
• I.2 – Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Adopted as amended (4-1) to include all proposed changes except the Transfer of Development Rights program (Division 19.29), which was tabled for further council discussion. The TDR program will be brought back after council members work individually with staff.
• J.1 – Strategic Plan Framework: Adopted unanimously (5-0). Staff will prepare a detailed work plan with measurable actions and report quarterly to council.
• G.8 – North Redwood Boulevard and San Marin Corridor Studies: Approved unanimously (5-0) after discussion. Staff will coordinate with council on workshop format for input.
• G.9 – OBAG 3 Grant Application for North Redwood Corridor Study: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• G.12 – Novato Boulevard Improvements Project Construction Contract: Approved (4-0, Councilmember Karkal recused) with the condition that the city manager will not sign the contract until the bid protest received on August 25, 2026, is resolved. If the protest cannot be resolved administratively, the matter will return to council. The project is a $16,824,357.50 contract with Team Ghilotti, Inc., funded by the city, Novato Sanitary District ($4,723,889 total), and North Marin Water District ($2,775,380 total). Construction is expected to take 24 months, starting September 2026.