Novato public meetings in 2024
37 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church. The body may recommend that the City Council approve a master plan, precise development plan, and design review for the site.
- Public hearing for building additions and site improvements at 1110 Highland Drive (File No. P2022-114)
- Possible action to adopt resolutions for a Master Plan and Precise Development Plan
- Determination of CEQA exemption under Guidelines Section 15183
City Council Meeting
The Novato City Council will vote on several resolutions, including accepting the November 5, 2024 general election results and authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for a local transactions and use tax. The Council will also amend the contract with Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates to add services related to Measure M and authorize examination of tax records. Additionally, the Council will administer oaths of office to new and returning members and reorganize to select a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore. Routine items on the consent calendar will be approved by a single vote.
- Adopt resolution accepting results of the November 5, 2024 General Election
- Adopt resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute CDTFA agreements for a local transactions and use tax
- Adopt resolution amending the agreement with Hinderliter de Llamas and Associates to include Measure M services
- Adopt resolution authorizing examination of sales, use and transactions tax records
- Administer oaths of office to Councilmember Kevin Jacobs and re‑elected members Tim O’Connor and Mark Milberg; reorganize Council to select new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore
City Council Meeting
The City Council will consider consent items including a $1.54 million PG&E agreement to underground overhead utilities on Novato Boulevard between Diablo Avenue and Boulevard Terrace, an updated minimum wage and salary schedule for FY 2024/25, and a $3,000 utility box art project. Under general business, the council will review a proposed agreement with the Novato Historical Guild to operate the Novato History Museum at the Scott House and receive a presentation on creating a digital safety course for youth aged 10-16.
- Approve $1,540,646.70 PG&E agreement for undergrounding utilities on Novato Boulevard (CIP #01-004)
- Adopt updated minimum wage and salary schedule for FY 2024/25
- Allocate $3,000 from Public Art Fund for Grant Avenue Utility Box Art Project by Leadership Novato
- Authorize $150,000 increase (to $250,000 total) for on-call maintenance contract with Natalini Industries
- Review agreement with Novato Historical Guild for operation of Novato History Museum at Scott House (917 Sherman Avenue)
City Council
The City Council will discuss a five-year pilot alternative response program called Specialized Assistance for Everyone (SAFE). The body is also holding public hearings regarding the Downtown Novato Business Improvement District and the City's Master Fee Schedule.
- Agreement with Petaluma People Services Center for SAFE pilot program in the amount of $548,713 for FY 2024/25
- Construction contract for Josef Hoog Park play area replacement awarded to G&G Builders, Inc. for $270,087.17
- Budget amendment of $898,308 for final American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds
- Public hearing to amend the 2022 City of Novato Master Fee Schedule
- Contract amendment for Municipal Resource Group, LLC for $62,400
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding a proposed residential care facility for the elderly and updates to municipal codes for accessory dwelling units. The body will decide on use permits and design reviews for a specific project and recommend code amendments to the City Council.
- Proposed residential care facility at 1787 Grant Avenue with 55 assisted living units and a 31-bed memory care facility
- Proposed amendments to Novato Municipal Code Section 19.34.030 regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Proposed amendments to Novato Municipal Code Section 19.34.032 regarding Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)
- Approval of August 12, 2024 meeting minutes
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The council will hold a closed‑session conference with the real‑property negotiator to discuss the price and payment terms for the property at 1610 Novato Blvd. It will also meet with legal counsel to consider initiating one potential lawsuit. No other items are listed.
- Conference with real‑property negotiator for 1610 Novato Blvd – price and terms under negotiation
- Conference with legal counsel to initiate litigation – one potential case
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council will hold a closed session to discuss the price and terms of payment for two properties. The City Manager is acting as the negotiator with The Sherman Group.
- Negotiation of price and terms for 900 Sherman Avenue (APN: 153-063-14)
- Negotiation of price and terms for 908 Sherman Avenue (APN: 153-063-15)
City Council Special Meeting (No Video)
The City Council will hold a workshop to consider, review, and discuss possible changes to the city’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values. Council members may also provide direction to staff on the Strategic Plan Goals for 2026‑2028. Public comment is limited to agenda items only.
- Strategic Plan Workshop – review and possible revision of Mission, Vision, Core Values and 2026‑2028 goals
- Public comment limited to agenda items with a three‑minute speaker limit
City Council Closed Session Special Meeting (No Video) upon adjournment
The City Council is holding a closed session special meeting to discuss real property negotiations. The discussion involves the City Manager and Headland LLC regarding the price and terms of payment for specific properties.
- Negotiations with Headland LLC for 115 San Pablo Avenue & 216-214 Sunset Drive (Bachelors Officers’ Quarters and Old Hamilton Gym)
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council will meet in closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding existing and potential litigation. The body will also meet with a real property negotiator to discuss the price and terms of payment for a specific property.
- Legal conference regarding Romar Court Apartments LLC vs. City of Novato (Case No. CV0009382)
- Legal conference regarding the initiation of one potential case
- Property negotiation for 500 Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94949
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council will hold a closed session to discuss the price and terms of payment for the purchase of the Bachelors Officers' Quarters and Old Hamilton Gym properties from Headland LLC.
- Negotiating price and terms for 115 San Pablo Avenue & 216-214 Sunset Drive
- Purchase of Bachelors Officers' Quarters (BOQ) and Old Hamilton Gym
- City Manager Amy Cunningham to act as agency negotiator
- Closed session with no video broadcast
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The Novato City Council closed session will include conferences with legal counsel about an anticipated lawsuit and an existing case (Jane Doe v. Doe 1). The council will also review a liability claim filed by Karol Kadel against the city. No decisions are noted; the items are for discussion and possible action.
- Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation
- Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation (Jane Doe v. Doe 1, case CIV2204192)
- Liability claim by Karol Kadel against the City of Novato
City Council Closed Session (No Video) upon adjournment
The City Council will hold a closed session to negotiate the price and payment terms for the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club property. The meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2025, upon adjournment of the open session.
- Negotiation of price and terms for Marin Valley Mobile Country Club
- Property located at 100 Marin Valley Dr, Novato, CA 94945
- City Manager Amy Cunningham to act as agency negotiator
- Negotiating party is Park Acquisition Corporation (PAC)
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The Novato City Council will hold a closed session to discuss the annual performance evaluation of City Manager Amy Cunningham and existing litigation involving the City. The meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
- City Manager performance evaluation
- Litigation: Jane Doe (LP) v. Doe 1, et al.
- Closed session meeting on November 18, 2025
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss price and payment terms for the acquisition of specific properties. The session includes conferences with real property negotiators regarding mobile home and commercial sites.
- Negotiations for Marin Valley Mobile Country Club at 100 Marin Valley Dr with Park Acquisition Corporation (PAC)
- Negotiations for 115 San Pablo Avenue and 216-214 Sunset Drive (BOQ and Old Hamilton Gym) with John Redwine, Headland LLC
- Motion to authorize Councilmember Eklund to participate remotely under AB 2449
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in closed session to conduct a performance evaluation of the City Manager. The Council will also meet with a real property negotiator regarding the price and payment terms for a specific property.
- Performance evaluation of City Manager Amy Cunningham
- Property negotiations for Marin Valley Mobile Country Club at 100 Marin Valley Dr
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is holding a special closed session meeting to confer with labor negotiators. The discussion involves multiple employee organizations and a list of unrepresented city employees.
- Conference with labor negotiators for Unit A (Novato Police Managers), Unit B (Novato Police Association), Unit D (SEIU General Employees), Unit E (Western Council of Engineers), and Unit H (Novato Police Civilian Employees)
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss legal counsel regarding one potential case and a performance evaluation for the City Manager. The body will also meet with a real property negotiator regarding a specific property.
- Negotiation of price and terms of payment for property at 500 Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94949
- Conference with legal counsel regarding the initiation of one potential litigation case
- Performance evaluation of the City Manager
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in closed session to confer with labor negotiators and legal counsel. Discussions include employee organizations and unrepresented staff, as well as the initiation of one potential litigation case.
- Conference with labor negotiators for Unit A (Police Managers), Unit B (Police Association), Unit D (SEIU General Employees), Unit E (Western Council of Engineers), and Unit H (Police Civilian Employees)
- Conference with legal counsel regarding the initiation of one potential litigation case
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The Novato City Council will hold a closed‑session meeting to receive a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation. The agenda notes significant exposure to litigation under California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) and identifies two potential cases. No other items are listed for discussion.
- Conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (2 potential cases) – significant exposure per Cal. Gov’t Code §54956.9(d)(2)
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss the price and payment terms for two properties. The body will also confer with legal counsel regarding the initiation of two potential court cases.
- Real property negotiations for 522 Entrada Drive #203
- Real property negotiations for Marin Valley Mobile Country Club at 100 Marin Valley Dr
- Discussion of two potential cases of anticipated litigation
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in a closed session to confer with legal counsel. The discussion focuses on the initiation of one potential case and one case involving anticipated litigation with significant exposure.
- Conference with legal counsel regarding the initiation of one potential litigation case
- Conference with legal counsel regarding one potential case of anticipated litigation with significant exposure
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council will meet in closed session to discuss labor negotiations with multiple employee organizations and unrepresented staff. The body will also confer with legal counsel regarding existing litigation and conduct a performance evaluation for the City Manager.
- Labor negotiations with Novato Police Managers, Novato Police Association, SEIU General Employees, Western Council of Engineers, and Novato Police Civilian Employees
- Legal conference regarding Hanna Ranch Conservation, LLC v. City of Novato (Case No. CIV 2001180)
- Performance evaluation of the City Manager
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council will hold a closed session to discuss existing litigation with the California Housing Defense Fund regarding a case in Marin County Superior Court. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Novato.
- Closed session to discuss litigation with California Housing Defense Fund
- Case to be heard in Marin County Superior Court (CV0004599)
- Meeting location: 922 Machin Ave, Novato, CA 94945
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The Novato City Council closed session will include a conference with labor negotiators representing several employee groups. A conference with legal counsel will address two anticipated litigation cases. A conference with a real‑property negotiator will discuss price and payment terms for the property at 500 Palm Dr, Novato.
- C.1 conference with labor negotiators (City Manager Amy Cunningham and attorneys representing multiple employee unions)
- C.2 conference with legal counsel on anticipated litigation (two potential cases)
- C.3 conference with real‑property negotiator on 500 Palm Dr, discussing price and payment terms
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The Novato City Council will hold a closed‑session special meeting on Jan. 22, 2025. Council members will meet with legal counsel regarding one anticipated litigation case and one initiation of litigation case under California Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(d)(4). No other business is listed.
- Conference with legal counsel – anticipated litigation (1 potential case)
- Conference with legal counsel – initiation of litigation (1 potential case)
City Council Work Study Session (No Video)
The City Council will receive a presentation from the City Attorney. The session focuses on Rosenberg's Rules of Order.
- Presentation on Rosenberg's Rules of Order by the City Attorney
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in a closed session to confer with legal counsel. The discussion focuses on the initiation of litigation regarding three potential cases.
- Conference with legal counsel regarding three potential cases for initiation of litigation
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The Novato City Council will hold a closed‑session meeting on Dec 3, 2024 to receive legal counsel on an existing case, California Housing Defense Fund v. City of Novato (Case No. CV0004599). They will also consider initiating two additional potential lawsuits. A third item is a conference with a real‑property negotiator about the city’s negotiations for 500 Palm Dr, including price and payment terms.
- Conference with legal counsel on existing litigation: California Housing Defense Fund v. City of Novato, Case No. CV0004599
- Conference with legal counsel to initiate two potential new cases
- Conference with real‑property negotiator on negotiations for 500 Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94949
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss legal matters and a personnel evaluation. The session includes conferences with legal counsel regarding potential litigation and a performance review for the City Manager.
- Conference with legal counsel regarding one case of anticipated litigation
- Conference with legal counsel regarding the initiation of one litigation case
- Performance evaluation of the City Manager
City Council Closed Session (No Video)
The City Council is meeting in closed session to discuss one potential case of significant exposure to litigation. The body will also hold conferences with labor negotiators representing various employee organizations and unrepresented staff.
- Conference with legal counsel regarding one potential case of significant exposure to litigation
- Labor negotiations with Novato Police Managers (Unit A)
- Labor negotiations with Novato Police Association (Unit B)
- Labor negotiations with SEIU General Employees (Unit D)
- Labor negotiations with Western Council of Engineers (Unit E)
Fiscal Sustainability Presentation
The Novato City Council will hold a public hearing on the Landing Court Apartments proposal, which seeks approval for 302 multi‑family dwellings and a density bonus on a 2.11‑acre parcel on Landing Court. Council members will also receive an update on the city’s fiscal sustainability plan and discuss funding priorities. Several routine resolutions will be adopted, including a ground‑lease amendment with Vero West 103 LLC, an updated City Council policy manual, and a bid for the Hoog Park playground replacement. The council will consider a resolution to levy a 2025 assessment for the Downtown Novato Business Improvement District and set a hearing for November 19, 2024.
- Public hearing and possible adoption of a resolution approving the Landing Court Apartments project (302 units) on Landing Court (APN 153‑162‑70)
- Adopt resolution amending the ground lease with Vero West 103 LLC for property at 501 Davidson Street
- Adopt resolution updating the Novato City Council Policy Manual
- Adopt resolution authorizing bid advertisement for replacement of the play area at Josef Hoog Community Park (CIP #17‑004)
- Adopt resolution to levy a 2025 assessment for the Downtown Novato Business Improvement District and schedule a public hearing on Nov 19, 2024
City Council
The City Council will consider a public hearing on a 302-unit apartment project and approve the completion of pavement rehabilitation contracts. The body will also adopt a new policy manual and authorize a lease amendment for a property on Davidson Street.
- Public hearing on Landing Court Apartments (302 units)
- Approve 2023 and 2024 pavement rehabilitation contract
- Authorize lease amendment for 501 Davidson Street
- Adopt updated City Council Policy Manual
- Begin Downtown Novato BID assessment process
City Council
The Novato City Council will approve the 2025 meeting schedule, adopt a $119,000 traffic safety grant, and consider a mixed-use development project at 1107 Grant Avenue. The meeting also includes routine approvals for engineering contracts and the closure of a temporary encampment at Lee Gerner Park.
- Adopt 2025 City Council meeting schedule
- Approve $119,000 OTS STEP grant for traffic safety
- Consider 1st Street & Grant Avenue mixed-use project (1107 Grant Avenue)
- Consider closure of Lee Gerner Park temporary encampment
- Authorize $148,461.50 for Underground Fuel Tank Replacement
City Council
The Novato City Council will vote on Ordinance 1718, which updates the municipal code on rental‑to‑condo conversions, affordable housing, density bonuses, and supportive housing. The Council will also consider resolutions authorizing multi‑year on‑call engineering and design contracts up to $1,000,000 per consultant and maintenance contracts up to $300,000 per contractor. Additional items include participation in the National Opioid Settlement and an update to the city’s investment policy.
- Adopt Ordinance 1718 amending Code Chapter V and Chapter XIX on housing, density bonuses, and supportive housing
- Approve on‑call engineering, design and construction management agreements with several firms, not‑to‑exceed $1,000,000 per consultant for three years
- Approve on‑call maintenance agreements with multiple contractors, not‑to‑exceed $300,000 per contractor for three years
- Authorize participation in the National Opioid Settlement and execution of related agreements
- Consider resolution to adopt the updated city investment policy
City Council
The City Council will consider two mixed-use developments featuring apartments and retail space. The body will also discuss amendments to municipal codes regarding affordable housing, zoning, and rental-to-condominium conversions.
- Public hearing for 1107 Grant Avenue: 170 apartments and 8,010 sq ft of retail
- Public hearing for 1316-1320 Grant Avenue/1020 Fourth Street: 209 apartments and 5,335 sq ft of retail
- Proposed ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter V and XIX regarding affordable housing and SRO facilities
- Contract amendment for Underwood and Rosenblum Inc. in the amount of $341,557.15
- Adoption of a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan
Proposed Ballot Measure Presentation
The City Council is scheduled to consider a resolution to place a 0.75% local sales tax increase on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The measure aims to generate an estimated $10,300,000 annually to address systemic budget deficits, deferred maintenance, and maintain current services.
- Proposed 0.75% sales tax increase for general government use
- Resolution to place measure on November 5, 2024 ballot
- Independent financial oversight by the Finance Advisory Commission
- Projected annual revenue of $10,300,000
- Deferred maintenance needs exceed $51 million