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June 6, 2018
Help Us Improve MVConnect!

MVConnect is turning 4 this year and we wanted to mark this occasion with a brief survey to check in with you, our readers, to see how we can improve our newsletter to better serve you. 

We work hard to communicate on topics of interest to you, with the latest news and important events. Thank you for reading and thank you for taking our quick survey!

Miller Avenue Streetscape Project Wins State-wide Awards

Miller Avenue Streetscape Project has won "Overall Winner" for the 2018 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards Program and has won the 2017 "Local Street Project of the Year" award by the California Transportation Foundation.

"With Miller Avenue, we've created a multi-modal street that works for everyone: cars, pedestrians, bikes and transit,"  Mayor Stephanie Moulton-Peters said. "It's so exciting to see many families on bikes and people of all ages walking, taking transit and driving our beautiful, new street! Come visit our award-winning Miller Avenue!" Learn more here.
Center of Play After-School Program - Help us Save this Program!

We are currently evaluating the viability of our Center of Play After-School Program for 1st- 5th graders offered at the Mill Valley Community Center. The program provides supervision and enrichment activities including recreation games, arts & crafts activities, outdoor play, homework time (not tutoring), cooking projects, and enrichment activities during program hours.  In order to make this program successful we must meet the minimum registration by Friday, June 29th, 2018.

After-school program for less than $400 per month!! 2018-2019 School Year Program Dates:
August 23, 2018 - June 13th, 2019. Program Hours: After school - 6:00pm.  Learn more here.
Fire Prevention and Preparation Update

Camino Alto Vegetation Removal
On June 18, the Mill Valley Fire Department will be performing annual fuel reduction on both sides of Camino Alto from East Blithedale up to the City limits with Corte Madera. Expect minor delays as a rolling lane closure will be needed for flail mower operations.

This fuel reduction project, which is funded through our Municipal Service Tax, is essential to reduce the risk of a wild land starting along the roadway.

Emergency Access/Tree Removal Project
The Mill Valley Fire Department and Public Works Department have assessed a number of intersections throughout Mill Valley for maneuverability, navigation and life-saving response times. They have identified a few intersections that will require tree removal to ensure fire engines and other response vehicles can quickly navigate the intersections and make the necessary turns.

Public Works staff has identified a tree at the intersection of Marion Avenue at Hazel Avenue for removal. The removal of this tree will reduce the time needed for emergency responders from Mill Valley and other agencies to pass through the intersection. Public Works staff will make this recommendation to the Planning Commission at their June 12, 2018 meeting. View the Staff Report here.

Update on PG&E's 2018 Community Wildfire Safety Program
Vegetation management work began last week and continues through summer and fall at locations throughout Mill Valley. Crews will be trimming vegetation, including trees and shrubs near power lines, poles and in areas determined to be fire access routes for vehicles and fire crews. Residents in these areas should receive information from PG&E via phone, mail, and/or doorhanger prior to work, and should look for updates. Is your street impacted? Read more here.

Vegetation Management Resources for Homeowners
Update on Steps, Lanes and Paths

At their meeting Monday evening, the City Council received a report and presentation on Steps, Lanes and Paths (SLPs) maintenance and an update on volunteer efforts.

The City Council has placed emphasis on maintaining and improving our cherished SLP network. Staff from many City departments team-up regularly with neighborhood groups, volunteers and contractors to achieve this goal. At the meeting, staff mentioned the "Adopt an SLP" program as a way that community members can take part in the upkeep of the SLPs.

Council noted that Mayor Moulton-Peters has adopted Shady Lane, a path in her neighborhood. "A lot of my neighbors were not using the lane because it was in poor condition," the Mayor said. "Since this program, a lot more of them are using it again. Thanks to everyone for their work." 

Budget Hearings Update 

The City Council held the second in a series of budget hearings on June 5, 2018. The City Council heard presentations from the Public Works Department, Police Department and examined in detail the  draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which funds public infrastructure projects to enhance the quality of life for Mill Valley residents and visitors. 

The next budget hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 18 at 6:30 pm at the Mill Valley City Hall. June 5 Staff Report and Attachments
Keep Mill Valley Free of Graffiti

Graffiti throughout Mill Valley has been on the rise in the last 6 months. There has been graffiti reported on buildings, parks, mailboxes, and even on the Gravity Car in Depot Plaza. Removing graffiti is time consuming, and a drain on resources for the Department of Public Works' ability to keep Mill Valley infrastructure running strong.

To combat graffiti and other forms of vandalism, please report online by clicking here, or by calling the Mill Valley Police Department at 415-389-4100. 
Bike Stolen and Recovered - Thanks MVPD!

Mill Valley resident Tommy Toy was shocked and saddened when his beloved, green Eddie Baur bike went missing from his front porch a few weeks ago. He posted a note in his neighborhood and hoped for the best.

The following week, Mill Valley Police Officers encountered the person who had taken the bike, arrested him on an unrelated charge, and stored the bike for safekeeping at the Mill Valley Police station. Community Services Officer Christopher DeLaTorre noted the bike and made the connection to Mr. Toy. Read the rest of the story here.
City Forms Task Force, Applies for Bicycle Friendly Community Designation

In November 2017, the Mill Valley City Council adopted the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan with the goal of making our community safer for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists, and in March of this year, the City formed a Task Force to address this goal. The Task Force includes Mayor Stephanie Moulton-Peters, members from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, along with support from Safe Routes to School and other bicycle and pedestrian organizations.

The Task Force will assist in the City's application for a 'Bicycle Friendly Community' designation from the League of American Bicyclists, Bicycle Friendly America (BFA) program. The program provides, assistance, and recognition for communities to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people. Read the entire article here.
Inside Mill Valley: Meet Senior Planner Lisa Newman

We are proud to introduce you to Lisa Newman, one of our Senior Planners. Lisa started working for the City as a consultant, and shortly after, we invited her to join our team. She has now been working for the City of Mill Valley for a little over three years. Lisa manages a number of projects around town. One of the largest being the redevelopment of the Mill Valley Lumber Yard, as well as serving as the Project Manager of the Historic Context Statement.

In addition to being a City Planner, Lisa is an outstanding baker and apricot lover. She has just published a cook book called For the Love of Apricots: Recipes and Memories of the Santa Clara Valley to share her apricot passion along with memories of the growing up in what today is called Silicon Valley but not so long ago was known as the Valley of Heart's Delight.
Mill Valley Hosts Marin's Mayors and Councilmembers

On Wednesday, May 23, 2018, the City of Mill Valley hosted the Marin Council of Mayors and Councilmembers (MCCMC) for their monthly meeting and dinner. Speakers included:
Mill Valley Recreation & Community Center Summer Camps - Supercharge your Summer!

New amenities this summer include: curbside drop-off, hot lunch program and so much more!
For more details and our full camp schedule click here
Historical Context Public Hearing

June 26, 2018,  7:00 pm
Mill Valley  City Hall
26 Corte Madera Ave

Join the Mill Valley Planning Commission at the first public hearing to review and comment on the City's Draft Historic Context Statement. A Historic Context Statement is a document that summarizes Mill Valley's history, specifically related to its physical development from pre-history to the 1980s. It identifies significant historical themes, periods, and architectural styles that provide a framework for identification, evaluation, and treatment of historic resources.

The draft Historic Context Statement will be presented to the Planning Commission and community on June 26, after which it will be presented to the City Council later this year for consideration and adoption. We encourage you to be a part of this community-enriching project by reviewing the draft document and attending the Planning Commission and City Council hearings to provide your comments and support. For more information and to access the Historic Context Statement, please click here.
Movies in the Park

Each summer the Mill Valley Recreation Department hosts free monthly Movies in the Park at Old Mill Park.  These movies are held on a Friday night in June, July, August, September, and October and are family friendly.   Please bring your blankets, low beach chairs, flashlights and picnics.

Grease Turns 40!
Friday, June 8 at Old Mill Park 
Movies begin at sunset.

We are showing, "Grease' in honor of its 40th Anniversary!  Go back to high school with Pink Lady Sandy (Olivia Newton-John), leader of the bad-boy T-Birds, Danny (John Travolta), and a rockin' and rollin' all-star cast.  

Summer Movie Schedule:
Friday, July 6th - Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Friday, August 3rd - The Incredibles
Friday, September 7th - The Lion King
Friday, October 5th - Zootopia

In recent years, the Recreation Department has partnered with the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Mill Valley Festival in order to expand our "Movies in the Park" program. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact the Recreation Department at [email protected]. Learn more.

Comedy in the Plaza
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
6:30 PM

Each summer the Mill Valley Arts Commission hosts the annual Comedy in the Plaza. The event always features top comedic talent and is always FREE!
Bring your chairs for a lively evening of comedy sponsored by the Arts Commission. 

For questions contact the Mill Valley Arts Commission at (415) 383-1370 or email [email protected].
Community Campout
Saturday, July 21 - Sunday, July 22, 2018

Reserve your camping site on Friends Field and participate in fun activities, games, arts & crafts, campfire program, s'mores, educational activities and more! Reserve your family camp site now by registering online or completing a registration form and drop it off, mail it in or fax it to us. Course #46605 $25/person. Children 3 & under are free. Camp site fee includes: Camping space, dinner & breakfast, family games & activities, campfire entertainment, preparedness activities and a special gift. Click here for info.

REVIEWS
City Council Meeting - June 4, 2018

The City Council:

Conducted a second reading and adopted an Ordinance amending Chapter 6.04 of Title 6, Animal Services, of the Mill Valley Municipal Code, and conducted a second reading and adopted an Ordinance amending the Mill Valley Municipal Code Title 10.08 Residential Parking Permit Program.

Adopted the following:
  • A Resolution updating the City's animal control fees.
  • A Resolution approving a budget adjustment to appropriate $45,000 for Phase 2 Scope Of Work for the Flood Control And Drainage Study Master Plan within Flood Zone Control District No 3. 
  • A Resolution approving a budget adjustment of $85,000 and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the lowest qualified and responsible bidder to implement Bayfront Playfield improvements. 
  • A Resolution appointing a voting delegate and alternate for the annual League of California Cities conference. 
Received an update of the Marin Emergency Radio Authority's Next Generation Radio Communications System Project including a proposed antenna at the water tank site on Edgewood Avenue and the project's proposed environmental review process. They also received an update on the City's Steps, Lanes and Paths maintenance and volunteer programs.

Watch the meeting here.
Special Budget Hearing - City Council Meeting - June 5, 2018

See the article above. The City Council also adopted a Resolution approving a budget adjustment of up to $65,000 from the Gas Tax Fund and authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with PG&E's contractor to rehabilitate Eldridge Avenue between West Blithedale Avenue and Corte Madera Avenue.The meeting video will be posted in 3-5 days.
Parks and Recreation Meeting - June 6, 2018

This meeting was cancelled.
PREVIEWS
Planning Commission - June 12, 2018
The Planning Commission will consider the following:
  • Heritage Tree Removal located on City Property at the Intersection of Marion and Hazel Avenue.
  • 216 Ethel Avenue - Design Review, Accessory Dwelling Unit and Tree Permit 
  • 172 Tamalpais Avenue - Study Session for Design Review 
City Council Meeting - June 18, 2018

The City Council will:
  • Read a Proclamation congratulating Happy Feet on their 40 Year anniversary.  
  • Receive a presentation and discuss the Transportation Authority of Marin Final Sales Tax Renewal Expenditure Plan.
  • Consider:
    • Adopting the Proposed Fiscal Years 2018-2020 General Fund Operating Budget, Special Funds Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program.
    • Rescinding the City's Personnel Rules and Adopt New Personnel Rules.
    • Authorization of the City's response to the Marin Civil Grand Jury report entitled Sexual Assault in Marin - Evidence Collection, Processing and Backlog.
    • A Resolution approving the Notice of Completion for the City Hall Access Project.
    • Authorization of the City's response to the Marin Civil Grand Jury report entitled SASM Reorganization. 
    • A Resolution rejecting all bids for the Camino Alto Bikeway Project.
    • Approving plans and authorize the solicitation of bids for the 2018 Street and Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
  • Hear any Objections and Consider a Resolution to Continue the Tamalpais Park Street Tree Assessment District Improvements and to Levy the Assessment for Fiscal Year 2018-19 (continued from 4/16)
We welcome comments & suggestions:
Mill Valley City Hall: 26 Corte Madera Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
cityofmillvalley.org
City Hall Phone: (415)388-4033
City Hall Fax: (415)381-1736



City Hall Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Closed Alternate Fridays
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