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City's Traffic Task Force Dives Deeper into Data, Targets Measurable Objective and Announces Community Meeting
Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 6:30 PM
Mill Valley Community Center
The City of Mill Valley's Traffic Congestion and Reduction Advisory Task Force convened again this week, diving even more deeply into the data that explains the causes and effects of the City's traffic congestion problem and taking significant steps toward identifying a range of both short and long-term measures to reduce traffic.
The meeting had two significant outcomes:
- The panel agreed on a specific objective: To reduce travel times on the East Blithedale Avenue and Almonte Boulevard-Shoreline Highway corridors to 2012-2013 levels, as traffic levels have spiked significantly since then.
- The panel agreed to host a Community Meeting on Tuesday, October 27 from 6:30-8:30pm at the Community Center (180 Camino Alto). At that meeting, Task Force members and City staff will explain their analysis of the problem and reveal a range of possible strategies to address it. Community members will be invited to provide feedback on those strategies.
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Join Us for a Miller Avenue Streetscape Project Open House
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 6:00 PM
Mill Valley Community Center
Please join us for an Open House on the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project. The purpose of the meeting is to answer your questions and to reintroduce the project to the community before the City Council takes a look at the intermediate design, funding, implementation schedule and the environmental review of the project details.
We recognize the need to take the time to get it right and to fully inform the community about this important project. Sensitivity to the needs of businesses and residents during the construction phase, insuring that the project details protect and enhance the community's small town character, and proactively addressing environmental impacts are all integral parts of the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project.
We look forward to hearing from you on this important project and on other matters of community interest.
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Municipal Services Tax
We are gearing up for a proposed renewal in 2016 of the Municipal Services Tax (MST), a critical source of funding for our ability to maintain and repair roads and to make sure we're doing everything we can to prevent fires. The MST generates $1.2 million in revenue annually, with $300,000 of that going toward fire prevention services such as
vegetation management and $900,000 of it going to
maintaining and repairing streets. In the 1980s, the Mill Valley City Council determined that existing City revenues could not adequately fund street repairs and began to look for additional sources of revenue, deciding on a Municipal Services Tax to fund street repairs on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The MST exempts low-income senior citizens and requires that all construction go through a public low-bid process. The tax has been a hugely successful funding source, allowing us to stay vigilant on both road repairs and fire prevention efforts. The total investment the City has placed in street rehabilitation projects over the past ten years (FY 04-05 to FY 14-15) adds up to almost $20 million; the MST accounts for $ 4.8 million or almost 25% of the funding for these important projects. Voters first approved the MST at $145 per parcel in 1987, with the MST attaining the required two-thirds support of those voting. Voters renewed the MST in 1997 at $145 per parcel and 2006 at a maximum of $195 per parcel. We hope you will continue to support this vital funding source.
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Halloween -- Be Safe and Be Seen!
Safety Tips from Mill Valley Police & Fire Departments
The City of Mill Valley seeks to remind residents, students, parents and merchants of the actions they can take for a safe Halloween celebration. The goal is for everyone to have a fun time free of violent and/or unacceptable behavior.
Mill Valley Fire Department encourages parents to plan ahead to help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant. The National Fire Protection Association reports that over 1,000 fires are caused each year by Halloween decorations and that all of these fires are preventable. The Mill Valley Fire Department offers fire safety tips by
clicking here
.
The Mill Valley Police Department offers general safety tips for trick-or-treaters, parents and residents, please
click here .
Call the Mill Valley Police Department's
Halloween Hotline at
(415) 389-4100 to report undesirable behavior; ask questions; voice concerns, or to request police assistance.
BE SAFE and BE SEEN!
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City Council Election & Candidate Forums 
On Tuesday, November 3, 2015, the City of Mill Valley will hold an election for three seats on the Mill Valley City Council.
Click on the links below to learn more about the City Council Candidates:
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Click Off 2015
November 4-18, 2015
The Mill Valley Arts Commission is pleased to announce the 17th annual Click Off photography competition. Each year during the autumn season, photographers of all ages and skill levels capture images unique to Marin County and each photographer's perspective through the camera lens. Cell phone photos are encouraged.
The "Click Off" is a photo competition to shoot pictures pertaining to one of five categories. The categories will be randomly chosen by participants at the "Click Off -Kick Off " which will be held at The Image Flow, 401 Miller Avenue, Suite A, Mill Valley on Wednesday November 4, 2015 at 7PM.
The top four contestants in each category will win excellent prizes for 1st
, 2nd
, 3rd
place and honorable mention. Prizes will be awarded for Best Youth Photograph (15 & under) and Best in Show. The winning photographs will be displayed at the Mill Valley Community Center during the month of December.
Participants may pick up and submit
registration forms and fees in person (or by mail) prior to November 4, 2105 at the following Mill Valley locations:
- Mill Valley Recreation, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA. 94941
- The Image Flow, 401 Miller Avenue, Suite A , Mill Valley, CA. 94941
Register on-line with credit card payment up to 12pm Wednesday, November 4, 2015.
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Friday, October 23, 2015 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Community Center Parking Lot
Calling all Halloween enthusiasts! Did you know that this year you can participate in the 2nd Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat at the Community Center? Submit an application to host a decorated trunk by October 9th and be part of this super fun and festive evening. The Trunk or Treat is on Friday October 23rd from 4:30 - 6:00pm and is held in-between the popular Music & Magic Shows.
In addition to Halloween fun, there will be face painting, dog costume contest, food truck, games, trick or treating and more!
Download the application.
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Halloween Music and Magic Show
Friday, October 23, 2015
Two Shows! 4:00pm and 6:30pm
Mill Valley Community Center
It's time for some special family Halloween Magic! We will kick off the evening with some lively music, our musicians will have you tapping your toes and signing along by the end of the half hour performance.
Then - thrills and chills await us a s Magic Mike amazes us with his Halloween magic show. Our magician combines comedy, audience participation and amazing magic to create a spooktacular 45 minutes show for goblins ages 3 to 103!
Cost is $9 general admission and children 3 and under are free. Adults and children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.
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Day of the Dead or Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
October 31, 2015 from 10:30am - 1:00pm
All Ages Welcome. Free.
Mill Valley Community Center
Mill Valley Recreation joins the joyful celebration of dearly departed family, friends and pets during the Day of the Dead Mexican festival. Join us by celebrating at the Community Center. We will have fun decorating sugar skulls, face painting, snacking on traditional pastries and creating our own memory box. Also, drop in on October 27th and view the Center's Day of the Dead exhibit by local artist Marsha Heckman.
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Saturday, October 31, 2015 at
5:15pm
Mill Valley Public Library
Main Reading Room
Gather by the fireplace for an evening of thrills and chills as a ghostly crew reads aloud works by masters of horror and campfire classics. Terrifying tales guaranteed to give you goose bumps!
For adults and high school students only. Registration recommended.
Click here to register
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First Thursday: UnCollege
Thursday, November 5, 2015 at
7:00 pm
Mill Valley Public Library
Creekside Room
College, college, college... it seems like that's what is expected of all high school students. What if college isn't the right path for you? Evert Villaseñor is a Program Specialist for UnCollege, a social movement challenging the notion that college is the only path to success. Prior to UnCollege he has worked for Challenge Day, a non-profit that specializes in workshops focusing in social and emotional learning, self-esteem building, and creating climates where people can be successful and thrive.
Evert has spoken to high schoolers in 48 states around the U.S. and has done many interviews with local television stations and newspapers. He will be visiting Mill Valley Library to talk about self-directed learning. A movement that encourages people to advocate for themselves, learn outside of the normal contours of a classroom, the importance of curiosity, and how to deal with adversity.
For adults and high school students only. Registration recommended.
Click here to register
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Mystery at Brandy's Joint
Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7 -
6:30 PM
$15 includes dessert & coffee
Mill Valley Golf Course Clubhouse
267 Buena Vista
Mill Valley, California 94941
Be part of the wild and romantic era of the Roaring 20's in "Mystery at Brandy's Joint" With murder on the menu, you are certain to find a medley of characters to make the evening memorable from Mobsters and their Molls to the swanky Carol Butler Dancers. No one is safe from murder...but everyone will have a chance at solving it. Guys, show up in suits and Dolls wear your best Roaring 20's glam. A costume contest will be on hand.
For more information call Mill Valley Recreation at 415-383-1370
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Reviews and Previews
REVIEWS
City Council Meeting - October 19, 2015
The City Council presented a proclamation honoring the 25th anniversary of the Horse Hill Open Space Preserve. Council approved a Resolution approving a salary adjustment and a performance bonus for the City Manager.
Council adopted an Ordinance amending Mill Valley Municipal Code Chapter 7.20 Smoking Prohibitions and Tobacco Retailing Regulations to include restrictions on smoking in multi-unit residences.
Council adopted a Resolution revising the list of employees to sign checks on behalf of the City.
Council received an update of the Planning Commission review of the approved Solar Power Project at the Mill Valley Community Center.
Council approved the Downtown Bikelet Parking Pilot Project.
Council accepted the Office of Traffic Safety Grant in the amount of $55,400 for The Mill Valley Police Department.
Council adopted a Resolution granting an easement to Pacific Gas And Electric Company to relocate utility facilities within City-owned property and authorizing the City Manager to execute the easement document.
Councilmembers approved an appeal by Chambers and Chambers of the Planning Commission's denial of the design review and variance applications for the proposed project at 20 Sycamore Avenue.
Councilmembers considered an appeal by James and Pamela Raymond of the Planning Commission's denial for the design review and variance for the proposed addition and front yard variance at 20 Winwood Place. The Council referred the project to the Planning Commission for design recommendations and requested that the item return to the Council for final action.
Councilmembers adopted a Resolution implementing the Sewer Lateral Ordinance Fee Schedule. Council continued to the upcoming City Council meeting on November 16, 2015 the consideration of a Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act for the infrastructure project of the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project and presentation of the detailed project design and refined implementation and funding strategy.
Planning Commission Meeting - October 13, 2015
The Planning Commission approved: a parking deck for 5 Rainbow Lane; a Design Review application for 189 Miller Ave to remodel the home and add approximately 1,110sf to the main home and build a 188sf accessory building; a evaluated a Study Session for 424 W. Blithedale to remodel the home and add approximately 1,200sf of floor area.
Planning Commission Meeting - October 27, 2015
The Planning Commission is tentatively set to review a tree removal permit for 21 Bigelow Ave. that has been referred from the Zoning Administrator; a Design Review, Second Unit and Mitigated Negative Declaration request to build a 999sf second unit and 499sf detached garage to include the extension of Myrtle Ave.; and, a request for Design Review approval to remodel a 2-story, 2,428 sq. ft. duplex home with a 198 sq. ft. garage to include restoring it to a 2,152 sq. ft. single-family residence with a 324 sq. ft. garage on a 3,871 sq. ft. lot.
City Council Meeting - November 2, 2015
Council will receive a presentation regarding City preparations for potential winter storms in 2016. Council received a presentation of the proposed amendments to the Municipal Code regarding Downtown Plaza Use Regulations and on a General Plan Amendment to introduce policies to consider traffic impacts in development proposals. The Council will consider providing funding to assist in a county-wide effort to enhance homeless services.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - November 4, 2015
The Parks and Recreation Commission will receive a presentation from BPAC and Scott Highland HOA members to propose the idea of adding a bicycle and pedestrian pathway through the Mill Valley Golf Course. A Parks and Recreation CIP update, Plaza Use Request by the Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church for a Peace Pop-Up and Approval of the Parks and Recreation Commission Retreat Date will be heard under the consent calendar. Recreation and Department of Public Works Reports will be heard on the City of Mill Valley's Donation Policy, the Hauke Park PG&E Substation Permanent Fencing, the Bayfront Meadow Project, Celebrate Tam Weekend and the Council's Consideration of Proposed Revisions to the Plaza Use Municipal Code.
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