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Message from the City Manager
If you were out of town and away on various adventures this summer - Welcome back! And if you stayed local - Happy fall! School has started (and Yellow School Buses are rolling!), Miller Ave is cranking along, and we have a ballot measure on the ballot of the upcoming election! It has been an exciting summer, and I wanted to update you on some key items:
Miller Avenue Streetscape Project: The project is progressing along with full steam. If you visit Miller Avenue, (which I hope you will, to support our local businesses) you will notice new sidewalks, curbs and gutters. You may see the work crews installing the new extra-large elliptical storm drain to help us shunt water from some of our traditional seasonal flooding pinch points. You may see new sewer laterals being installed - which will greatly enhance water quality and lessens the burden on our Wastewater Treatment Plant.
We understand that construction presents many challenges and we thank you for your cooperation and patience as this major project progresses. We also want to encourage everyone to start thinking ahead to the holiday season and to shop local this fall to support our local Miller Avenue businesses. We are working with the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce to support the businesses on Miller Avenue with our MillerUP Business Support Program - and we want to encourage everyone to join us in supporting them - you can find a listing of Miller Ave businesses here.
Yellow School Bus Pilot Program:
This fall, students from Edna Maguire and Strawberry Point Elementary Schools, as well as Mill Valley Middle School, are participating in a new Pilot Yellow School Bus Program to travel to and from school. More than 135 students are participating in the program, and we have seen school buses on Mill Valley streets for the first time in decades. TheCity Council's Traffic and Congestion Reduction Advisory Task Force conceived of the Pilot Program and the City Council enthusiastically supported the program and developed a great partnership with the Mill Valley School District, Marin Transit and the County of Marin to bring the pilot forward.
Click here to learn more.
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Mill Valley MST - Measure H - Ballot Measure: The City Council recently adopted a resolution to place a measure on the November 8, 2016 ballot to continue the 29 year-old Municipal Service Tax (MST), which provides critical funds to support wildfire prevention and road improvements in Mill Valley. The funds generated by the MST, around $1.2 million a year, go to improve the condition of City streets, reduce fire hazards, and shorten emergency response times.This year, our annual Street and Sewer Rehabilitation Project ($4 million project) improved roads and sewer pipes on more than 45 streets all over town, including the extensive slurry seal component which improved more than 35 streets around Mill Valley.
The MST is currently set at $195 per single family residence. The City Council adopted a resolution to set the new proposed rate at $266 per single family residence with an annual adjustment of 2% to keep up with inflation.Out of the total annual budget of $2,414,000, the MST provides $885,000, or around 37% of Street Improvement Project funding. We encourage you to learn more and of course, on election day, don't forget to vote!
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City Reacts to Plan Bay Area Long-range Transportation and Land Use Planning Activities
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) are jointly preparing the next version of Plan Bay Area, a long-range transportation and land use planning document covering the 9-County Bay Area region. The City has sent official correspondence objecting to the draft plans, highlighting errors and urging revision of elements specific to Mill Valley. We
will monitor and participate in the upcoming meetings. Vice Mayor Jessica Sloan, the City's representative to ABAG and Councilmember McEntee, her alternate, regularly represent City interests. Planning Director Vin Smith is actively involved with ABAG/MTC staff to insure that our voice is heard.
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Miller Avenue Streetscape Project
Click here
to read the most recent update on the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project.
Click here
to have the weekly Mill Valley Streetscape Project updates sent right to your inbox.
Evergreen/Miller Avenue Traffic Restrictions
Traffic restrictions will be put in place September 12 - October 7 during work hours at the Evergreen and Miller Avenue intersection to protect pedestrians, preserve the Redwood tree at the intersection, and to prevent traffic back-ups while Miller Ave is reduced to one lane in this highly impacted area.
Sewer and storm drain work in this area will address flooding issues and improve water quality.
What to expect:
- Motorists travelling on Evergreen Avenue will not be allowed to turn left onto in-bound Miller Avenue. Right turns onto outbound Miller Avenue will be permitted.
- Motorists travelling inbound on Miller Avenue will not be allowed to turn left onto Evergreen Avenue.
- Work crews will limit traffic to a single lane on inbound Miller Avenue from the Municipal Parking Lot (411 Miller Ave) to Locust Avenue to conduct essential underground work.
Work crews are posting signs regarding the traffic restrictions on Evergreen Avenue around the area. Local businesses and residents in the area are being informed of the upcoming restrictions.
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September is National Preparedness Month!
As part of National Preparedness Month, the City of Mill Valley Emergency Preparedness Commission and Mill Valley Fire Department reminds residents to plan now for emergencies.
Get Emergency Notifications Direct to your Phone or Email
Register your cell phone, phone landline, email address or pager to receive emergency notifications at www.alertmarin.org.
Read the entire article here.
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480 & 488 Edgewood Avenue Roadway Stabilization Project
The Department of Public Works will commence construction of two retaining walls to stabilize the roadway in front of 480 and 488 Edgewood Avenue on Monday September 12th, 2016. The construction is expected to last 4 to 6 weeks, and it requires full closure of the road. Staff has worked with the affected neighborhoods to develop a schedule to provide access to the residences impacted by this closure. The road will be closed Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 6 pm with three access breaks for local traffic: 10 am (15 min), 12:15 pm (30 min), and 2:45 pm (30 min). Pedestrian, bicycle, and emergency access will be provided for the duration of the project, and the reservoir parking lot will be reserved for Edgewood residents. This project is of utmost importance to prevent slope failure and damage to the roadway and adjacent properties.
For additional information contact the Project Manager Cecilia Zamora at
[email protected]
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Upcoming Preparedness Workshops
Fire in Marin Class
Saturday, September 10, 2016
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley.
How to sign up: Preregistration is strongly encouraged. Contact
[email protected] or call (415) 269-6836 with your name, phone number, and email address.
Join the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) Program
Saturday, October 1st and Saturday, October 8th (you must attend both classes to become CERT-ified).
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Marin City Senior Center, 630 Drake Avenue, Marin City, CA 94965
Register online or call 415-485-3409. Cost is $45.00.
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GardenSmart: The Secret Lives of Bees
Saturday, September 10th, 11am
Mill Valley Library, Creekside Room
FREE
Bees have great agricultural importance. One out of every three bites we eat can be attributed to the work of bees. In your own home garden, attracting bees will maximize flower, fruit, and vegetable production. It's easy to turn your garden into a pollinator paradise. Just think like a bee and follow the easy steps presented at this informative seminar.
The Speaker:
James Campbell has been a Master Gardener since 2010 and a beekeeper since 2008. Beekeeping began as an accidental hobby and it soon became a passion. James has mentored new beekeepers in Marin and Sonoma counties and firmly believes bees will tell a beekeeper everything they need to know.
Registration required. Click here to register.
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Marin Drive Electric Event
Saturday, September 10, 2016
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Vintage Oaks Mall in Novato
As part of National Drive Electric Week, Transportation Authority of Marin is co-sponsoring, along with the Golden Gate Electric Vehicle Association, the Marin Drive Electric event.
Come test drive electric cars and electric bikes!
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Sunday Special: The Not-Its: Kindie Rock Band
Sunday, September 11th
Mill Valley Library, Main Reading Room - 11:00am
FREE
The Not-Its! are a Seattle-based band that plays original rock/pop music for young children. The band is recognized as part of the kindie rock family music movement nationally. The Not-Its! say their sound is "defined by crunchy, rockin' guitars combined with smooth, four-part harmonies, all nestled within perfectly crafted pop gems that just happen to be about every-day kid stuff (the first day of school, taking a bath)."
All ages. No registration required.
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Gun Buy Back Program
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Mill Valley Public Safety Building
1 Hamilton Drive
The Mill Valley Police Department will host a Gun Buy Back Program, sponsored by the Marin County District Attorney's Office, on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, in collaboration with Sausalito, Tiburon, and Belvedere Police Departments.
The one-day event will take place at the Mill Valley Police Department, located at 1 Hamilton Drive. Participants will be given $200 cash for operable semi-automatic guns and assault rifles, and $100 cash for any other operable firearms. It is a "no questions asked" program. Any type of weapon will be accepted. No ammunition should be in the firearms when they are turned in.
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New 5-Week Series:
Resilient Neighborhoods - Become Part of the Climate Solution
Wednesdays: 9/14, 9/21, 10/12, 10/26, 11/9
Mill Valley Library, Creekside Room: 7:00 - 9:00pm
FREE
In this five-session course, participants will go on a "low carbon" diet to reduce at least 5,000 lbs. of CO2 in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Participants will learn ways to reduce their carbon emissions and save money by trimming energy and waste, conserving water and smarter driving.
The course will be conducted by the Resilient Neighborhoods program, which has helped 650 Marin residents reduce more than 2.8 million pounds of carbon emissions. It will be beneficial to people who are just beginning to think about their carbon footprint as well as those who have already made a commitment to sustainable living. Participants must have access to their utility bill and a computer.
Attendance at all 5 sessions is extremely important.
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Movies in the Park
Main Feature Begins at Sunset
Movie screenings are free with general admission seating. Please bring your own blanket or low beach chair. Snacks will be available for sale.
- Friday, September 23 - Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (original version)
- Friday, October 14 - Inside Out
Movies in the Park is a partnership between the City / Mill Valley Recreation, the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce and the California Film Institute / Mill Valley Film Festival. For more information contact Mill Valley Recreation 415-383-1370 or [email protected]
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Mill Valley Library Foundation's "Beyond the Book Bash" Gala
Beyond the Book Bash
Friday, September 30, 2016
Throckmorton Theatre, 8:00 pm
Tickets are now on sale for the 2016 Beyond the Book Bash! Come
be entertained by a Pulitzer Prize winner, a NY Times Bestselling author, A Moth Story Grand Slam Champion, an award winning HBO Filmmaker, an author of 23 books, a master Def Jam slam Poet, and a local rising music star - all under one roof to celebrate and help fund the Mill Valley Library's free programming.
You won't want to miss the mouth-watering desserts after the performance or the opportunity to meet the artists who will be signing books and DVDs.
Click here to buy your tickets now for this always-sold-out event.
Sponsors also enjoy a pre-event party at the Seager Gray Gallery.
Click here for sponsorship opportunities.
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REVIEWS
Planning Commission Meeting - August 23, 2016
The Planning Commission held a public hearing and took action on the following items: heard
a
Study Session item proposing demolition of an existing 1,380 square foot single-story home and detached 300 square foot garage and construction of a new 1,991 square foot two-story home with 256 square feet of attached garage at 38 Ryan Ave.; approved a Design Review application to substantially remodel and add 711sf to the home at 156 Sycamore Ave.; heard a Study Session proposing a new 4,072sf home and a 500sf second unit on a vacant site at 315 Tamalpais Ave.; and, evaluated then continued discussion on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance replacing Chapter 20.80 "Inclusionary Housing" with new Chapter 20.80 "Affordable Housing Regulations" to include adding an Affordable Housing Fee, requiring provision of affordable housing unit for projects adding over 4 units and establishing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
City Council Meeting - September 6, 2016
The City Council read a proclamation honoring the Marin Theatre Company's 50th anniversary.
Council authorized the City's response to the Marin Civil Grand Jury report entitled "Marin's Hidden Human Sex Trafficking Challenge." (Continued from August 15, 2016 regular City meeting).
City Council adopted a Resolution confirming the City of Mill Valley's position on the Proposed League of California Cities Resolution to be considered and voted on at the Annual Conference, October 5-7, 2016.
Council adopted a Resolution authorizing a minor realignment of steps, lanes and paths #166 to fulfill the Planning Commission's conditions of approval for the design review approval for 375 Summit Avenue.
City Council adopted a Resolution approving revised Single-family Design Guidelines. Council received a report and provided direction regarding the Status Report on the City's Short-Term Rental Strategy.
City Council adopted a Resolution authorizing a bond issuance by the Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) and the execution of the financing agreement between the City and SASM.
Council adopted an Ordinance adding Chapter 2.57 Codifying Procedures for Debarment of Non-Responsible Contractors to the Mill Valley Municipal Code.
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - September 7
The Parks and Recreation Commission received presentations on an Adaptive Needs Playground Proposal by members of Project Awareness And Special Sports (PAASS) and from Mill Valley Friends of Parks and Recreation to review their Mission, Goals and Fundraising Efforts. The Parks and Recreation Commission approved a donated Seniors for Peace Commemorative Plaque to be placed at the northeast corner of Miller Ave. and Camino Alto. The Commission heard reports from the Department of Public Works regarding on-going Parks Department Projects and from the Recreation Department regarding the recent Annual Maintenance Closure of the Community and Aquatics and Fitness Centers.
PREVIEWS
Planning Commission Meeting - September 13, 2016, 7:00 pm, City Hall
The Planning Commission is scheduled to hear: a request for a determination on a Planning Commission condition of approval related to the final design of a pool at 235 W. Blithedale Ave.; a request for a recommendation to the City Council on a right-of-way abandonment for 175 Bolsa Ave.; a Design Review application to demolish and replace the existing one-story 1,520sf home at 33 Plymouth with a new two-story 2,081sf home; and, a Study Session to review design options for a proposal
to substantially remodel and expand an existing 3,432 sq. ft. three-story residence with no garage to add 1,910 sq. ft., resulting in a 4,389 sq. ft. home with a 500 sq. ft. second unit, a 450-493 sq. ft. two-car garage and a potential 488 sq. ft. accessory structure on a 27,789 sq. ft. lot.
City Council Meeting - September 19, 2016, 6:30 pm, City Hall
The City Manager will provide an oral report on the Yellow School Bus Pilot Program and the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project. Council will present a Proclamation declaring October 6-16, 2016 as Mill Valley Film Festival Days in Mill Valley, and a Proclamation declaring October 1, 2016 as "Bay Day" in the City of Mill Valley.
Council will consider a Resolution approving two stop signs on Euterpe and Mountain View at their intersections with Carmelita. Council will receive a report on the new CRW Building Permit and Planning Commission Plan Availability. Council will consider a Resolution making an appointment to the Arts Commission.
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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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