July 2024

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features information for those interested in running for City Council, upcoming opportunities to meet your councilmembers, Novato's Annual Street Paving project, Grant Avenue Bridge project road closure, Novato Blvd project update, Parks & Recreation events and more!

You can stay up-to-date on City news and events throughout the month by visiting novato.org/connectwithus and signing up for specific topics that are most important to you.

Novato City Council Nomination Period Opens July 15

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Novato will hold an election for three City councilmember seats. Novato’s City Council is composed of five members who are elected by-district, meaning that those interested in running for council must reside and be a voter in the district that they represent and are elected only by registered voters residing in that district. 

The following three seats are up for election this November:

• Councilmember District 1 – Full term of four years
• Councilmember District 3 – Full term of four years
• Councilmember District 5 – Full term of four years

The Nomination Period in which candidates can file to run for City Council in Districts 1, 3 and 5 opens on July 15, 2024, and closes on August 9, 2024. However, if an incumbent does not file by the deadline, the Nomination Period is automatically extended within that specific district to August 14, 2024 (for non-incumbents only).  

Período de nominaciones para el Concejo Municipal de Novato comienza el 15 de julio

El martes 5 de noviembre de 2024, Novato tendrá una elección para tres vacantes en el Concejo Municipal. El Concejo Municipal de Novato está compuesto por cinco miembros, quienes se eligen por distrito. Esto significa que las personas interesadas en postularse para el concejo deben residir y ser votante en el distrito que representan y que sólo son elegidos por los votantes registrados que viven en ese distrito.

Las siguientes vacantes se elegirán en noviembre: 

• Concejal de Distrito 1 – término complete de cuatro años
• Concejal de Distrito 3 – término complete de cuatro años
• Concejal de Distrito 5 – término complete de cuatro años

El período de nominaciones durante el cual los candidatos pueden postularse para el Concejo Municipal en los Distritos 1, 3 y 5 abre el 15 de julio de 2024 y cierra el 9 de agosto de 2024. Sin embargo, si un concejal de turno no se postula antes de la fecha límite, el período de nominaciones se extiende automáticamente para ese distrito específico, hasta el 14 de agosto de 2024 (sólo para candidatos nuevos). 

Meet Your Councilmembers / Conozcan a los concejales de su ciudad

Join the Novato City Council and staff at upcoming community pop-up events for an opportunity to discuss City projects and initiatives, ask questions, share feedback, and help us get to know you better!

City Council and staff will be at upcoming Downtown Novato Community Farmers’ Markets as well as locations by district throughout the summer. 

Through meaningful conversations, we can continue to shape Novato’s future and strengthen our community together. 

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¡Acompañen al Ayuntamiento de Novato y a su personal en un evento emergente para la comunidad en el que tendrá la oportunidad de discutir proyectos e iniciativas de la ciudad, hacer preguntas, compartir opiniones y ayudarnos a conocerlos mejor!

Oportunidades adicionales para conectarse con el Ayuntamiento y el personal se llevarán a cabo en los próximos mercados de agricultores de la comunidad en Downtown Novato, así como las ubicaciones por distrito durante todo el verano. 

A través de conversaciones significativas, podemos continuar dando forma al futuro de Novato y fortalecer juntos nuestra comunidad. 

Novato's Annual Street Paving Project

Our Annual Street Paving Project is underway with work continuing through mid-July. Majority of work will occur Monday - Friday between 8am and 5pm. Please see below for a list of streets including specific dates for each street.

Please note, in an effort to minimize traffic impacts, work will be performed outside of regular business hours, 4am-7am on July 11, on South Novato Blvd near US 101 off-ramps.

Friendly reminder to please maintain low speeds when traveling through construction zones and observe “no parking” signs. Roads will remain open with minor traffic delays. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve your streets. 

Questions? Contact Pavement Coatings Co. at 916.642.1751.

Paving Schedule:

Monday, July 8

South Novato Blvd

Balra Dr

Shevelin Rd

Denlyn St

Arlington Cir

Tuesday, July 9

Center Rd

Diablo Ave

Del Mar Ave

Rowland Way

Wednesday, July 10

Redwood Blvd

Rowland Way

South Novato Blvd

Thursday, July 11

South Novato Blvd

Redwood Blvd

Grant Avenue Bridge Project: Road Closure on 7/10

Grant Avenue, between Eighth Street & Virginia Avenue, will be closed to traffic on Wednesday, July 10 from 7am to 5pm.

During this closure, construction crews will be placing bridge deck girders as part of the Grant Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project. Please plan ahead, expect delays and use alternate routes. 

As this project continues to move forward, construction crews will be placing the bridge deck slab units closing the gap across Novato Creek over the next month. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work on these much-needed improvements.

Novato Boulevard Improvements Project Update

The City of Novato is eager to complete the highly anticipated Novato Blvd Improvements project. As part of the very first phase of this project, PG&E will be undergrounding existing overhead electric wiring along portions of Novato Blvd. PG&E’s work on this project has been delayed due to high demands on PG&E staff and cost increases. At this time, the City and PG&E have charted a path forward and anticipate breaking ground later this year with a completion date for PG&E’s work on this project in Summer 2025.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work closely with PG&E during this phase of the project.

The Novato Blvd Improvements Project includes a new 3-lane layout with sidewalk and bicycle lanes in both directions, utility undergrounding, and new traffic signals at Diablo Avenue, Seventh Street and Grant Avenue among other improvements.

Traditional Day Camp

Looking for a full day of childcare? Camp Ton-of-Fun is the ultimate summer escape for children entering 1st through 6th grades. From weekly themes, special activities and optional trips to the Hamilton Community Pool, this camp ensures endless smiles and laughter from 8:30am-5:30pm. For younger campers, explore the abbreviated version, Camp-Ton-of-Fun Mini's.

Swim Lessons

Join us for swim lessons at Hamilton Pool! Novato Parks & Rec offers a variety of classes for all ages and skill levels, from preschoolers to children. Our experienced instructors will help your little ones develop essential swimming skills and build confidence in the water. Weekend swim lessons are NOW available, perfect for busy families looking to fit swimming into their schedules.

Water Aerobics

Get ready to transform your fitness routine with our Water Aerobics classes, on Thursdays at 9am at the Hamilton Community Pool. Our experienced instructor will guide you through low-impact, high-intensity exercises that sculpt and tone your muscles while being gentle on your joints. Classes are held in the shallow end, making them perfect for all fitness levels.

Hamilton Pool Memberships

We're excited to offer two fantastic membership options to suit your needs:

2024 Summer Season Pass: Dive into unlimited pool access through Labor Day. Perfect for soaking up the sun and creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

15-Visit Punch Pass: Enjoy the pool on your own schedule. With 15 visits to use throughout the season, you have the flexibility to take a dip whenever you please.

Holiday Crafts Faire Applications Now Available

The Margaret Todd Senior Center’s Holiday Crafts Faire applications are NOW AVAILABLE. The juried crafts faire spans two days - December 6 and 7. Applications are due back by Friday, September 6 at 5pm in order to be judged by our anonymous panel of community members for this year’s faire. All proceeds from the Holiday Crafts Faire go toward supporting the Senior Center’s programs and service.

Concerts on the Green

Please join us for our 2024 Concerts on the Green series!

🗓️ July 19 - Sol Horizon (Reggae with Rock, Funk, & World Beats)

🗓️ August 2 - Alex Lucero Band (Americana Soul)

🗓️ August 16 - Ideateam (Funk, Soul, & R&B)

Free Admission | 6pm - 8pm  

Held at the Novato Civic Green, 901 Sherman Avenue

Hot Amphitheater Nights

Please join us for our 2024 Hot Amphitheater Nights series!

🗓️ July 27 – The SoulShake (Reggae and Rock)

🗓️ August 31 - Pride and Joy SF (Timeless Pop+Soul)

Free Admission | 5pm - 7pm

Held at the Hamilton Amphitheater, 601 N. Hamilton Pkwy

View the Summer Activity Guide for More Novato Fun

Discover the endless possibilities for summer fun in the Summer 2024 Activity Guide. Packed with a wide range of engaging programs and activities for all ages, this is your essential resource for planning a summer filled with learning, growth, and adventure.

Don't wait – explore the guide now and secure your spot in the most sought-after programs before they fill up!

Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market

The Downtown Novato Community Farmers' Market is held every Tuesday through October 29, 4pm – 8pm on Sherman Avenue between Grant and De Long Avenues.

Join your friends and family in the heart of downtown to enjoy a diverse selection of fresh produce from local farmers, prepared and packaged foods to enjoy at the market or to go, local artisan booths and activities for kids. Come check out all the market has to offer, grab some dinner and shop downtown. 

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El mercado de agricultores del centro de Novato regresa todos los martes del 7 de mayo al 29 de octubre, de 4:00 a 8:00 p. m., en Sherman Avenue, entre las avenidas Grant y De Long. Reúnase con sus amigos y familiares en el corazón del centro de la ciudad para disfrutar de una variada selección de productos frescos de agricultores locales, alimentos preparados y envasados para disfrutar en el mercado o para llevar, puestos de artesanos locales y actividades para niños. Venga a ver todo lo que el mercado tiene para ofrecer, cene algo y compre en el centro. 

First Fridays on Grant: July 5

Join businesses downtown on July 5 at 5pm for First Fridays, a closed streets program designed to create a safe, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly shopping, dining, and recreation environment on Grant Avenue.

Enjoy extended hours and “sip & shops” from several retailers, live music and expanded seating at select restaurants, and more.

Please note: Grant Avenue will be closed from 4pm - 12am between Machin and Reichert Avenues.

Novato 4th of July Parade

Head downtown for the Novato 4th of July Parade! The parade starts at 10am on Grant Avenue at Reichert Avenue, ends on Seventh Street and lasts approximately two hours. 

Attendees may watch from the sidewalks anywhere along Grant Avenue from Reichert Avenue to Seventh Street. Please note, chairs can only be placed on the sidewalk (not in the street). Free, pre-parade entertainment, begins at 9am. 

Marin County Fair: July 3-7

It's fair time! Get ready to make a splash at the Marin County Fair happening now through July 7 at 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael.

Enjoy five incredible days filled with art, thrilling rides, live concerts, mouthwatering food, unique shopping, and so much more.

City of Novato Sustainability

Single-Use Plastics

As summer heads into full swing, it’s a great to time consider reusable or fiber-based compostable alternatives to single-use plastics for outdoor BBQs, picnics, parties, and other events. Data from the California Coastal Commission’s annual Coastal Clean-up Day shows that single-use plastic foodware (e.g., cups, plates, utensils, straws, etc.) regularly feature on the top ten list of items collected during clean-up events. Reducing the use of single-use plastic items is not only better for our environment, it also reduces the amount of litter in our community  

Save Water this Summer

Did you know that North Marin Water District (NMWD) offers customers a free Water Smart Home Survey? This free service is conducted by NMWD’s friendly, knowledgeable survey technicians and includes both indoor and outdoor water efficiency checks. As part of the program, you’ll learn how to use water more efficiently, avoid water waste, and take advantage of money-saving rebates to help meet your water efficiency goals!

Passionate About Waste?

 Zero Waste Marin (ZWM), formally known as the Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority (JPA), is seeking one Novato resident and two individuals from Marin-based environmental organizations to serve on the ZWM Local Task Force (LTF).

The LTF serves as an advisory body to the JPA and assists in the review of the JPA’s Integrated Waste Management Plan for all areas of Marin County to help the County reach its zero waste goals. The LTF meets in-person, every other month, on the first Thursday of the month from 10am – 11am at 1600 Los Gamos Drive. LFT members serve a three-year term.  

To be considered for appointment to the LTF, please submit a letter of interest and resume or statement of qualifications by July 15, 2024 to Casey Fritz at casey.fritz@marincounty.gov. 

Upcoming City Meetings

The City of Novato encourages community participation at our upcoming public meetings. Meeting details, including information on how to participate, are included in each meeting agenda packet. Agendas are posted at least 72 hours prior to each scheduled meeting. To receive meeting agendas via email and/or text, sign-up at novato.org/connectwithus.

July 4 at 3pm | Economic Development Advisory Commission - cancelled

July 8 at 7pm | Planning Commission

July 9 at 6pm | City Council

July 11 at 7:30am | Finance Advisory Commission - cancelled

July 11 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator - cancelled

July 11 at 6pm | Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Commission

July 17 at 5:30pm | Complete Streets and Pathways Oversight Committee

July 17 at 7pm | Design Review Commission

July 18 at 8am | Finance Advisory Commission - Special Meeting

July 22 at 7pm | Planning Commission

July 23 at 6pm | City Council

July 24 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

July 25 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

Interested in a career in local government? Check out some of our current openings:

• Senior Systems Engineer (Full Time) - deadline to apply is Sunday, July 7
• Permit Technician (Full Time) - deadline to apply is Sunday, July 21

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Community Development

• Senior Building Inspector (Full Time)

Public Works

• Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer (Full Time)

Police

• Police Cadet (Part Time)
• Police Officer Trainee (Full Time)
• Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Graduate (Full Time)

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