February 2025

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features an upcoming Council discussion regarding Lee Gerner Perk, Master Fee Schedule update, Wildfire Preparedness and Safety Tips from Novato Fire District, North Marin Water District & Fire Safe Marin, ReadyMarin Disaster Preparedness training, Parks & Recreation programs, 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.

Council to Discuss Next Steps for Lee Gerner Park

At their upcoming meeting of February 11, the Novato City Council will consider adopting a resolution to close the Temporary Camp at Lee Gerner Park, following a recent federal court determination that reinforced the expiration of the Settlement Agreement between the City and the Marin County Homeless Union. Discussion will also include plans to restore the park for community recreational use following necessary site cleanup due to significant damage caused by a July 2024 arson fire.  

Since 2022, the City has maintained the Temporary Camp under a court-ordered Settlement Agreement, which expired on October 13, 2024. The Temporary Camp, costing between $13,000-$15,000 per month to operate, provided services such as 17 tent spaces, portable restrooms, weekly mobile showers, outreach services and case management. Direct operating costs have been funded by one-time grants through the County and State. Since the establishment of the Temporary Camp, 24 former campers have been housed through Permanent Supportive Housing or other long-term housing solutions in Marin County.  

Ensuring the safety, well-being and quality of life of the entire Novato community while assisting those in need remains a top priority. The City continues to work closely with local service providers that exercise their specialized training and expertise in supporting our unhoused community members. We are grateful for these partnerships, which create a lasting and positive impact on our community.  

Master Fee Schedule Update

As of February 1, 2025, the City of Novato’s Master Fee Schedule, which details user and regulatory fees for fee-related City services, includes several important changes: 

1. Reduced Fees for Common Minor Permits Enjoy lower costs for the most frequently issued building permits, including water heater installations, re-roofing, window replacements, and more.
2. New User Guide The updated Master Fee Schedule includes an upfront guide to help readers understand each fee, what it covers, how and when payments are collected, and the basis for every charge.
3. Pre-Application Support Services These new services will offer additional project support, helping applicants navigate requirements and streamline their planning process.

This update was approved by the City Council during a public hearing held on November 19, 2024.

Novato Fire & North Marin Water Districts: Wildfire Preparedness Presentation

The devastating wildfires in Southern California remind us of the importance of proactive preparation and strong community partnerships. 

At the January 28 City Council meeting, the Novato Fire District and North Marin Water District shared a presentation on how they are working together to enhance wildfire safety and readiness for our community. Press play above to watch their presentation and read their joint statement below.

Fire Safe Marin: LA Fires – Lessons for Marin

Join Fire Safe Marin on Monday, February 10 from 6pm - 7pm for a Special Edition of Wildfire Watch to hear from local experts about what happened in LA and what we are doing here to lower our risks and keep our community safe.

Join via Zoom, Facebook Live, or Comcast Channel 30.

Fire Safety Tips & Resources:

• Learn how to start your year on the right foot by doing this annual insurance audit
• Become Firewise in 2025: Learn if you live in one of the 70+ active firewise sites in Marin County
• Learn the key elements and benefits of firescaping in your yard 

For more fire safety tips and news, sign up for Fire Safe Marin's monthly newsletter.

ReadyMarin Disaster Preparation Training

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your preparedness journey, ReadyMarin’s FREE 90-minute training session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to handle emergencies effectively. Their expert trainers will guide you through practical exercises and provide valuable insights on creating a family emergency plan, assembling a disaster kit, and staying informed during crises.

Join this valuable training on Wednesday, February 12 from 4:30pm - 6pm at the Novato Police Department, 909 Machin Avenue. Don't miss this opportunity to become more resilient and ensure the safety of your loved ones. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early! Together, let's build a community that's ready for anything.

Let's Catch-a-Beat Together

Join music and dance educator Tina Rogers for a lively, all-abilities movement experience on Saturday, February 8, from 11am - 12pm at Novato City Hall! This free event blends music, dance, culture, and storytelling, and is perfect for all children and their families. 

Celebrate Black History Month through rhythm, dance, and tradition. For more information, visit novato.org/events or call 415.899.8290.

Spring Magic Show

Get ready for a day of enchantment on Saturday, February 22! Join the Novato Parks & Recreation for a FREE Spring Magic Show at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue.

To accommodate everyone, we're now offering TWO time slots — 10am or 11:30am. No reservations required, simply pick the time that suits you best and witness the magic right before your eyes! Bring friends, family, and share the joy! For more information call 415.899.8290.

Spring Trash to Treasures Flea Market

Join us Saturday, March 29 from 9am - 2pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center for our Spring Trash to Treasures Flea Market. This market is held indoors, rain or shine, and admission is FREE. The snack bar will feature donations of hot coffee from Peet’s Coffee and many more tasty eats available for purchase. Come shop for unique second-hand treasures!

Mid-Winter Break Gymnastics Camp

Sign up your child for Mid-Winter Break Camp at the Novato Gymnastics Center! Your child will jump, tumble, create, and play their way through the best winter break ever! Camp offers a fun-filled, active experience with gymnastics, games and winter themed arts and crafts activities. 

• Ages 5-12
• Tuesday - Friday | February 18 - 21
• 9:30am - 12:30pm

Mid-Winter Break All Sports Camp

Keep the fun alive during Mid-Winter Break at All Sports Camp! Perfect for kids who love to stay active, this camp offers non-stop fun, skill-building, and exciting games. From mastering the sport of the day to epic dodgeball battles, it’s an adventure packed with action and teamwork! 

• Grades K-7
• Tuesday - Friday | February 18 - 21
• 9am - 3pm

Indoor Pickleball

Ready to serve it up? From beginner to pro, our pickleball programs offer something for every skill level and every play style. Check out our new INDOOR program options where pickleball is held at the Hill Gymnasium, located at 1560 Hill Road. 

• Pickleball Clinics
• Indoor Pickleball Lunch-Time Cardio
• Indoor Round Robin Pickleball – Advanced, Beginner, and Intermediate

Grant Avenue Bridge Project Update

The Grant Avenue Bridge project is 99% complete, with only finishes touches remaining—and the bridge is OPEN to traffic! The project is expected to be complete within the next two weeks. As the project is being wrapped up, please be aware that there may be minor delays of up to 10 minutes as crews complete final tasks. 

Last month, crews completed fencing, anti-graffiti coating, striping and signage, finished installing and testing bridge lighting, and finished removing the old pedestrian bridge. 

Benefits of this project include widened roadway access; safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists; new bridge railing and pavement; and new signage and a streetlight system. All estimated timelines are tentative and subject to change.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during construction as we work to complete these much-needed improvements.

Age + Disability Friendly Novato Community Survey

Help shape Novato's future! Age + Disability Friendly Novato invites you to join the conversation and participate in our Community Survey.

Age + Disability Friendly Novato (ADFN) is a community-led volunteer taskforce that is working to ensure our community is an inclusive place for all ages and abilities. In partnership with the City of Novato, ADFN is aiming to achieve an Age and Disability Friendly Community designation from AARP’s Network of Age Friendly Communities and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. 

Your input will help create a strategic plan for a more vibrant, accessible, and inclusive Novato where everyone can live, work, play and thrive! Please participate in this community survey below or complete a paper survey in person at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road. Deadline to submit surveys is March 21. Responses are anonymous and open to Novato residents ages 18 and older. 

Be Prepared for Stormy Weather

The City of Novato has sand and bags available to Novato residents at the City of Novato Corporation Yard, 550 Davidson Street. Limit 10 per household. Bring your own shovel & gloves.

If you're physically unable to fill the bags, contact Public Works at 415-899-8280 during business hours to schedule a time to pick up prefilled bags.

More information: novato.org/sandbags 

Storm Preparation & Information: 

• To report flooding or downed trees in Novato, contact Novato Public Works: 415-899-8280. 
• After hours, or if a downed tree is blocking the street, call Novato Police Department’s non-emergency line: 415-897-4361.
• More flood information: novato.org/floodpreparedness

Safety Reminders: 

• Avoid unnecessary travel
• Use extra caution when driving
• Stay away from downed power lines
• NEVER walk/drive through standing water
• Monitor storm and emergency status: Emergency.MarinCounty.org

Sign up for Emergency Alerts:

• Nixle: text your zip code to 888-777 to opt-in, or visit nixle.com
• Alert Marin: alertmarin.org
• In an emergency call 9-1-1

Sustainability

Climate Action Plan Survey

The City of Novato is updating its Climate Action Plan (CAP) and we’ve launched a community survey to help us understand which sustainability programs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction initiatives are most important to you!

The revised CAP will provide a practical and actionable roadmap to reduce local GHG emissions and protect our environment for future generations of Novato. Survey closes at 11:59pm on February 23. Your feedback will help guide the City Council through the decision-making process.

Novato Repair Fair and Clothing Swap

Do you have a lamp, small appliance, electronics, clothing, or bike in need of repair? Join Zero Waste Marin, Reuse Alliance, and City of Novato for a free Repair Fair on Saturday, March 8 from 12pm – 4pm at Novato City Hall. Bring an item and work collaboratively with a Repair Coach to try to fix it – keeping useful items out of the landfill. Pre-registration is requested to ensure that the right coaches are available. The event will also feature a clothing swap, where you can bring clean, preloved clothing and accessories in good condition and exchange them.

Save Energy, Save Money

Taking small steps to conserve energy can make a big difference in reducing energy costs. Open your curtains during the day to let in sunlight, and close them at night to keep the cold out; unplug unused appliances; switch to energy-efficient LED lights; seal leaks around doors and windows; lower your thermostat at night or when you're away; and set your water heater to 120°F. 

MCE and PG&E customers can also take advantage of HomeIntel, a free program offering personalized plans and expert coaching to save even more!

Novato Proudly Celebrates Black History Month

This Black History Month, we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our state and nation in countless ways through centuries of struggle and triumph. This yearʼs theme is 'African Americans and Labor', which highlights the impact of the often neglected work and accomplishments of the African American community. 

Let us reflect on our shared history, and draw inspiration from the progress made as we continue together on the path toward equality, liberty, and opportunity for all.

Marin County Office of Education: Digital Safety

Attention Novato Parents and Guardians! Are you looking for ways to better support your child’s mental health, well-being, and online safety? The Marin County Office of Education offers free virtual workshops and in-person events that focus on mental health, wellbeing, and online/digital safety. By participating, you can gain strategies to promote emotional resilience, improve family communication, and ensure your child’s safety in an increasingly digital world.

Don't miss out on these valuable opportunities to equip yourself with the tools to support your child’s growth and safety! Workshops are FREE, but advanced registration is required.

Upcoming Workshops:

February 27 | 6:15pm - 7:30pm

The Media and Having Difficult Conversations with Your Child

March 4 | 3:45pm - 5pm

Supporting Healthy Masculinity in Our Schools

Novato Historical Guild: Birth of the Hamilton Army Field

In the late 1920’s, the War Department built an Army Air Corps base on Novato’s Marin Meadows — a 776-acre pea, sugar beet and grain farm. The County of Marin purchased the property from the California Packing Company, along with an adjoining 160-acre parcel, and turned it over to the Army. To finance the acquisition, the Board of Supervisors sought and received voter approval for a 40-cent override tax.  

Construction began in 1931, and on May 12, 1935, Hamilton Army Airfield was officially dedicated. Brigadier General Hap Arnold called it the “most modern, best-equipped airfield in the United States.

Interested in learning more about Novato's history? The Novato Historical Guild operates two museums — Novato History Museum, located at 815 DeLong Avenue, and The Hamilton Field History Museum, located at 555 Hangar Avenue. Both museums are open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12-4pm. For more information, please call (415) 382-8614 or go to novatohistory.org.

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.

February 10 at 7pm | Planning Commission - Cancelled

February 11 at 6pm | City Council

February 13 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator - Cancelled

February 19 at 7pm | Design Review Commission

February 24 at 7pm | Planning Commission

February 25 at 6pm | City Council

February 26 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

February 27 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

City of Novato Administrative Offices Holiday Closure

The City of Novato Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents' Day.⁠

As always, upcoming City meetings, events and closures can be found online at novato.org/calendar. 

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

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

Central Administration

• Principal/Senior Management Analyst (Full Time) - deadline to apply is March 2

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Parks & Recreation

• Lifeguard (Part Time)
• Recreation Leader (Part Time)
• Swim Instructor (Part Time)

Police

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

Top Stories from Our Previous Edition

New Year Message from City Manager Amy Cunningham

Local Sales Tax Rate Update