The latest news from the City of Mill Valley
March 18, 2020
COVID-19 UPDATE
City Council Adopts a Resolution Proclaiming a Local Emergency
On Monday, March 16, 2020, the City Council adopted a Resolution proclaiming a Local Emergency for the City of Mill Valley in response to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The proclamation of local emergency will mobilize resources, accelerate emergency planning, streamline staffing, and allow for future reimbursement by the state and federal governments. Additionally, the proclamation reinforces City staff's role as Disaster Service Workers so that we can be confident that our local readiness efforts are as robust as possible to protect the health of our community.  Learn more about the City's Response Plan.
A Message from Fire Chief Tom Welch
"We'd like to remind community members that in an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. We ask that you do NOT call 9-1-1 for non-medical questions related to COVID-19. Our Communications Center has been inundated with general information phone calls regarding COVID-19."

If you have general, non-medical questions about COVID-19 and the new Shelter in Place Order, please contact Marin Health and Human Services by calling 415-473-7191 weekdays (9:30 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m.) or emailing  COVID-19@marincounty.org . Marin Health and Human Services also has an informative COVID-19 website here.
City Facilities & Services
Since Monday, March 16, all City facilities have been closed to the public, with a shift in services, where possible, to online, phone, and appointment only. The links below provide more details on each location and services that remain available:
Library-in-Place
Mill Valley Library Is Closed Thru April 7 But Many of Its Resources Are Available Online

The Library offers many resources that can be accessed from the comfort of your home. You can read eBooks and listen to eAudiobooks on your devices, stay up to date with eMagazines (with no waiting in queues and no due dates), bypass the article-limit paywall at the New York Times website, and stream notable documentaries, foreign and independent films, and Great Courses and kids' content with Kanopy. Learn more.
Support for Our Local Mill Valley Businesses
Local Business and Community Organizations - What is open?
Who's open, who's closed, who's changing aspects of their business to best serve customers given the need for social distancing. The Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce has the latest.

Council Directs City Manager to Appoint a Business Support Task Force
Responding to concerns regarding the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mayor and City Council, on Monday night, directed Acting City Manager/Chief of Police Alan Piombo to appoint an ad-hoc committee made up of members of the business community, Chamber of commerce, City staff and two Council representatives to pursue immediate mitigation and relief of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on local businesses. The Task Force had its first meeting today. More to come soon - stay tuned.
A Call for Kindness Amidst Isolation & Social Distancing
Now is the perfect moment to check in on your relatives and neighbors, particularly those over 65 and with underlying health issues. Read more.
Staying Emotionally Connected While Following Shelter-In-Place and Social Distancing 
The Bay Area's shelter-in-place orders in place from March 17 to April 7 could lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Social distancing recommendations do not mean emotional distancing. Remember, it's possible to stay connected during this time. Learn more. 
And Since Everyone is Talking About Toilet Paper...
A friendly reminder from your Wastewater Treatment Plant

As good community members and stewards of the environment, let's remember to flush only human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Paper towels and disposable wipes are a continuing problem for our sewer pipes. Learn more.
How to Protect Yourself from Telephone Scams
During difficult times, scammers take advantage of people's feelings of anxiety and stress...
The Mill Valley Police Department often receives calls from the public regarding scam phone calls and suspicious emails. We've created a diagram describing the most common scams reported to us and tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Learn more.
In Other, Non-COVID-19 News....
Sycamore Park Restroom Discussion Postponed
The City held a community meeting on March 5 to gather input from the community on the project, which proposes to place a new public restroom in Sycamore Park. The item was originally planned for Council discussion at the upcoming March 16 meeting, but has been postponed.  Learn more
Mill Valley City Council Election Results and Council Transition
Congratulations are in order for Mayor Jim Wickham, Vice Mayor Sashi McEntee, and Councilmembers-elect Urban Carmel and Tricia Ossa. We would also like to congratulate Councilmember Stephanie Moulton-Peters, who has served three terms on the Mill Valley City Council, and has won the seat of Supervisor, representing District 3 on the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

In past years, the Councilmember transition (which will be on April 6, 2020) has been a festive event with friends and family thanking and acknowledging Councilmembers that are leaving, welcoming new Councilmembers, and holding a swearing-in ceremony. This year, we will still conduct the meeting, but we will postpone the celebration.

At the meeting, we will follow the Public Health Order to only conduct essential City business. We will have a minimal number of individuals present - most will participate remotely.

We hope that you will join us when we may all gather again. Until then, learn how to participate in City Council meetings remotely.
Provide Your Input for the City's ADA Transition Plan
Access to civic life in the City of Mill Valley by all users of the City's facilities, programs, and services is one of the highest priorities of the City. To ensure that this goal is met, the City performed an extensive review of its programs, services, and activities for conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The City is taking this opportunity to reach out to the community to provide feedback on what matters are of highest importance to you. Please complete this online survey by April 3, 2020.
What is the East Blithedale Avenue Rehabilitation Project?
This project will rehabilitate aging infrastructure and improve multimodal access to local residential, school, and business areas along East Blithedale Avenue.  Learn more
Eco-Tips - LEDs are the Best Way to Light Your Home
Change light bulbs to LEDs.
CFLs use 25-35% of the energy used by incandescent bulbs, but if you really want to make the biggest environmental impact on the environment, choosing LEDs is the way to go. Residential LEDs, especially those rated by ENERGY STAR, use over 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. For a higher initial output, you save money and our environment in the long term.
Teach @ Mill Valley Recreation!
Announcing a Call for Class Proposals for Fall 2020

The Mill Valley Recreation Department is hosting a Call for Proposals for our Fall 2020 Class Session
Want to teach for Mill Valley Recreation? Now is the time to apply!

We need instructors for all types of programs including, after-school enrichment, adult/senior education, arts, crafts, STEM, fitness, music, outdoor recreation and specialty classes. We are looking for qualified, experienced instructors with more than 2 years teaching experience.  Learn more.
Reviews
City Council Meeting - March 16, 2020

The City Council:

Adopted resolutions:
  • Proclaiming a Local Emergency for Mill Valley Related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 
  • Approving the 2020 Street Rehabilitation Plans and Specifications and accepting the filing of a CEQA Notice of Exemption and Authorizing the City Manager to Award the Bid, Execute a Contract with the Lowest Responsive Bidder. 
  • Approving the 2020 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Plans and Specifications and Accepting the Filing of a CEQA Notice of Exemption and Authorizing the City Manager to Award the Bid and Execute a Contract with the Lowest Responsive Bidder.
  • Accepting the 2019 Fire Access Improvements Project: Rose Avenue & Hazel Avenue and Marion Avenue & Hazel Avenue, CIP 18-3, as Complete and Recommending Next Priority Locations. 
  • Approving the Labor Agreement Memorandum of Understanding with the Mill Valley Police Officers Association.  
 
Receive the Statement of General Fund Revenue and Expenditures as of June 30, 2019. 
Consideration of a Budget Adjustment to the Mill Valley Fire Department Overtime Budget.

Interim City Manager's Report:
  • COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update
  • Update Regarding the March 3, 2020 Election 
  • Overview of the Upcoming City Council Transition Plan 
Planning Commission Meeting - March 10, 2020

The Planning Commission: 

  • 69/71 Lovell Avenue - Tentative Parcel Map Application - The applicant proposes a two-unit condominium subdivision for two new residential units. This item was approved by the Planning Commission.  
  • 78 East Blithedale Avenue - Conditional Use Permit - The applicant proposes to permit existing professional office and commercial uses to exceed 1,500 square feet consistent with Municipal Code Section 20.40.030.R. and one tenant space with an existing professional office use located at the street level (Sutton Suzuki Architects - 39 Forrest Street, Suite 101) consistent with Municipal Code Section 20.40.030.P which requires approval of a CUP. The CUP request is to create flexibility for existing or future tenants to modify the existing interior office space configuration. No change to type of use, exterior modifications, or existing off-street parking is proposed. This item was approved by the Planning Commission.
  • 590 East Blithedale Avenue - Tree Removal Permit - The applicant proposes to remove five (5) non-heritage trees along the property's Camino Alto frontage, one of which is dead. The trees to be removed are large Blackwood Acacia and Red Ironbark species that are causing damage to the public sidewalk and sewer. This item was approved by the Planning Commission.
We recognize that this is a rapidly changing situation, and we will continue to adapt to and monitor the situation, and communicate to our community in order to support the health and safety of everyone. 

As we prepare and plan, we also recognize the communities across the globe impacted by this crisis. We hold them in our thoughts and hope for containment soon.