City of Novato

The council meeting addressed several proclamations, including Public Works Week, Police Week, and Water Safety Month. Key actions included approving a grant for the Redwood Boulevard Sidewalk Gap Closures project, authorizing a consultant services agreement for the Novato Boulevard Improvements, and establishing capital improvement projects eligible for state funding. The council also approved personnel reclassifications, a salary adjustment for the Police Chief, and designated specific parcels as surplus land. Public hearings were held to approve the Military Equipment Use Annual Report and authorize the prohibition of excavation on specific streets for paving projects. A study session was conducted on the Economic Development Strategic Plan and the preliminary FY26/27 Operating and Capital Budgets, and the council extended an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement regarding city-owned properties.

The council held a closed session to discuss the price and terms of payment for the property located at 1610 Novato Blvd with designated negotiators. Additionally, the council voted to initiate litigation regarding one potential case.

The Finance Advisory Commission meeting involved a self-assessment report, a preview of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget including Measure M allocations, and the creation of a Fiscal Year 2026/27 Workplan Ad Hoc Committee. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the Dashboard Ad Hoc Committee, the Finance Department's work plan for the upcoming quarter, and general staff updates. The commission also reviewed capital improvement project budget changes.

The commission agenda includes a staff presentation from the SMART General Manager, a report on the Business Visitation Program and the Economic Development Strategic Plan, and the consideration and adoption of the 2026-2027 Economic Development Advisory Commission Work Plan.

The commission reviewed the fiscal year 2025-26 work plan progress, reconvened the ad-hoc Funding Sub-Committee, and appointed members to the ad-hoc Energy Efficiency and Electrification Fair Planning Committee. Additionally, commissioners received a presentation regarding a student project focused on the climate impacts of fast fashion and received a status update on Climate Action Plan 2030 priorities. Reports were provided on portable solar initiatives, the recent success of the Reuse Alliance Repair Fair, and planning for an upcoming spring clean-up event.