Gary Bell

The closed session meeting addressed three primary items under legal counsel review. These included a conference regarding one anticipated litigation case, a conference concerning existing litigation titled 'Jane Doe (LP) v. Doe 1, et al.' in the Marin County Superior Court, and a review of a liability claim filed by Karol Kadel against the City of Novato. No report was provided for the liability claims.

The document appears to be a presentation, possibly an annual report or overview, from the City of Novato and the Novato Chamber of Commerce. Key areas highlighted include general community service, connection and collaboration initiatives, progress on Measure M, public safety and emergency response, the SAFE Team, NovatoFun for All programs, support for the Permit Center, small business support (mentioning Dutch Bros Coffee and Wine Down), and various housing projects (including mixed-use developments and Habitat for Humanity projects) and street improvements.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. A donation from the Novato Gymnastics Boosters was presented. Key actions included approving the final agenda and the consent calendar items. Consent items involved waiving the reading of ordinances by title, adopting resolutions for grant applications (STEP grant for up to $178,500 and Cannabis Tax Fund Grant for up to $130,000), accepting completion of roof replacement projects for the Margaret Todd Senior Center and Downtown Recreation Center/Novato Gymnastics Center, receiving the progress report on the fourth quarter 2025 Strategic Plan, and authorizing an examination of confidential tax records for the Economic Development Strategic Plan preparation. Under General Business, the Council received and filed the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and adopted a resolution authorizing a $94,121 transfer from Emergency and Disaster Response Reserve Funds to replenish the general fund's negative unassigned fund balance.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the final agenda. Key discussions included adopting a resolution to authorize a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprises for body worn cameras, fleet cameras, TASER devices, and drone technology, and receiving and filing the second quarter payment register report for October, November, and December 2025. A public hearing was conducted regarding an appeal of the Community Development Director's decision to approve a heritage tree removal permit for a property on Parkwood Drive, which ultimately resulted in the approval of the permit. Additionally, the Council adopted a resolution awarding a professional services contract for the Economic Development Strategic Plan to Good City Company, and appointments were made to various regional, state, and local commissions, committees, and boards, including establishing primary members and alternates for several associations.

The key business item addressed during the meeting was the interview and subsequent appointment to fill the vacant City Council seat for District 5. Following interviews with four candidates, the Council reached a consensus to appoint Sandeep Karkal to the position. The agenda approval was also completed, and the City Council provided reports on recent meetings and events.