Novato City Clerk

The primary discussion focused on identifying and discussing potential priority sustainability actions to recommend for implementation during Fiscal Year 2025-26, in anticipation of the draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) review by the Council on September 23, 2025. Commissioners recommended a range of foundational, low-cost, and high-impact CAP actions for the upcoming fiscal year. Reports highlighted the upcoming opening of the Reuse Hub in Petaluma, an MCE-sponsored contractor training academy on decarbonization, and a recently completed report on community-based climate mitigation strategies.

The meeting included the introduction of a new staff liaison, Principal Management Analyst Kate McCoy. Key discussions centered on drafting the Housing and Homeless Committee Workplan for FY 2025/26, where members directed staff to incorporate exploration of options for permanent and temporary emergency shelter/parking areas, revisions to municipal code amendment language affecting housing and homelessness, and homelessness prevention. The committee also received an update on the Tiny Homes Report, noting the City Council had received it without comment. Furthermore, a study session provided an overview of the draft 'Just Cause' Tenant Protection Ordinance, with committee feedback concerning proposed restrictions, exemptions, and per diem amounts to be incorporated into the report for the City Council.

General business included the introduction of new city staff, including the Assistant City Manager and Acting Interim Public Works Director. The committee received an update on the master plan list, discussing the status of various projects and the potential inclusion of a priority ranking column. An update was provided on the Parametrix report concerning Safe Routes to School, which included early draft concept plans for locations near schools. Traffic Engineer updates covered traffic calming measures for Ignacio Blvd at Entrada Dr due to crash history, proposed intersection delineation improvements at Redwood Blvd/Ranch Dr to resolve driver confusion, and recent updates to speed limits influenced by state law changes like AB 43 and AB 1938. Future topics identified included discussions on smart path segments and Caltrans-owned pathways.

The meeting agenda included a welcome and call to order, followed by the approval of the final agenda. General public comments were scheduled for discussion items not listed on the published agenda. General business covered a workshop for the Zoning of Pavement Projects, consideration of Pavement Options for 2026, and an update on the Olive Avenue Widening project. The committee also planned for future topics and received updates from committee members and liaisons, including the date for the next scheduled meeting.

The meeting agenda included routine consent items, public comment where speakers had a three-minute limit, and general business. Key discussion points in general business involved the introduction of Commissioner Susan Wernick, consideration and approval of the 2026 Economic Development Advisory Commission Calendar, and receiving an update on the Economic Development Advisory Commission 2025-2026 Work Plan. Staff reports detailed options for adjusting the July and August 2026 meeting dates due to holidays and potential scheduling conflicts.