February 2024

Welcome to the City of Novato's monthly newsletter! This issue features Novato's new Public Works Director, upcoming 2024 State of the City Address, information about Novato's budget deficit, upcoming Parks & Recreation events, Pop-Up Police Station Events, how to report illegal dumping, 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.

Novato Hires Public Works Director

The City of Novato welcomes Nick Nguyen as the City’s next Public Works Director overseeing the engineering, maintenance, and administration divisions. Nguyen’s background in Public Works includes project development, budgeting, engineering, construction management, and maintenance and operations.

“I am very excited to join the Novato family,” said Nguyen. “It is a privilege to serve this wonderful community with an opportunity to enhance every facet of Public Works services and project delivery. I look forward to being part of the City’s continued vibrancy, with an eye on the future while honoring the past.”

Nguyen begins his new role on February 12.

Save the Date — 2024 State of the City Address

Presented annually by the Novato Chamber of Commerce, Novato's 2024 State of the City Address will be held in person on Tuesday, March 19, 5pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue. Discussion will include a look back on 2023 and highlights of upcoming projects and programs for the new year.

Unable to join us in person? You can watch the State of the City live at novato.org/watchmeetings. A recording of the event will also be available. This event is FREE and open to the public. 

Presentado cada ano por la Cámara de Comercio de Novato, el discurso sobre el estado de la ciudad de Novato en 2024 se hará presencialmente en la municipalidad de Novato, 901 Sherman Avenue a las 5pm el 19 de Marzo. El discurso incluirá una mirada para atrás al 2023 y detalles destacados de los próximos proyectos y programas para el año nuevo.

¿No puede asistir en persona? También puede mirar el discurso sobre el estado de la Ciudad en vivo en novato.org/watchmeetings. Una grabación del evento también estará disponible. Este evento es GRATIS y abierto al público.

Novato, did you know?

Novato is experiencing an ongoing and growing budget deficit, which will continue to grow without a reduction of city services or enhanced revenue for the city. The City has been forced to cut staffing positions, and COVID recovery funding can no longer support essential services such as police patrols, 9-1-1 response, street repairs, and park maintenance. As Novato seeks sustainable budget solutions to protect these services, make your voice heard at novato.org/localfunding.

Summer Activity Guide Coming Soon

Get ready for a summer packed with #NovatoFun! The Novato Parks and Recreation Summer 2024 Activity Guide hits the virtual shelves next month on Thursday, March 14.

The guide will be overflowing with fun events, camps, classes, and more for the best summer yet. 

Spring Trash to Treasures Flea Market

Make space in your home for the things that matter! The Margaret Todd Senior Center is hosting its Spring "Trash to Treasures" Flea Market on Saturday, March 23. Sell your second-hand items by renting a booth from us for an affordable fee! Booths are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and will fill up quick, so sign up today! Click below to apply or stop by the Margaret Todd Senior Center.

Spring Magic Show

Get ready for a day of enchantment on Saturday, February 24! Join Novato Parks & Recreation for a FREE Spring Magic Show at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue. Immerse yourself in a world of wonder and amazement!

To accommodate everyone, we're now offering TWO time slots — 10am or 11:30am. No reservations are required, so simply pick the time that suits you best and witness the magic right before your eyes.

For more information call 415.899.8290.

Novato Police Department Pop-Up Police Station Events

The Novato Police Department (NPD) is introducing a series of new Pop-Up Police Station events at different locations throughout Novato.

Connect with NPD’s chief of police, police officers and dispatchers for an opportunity to learn more about the services they provide. The event will include a short presentation and an opportunity for our community to visit with Novato Police staff members. There will also be a chance to provide feedback to create a more targeted approach in building positive relationships. 

Coming to a location near YOU, in one of our four patrol areas:

• Thursday, 2/29 | 5pm - 6pm | North Marin Community Services (680 Wilson Avenue)
• Monday, 3/18 | 6pm - 7pm | New Life Church (1370 S. Novato Boulevard)
• April: Location coming soon

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La Policía de Novato (NPD) realizará una serie de nuevos eventos de “estaciones de policía ambulantes” en diferentes ubicaciones de la ciudad. 

Conozca al Jefe de Policía/Oficiales de Policía/Despachadores/etc. para tener la oportunidad de aprender más sobre los servicios que brindamos. El evento incluirá una breve presentación y la oportunidad para que los residentes conozcan a los miembros del personal de la policía de Novato que trabajan en el área. También habrá la oportunidad de brindar comentarios para construir relaciones más positivas con la estación de Policía

Invitamos a los miembros de nuestra comunidad a unirse a nosotros en las siguientes ubicaciones. Próximas fechas en Novato:

• Jueves, 2/29 | 5pm - 6pm | North Marin Community Services (680 Wilson Avenue)
• Lunes, 3/18 | 6pm - 7pm | New Life Church (1370 S. Novato Boulevard)
• Abril: Ubicación por determinar

Help Keep Novato Clean - Report Illegal Dumping

Help keep Novato clean by reporting illegal dumping on public property, and other non-emergency requests, at novato.org/servicerequest.

Our online reporting tool is the easiest way to notify City staff of requests for trash or debris removal (illegal dumping), pothole repair, tree maintenance, traffic signal issues, graffiti abatement and other non-emergency issues. If you see these types of issues around town, don’t ignore it — report it! Requests submitted through the Service Request Tool are routed directly to the appropriate staff member for handling and ensures the most efficient response possible.

Planning on doing some spring cleaning? Be sure to dispose of old items responsibly. Take advantage of Recology’s four free bulky item pickups per year for residential customers. Additionally, Conservation Corps North Bay operates the Bye Bye Mattress program, which offers a free drop off location in Bel Marin Keys, 11 Pimentel Court. Check their websites for additional details.

Novato Proudly Celebrates Black History Month

This Black History Month, we celebrate the achievements by Black Americans and recognize their central role in U.S. history. This year's theme is African Americans and the Arts, exploring the key influence African Americans have had in the field of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion and more. As we embrace the diversity that defines our community, we invite you to acknowledge Novatans who have positively shaped our community. Visit novatoproud.com to submit your nominations and honor those who exemplify the spirit of unity.

Diablo and DeLong Avenues Road Work & Construction

Construction has begun on the Diablo and DeLong Avenues Corridor Enhancements project. Road work will take place Monday - Friday from 7am-5pm, and is scheduled to be completed on March 11, 2024. Schedule is weather permitting.

As part of this work, safety improvements on the Diablo Avenue / DeLong Avenue corridor between Novato Boulevard and Reichert Avenue include:

• New roadway signage;
• Striping;
• Minor concrete-curb work;
• Improved pedestrian access;
• Increased visibility of traffic signals; and 
• Curb ramp ADA upgrades.

RK Engineering, contractor for this project, will make every effort to maintain normal traffic access and minimize disruption.

Questions? Please contact RK Engineering’s on-site foreman, Jose Lozada, at (707) 495-9017. For after-hours emergencies, please contact Tom Tierney at (415) 420-9993.

Additional project information is available at novato.org/pwprojects.

The Novato Historical Guild: Quarterly Membership Meeting

Novato resident, Ed Ryken, will be the featured speaker at the Novato Historical Guild's quarterly membership meeting on March 16, 10am-12pm at Novato City Hall, 901 Machin Avenue.

Mr. Ryken, a National Park Service-Designated Citizen Scientist for Alcatraz, Presidio Officers Club, and the Farallones Marine Sanctuary, will present a talk titled "This Old Rock: The 500-year Story of How Alcatraz Transformed the Bay Area and the World."  

Interested in learning more about Novato's history? The Novato Historical Guild operates two museums — Novato History Museum, located in the 1850 Postmaster’s House, 815 DeLong Avenue, and The Hamilton Field History Museum, located in the 1935 Hamilton Firehouse, 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.

City of Novato Sustainability

Save Energy. Save Money.

Using energy efficiently is not only better for the environment, but can also save you money. Avoid running appliances (washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, etc.) during peak hours from 4pm-9pm daily to help shrink your energy bill. PG&E offers several tools and tips to create an energy efficient home, including a free, online Home Energy Checkup. For qualifying single-family homeowners and renters, MCE’s Home Energy Savings program provides a free home energy assessment, upgrades that may increase your home value and lower your energy bill, and energy-saving gifts at no cost.

B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own BAG)

Plastic grocery bags cannot be recycled in Recology’s blue recycling bins and if placed in the bin, they can get wrapped around recycling sorting equipment and slow down the recovery process. 

Bringing your own bag helps to reduce waste, and by using your own bags at the supermarket, you’ll save $0.10 per bag. Just remember to place the bags on your front doorknob after shopping, and they’ll be ready to use next time!

Adopt-a-Spot

The Adopt-a-Spot program supports and encourages volunteers to help keep our City beautiful by picking up litter in public spaces including sidewalks, gutters, storm drain inlets, and parks. Volunteers can either choose their own spot to adopt or select a spot from a group of pre-selected public spaces where litter accumulates.

Volunteers are provided with an Adopt-a-Spot kit, which includes a bucket, gloves, trash bags, a grabber, safety vest, and first aid kit. To sign up, please email: sustainability@novato.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 12 at 7pm | Planning Commission - Cancelled

February 13 at 6pm | City Council

February 14 at 5pm | Joint Special Meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Commission & Finance Advisory Commission

February 15 at 7:30am | Finance Advisory Commission - Cancelled

February 15 at 6pm | Sustainability Commission

February 21 at 7pm | Design Review Commission

February 22 at 7:30am | Finance Advisory Commission - Special Meeting

February 22 at 2pm | Zoning Administrator

February 26 at 7pm | Planning Commission

February 27 at 6pm | City Council

February 28 at 6pm | Multicultural Advisory Commission

February 29 at 6pm | Recreation, Cultural and Community Services Commission - Special Meeting

We're Hiring — Join Our Team!

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

• City Manager - The Novato City Council has retained Bob Murray & Associates to facilitate the recruitment for a new City Manager. Please review the Recruitment Brochure for information on how to apply. Filing deadline is March 3, 2024.

• New! Human Resources Manager (Full Time) - application period closes February 18

Please note the following positions will remain open until filled.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services



• New! Head Lifeguard (Part Time)
• New! Lifeguard (Part Time)
• New! Swim Instructor (Part Time)
• Facility Attendant (Part Time)
• Gymnastics Instructor (Part Time)
• Recreation Leader (Part Time)

Police

• Fire Mitigation Ranger (Part Time)
• Police Intern (Part Time)
• Police Officer Trainee (Full Time)
• Police Officer - Lateral/Academy Graduate (Full Time)

Public Works

• Maintenance Worker (Full Time)

Visit novatojobs.org for more information and to apply.

City of Novato Administrative Offices Closed

The City of Novato Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.

This closures does not affect the Novato Police Department, which is open every day.

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

Top Stories from Our Previous Edition

Novato's New Adaptive Playgrounds Open at Pioneer Park

A Message from Interim City Manager Amy Cunningham