Councilmember's Column (Mar 23 - Mar 29)

On my Mind
Railroad crossings in Novato will be a little bit quieter in the near future thanks to a coordinated effort by residents, city staff, SMART, and the city council. At our council meeting last Tuesday, we approved moving forward with a Notice of Intent to establish a Quiet Zone in Novato prior to the start of SMART service. By establishing a quiet zone, train operators will refrain from sounding their horn as they approach crossings.

You may have noticed some additional infrastructure going in around the crossings in town (curbed lane dividers, extra gates, etc). SMART has been making these improvements make the crossings “quiet zone” ready. The next step was for the City of Novato to approve filing a Notice of Intent with the Federal Railroad Administration to establish the zones.

The process was a great example of a community working together including constructive feedback from residents, excellent analysis by staff, and thorough discussions amongst the City Council. Who’s ready for the train?

Around Town
New City Website – The City of Novato has a new website and it looks great. The improved navigation should make it easier to find and search for content. Residents can even report maintenance issues or potholes. Check it out at www.cityofnovato.org.

Bay Area Autism Awareness Day – This Thursday, April 2, is Autism Awareness Day. There will be an event at Vintage Oaks starting at 6PM that includes an art exhibit / fundraiser at NH2 Salon and the Annual Autism Awareness Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hopmonk Tavern with special guests Temple Grandin and Congressman Jared Huffman. Learn more at www.bayareaautismawarenessday.com.

The Week Ahead
Tuesday (March 31)
MVMCC Meeting – 6:30PM (MVMCC)

Saturday (April 4)
EGG-Stravaganza – 11:00AM (Civic Green)
http://downtownnovato.com/events/eggstravaganza-2015/

Sunday (April 5)
Easter Sunday