Neighbor News
Mayor’s Monthly - May
Novato's Mayor Eric Lucan shares city news, events and meetings on the horizon, and on occasion a few spontaneous thoughts.
On my Mind (a few random thoughts)
This past Saturday the Novato community came together to celebrate the life of a true community servant and a dear friend Rick Wernick. Looking at the standing room only crowd that filled the auditorium at Presbyterian Church of Novato, it was clear that Rick’s influence was truly community wide.
I had gotten to know Rick several years ago, but we connected the most when he served as the President of the Novato Chamber of Commerce. We met monthly to chat about Novato issues at Mi Pueblo in Downtown. Our Taco Tuesday meetings quickly turned into tradition and although we intended to talk about topics and issues that might be coming before the council, we spent more time chatting about life, family, and the Giants. When Rick found out that I was a dad-to-be, that became the topic of conversation. Rick wore a lot of hats and served in many different roles and capacities throughout his life, but listening to him talk about fatherhood, it became quite clear which role he cherished most.
Rick, we miss you and can’t thank you enough for your contributions to Novato and your friendship.
Find out what's happening in Novatofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Around Town (happenings in Novato)
Tour of Novato - Saturday, May 4th
The Tour of Novato and Community Fair are annual Novato-wide celebrations of our schools, and a fundraiser to support them. The Tour of Novato has raised $916,000 for Novato Schools since 2008. Let’s push that total to over $1 Million this year. There is still time to sign-up or to simply support others who have already registered. Register, Donate, or Sponsor here: https://www.tourofnovato.org/2019/
Cinco de Micro Novato Brewfest - Saturday, May 4th
Join a variety of local micro brewers in Downtown Novato for the first ever ever Cinco de Microbrew Fest! This street festival will feature over twenty craft brews, a lineup of local bands and a range of awesome food vendors letting you enjoy the sunshine and kick-off your summer. Tickets are $15 which includes four taste tokens and and a commemorative glass mug. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://cincodemicronovato.com/
Find out what's happening in Novatofor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Downtown Farmer’s Market - Begins Tuesday, May 7th
Enjoy the Farmer’s Market under the oaks and enjoy delicious food, fresh produce, live music and more! Located at the Downtown Novato Shopping Center, 7th St. & Grant Ave., behind CVS Pharmacy. More info at www.communityfarmersmarkets.com
Memorial Day Remembrance at Valley Memorial Park - Monday, May 27th
Since 1982, Valley Memorial Park has hosted a Memorial Day Remembrance. Join the Novato Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7816, along with other Veteran groups, the Novato High School Air Force ROTC, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts troops, Novato Elks Lodge, Novato Police Department, and the Novato Fire Department. The event begins at 7:45AM on Memorial Day.
On the Agenda (upcoming at the City Council)
Below are a few key items and updates that are coming up at a future council meeting in May. Because dates tend to change, be sure to check the City Council agendas here (https://novato.org/government/city-council/agendas-minutes/city-council-agendas-minutes).
In May, we will have a Special Council Meeting on Monday, May 13th and then our regular Council Meetings will be on Tuesday, May 14th and Tuesday, May 21st. Here are some key topics that are coming up soon:
2019 / 2020 Budget
We have scheduled a special city council meeting for Monday, May 13th at 7PM to receive a presentation and provide input on the proposed 19/20 budget. Learn more here: https://novato.org/government/finance/city-budget
District Elections
At our last council meeting, we got our first look at some draft maps. On the 14th, we will look at some revised maps and some new maps and attempt to narrow it down from there with the plan to adopt an ordinance on May 21st. Learn more at https://novato.org/government/city-clerk/district-based-city-elections
Cannabis Regulations
In May, we are also planning to hold a public hearing on a Cannabis Tax Ordinance. Prior to that, our Planning Commission will be holding a Commercial Cannabis Land Use and Taxing Community Workshop on Monday, May 6th at 7PM to review draft proposals to regulate and tax commercial cannabis facilities in the city. Learn more here: https://novato.org/about-novato/hot-topics/cannabis-marijuana-regulations
