Mayor's Weekly (Sept 15- Sept 21)

On my Mind
This coming Tuesday we will be discussing an otherwise “quiet” topic and that’s quiet zones at crossing along the SMART line. This should be a great discussion and we do hope to hear from the community. The term “quiet zones” is probably better stated as a “no horn rule” instead of just “quiet zones” as either way the noise of the signals and trains will still be heard. However, if a quiet zone is implemented, the train operator would be instructed not to blow the horn when coming through intersections.

Sounds like an easy decision—isn’t less noise better than more noise? I think most would agree, but there is one other major factor to be considered: LIABILITY. If the City of Novato were to apply for quiet zones, would we be assuming any liability in the case of an accident which might have been avoided if the horn had blown? That appears to be one of the main questions we will start to discuss on Tuesday. If you are planning to come or are just curious in the topic, I highly recommend reading the staff report on the topic here as well this document from SMART about “quiet zones”. The good news is that it if Novato does apply, there is plenty of time to implement the zones before the trains start rolling.

Please comment below with regards to your thoughts? Do you think Novato should apply for quiet zones if it comes with certain risks? How much risk is acceptable?

Around Town
Student Interview and a Football Game – On Saturday, I met with 3 Marin Catholic seniors from Novato for a Q&A session at Dr. Insomniacs (picture). They are working on a class project regarding city government. They had some great questions and the meeting gave me an opportunity to hear feedback as well. I also was able to attend the Novato High vs. Marin Catholic football game later in the day. Novato kept the game real close, but MC pulled away at the end.

Marin National Electric Drive Week – At our council meeting last Tuesday, we presented a proclamation to Dale Miller of the Golden Gate Electric Vehicle Association declaring the past week as Electric Drive Week. The week concluded today with a great event at the Marin Civic Center featuring several makes and models of electric vehicles and a motorcycle available for viewing and test drives (pictures). It was great to see Assemblymember Levine there and so many individuals checking out the great EVs.

The Week Ahead
Monday (September 22)
Planning Commission – 7:00PM (City Hall)

Boards & Commission Interviews – 6:30PM (City Offices)

Tuesday (September 23)
City Council Meeting – 6:30PM (City Hall)