Mayor's Weekly (Sept 29 - Oct 5)

On my Mind
The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have been out for a couple of weeks and already it is estimated that Apple has sold 20 million devices. I am not an iPhone user myself (Samsung Galaxy for me), but I am always amazed at how quickly we rush out to replace our antiquated (sarcasm), yet fully functional devices after just 2 years. While the technology does change quickly, does it warrant $199, plus tax on the full purchase price and probably a $30 activation fee from the service provider? Regardless, millions will upgrade their phones every year and that trend isn’t really slowing down (although “dumbphones” are apparently hip now: read article).

So what has me thinking about phone upgrades? Believe it or not, it’s Measure A, a $29 parcel tax measure for a new county wide public safety radio system that is coming up on the November ballot. The parcel tax requires a two-thirds vote and would overhaul the county’s communication system while keeping every agency on the same network. The current system is 10 years old, but was designed over 15 years ago. It still has some life left, but will not be able to meet some of the FCC’s technical requirements that will be in place in 2017. Further, in 2021, the radio authority will have to give its current UHF-T band frequencies.

Now is the time to pass the parcel tax to upgrade our emergency radio system. Some argue that money should have been set aside each year to build reserves for future replacements. While I fully support that argument, it is not a valid reason to oppose the measure.

Everyone enjoys having the latest and greatest technology and are quick to upgrade as soon as it becomes available. Now is an opportunity to make sure our first responders have the best communication system to continue to serve all residents of Marin County. For more information, visit http://www.marinfor911.com.

On another note, GO GIANTS! The last time I recall the Giants playing 18 innings was back in 2001 at AT&T Park. I happened to be at the game to well past 1AM when they eventually lost to the Diamondbacks. After Saturday’s game, I now have a good memory of an 18 inning game!

Around Town
Much to do at Margaret Todd – I enjoyed swinging by the Margaret Todd Senior Center for their Open House this past Saturday. Met so many great people and several folks from outside Novato who come to the center on a regular basis because of all the programs offered. We are very fortunate to have such an incredible center and active senior citizen’s club right here in Novato. Check out this site for more info: http://www.cityofnovato.org/index.aspx?page=560


The Week Ahead
Tuesday (October 7)
City Council Meeting – 6:00PM (City Hall)
**Starts at 6:00PM this week for quarterly agenda setting***

Thursday (October 9)
Recreation, Cultural, & Community Service Commission – 7:00PM (City Hall)

Save the Date:
Thursday (October 23)
Community Workshop for Community Based Transportation Plan – 5:30PM (City Hall)
http://www.novato.org/Index.aspx?page=637&recordid=1825