Novato Gets New Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem

NOVATO, CA -- The Novato City Council appointed councilmembers Denise Athas and Josh Fryday as the city's new mayor and mayor pro tem, respectively, during the Council's Dec. 6 meeting. Each will serve in that capacity for the next 12 months.

Novato is a “general law” city, meaning its governance structure is specified by state law, and its City Council selects the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem (aka Vice Mayor) for one-year terms. The mayor signs official documents, presides at Council meetings, and acts as the official head of the city at public and ceremonial occasions, but has no additional power on the Council.

Outgoing Mayor Pat Eklund passed the mayoral gavel to Athas during the Council’s annual reorganization meeting.

Athas, who was first elected to the Council in 2009, previously served as Novato's mayor in 2012. She's the immediate past president of the Marin County Council of Mayors & Councilmembers, and is the current president of the North Bay Division of the League of California Cities.

“Working with my colleagues on the Council, city staff, and our incredible community, I am looking forward to a productive year” Athas said.

Also during the meeting, Eklund, who just completed her sixth term as mayor, was presented with the “Gavel Plaque” by incoming Mayor Athas.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Novato community and am proud to have served as Mayor of the City of Novato this year," Eklund said. “I look forward to working with our team and our new mayor and mayor pro tem as we continue to face future challenges together.”

The Council also presented a proclamation to outgoing Assistant City Manager Cathy Capriola for her seven years of service to the Novato community. Capriola recently accepted the city manager position for the City of Sonoma, beginning January 9. Her last day in Novato city offices is December 9.

The first meeting of the reorganized Council is set for December 13.

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