Novato Seats New City Council, Names New Mayor

NOVATO, CA- Today, the City Council held its annual reorganization, which included the swearing-in of a returning councilmember and two newly-elected councilmembers, recognition of two outgoing councilmembers, and the appointment of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.

The meeting began with the certification of the results for the November 3 municipal election and was followed by the swearing-in of Councilmember Eric Lucan, returning to begin his second term, and newly-elected councilmembers Pam Drew and Josh Fryday—who was sworn into office by his mother, Robyn.

Councilmembers recognized and thanked outgoing Mayor Jeanne MacLeamy and Councilmember Madeline Kellner for their service. MacLeamy was elected to the Council in 2003 and served as Mayor for three terms. Kellner, who announced in July that she was seeking re-election, was elected in 2007 and served as Mayor in 2011.

“It has been my privilege to serve the residents of Novato for these past 12 years on the City Council,” said Mayor MacLeamy. “The people that I have met, the friendships that I have made, and the things that we have accomplished—I will always cherish. I look forward to great adventures ahead and I wish this new council and exceptional city staff well in the days ahead.”

“It has been a rewarding eight years,” said Councilmember Kellner. “With the leadership of staff and City Council, and a very supportive community, we achieved much during very challenging economic times. Novato is in good shape and I wish the Council and staff all the best as they keep the City moving in a positive direction for all the people of Novato.”

Following the farewell remarks, the new council elected Mayor Pro Tem Pat Eklund as the new Mayor, and Councilmember Denise Athas as Mayor Pro Tem. This will be the sixth term Eklund has served as Mayor.

“I am honored to serve as Novato’s Mayor,” said Mayor Eklund. “It is a privilege to serve the community and I look forward to enhancing our engagement with the public.”

Mayor Eklund presented outgoing Mayor MacLeamy with the Gavel Plaque and a congressional recognition from 2nd District Congressman Jared Huffman. Each councilmember was invited to make a statement and upon close of the meeting, the community was invited to join the new Council for cake and refreshments.

Novato is a “general law” city, which means its governance structure is specified by state law, and its Council selects the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem (or 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.

The first meeting of the new council will be December 15. Video of the reorganization will be available on the City’s website, novato.org, on Dec. 9. For more information on the City Council, go to: novato.org/government/citycouncil.

– The above announcement was submitted for publication by the City of Novato.