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City Council
Agenda
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 6:00 PM
901 SHERMAN AVENUE
NOVATO, CA 94945
and
TELECONFERENCE
Mayor
Rachel Farac
Mayor Pro Tempore
Kevin Jacobs
Councilmembers
Pat Eklund
Tim O’Connor
Sandeep Karkal
City Manager
Amy Cunningham
City Attorney
Gary Bell
City Council meeting are usually held each month on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (415) 899-8986. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable accommodation to help ensure accessibility to this meeting.
The agenda is divided into three main sections and includes other categories covering routine business.
All references to “City Council” include those other agencies which may be listed at the top of the Agenda.
The City Council may discuss and/or take action on any or all of the items listed on the agenda irrespective of how the agenda items are described. The Council may establish and make appointments to a Council committee (made up of two Councilmembers) with respect to any item appearing on this agenda.
Supplemental Materials
Public Participation/Comment Instructions
Members of the Public may participate and provide public comments to meetings as follows:
• Written public comments may be submitted via eComment. Written public comments received more than 3 hours before the start of the meeting will be distributed to the Council prior to the meeting.
Written public comments will not be read during the meeting. • In-person public comments may be made at the meeting, which are held in the Novato City Council Chambers located at 901 Sherman Avenue.
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• Remote public comments will be accepted through the Zoom meeting platform and via telephone.
To address the Council orally, please read and follow the following instructions carefully:
1. Join the meeting at: https://bit.ly/4gieKXe
or
Join at Zoom.com
Meeting ID: 810 6950 5772
Password: 1960
Should the links above not work, please go to www.novato.gov/agendas for updated information a. You will be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you when it is your turn to speak. b. When the Mayor calls for public comment on the item on which you wish to speak, please use the “Raise Hand” feature by clicking on the hand icon at the bottom of your screen to notify the Host that you would like to speak.
c. The Host will unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified when it is their turn to speak. d. When called upon, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted by the Mayor or as specified on the agenda. Speakers will be muted when their time is up.
2. Join the meeting via telephone by calling (646) 558- 8656.
Meeting ID: 810 6950 5772
Password: 1960
a. When the Mayor calls for public comment on the item on which you wish to speak, press *9 to activate the “Raise Hand” feature to notify the Host that you would like to speak. b. The Host will unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified when it is their turn to speak. c. When called upon, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted by the Mayor or as specified on the agenda. Speakers will be muted when their time is up.
The Mayor has the authority to rule any speaker out of order, including speakers during the Public Comment period, if the subject raised is not within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, or during a public hearing or a general business item if the speaker is not presenting testimony or evidence relevant to the matter or if the speaker becomes disruptive to the proceedings and conduct of the meeting.
The Mayor also has the authority to order any person who willfully interrupts the meeting to be removed. All persons are expected to conduct themselves with civility and courtesy at all times. All persons giving comments shall speak directly to the Council and address issues, not individuals. Personal attacks, cursing and outbursts from the audience in support or opposition to a speaker are not tolerated in order to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome to speak
Closed Captions
Live closed captions are available. To access closed captions during the meeting, click on the CC icon available through Zoom.
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A. CONVENE, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, AND ROLL CALL
B. CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
C. CEREMONIAL MATTERS/PRESENTATIONS
C.1. Presentation: July 4th Parade Grand Prize Trophy
D. APPROVAL OF THE FINAL AGENDA
E. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL & CITY MANAGER
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
All members of the public wishing to address the City Council are requested to submit a speaker card in advance to the City Clerk. (Please remember that all comment cards are PUBLIC RECORDS).
The Mayor will call the names of speakers from the cards. In addition to receiving comment from the public during the Public Comment period, the Mayor will recognize persons from the audience who wish to address the City Council on a particular agenda item at the time that item is considered by the City Council.
There is a two-minute time limit to speak although the Mayor may shorten the time based on the number of speakers or other factors. A speaker may not yield his or her time to another speaker. For issues raised during Public Comment that are not on the published agenda, except as otherwise provided under the Ralph M. Brown Act, no action can legally be taken. The City Council may direct that the item be referred to the City Manager for action or may schedule the item on a subsequent agenda.
G. CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be acted upon by a single vote of the Council. There will be no separate discussion unless specific items are removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and action. Any Councilmember may remove an item from the Consent Calendar and place it under General Business for discussion.
G.1. Waive reading and authorize introductions and/or adoption of ordinances by title only this is a standard procedural action so that the City Council does not have to read an ordinance aloud in its entirety.
G.2. Approve the closed session special meeting minutes of July 20, 2026 Staff contact: Laura McDowall, City Clerk, 899-8986
Minutes - July 20, 2026
G.3. Approve the closed and open session meeting minutes of July 28, 2026 Staff contact: Laura McDowall, City Clerk, 899-8986
Minutes - July 28, 2026
G.4. Receive and file the Investment Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 Quarter 4 Staff contact: Giuliana Custode, Senior Accountant, 899-8900 Staff Report - Q4 25-26 Investment Report
Attachment 1 - Investment Report
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G.5. Adopt a resolution approving the Economic Development Advisory Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
Staff contact: Carla Hansen, Assistant City Manager, 899-8903 Staff Report - EDAC Workplan
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 - EDAC Workplan
G.6. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to (1) award a three-year contract for $300,000 to DC Electric Group, Inc., for traffic signal and traffic infrastructure maintenance services in an amount not to exceed $100,000 per fiscal year, (2) negotiate and approve non-substantive terms, administrative provisions, and minor scope updates in consultation with the City Attorney, and (3) approve up to two one-year contract extensions contingent on budget approval by City Council each fiscal year Staff contact: Christopher Benigni, Public Works Director, 899-8246 Staff Report - DC Electric Agreement Amendment
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 - Draft Maintenance Agreement
Attachment 3 - Marin County Agreement w - DC Electric
G.7. Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Scott House Renovations Project, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 26-017, subject to final administrative revisions and approval by the City’s Building Division that do not materially alter the scope of the Project; authorizing advertisement for construction bids following final approval by the City’s Building Division; and finding the Project categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) Staff contact: Elisa Sarlatte, Senior Civil Engineer, 899-8246 Staff Report - Scott House
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 - Vicinity Map
G.8. Adopt a resolution awarding a professional services agreement to KimleyHorn and Associates, Inc. for the North Redwood Boulevard and San Marin corridor studies in an amount not to exceed $692,399; authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement and approve amendments or additional services, as necessary, provided sufficient project funds are available and total project expenditures do not exceed the approved project budget of $818,000; and finding that approval of the professional services agreement is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262
Staff contact: Mahesh Yedluri, Deputy Public Works Director, 899-8246 Staff Report - North Redwood Blvd & San Marin Corridor Study Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 - Professional Services Agreement
Attachment 3 - Exhibit A - Scope of Services
Attachment 4 - Exhibit B - Cost Estimate
Attachment 5 - Budget Sheets
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G.9. Adopt a resolution ratifying Public Works Department's submission of an application for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG 4) County Program funding for the North Redwood Boulevard Corridor Study, authorizing acceptance of grant funds if awarded, and authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary grant agreements and related documents
Staff contact: Mahesh Yedluri, Deputy Public Works Director, 899-8246 Staff Report - OBAG Grant
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 - Submitted Application
G.10. Adopt a resolution awarding a construction contract for the Hamilton Amphitheater Park Playground Improvements, CIP Project No. 26-004, to Treaty Construction, as the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $332,950 and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute the construction contract and approve the contract changes within the authorized contingency
Staff contact: Petr Skala, Associate Engineer, 899-8246 Staff Report - Hamilton Amphitheater Park Playground Agreement Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 - Vicinity Map
Attachment 3 - Abstract of Bids
Attachment 4 - Draft Construction Contract
G.11. Adopt a resolution approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute the City of Novato’s response to the June 16, 2026, Marin County Civil Grand Jury report entitled, “MCE, Marin Clean Energy: A Series of Missteps Highlight Need for Governance Changes”
Staff contact: Gretchen Schubeck, Sustainability Coordinator II, 899-8900 Staff Report - Response to MCE Grand Jury Report
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution with Exhibit A
Attachment 2 - MCE Grand Jury Report
G.12. Adopt a resolution awarding a construction contract for the Novato Boulevard Improvements Project (CIP Project No. 01-004) to Team Ghilotti, Inc. (Team Ghilotti) in the amount of $16,824,357.50 as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the construction agreement and approve change orders within the authorized contingency; and approving an amendment to the FY2026/27 Capital Improvement Program budget in the amount of $16,824,357.50 Staff contact: Elisa Sarlatte, Senior Civil Engineer, 899-8246 Staff Report - Novato Blvd Construction Contract
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 - Bid Abstract
Attachment 3 - Vicinity Map
Attachment 4 - Construction Agreement
Attachment 5 - Cost Sharing Agreement with NSD
Attachment 6 - Cost Sharing Agreement with NMWD
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H. UNFINISHED AND OTHER BUSINESS
There are no agenda items.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public Hearings are announced and advertised in advance to allow interested persons to make comments for, against, or otherwise, regarding a proposed project or decision. Anyone who challenges any hearing matter in court may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described therein, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.
I.1. Hold a public hearing and consider introducing an ordinance repealing and replacing Section 5-31 of Chapter 5 of the Novato Municipal Code (Flood Damage Prevention Requirements) in its entirety to include among other things a one-foot freeboard requirement to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS); and find that the action is categorically exempt from CEQA Guidelines Section 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources), Section 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Environment), and Section 15061(b)(3) (the Common Sense Exemption Staff contact: Manijeh Larizadeh, Assistant Engineer, 899-8246 Staff Report - Floodplain Management Ordinance
Attachment 1 - Draft Ordinance
Presentation
I.2. Hold a public hearing and consider introducing an ordinance amending Novato Municipal Code (“NMC”) Chapter XIX (“Zoning Ordinance”) of the Novato Municipal Code (“NMC”) to modify the Division 19.08, Division 19.10, Division 19.12, Division 19.14, Section 19.16.070, Section 19.24.030, Section
19.34.031, Section 19.42.030, Section 19.42.060 and Section 19.60.020, and establish Division 19.29 and Section 19.34.028, and finding the amendments are not subject to further environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines Sections 15162, 15183, and 15061(b)(3)
Zoning Ordinance sections to be amended:
• Division 08 (Agricultural and Resource Zoning Districts) • Division 10 (Residential Zoning Districts)
• Division 12 (Commercial/Industrial Zoning Districts)
• Division 14 (Special Purpose Zoning Districts)
• Section 16.070 (Affordable Housing Opportunity Overlay District) • Section 24.030 (Number of Affordable Units)
• Section 34.031 (Junior Accessory Dwelling Units)
• Section 42.030 (Design Review)
• Section 42.060 (Master Plans and Precise Development Plans) Page | 7 Phone No. (415) 899-8900
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• Section 60.020 (Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases) Zoning Ordinance sections to be added:
• Division 29 (Transfer of Development Rights – Residential Density (TDR) • Section 34.028 (Housing Development Projects)
Staff contact: Vivek Damodaran, Senior Planner, 899-8989 Staff contact: Brett Walker, Senior Planner, 899-8989
Staff Report - Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Attachment 1 - Draft Ordinance
Attachment 2 - Planning Commission Resolution No. 2026-009 Presentation
J. GENERAL BUSINESS
These items include significant and administrative actions of special interest and will usually include a staff presentation and discussion by the Council. They will be acted upon by a separate vote.
J.1. Consider adopting a resolution approving the City Council Strategic Plan Framework for the Period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Staff contact: Amy Cunningham, City Manager, 899-8900
Staff Report - City Council Strategic Plan Framework
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 - Draft Strategic Plan Framework
Attachment 3 - Strategic Plan Workshop Summary Report
Presentation
K. COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEES AND BOARDS (CCB’S) APPOINTMENTS This section is used by the City Council to make appointments to fill vacancy/vacancies on their Commissions, Committees and Boards.
L. WORK STUDY SESSION
M. ADJOURNMENT
Materials that are submitted to members of the City Council after the distribution of the agenda packet will be made available to the public at the time it is provided to the City Council.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Laura McDowall, certify that on the Thursday before the Council meeting of August 25, 2026, the agenda was posted on the City Community Service Board at 922 Machin Ave in Novato, California and on the City’s website at novato.gov.
/Laura McDowall/
Laura McDowall, City Clerk
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