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Health & Fitness

Mayor's Weekly (Feb 17 - Feb 23)

Novato's Mayor Eric Lucan shares city news, events and meetings on the horizon, and on occasion a few spontaneous thoughts.

On my Mind
On this coming Tuesday (Feb 25), the City Council will consider an ordinance that would ban single-use plastic bags.  The ordinance and ban would apply to 3 types of retailers: (1) Supermarkets with over $2MM in annual sales; (2) Pharmacies over 10,000 square feet; and (3) Convenience or liquor stores that include the sale of milk, bread, soda and snack foods.  Back on May 7, 2013, the Marin County Grant Jury issued a report on the issue which encouraged the Marin Hazardous and Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to prepare a model ordinance.  The JPA also authorized and paid for an EIR which was just certified in January.  Now, member agencies like the City of Novato can choose to adopt the model ordinance.  There are several alternatives available as well that include expanding the types of retailers and/or increasing the fee for recycled paper bags.  The current recommendation would apply to just the 3 types of retailers above and require a 10 cent charge for paper bags.  You can read the full staff report here.  What do you think?  Feel free to share your thoughts below.  Would you support or oppose the ordinance?  Have you already made the move to reusable bags?  Do you think the types of retailers should be reduced or expanded?

Around Town
Mike’s Bikes Rolls into Novato – In case you haven’t heard, Mike’s Bikes is moving its headquarters and all their distribution and operations from San Rafael to Novato.  Their new home will be in Bel Marin Keys at 55 Leveroni Court.  You can read more details here.

California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) Awards Dinner – On Saturday night I attended the annual awards dinner and board installation for CPRS District 1 in Windsor and Novato had a strong showing.  First of all, we were there to honor Angela McDuffee who received the Community Service Award for Novato.  Angela is the Certified Food Manager at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, where she oversees kitchen operations for not only the Center activities, but also special events hosted by the Novato Senior Citizens Club and the congregate meal site hosted by Episcopal Senior Communities.  As an added bonus, Renele Schaefer, a long time employee in Parks and Recreation for the City of Novato surprised us all when we learned she received the Professional Service Award for the entire district.  On top of that, Katie Gauntlett, also with the City of Novato, was sworn in as the Vice President of District 1.  I continue to be amazed by the professionalism and dedication of our city staff.

Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Novato Police Department is on Twitter – Follow @NovatoPolice.  The Police Department hopes to provide timely information on accidents that block major roadways, street conditions that affect motorists, specific crime trends that have not been resolved and other information that our community needs to make informed decisions.

The Week Ahead
Monday (Feb 24):
City Council Closed Session – 5PM

Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

SMART Neighborhood Construction Notice – 7PM (City Hall)

Tuesday (Feb 25)
:

City Council Meeting – 6:30PM (City Hall)

Thursday (Feb 27):

Measure F Oversight Committee Meeting – 7:30AM (City Offices)

Economic Development Commission Meeting – 3PM (City Offices)

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