Health & Fitness
Mayor's Weekly (July 7 – July 13)
Novato's Mayor Eric Lucan shares city news, events and meetings on the horizon, and on occasion a few spontaneous thoughts.
On my Mind
Considering that we are having a council workshop tomorrow night, the idea of workshops are on my mind and also make a great blog topic. Throughout the course of the year, council schedules a handful of workshops in addition to the weekly council meetings. Although no formal action takes place at the workshops, they are integral in helping to shape an idea or vision that most likely will come before council.
The council’s strategic goals are discussed in a workshop. Several of the fiscal sustainability discussions took place in a workshop. And now, tomorrow night, the visioning and scoping session for the Civic Center Master Plan will be a workshop. One thing that I have noticed is that attendance at these workshops tends to be fairly small. I do understand that we have a lot of meetings and it certainly takes a significant time commitment. I am very appreciative of everyone who gives their time to attend any city meeting.
Before I was elected to council, I regularly attended several council meetings. If I had to choose between attending a council meeting or a workshop, I would often choose the council meeting—thinking that is where the decision is made. However, if someone could only attend one or the other and were to ask me today, I would suggest the workshops. These workshops are the perfect opportunity to help shape a goal, idea, or vision early on in the process. With that in mind, I do hope that many people can attend tomorrow night as we will be looking at the Civic Center Master Plan and we need your input. Here is a link to the meeting agenda. If you can’t make it, please keep an eye out for future workshops.
Around Town
Breaking Ground at Oma Village – This past Friday, several gathered at the future home of Oma Village. This incredible program of Homeward Bound will offer 14 small rental homes for working families transitioning out of homelessness. I believe the ground breaking was also symbolic in that it wasn't just for one Oma Village, but also for the model which can be easily replicated in other parts of the county.
Elks Lodge Gives Back – On Friday evening, I attended a dinner at the Elks Lodge in Novato. The lodge had applied for a grant and was awarded $2,000 which they divided up amongst 3 recipients here in Novato: Hamilton Middle School, Homeward Bound, and the Novato Youth Center. The lodge also celebrated their 31st birthday! Thanks to all the members for continually giving back to our community.
The Week Ahead
Tuesday (July 14):
City Council Work Session – 6:00PM (City Offices – Womack Conference Room)
Streetscape Committee Meeting – 7:00PM (Corporation Yard)
Tuesday (July 15):
City Council Meeting – 6:30PM (City Hall)
Wednesday (July 16):
Design Review Commission Meeting – 7:30PM (City Hall)
