What's On Tap at Novato City Council Tonight?

The Novato City Council’s agenda for Tuesday night includes a sticky issue about the Novato Redevelopment Agency, which is in limbo as the state attempts to eliminate such agencies to help solve its budget crisis.

The council is expected to hear a second reading and adoption of an ordinance that would continue the agency’s operation under a “voluntary alternative” program. However, there is so much uncertainty in the pending litigation against the state — brought forth by the League of California Cities and the California Redevelopment Association — that cities aren’t sure whether they should proceed with the alterative program, according to a city staff report.

“The groups are saying don’t opt in yet but rather continue the issue to a future meeting date,” Councilwoman Jeanne MacLeamy said Tuesday. “The staff has said it would recommended that we continue it to the Sept. 13 meeting, but there might be new information presented tonight.”

The council plans to consider rescinding its decision from July 26 after an item was pulled from the closed session agenda and placed in open session, a move deemed a violation of California’s open-meeting law. The Marin County District Attorney’s office for its move on the subject of a $1.5 million subordination agreement between the and Eden Housing, which is getting ready to build a 60-unit senior affordable housing complex on Diablo Avenue. The city has loaned the Eden Housing the money, but Bank of America — the primary lender — requires that the loans be combined.

Other agenda items include implementation of a CalPERS pension plan change, incentives to encourage the building of second housing units on residential properties to help meet the city’s housing goals and an ordinance about eliminating the time limit on incurring debt within the redevelopment project area.

The is expected to officially retire the police dog and reveal the winner of the naming contest for a new police dog. The contest closed on Aug. 19. In addition, the council plans to give recognition to the campaign that raised funds to help the police purchase the dog and pay for its training.

Also, the council will introduce Novato’s new public schools superintendent, , and issue a proclamation on a moment of remembrance in honor of the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.