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November 22, 2017

City of Mill Valley to Host Housing Summit

Thursday, November 30, 2017  |  6:30 - 8:30pm
Mill Valley Community Center

Join us for a community discussion on how to maintain, enhance and create affordable housing for our local community and workforce.  The Housing Summit will include a panel discussion from local housing providers and specialists, including:
  • Karen Warner - Housing Specialist, Karen Warner Associates (moderator
  • Danielle Staude - Mill Valley, Senior Planner
  • Bruce Dorfman - Resident, Education Housing Partners/Thompson Dorfman Company
  • Ric CaprettaPlanning Commissioner, Capretta Architecture
  • Lewis JordanMarin Housing Authority, Executive Director
  • Leelee ThomasMarin County, Housing Planning Manager
  • Andrea Osgood - Eden Housing, Director of Real Estate Development
For questions about the event contact Danielle Staude at [email protected]
Miller Avenue Streetscape Project Update

Work crews are placing the final landscaping in the Mainstreet area, and continue to install two tide gates in the Marsh area. Contractors have installed the seating area at the Reed Creek Overlook, and are working on final grading and concrete placement.

Upcoming: Work crews will conduct the second phase of night work to line the sewer system under Miller Avenue. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, November 27, 2017. Click here to learn more.
Be Kitchen Smart this Thanksgiving, Prevent Backups

Did you know the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for plumbers? You can help prevent sewer back ups. Food scraps should go into your green bin to help stop plumbing back ups and the clogging of sewer lines. 

SHOULD IT GO DOWN THE DISPOSAL?
No bones, fruit pits, potato and onion skins, celery, pasta, egg shells and grease should go down the disposal.
 
Park for Free in Downtown Mill Valley During the Holidays

Free Holiday Parking is back Friday, November 24, 2017 to Sunday, December 31, 2017!  Visitors downtown will be able to park for free in spots up to the maximum time allotment which is noted on the parking meter. Support local businesses and enjoy downtown Mill Valley this holiday season.

Half-off RSVP Parking Permits!
Resident Shopper Vehicle Permit (RSVP) stickers will be reduced to half price beginning December 1, 2017. RSVP stickers can be purchased online, or at the front counter of the Mill Valley Police Department
Emergency Preparedness Commission and Fire Department Community Meeting Stresses Preparedness 

On November 16th the Mill Valley Emergency Preparedness Commission (EPC) in coordination with the Mill Valley Police Department and Fire Department hosted a Special Community Meeting to discuss lessons learned from the Napa/Sonoma Fires. 
 
The presentation stressed:
  • Neighbors helping neighbors
  • Defensible space
  • Communication/evacuations
  • Knowing two ways out and have two ways to leave from your home (walk, ride or drive)
  • Grab and go bag
  • General preparedness
Disaster can strike at anytime. Take time to prepare your household.
Download the Emergency Planning Commission Ready brochure to learn how to make an emergency plan. 

For more information on preparedness  please visit our emergency preparedness web pages.
City of Mill Valley Enhances Arts Efforts

The City of Mill Valley recently approved a title change for one of its director-level positions. The Recreation Director will now be known as the Arts and Recreation Director, signaling another milestone in the City's efforts to increase its offerings related to arts and culture.

Jenny Rogers was originally appointed Recreation Director in August of 2012. Over the past several years Ms. Rogers has worked with the Arts Commission to develop a strategic plan, craft a Public Art Policy, and introduce a Public Art Program entitled Art in Public PlacesMs. Rogers holds an MFA in Fine Art and New Media from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Semiotics from Brown University 
Holiday Craft Fair

Saturday, December 2nd, 2017 10:00am - 5:00pm
Mill Valley Community Center

Join us for this festive event and enjoy some unique holiday shopping. The fair features more than 55 new and returning artists selling their fine handmade arts and crafts. There is a wide variety of items to choose from including woodwork, jewelry, glasswork, ceramics, decorations, knitwear, fiber arts, plants and much more. Our beautiful venue and great southern Marin location, as well as ample parking will contribute to making this a great fair. 

For questions, please contact Patty McCulley at [email protected] or call 415-383-1370.

Winterfest

Sunday, December 3rd
11:00am - 5:00pm
Downtown Depot Plaza

Sunday, December 3 marks the return of Winterfest to the Downtown Plaza. The landmark annual holiday celebration features an awesome hill for sledding on 80 tons of real snow, a visit from Santa and some special guests in an antique fire truck, a full day of incredible live entertainment and music, children's activities,  fantastic local food from the likes of Balboa Cafe, El Paseo, Super Duper Burger, Extreme Pizza, Equator Coffees, Urban Remedy and Three Twins Ice Cream -  and a Tree Lighting Ceremony bfeaturing the Mill Valley City Council and Singers Marin. 
 
Click here to read more
Open Mic: The Gender of Things  
 
Sunday, December 3rd
Mill Valley Public Library
Creekside Room - 3:00pm
 
Gender - its meaning, its expression, its categories - has become a cultural flashpoint today. Inviting free expression and open discussion of the personal experience of gender, the Library will host an open mic afternoon emceed by Marin Poet Laureate Rebecca Foust as part of her project, "Poetry as Sanctuary."
 
Please join us to share a poem or other one-page piece of creative writing about gender, interpreted any way you like. Everyone is welcome to read their own or another writer's work, or you can just enjoy being part of the audience. Time permitting, a discussion of the issues raised in the readings will follow.

For adults and high school students only. Registration recommended. 
After Hours: Del Sol Quartet
 
Friday, December 8th
Mill Valley Public Library
Main Reading Room - 7:00pm
 
Encore! Award-winning Del Sol Quartet returns to present a spellbinding selection of chamber music by modern masters. Heralded as a "champion of living composers," the San Francisco-based ensemble is a passionate advocate of artistic innovation, education, and cultural diversity.'

Embark with us on a mesmerizing musical journey that explores the depth and range of human experience.
 
Adults and high school students only. Wine reception at 6:30pm for pre-registered guests.
Registration highly recommended. Click here to register.
Make It, Take It, Wrap It 

Saturday, December 9th, 2017 10:00am - 2:00pm
Mill Valley Community Center

Local artisans will instruct easy crafts for youth and adult to make and take home. The event features crafts to make and purchase, live music, photos with Santa, holiday dress-up with local theatre company, cookie decorating and more! Entry to the event is free to all, Craft prices vary, including free to $15 activities.

For more information contact:
Kathryn Yost, Arts Program Coordinator
[email protected]
415-383-1370

 
Click here to read more
New Years Eve at the Center

Sunday, December 31st, 8:00pm - 1:00am
Mill Valley Community Center
Presented by Mill Valley Recreation and Piazza D'Angelo

Ring in 2018 with live music from opening act The Sonic Steps and our headlining act NOTORIOUS.
Enjoy complimentary champagne upon entry plus delicious appetizers throughout the night, no-host full bar, and festive party favors to heighten the mood during an exhilarating countdown to the New Year!

Doors open at 8 p.m and party goes until 1 a.m.

Tickets are available online
$60 Early Bird prior to 11/11/17
$70 Ticket Sales 11/12/17-12/30/17
$80 At Door Ticket Sales

REVIEWS

Planning Commission Meeting -  November 14, 2017

The Planning Commission held a study session to discuss clarifications to various sections of the Zoning Ordinance (MVMC Title 20). New definitions and clarification of current language will be discussed. Staff will be returning with revisions to the Zoning Ordinance based on this input at the December 12 Planning Commission meeting. 




City Council Meeting -  November 20, 2017

At the November 20, 2017 Regular City Council meeting, the City Council: 
  1. Received an update on the City's Community Building and Inclusion Task Force.
  2. Received an update on the Miller Avenue Project and thanked integral staff for their participation on the project.
  3. Received a summary of the Special City Council meeting tour of the North Bay fire damage.
  4. Approved the November 6, 2017 City Council meeting minutes.
  5. Adopted Resolution No. 17-69 calling the General Municipal Election on June 5, 2018, and requesting consolidation and services by the Marin County Elections.
  6. Adopted Resolution No. 17-70 approving the Notice of Completion for the Gardner Steps.
  7. Adopted Resolution No. 17-71 authorizing the designation of applicant's agent resolution for non-state agencies, California Office of Emergency Services Form.  
  8. Adopted Resolution No. 17-72 authorizing the City Manager to issue a Request for Proposals for Design Services for five identified priority Steps, Lanes and Paths projects.
  9. Adopted Resolution No. 17-73 authorizing the City Manager to award and execute a construction contract for the Police Department camera system upgrade.
  10. Adopted Resolution No. 17-74 approving the Throckmorton Avenue and Seaver Drive Sidewalk Gap Closure and ADA Improvement Project and authorizing the City Manager to award a construction contract.
  11. Continued to the December 4, 2017 Regular City Council meeting, the 2018 Regular City Council meeting schedule.  
  12. Received a presentation regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and directed the Planning Commission to study a handful of issues surrounding the topic including (but not limited to) consideration of deed restrictions for ADUs.
  13. Received a presentation of the 2017 Fire Season review and ideas for Emergency Preparedness enhancements.
  14. Received a presentation of the City's Communication Survey results and update of the City's Communication Strategic Plan.
  15. Received a presentation by the City Attorney regarding ownership of selected Steps, Lanes and Paths (SLPs) and confirmed a recommendation from the City Attorney's Office to include SLPs 141, 142, 145, 149, 154, 156 and 180 in the City's SLP. 
Click here to watch the meeting 



PREVIEWS

Planning Commission - November 28 2017, 7:00pm

The Planning Commission will:  1) hold a Site Study S ession to discuss three potential design options for a new home and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a vacant lot near the end of Cascade Drive (APN 046-030-19); and 2) hold a hearing for a Design Review and Tree Removal application for a new home at 5 Tartan Road and removal of 18 non-heritage trees.



City Council Meeting - December 4, 2017, 6:30pm

The City Council agenda will include the following topics:
  • Summary of the November 30, 2017 Affordable Housing Summit. 
  • Community building and inclusiveness task force update. 
  • Presentation of a proclamation thanking and congratulating Mill Valley Market for their philanthropic efforts 
  • Consideration of a resolution approving a lease extension and improvement agreement with the Book Depot tenants. 
  • Public review of the independent review of CalPers actuarial information for the city's pension plans. 
  • Acceptance of a $19,050 donation from the Mill Valley Friends of Parks and Recreation.
  • Consideration of a resolution accepting tam grant for camino alto/sycamore pedestrian/bike improvements. 
  • Introduction of political sign regulation changes. 
  • Introduction of the Councilmember on the Plaza program and discussion surrounding updates to the program. 
  • Discussion of continuation of the School Bus Program. 
  • Presentation of traffic signal timing project from city consultant. 
  • Presentation of summary of the Emergency Preparedness Commission's emergency preparedness workshop. 
  • Presentation of proposed emergency preparedness improvements. 
  • Congratulations to Mayor Sloan on the completion of her year as mayor. 
  • Election of City Council officers; Mayor and Vice Mayor. 
  • Administration of the Oath of Office to newly elected Mayor and Vice Mayor.
     
We welcome comments & suggestions:
Mill Valley City Hall: 26 Corte Madera Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
cityofmillvalley.org
City Hall Phone: (415)388-4033
City Hall Fax: (415)381-1736



City Hall Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Closed Alternate Fridays
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