The latest news from the City of Mill Valley.
April 21, 2017
Above: City Council celebrated the completion of the Community Center Solar Energy Project at a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this week. The project serves as an example of the City's commitment to sustainability and fiscal prudence. Despite the rainy season, the solar arrays have already helped cut the monthly energy bill at the Community Center from $6000/month to $600/month. 
Mill Valley City Council Adopts a Resolution Emphasizing the City's Commitment to Respect, Tolerance and Community Building

At Monday's City Council meeting the Council adopted a resolution re-affirming the City's

Commitment to community building and small town character qualities of respect, tolerance, service, compassion and protection.

Through the action, the City Council also gave notice that it will do its part in creating a welcoming and fair City in which residents and visitors are treated equally with dignity, respect and compassion.  The Council further directed the City Manager to review City services and programs to insure that they serve the community with this same emphasis and agreed to create an ad-hoc task force to explore issues around intolerance and to recommend activities and actions to foster greater understanding, respect and a strengthening of community unity. 

California Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 - What Does it Mean for Mill Valley?

The California State Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 1 (SB1), the California Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, which will provide a $5.2 billion per year investment in California's transportation infrastructure. Estimates from the League of California Cities project that the City of Mill Valley will receive $420,660 in 2017/2018 and $596,419 in 2018/2019 for local streets and roads. Funds made available by the program can be used for local projects including road maintenance and rehabilitation, safety projects, pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, drainage or stormwater capture, and traffic control devices. 

Members of City Council lauded the new funds as a significant increase in sustained infrastructure repair investment. The maintenance and improvement of the town's infrastructure is a key issue that Council remains focused on. Mayor Jessica Sloan stated, "This additional revenue gives a shot in the arm to our efforts to improve Mill Valley roads, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and Steps, Lanes, and Paths. I'm looking forward to our discussions on how we can utilize this assistance in the future."

550 Miller Avenue - Environmental Study Open for Public Comment

Comment Period: April 6 - May 9, 2017
Public Hearing: Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 7:00 pm
City Hall Council Chambers 
 
A proposed project at 550 Miller Avenue (presently unoccupied) has undergone an Initial Study of environmental factors that could potentially be effected by the development. The public is invited to provide comments on the Initial Study prior to a public hearing at the May 9 Planning Commission Meeting.

The mixed-use proposal would redevelop the 12,556 sq. ft. site by removing three existing buildings that contain 1,952 sq. ft. commercial space and 2 small residential units that total 1,065 sq. ft. and construct a new mixed-use structure comprised of 757 sq. ft. of commercial space and 6 residential units that total 7,027 sq. ft. The residential units consist of 5 rental apartments that range in size from 703 to 1145 sq. ft. and a 1,814 sq. ft. owner-occupied unit. One rental unit will be offered at below market rate and one unit will be ADA compliant. Parking for 13 cars, including 1 handicapped space, landscaping and other improvements are also proposed on site. Four additional parking spaces would be available along the Miller Avenue frontage of the property. Access to the site would be via a new 18-foot wide driveway. The project proposes to remove 8 trees, including 2 oak trees, none of which are Heritage Trees. Proposed landscaping includes 3 California live oak trees and other species for a total of 13 new trees.

City of Mill Valley 2017 Communications Survey 

Over the last two months we have been promoting focused surveys on MVConnect and Traffic Communication as part of an evaluation of and update to our Communications Plan. This new survey asks for your input on the City's general communications and will help us to refine what works and what can be improved. Tell us what you want to hear about, the best ways we can get the word out, and what we should consider for the future.

Thank you for your help. Your ideas will help us fine-tune our community engagement efforts and adapt to your needs. 

Click here to take the survey  |  Click here to learn more about the Communications Plan  
CalTrans Begins Road Repair Work on E. Blithedale in Response to Request from the City
 
After persistent requests to CalTrans from Public Works Director Andrew Poster, CalTrans has started work repairing pot holes and severely damaged pavement on East Blithedale near the Highway 101 interchange. The sections of road way, already in need of repair, were heavily damaged by the winter storms over the last few months. Road repairs are expected to occur at night to avoid traffic impacts and will last until the end of April.
Miller Avenue Update

Sidewalk Sales Kick Off April 21.  Help support local businesses and enjoy sunny spring weather during the Chamber of Commerce's new Sidewalk Sale series. April 21, 22 & 23. Click here to see the list of participating vendors!

Check out the latest news: We provide a weekly eNewsletter to keep you up-to-date on the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project.  Click here to read this week's Miller Avenue Project Update
Burglary Prevention:
Protect Your Property

Mill Valley is a safe community. However, statistics show that property crimes are becoming more common. Don't be lulled into a complacent "it couldn't happen here" attitude, as burglaries and petty thefts from vehicles are fairly common crimes and, to a large extent, preventable. Although home burglaries may seem random in occurrence, burglars choose houses with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and the best escape routes. Most burglaries occur Monday through Friday during the daytime. Criminals seek easy targets, like open garages, empty homes, or vehicles with valuables in plain sight. Residents know their neighborhoods better than anyone else and can help report suspicious activity. If you see something, say something.
Inside Mill Valley:
Meet Kelsey Rogers 

We will be including this new feature in MVConnect to help introduce you to members of our staff and showcase programs or services you may not know are offered through the City of Mill Valley.

If you ever need an official document from City Hall, an agenda, meeting minutes or maybe a proclamation or resolution from days gone by - our City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Kelsey Rogers is our resource for preparing and maintaining the City's legislative actions and proceedings. She does it all: Public Records requests, updates to the Municipal Code, files statements of economic interests, and coordinates municipal elections. She supports the City Manager and City Council in many functions, from updating the Council's Ipads to hosting our annual Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers annual meeting and dinner in Mill Valley.

Kelsey came to the City of Mill Valley in 2011 after working at the City of Belvedere, and before that, the City of Malibu. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from UC Irvine. Kelsey grew up in Southern California and attended Thousand Oaks High School.

Kelsey is an incredible resource to the City, and we appreciate her for her many stand-out qualities in this key role in our City. She is a dedicated and hard-working member of our team and keeps a positive, cheerful outlook in the often fast-paced and detail oriented environment of City Hall.

Kelsey lives in Mill Valley with her husband and two young children. 
A Poetry Event Too Good To Miss!
Take Me Out to the Library
A World Series Unlike Any Other!

Friday, April 21, 2017,  7:00 pm
Mill Valley Public Library
Main Reading Room

Author Daniel Handler returns to emcee our annual 6th Annual Poetry World Series with an all new lineup of poets. Sign up now for this lively evening of wordplay, wit, and all-around verbal athleticism, as two teams of well-known Bay Area poets swing for the fences. A panel of judges scores each performance, with the winners decided solely on the basis of their spontaneous poetic bravado. You don't have to be a poetry lover or a sports nut to enjoy this quirky and irreverent competition.

Featured Poets:  Zubair Ahmed, Julia B. Levine, Devorah Major, Roy Mash, Brynn Saito and Charif Shanahan

For adults and high school students only. Registration highly recommended for this event. 
Mill Valley LiVE - Unique Derique

Sunday, April 23rd, 11:00am
Mill Valley Community Center
$8 general admission, 3 years and under free

Derique is a Bay Area legend! Having won numerous awards for his body percussion and juggling comedy, Derique is a world-famous one of a kind performer! He has made numerous television appearances and travels the world performing his famous and remarkable "Classy Clown" show. Don't miss this truly special talent!

More information:
Contact Patty McCulley, Recreation Supervisor, pmcculley@cityofmillvalley.org  | 415-383-1370
Community Meeting:
How Vulnerable is Marin to Sea Level Rise?

April 25th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mill Valley Community Center

Join the County of Marin for a community meeting about the Vulnerability Assessment for Marin's bay shoreline. Visit www.marinslr.org for information and how to sign up for emails about the project. The 30 day comment period on the Vulnerability Assessment will close on May 29.

4th Annual Volunteer Day

Saturday, April 29th, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Downtown Depot Plaza

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 29th, from 10:00am to 2:00pm for the Fourth Annual Volunteer Day on the Depot Plaza. Over 30 non-profits that offer volunteer opportunities will be there as well as representatives of local government. Meet a city council member and find out about what opportunities exist on our town's boards and commissions. For additional information, contact Joan Murray, Volunteer Day Coordinator at  locustmv@pacbell.net .
Laura Kipnis will be featured at the Library's May After-Hours event

Friday, May 5, 2017,  7:00 pm
Mill Valley Public Library
Main Reading Room

Writer Laura Kipnis, a professor at Northwestern and feminist known for her probing, spirited interrogations of gender and sexual politics (previous books include Men, An Ongoing Investigation, The Female Thing, and Against Love: A Polemic) recently found herself the target of an interrogation - a Title IX complaint, and subsequent tribunal, that turned out to be a thinly veiled attempt to censor her for an essay.
 
While Kipnis's own professional standing hung briefly in the balance, of wider concern was a strangely unchallenged threat to academic freedom that is central to the health of an open society. In her new book, Unwanted Advances, Kipnis discusses her own Kafka-esque experience and explores the possible implications for feminism in general. Kipnis's book was recently featured in The New York Times and The Guardian.

For adults and high school students only. Registration highly recommended for this event. 

We ♥ MOM Craft Market

Saturday, May 6th, 2017, 9:00am - 2:30pm
Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto
The public will be admitted FREE.

We are very happy to announce our We ♥ Mom Spring Craft and Gift Market. We have over 40 vendors of handcrafted gifts for Mom throughout the first floor of our Community Center, warm food and sweet treats will also be available on site. 

Make & Take Craft Workshop from 10:30-1:30pm 
Kids are welcome to come make a special gift for Mom. Several projects available - $5 each at the door. 

More information:
Contact  Debbie Callaway Program Coordinator - Seniors
dcallaway@cityofmillvalley.org | 415-383-1370
Councilmember on the Plaza

Saturday, May 6th, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Downtown Depot Plaza
Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month

Since 2008, the Mill Valley City Council has participated in a community outreach program called "Councilmember on the Plaza." On the first and third Saturday of the month, a rotating Councilmember is available in the Downtown Plaza for a few hours for discussion, suggestions, comments, complaints and general community input. 

People stop by to discuss current issues, their suggestions or to just have a conversation about our city. The conversations are not limited by time as is the public comment opportunity at city council meetings. Some just stop by and to say they have nothing to talk about but they are just glad the council is there to listen. 
Mill Valley Evacuation Drill
for Edgewood and Homestead Valley Neighborhoods 

Saturday, May 20, 2017 
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

On Saturday, May 20, 2017, the City of Mill Valley will be conducting its annual emergency drill in the Edgewood and Homestead Valley neighborhoods. If you live in these neighborhoods we invite you to participate in this voluntary evacuation, which is held in cooperation with the Mill Valley Fire Department, Southern Marin Fire Protection District, Mill Valley Police Department, Marin County Sheriff's Office, and the Mill Valley Emergency Preparedness Commission. Residents in these neighborhoods will receive postcards with more information and directions.

This annual drill helps first responders assess the issues that may arise if such an evacuation became necessary due to a disaster, such as an earthquake or a wildland fire on Mt. Tamalpais.

If you do not live in the Edgewood or Homestead Valley neighborhoods you are still very much invited and encouraged to visit the Drill Command Center located in the Tamalpais High School parking lot at 700 Miller Avenue between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to get more information and view demonstrations provided by our community emergency partners, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Red Cross, Marin Humane Society, Whistlestop Wheels, Marin Medical Reserve Corps, Emergency Preparedness Commission and the Salvation Army.
Save the Date:
Annual Community Meeting

Tuesday, May 30, 2017 - 5:30pm -  8:00pm
Mill Valley Community Center

Please join the Mill Valley City Council for a Community Meeting to get an update on current City initiatives and events. Come meet with Councilmembers and staff from every department to share your questions and concerns.

Doors open at 5:30pm. Refreshments will be served. Please check the website for updates to the agenda.
REVIEWS

Planning Commission Meeting -  April 11, 2017

The Planning Commission held public hearings and took action on the following:  heard a Study Session item for 319 Lovell Ave proposing to remove the existing home and garage and build a new 3,409sf home with an attached 500sf garage including the removal of 24 trees;  approved a Design Review proposal to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit at 17 Stanton Way;  and, approved a Design Review proposal to demolish the existing 1,063sf home and construct a 1,951sf two-story home on a 5,665sf lot at 196 Edgewood Ave.  




City Council Meeting - April 17, 2017

The City Council received an update regarding the recent passage of SB 1 Road Repair and Recovery Act of 2017. Council was introduced to Aquatics and Fitness Coordinator Jeren Seibel, Volunteer Coordinator Veronica Moore and Assistant Building Maintenance Worker Luke Nave. Council presented a Proclamation celebrating the fourth annual Volunteer Day in the City of Mill Valley. Council received a presentation on "Healthy Parks, Healthy People" and the growth of the City's free Saturday Community Fitness Program.

Council discussed Senate Bill 415, Voter Participation, and gave direction to move forward with the option to extend Councilmember's terms by 6 months, to holding the next City Council election in June 2018.  Council adopted a Resolution authorizing actions to implement the Parking Meter Replacement Project. Council received a presentation from the Transportation Authority of Marin on the existing Measure A Sales Tax and potential additional funding programs. 

Council adopted a Resolution reiterating the City's Commitment to community building and the small town character qualities of respect, tolerance, service, compassion and protection. Council was informed that the appeal filed by Michael and Barbara Weiner of the Planning Commission's Approval of a Design Review, Tree Removal, and Categorical Exemption application for a project at 175 Bolsa Avenue had been dismissed pursuant to the resolution of the issue. 

Council conducted a first reading of an Ordinance adopting changes to the Mill Valley Municipal Code Section 20.67 addressing the preservation of heritage trees and habitat. Council conducted a first reading of an Ordinance regarding the release of balloons within the City of Mill Valley. 




PREVIEWS

Planning Commission Meeting - April 25, 2017

This meeting has been canceled. 



City Council Meeting - May 1, 2017

Council will conduct a swearing in and badge pinning ceremony for Corporal Scott Brooks and Officer Brian Grigg. Council will receive presentations on the following:
  • Miller Avenue Streetscape Project
  • MV Aware
  • Plan Bay Area 2040.
 
Council will consider:
  • A second reading of an Ordinance regarding the release of balloons within the City of Mill Valley.
  • A Resolution regarding the implementation of Senate Bill 415, adding 6 months to the terms of the Mill Valley City Council and scheduling the next election for June 2018.
  • A Resolution Canceling the November 7, 2017 General Municipal Election.
  • A Resolution approving the City's adjudicated newspapers for legal publications and notices.
  • A Resolution authorizing the Parks and Recreation Facilities Assessment Study contract.
  • A Draft Donation Policy in the City of Mill Valley. A Resolution approving amendments to the Mill Valley Refuse Service Agreement. 

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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