The latest news from the City of Mill Valley.
April 6, 2017
Join Us in a Celebration of Earth Awareness Throughout the Month of April

April is Earth Awareness Month and the City of Mill Valley is hosting a variety of events, exhibits, lectures, workshops and outdoor activities.  Events will include an Arts Commission exhibit of REVERENCE , Natural Photography by Bay Area artists that will be shown at the Mill Valley Community Center and City Hall throughout the month.  The Community Center will host a Community Event All About Bees for all ages and the library has a wide variation of GardenSmart workshops which will include Adaptive Gardening , Worms: The Hardest Working Pet You Will Ever Have , Grasses Galore! , and an Earth Day Celebration . Let's celebrate and support Earth Awareness Month!

Mill Valley Schools Look to Make a Difference in Marin County's Zero Waste Campaign

Old Mill School and Park School are the first Mill Valley schools to participate in the Zero Waste Marin School Program. The program, starting with Marin's 50 public K-12 schools and then moving on to private schools, seeks to significantly reduce waste at schools and encourage students to tell their parents about the program. 

The program includes a waste audit of each school and the creation of a plan that incorporates students, teachers, administrators, volunteers, and staff. E ach school has a  "Green Team" of students serving as Zero Waste ambassadors, teaching their friends and classmates about why recycling and composting are so important and what to do about it. 

Zero Waste Marin has a goal to help residents and businesses meet the County's Zero Waste goal by 2025 by reducing and recycling their solid waste and safely disposing of hazardous materials.

Above: Girl Scout Troop 32926 looks through historical City Council Meeting Minutes during a visit to City Hall last week. 
Take Our Survey on Traffic Behavior and Communication

Traffic congestion is a regional problem throughout the Bay Area and it consistently leads the list of local issues concerning residents of Mill Valley. Most residents know to expect congestion during Mill Valley's typical rush hours (morning, after-school, evening) but we still experience traffic backups for a variety of reasons due to the limited capacity of our roads as well as accidents on Hwy 101, construction work, etc.  While there have been improvements to morning and afternoon congestion with the introduction of the Yellow School Bus Service, we know that people experience frustration with frequent slowdowns in town. 

Please take the survey below so we can get a better understanding of how you move around town and how we can better inform residents about traffic congestion, incidents, and traffic related news.

How Should Mill Valley Local Elections Comply With the California Voter Participation Rights Act? (SB 415)

Senate Bill 415 -- the Voter Participation Rights Act -- requires the City of Mill Valley to switch from its current November, odd-year election date to either a June or November even-year statewide election date. At its March 20, 2017 Regular City Council meeting, the Council discussed the matter and indicated that it would like to gather input from the community at-large before making a decision on the City's transition plan. We would like your input on this topic. 
  • Option 1: Council should add six months to each current Councilmember's terms -- eliminating the November, 2017 and 2019 elections completely and holding elections in June, 2018 and 2020 respectively;
  • Option 2: Council should change the terms of the 2017 and 2019 elections so upcoming Councilmembers would serve a one-time 4.5 years instead of 4 years (subsequently, June, 2022 and June 2024 would be the next elections following the upcoming 2017 and 2019 elections).
  • Other: Alternate suggestions.
Miller Avenue Update

Intersection Widths for the Miller Avenue Side Streets.  When driving, you will notice that turning onto some of the side streets has changed.   The new turning radii and bulb outs allow for accessible sidewalk ramps, additional landscaping areas, shorter pedestrian crossing areas to help guide and calm vehicle traffic. Click here read how these changes promote safer driving.

Height of Median Curbs. Please note that median curbs have been installed based on the future elevation of the roadway and not the current existing conditions. Currently, some sections of the medians look rather tall, while others are actually below the current road surface. Once the roadway paving is completed, the height of the median curbs will typically be (between 6-8 inches above the roadway).

City Council to Consider Tree Ordinance

City Council Meeting
Monday, April 17 - 6:30pm
City Hall - Council Chambers

At their March 14 meeting, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that City Council adopt a new Tree Ordinance that addresses penalties for illegal tree removal as well as mitigation planting requirements for both illegal and approved removals. City Council will consider the Tree Ordinance at the April 17 meeting

Mill Valley Recreation is Hiring! 

Want to join a fun team and become a greater part of your community? Now is the time! The City of Mill Valley's Recreation Department is now accepting applications for several part time positions (Front Desk Part-time staff, Camp Staff, Kidzwatch Staff, Teen Program Aides, Facility Attendants, Field Monitors, Lifeguards and Swim instructors). These positions vary in starts dates, schedule and hours but all have the ability to be flexible.

Job descriptions and applications for all these positions can be obtained on our website or by calling the Mill Valley Community Center at 415-383-1370.

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.

5:30pm - 7:00pm - Informal conversations with City Councilmembers, Department Heads & Staff
7:00pm - 8:00pm - Presentations, questions & answers

Doors open at 5:30pm. Refreshments will be served. Please check the website for updates to the agenda.
Community Center Solar Project Dedication and Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, April 18th - 1:00pm 
Mill Valley Community Center Parking Lot 

Please join the Mayor and Mill Valley City Council at a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mill Valley Community Center Solar Project. This project is another example the City's commitment to environmental sustainability and will provide a $1.5 million energy cost savings over a period of 25 years.
April Art Exhibitions Celebrating the Natural World and Earth Awareness

On display April 1 - April 31 at the Mill Valley Community Center 
and City Hall Council Chambers

To help celebrate Earth Month, Reverence, a special exhibit of  Bay Area artists   curated by Dave Christensen will be on display at the Community Center and City Hall Council Chambers. This very talented group of photographers captured the splendid beauty of our natural world. Come in and place yourselves within the photographer's vantage points. Participating photographers: Spencer Brown,  RE Casper, Hajib Joe Hakim, Todd Pickering, Gary Wagner, and Jim Watkins.
Spring Break: Movies, Games, and Lego Play Day

Monday, April 10th - Friday, April 14th
Mill Valley Library - Creekside Room - 2:30pm
FREE!  All ages! No registration required.

Spend Spring Break at the Library with the following movies and activities. All events start at 2:30pm.

Monday, April 10 | Moana  - PG, 107 min.
Tuesday, April 11 | Sing - PG, 108 min.
Wednesday, April 12 | Game Day! Build a Puzzle!
Thursday, April 13 | Big Hero 6 - PG, 102 min.
Friday, April 14 | Lego Play Day! Create a Lego World


Spring Camp Registration

Register now for Spring Break Camps at the Community Center. Online registration is availble at www.mvprGoPlay.org . Register by mail or in person at the Mill Valley Community and Aquatic & Fitness Centers at 180 Camino Alto. Fax-in registration at 415.383.1377

Camps include:
  • SPRING BREAK DAY CAMP AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER
  • CARPENTRY FOR KIDS CAMP
  • POOKIE NOOK - Spring House Building
  • BOYLE PARK TENNIS SPRING BREAK TENNIS CAMP
  • SPRING BREAK BASKETBALL CAMP
  • UNDER THE SEA PERFORMING ARTS CAMP
  • TEACHING ARTIST TRAINING PROGRAM WITH UNDER THE SEA CAMP
  • ROAD WARRIORS CAMP
Window on the Work:
Guards at the Taj

Thursday, April 13th - 7:30pm
Mill Valley Library - Creekside Room
FREE! No registration required.
At morning's first light the glorious Taj Mahal is unveiled, setting in motion a ghoulishly funny existential crisis for two hapless guards that will shake their faith in God, the empire and each other. Guards at the Taj is a dark comedy about two average men swept up by the beauty, carnage and injustice surrounding one of the most famous wonders of the world.
REVIEWS

Planning Commission Meeting - March 28, 2017

The Planning Commission held a discussion on a work program for historic preservation analysis and guidelines held public hearings and took action on the following:  
  • approved a Design Review request to remove the home at 195 Ethel Ave. and replace it with a new 2,784 square foot home with an attached 252 square foot garage;  
  • continued a Design Review and Tree Removal application for a new 3,538 square foot house with a 500 square foot attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (aka "Second unit") and a 500 square foot attached garage at 315 Tamalpais Ave.;   
  • approved a Design Review and Tree Removal application to replace an existing 1,725 square foot home and 400 square foot attached garage with a new, two-story 3,550 square foot house with a 572 square foot attached garage at 2 Heather Way.

Click here to watch the meeting


City Council Meeting -  April 3, 2017

The City Council congratulated Battalion Chief Michael St. John for receiving the Tom Forster Perpetual Leadership Award. New staff introduced to the Council included new Building Inspector Richard Hynes and Recreation Program Supervisor Molly Given and Arts Coordinator Kathryn Yost. Council received a presentation on the City's Earth Day Events. Additionally, the Council:
  • Received a presentation on the Special Art Exhibition 'Reverence' Curated by Special Guest Curator Dave Christensen,Director of the Harvey Milk Photo Center.  Council presented a Proclamation declaring April, 2017, as Fair Housing Month in the City of Mill Valley;
  • Received the monthly Miller Avenue Streetscape Project Update;
  • Adopted Resolution No. 17-16 authorizing the installation of a Stop Sign at Lee Street;
  • Adopted Resolution No. 17-17 authorizing a change in Red Curb Parking Restrictions in Residential Districts per California Vehicle Code Section 22514 (B).
  • Accepted two donations from the Outdoor Art Club and the Enjoy Mill Valley Fund of the Chamber of Commerce for the Downtown Clock and for plantings in the Downtown Area; 
  • Received an update and confirmed the Full Depth Reclamation Paving Approach in the Main Street Room of the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project;
  • Authorized a modification of the Miller Avenue Streetscape Project at Miller Avenue and Almonte Boulevard;  
  • Adopted Resolution No. 17-18 amending the Conditions of Approval placed on the property at 81 Eldridge and approving the proposed Design Review and Variance application;
  • Continued 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 to the April 17, 2017 Regular City Council meeting. 

Click here to watch the meeting


Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - April 5, 2017

The Parks and Recreation Commission received presentations on:
  • The Friends of Parks and Recreation Funding Priorities for 2017;
  • The Bayfront Community Garden;
  • The progress of the Bayfront Pier Project; and 
  • The Draft Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) - Specific to Parks and Recreation Facilities. 

The Commission made recommendations to City Council for  two changes to the draft BPTP; merge 2 studies regarding pathways along Buena Vista Ave and the Golf Course into one study named "Scott Highland Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation Project" and to Reintroduce the SLP section of the plan following input from Staff, BPAC and the Community.

 
The Commission approved 2 use requests of the Plaza: by Patrons of the Arts at Tam High (PATH) for Tam High Senior Art Show on Friday, May 19, 2017 3:00-7:30 pm and by Mill Valley Middle School Art Instructor Julie Leonard for "Chalk on the Plaza" Art Project on Friday, June 2, 2017 10:30 am-2:30 pm. 



PREVIEWS

Planning Commission Meeting - April 11, 2017

The Planning Commission is scheduled to hold public hearings to evaluate:  
  • 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;  
  • a Design Review proposal to construct a 1,161sf Accessory Dwelling Unit at 17 Stanton Way;  
  • 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 will be introduced to new staff Aquatics and Fitness Coordinator Jeren Seibel and Assistant Building Maintenance Worker Luke Nave.

Council will also: 
  • Present a Proclamation celebrating the Fourth Annual Volunteer Day in the City of Mill Valley. 
  • Receive a presentation on Healthy Parks, Healthy People and the Growth of the City's Free Saturday Community Fitness Program.
  • Discuss Renewable Energy options for the upcoming Budget Hearings. 
  • Continue a discussion of Senate Bill 415, Voter Participation, Regarding Dates for Election of City Councilmembers (Continued from the March 20, 2017 Regular City Council meeting). 
  • Receive an update on existing Measure A Sales Tax and potential additional funding programs from Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM).
  • Consider an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a design review, tree removal at 175 Bolsa Ave.
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
STAY CONNECTED: