The latest news from the City of Mill Valley.
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September 20, 2018
Fire Preparation and Prevention

Red Flag Warning In Effect for Marin County: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the North Bay Mountains and other parts of the Bay Area, which is in effect from 11 PM this evening to 5 PM Thursday, September 20. Learn more.

Fire Access Improvements and Tree Removals: 
The City of Mill Valley is working hard to make immediate and long-term improvements to the City's emergency response access routes. Multiple City departments, including Public Works, Fire, and our Code Enforcement Officer are working throughout the community to maintain sight and access clearances. We are in the process of designing access improvements for the top seven locations identified as priority intersections for fire engine access. Learn more.
Waste Water Treatment Plant Air Quality Update

Operations continue to be in compliance with air quality standards set for the plant by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

The City of Mill Valley, Sewerage Agency of Southern Marin (SASM) Board and the staff of the Waste Water Treatment Plant located on Sycamore Avenue have received questions and heard concerns from parents of Middle School students regarding the air quality around the plant. Learn more.
Cypress Trail - Closed to Bikes and Horses
The Cypress Trail is located in the Cascade Canyon neighborhood and runs just above Rose Ave. It connects Cypress Avenue to the Monte Vista and Tenderfoot trails. In 1995, the Mill Valley City Council adopted a Resolution prohibiting the riding or use of bicycles or horses on the Cypress Trail. Learn more.
City Council Discussed Regulations on the Control of Dogs in Public Places 
At their City Council meeting on September 17, the City Council discussed current regulations pertaining to the control of dogs in public places. Council discussed the need to find the right balance in our public spaces for families, children, recreational users and dog owners. They indicated a need to improve clarity in the rules and clear signage in high-use areas. They gave direction to refer the matter to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further discussion. Watch the meeting.
Three Below Market Rate Lottery Drawings
Marin Housing, the non-profit entity which manages affordable housing units for Mill Valley and many other Marin Counties, will hold three separate lottery drawings for three Below Market Rate 3 BR/2 BA 1,200 square foot townhomes, currently under construction at Enclave, Corte Madera. Learn more.
Annual Coastal Cleanup of Bothin Marsh a Huge Success 
On Saturday, September 15, residents of Mill Valley joined the single, largest, volunteer effort in the world, Coastal Cleanup 2018. On this day, 100 countries and millions of volunteers come together to pick up trash along coastlines, bays, lakes, rivers and creeks. Historically, Marin County organizes over 60 sites. Learn more.
News from the Arts Commission

Call for Artwork: The Mill Valley Arts Commission is now accepting 2D artwork from artists in the greater Bay Area to be considered for a show in the City Hall Council Chambers or Mill Valley Community Center. Learn more.

Click Off Photography Competition: The Mill Valley Arts Commission is pleased to announce the 20th annual Click Off photography competition. The subject categories are designed to highlight Marin County's unique characteristics and each photographer's perspective through the camera lens, cell phone photos encouraged. Learn more.
Public Engagement: News & Alerts
You asked in our recent survey - Where do I find info on emergency alerts, important decisions at public meetings, development, traffic, road closures, arts and cultural events, business openings and closings?

We know that no one wants MORE emails in their inbox, but we wanted to let you know that we have a number of email options to keep you up-to-date on the latest news.
  • MyCity Portal - You can opt in to receive updates on any and all aspects of City programming and services, including road closures, public safety, development news, and Council, Board and Commission agendas.
  • MVConnect - 2x a month - City newsletter with the latest updates and events.
  •   Nixle  - Emergency updates and alerts from the Mill Valley Police Department.
  • Alert Marin  - Emergency updates and alerts from the Marin County Office of Emergency Services.
  • Mill Valley Public Library eNews - 4x a month - features upcoming events and highlighting new services.
  • Recreation Department eNews - Sign up for news about aquatics, fitness, arts, culture, enrichment, camps, health & wellness, and programming for people of all ages!
  • MV Chamber's Friday Flash - A weekly roundup on the latest openings, closings and changes in the local business community, profiles of local business owners, upcoming events and updates on Chamber activities - from promotion and visibility to advocacy, education, beautification and local philanthropy. 
  • The Tam Traveler - Timely news and updates from the Transportation Authority of Marin.
You can find City Events on our Event Calendar on the City Website. The following lists featured events, but there is so much more! Check it out.
GardenSmart Library Programs 

GARDENING WITH NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NATIVES
Saturday, September 22nd
Mill Valley Library Creekside Room - 11:00am

Marin's Mediterranean climate is perfect for thousands of plants native to California. Marin Master Gardener Bob Mauceli teaches how to landscape using less water and fewer fertilizers and pesticides. Registration recommended. Click here to register.

SAVING SEEDS WORKSHOP & SEED SWAP
Monday, October 1st
Mill Valley Library Creekside Room - 7:00pm

Kier Holmes teaches how to collect and store seeds from a variety of plants. Please bring seed heads, pods, fruit, etc. for trade with others. Registration recommended. Click here to register.
TRIVIA NIGHT: WHAT WE DO FOR LOVE
Wednesday, September 26th
Mill Valley Library Creekside Room - 7:00pm

Join us on the fourth week of each month for a fantastic night of trivia. This month's theme: What We Do For Love. Prizes for the winning team and free snacks for everyone! Registration recommended. Click here to register.
REVIEWS
City Council Meeting, September 17, 2018

The City Council:
  • Presented a proclamation honoring David Vogelstein on the occasion of his retirement from his coaching position for the Tam High School Mock Trial Team.
  • Adopted a resolution approving the project plans and specifications and authorizing the City Manager to advertise for the Camino Alto Bike Lanes - South End Project.
  • Accepted a donation for the City Hall landscape addition from the Enjoy Mill Valley Fund.
  • Received presentations regarding:
    • Annual Municipal Service Tax Report.
    • June 30, 2017 General Fund Financial Report.
    • Progress and next steps of the installation of a memorial plaque in the Depot Plaza recognizing the contributions of former Mayor Richard "Dick" Jessup.
    • Discussion regarding City regulations pertaining to the control of dogs in public places.
Watch the meeting
PREVIEWS
Planning Commission - September 25, 2018
The Planning Commission will consider the following:
  • 19 Corte Madera Avenue - Design Review and Amendment to Outdoor Dinning Permit - PL17-4583. A public hearing to consider the request for Design Review and amendment to the Outdoor Dining Permit to build a structural awning over the outdoor patio seating area at the Sweetwater Music Hall. 
  • 500 Miller Avenue - Study Session for Design Review - PL18-4708. Design Review Study Session to reconsider the development of the 1.2 acre site located in the Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District. Learn more here.
Zoning Administrator - September 25, 2018

The Zoning Administrator will consider:
  • 79 Elinor Avenue - Variance and Design Review - PL18-4715. A Variance and Design Review hearing for a 40 square foot addition to an existing two-story single family residence that encroaches into the front yard setback. 
  • 590 E Blithedale Avenue - Revisit Request to Extend Business Hours - PL18-4720 
  • 55 Oakdale Avenue - Variance and Design Review - PL18-4704 Design Review and Variance application for a proposal to replace an existing carport with a new two-car garage that is located within the required front yard setback.
City Council - October 1, 2018

The City Council will:
  • Introduce and welcome the City's new Planning and Building Director, Patrick Kelly, as well as introduce and conduct a swearing-in of new Firefighters.
  • Present Proclamations:
    • Celebrating and recognizing the dedication of the members of Clean Mill Valley for creating public awareness about litter and their many hours of volunteer work to keep Mill Valley clean and litter-free. 
    • Declaring October 4 - 14, 2018, as Mill Valley Film Festival Days and congratulating the Mill Valley Film Festival on the occasion of its 41st anniversary. 
  • Receive updates and presentations on:
    • The City's Annual Crosswalk Program.
    • The City's Public Art Program.
  • Consider:
    • A Resolution approving revisions to the City's service contract with Mill Valley Refuse
    • A Resolution approving a Notice of Completion for Bayfront Ballfield
    • An Appeal of Planning Commission Decision of July 17, 2018 - 201 Marion, APN # 028-082-37 - File No. PL16-4532.
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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