Council Members

California cities  are governed in one of two ways. One way is for residents to choose a Charter City by adopting a charter or constitution, which sets forth the basis and authority for all future actions not in contradiction with State law. The other way is to follow the provisions and requirements established by the State as General Law for cities. Novato is a General Law City, as are about 80% of the cities in California.

The City Council is the governing body of the City, vested with the regulatory and corporate power of a municipal corporation. Only the Council may establish City policy; accordingly, it is ultimately responsible to the people for the actions of government.

The Council directs the course of local government through its power to pass ordinances, levy taxes, award contracts, and appoint certain city officers (such as the City Manager and City Attorney) and Commissions. The Mayor, who is also a member of the Council, signs official documents, chairs the Council meetings, and acts as the official head of the City at public and ceremonial occasions. An ordinance sets Council member salaries (curently $400  per month). Council members also receive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, and may qualify for Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) benefits.


The City of Novato has a City Council with five Councilmembers. They are elected at large to overlapping, four-year terms. The Council members themselves select the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem (Vice Mayor) for one year terms. Regular City Council Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, although this is subject to change. Most Council meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 901 Sherman Avenue. Always check the Agenda to determine the correct meeting location and time. Council meetings are broadcast live on Channel 27 in Novato (Comcast) and rebroadcast at 7 PM on Wednesdays, Noon on Thursdays, and 7 PM on Saturdays during the week following a meeting. The meetings are also replayed on Fridays at 7 PM on Horizon Cable Channel 70 in Novato during the week following a meeting. City Council meetings may be seen live (or archived) via internet videostreaming.  To view the videostreaming page click here

Click here to see city council agendas and minutes

Below are the Councilmember names, email addresses and terms.

If you would like to email the entire City Council, please send your email to:
novatocouncil@ci.novato.ca.us

You may also send correspondence to Councilmembers  via mail to:
Councilmember Name, City of Novato, 75 Rowland Way #200, Novato, CA 94945.

Mayor
Jeanne MacLeamy
Term expires: November 2011
Jeanne MacLeamy jm1@jeannemacleamy.com
Phone: (415) 883-8182

Mayor Pro Tem
Carole D. Knutson
Term expires: November 2011
Email Carole Dillon-Knutson: carole4novato@aol.com
Phone: (415) 897-4459

Council Member
Pat Eklund
Term expires: November 2013
Email Pat Eklund: pat@pateklund.com
Phone: (415) 883-9116

Council Member
Madeline Kellner
Term expires: November 2011
Email Madeline Kellner: mrkellner@earthlink.net
Phone: (415) 897-9440

Council Member Denise Athas
Term expires: November 2013
Email Denise Athas: DAthas@aol.com
Phone: (415) 898-5041