Mayor's Week in Review: Dec. 24-30

Hello friends:

It’s the end of the year and a time for reflection  . . . and preparation. I know there have been challenges along the way, but I do hope everyone had a good year overall, that you celebrated yourself (and any family and friends) over the holidays, and have some time to decompress these next two days. 

The city is in the same mode right now. We’ve had a smaller crew around this week, and for our part we thank you all for your support during the year. On behalf of the Council, I want to thank Jim McCann, our City Manager, our fine depaprtment heads, and the entire city staff for all its hard work this year too. 

Here is some planning I’m doing: 

Participation: I previously wrote about all the board and commission vacancies that are opening up in a few weeks. Some of you have contacted me with interest in one or more boards. Thank you. If others are up for serving, please let me know.

Wastewater Treatment:  I am proud to have been recently reelected as Vice President of the Treatment Plant Board of Directors, and continue to work with a fine crew that has managed some pretty bad storms these past few weeks. We must remain vigilant for the rest of the storm season.

Hosting: We have to two events coming up to host. 

• Council Retreat: Annually the Council meets (publicly, of course) in a half day session to set strategy. We will probably do our session in February, after the General Plan Advisory Committee gets a draft of the new General Plan to the Planning Commission for review. I encourage you to attend our session; we make it low key, interactive, and the snacks are good too :) I will give you more details on location and agenda topics once I figure them out – so stay tuned.
• County Councils: Mill Valley hosts all the county councilmembers and Mayors in May. I’m hoping to get help in the task from our good friend Jared Huffman, fresh from Washington DC. 

Safety: 

• Protecting Santa, reindeer & elves: We had another year of great work by Jill Barnes and the Public Works Dept., Chief Davidson and the Fire Dept., and Chief Bernal and the Police Dept. Pushing aside all humbuggery, these crews worked tirelessly over the holidays to keep our community safe while children slept and Santa and his elves and reindeer worked equally hard over Christmas. 
• Almonte: My good friend and colleague Stephanie Moulton-Peters is going to start working with the County public works department to improve pedestrian & bike safety in the Almonte area.   
• Finally, let’s keep gun safety front and center. I personally don’t own any, but if you do, or know folks who do, please take a moment and review (or share) the California Attorney General's Office website which provides important information that every gun owner should know and adhere to:  http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/tips#owners%20responsibilities 

We heard you: Did you see the new trash cans (with rain and bird lids) in the Depot area and downtown? I knew they needed an upgrade, but it was nice having some of you urge a refresh too.

My 2013 Resolution: Don't lose sight of balance.

The big night: Anyone going to the Bill Graham Civic Center on New Year’s Eve? Whatever you do, please have a wonderful, healthy, safe one. 

My very best to you all. Thank you for your support. Happy New Year.

Andy