Politics & Government
City Council Fills Vacant Seat Left By Deceased Council Member In Novato
The City Council has appointed a longtime community member and public works leader.
By Ruth Dusseault
Bay City News
NOVATO, CA — The Novato City Council has appointed longtime community member and public works leader Sandeep Karkal to fill the District 5 council seat following the recent passing of Councilmember Mark Milberg.
Karkal will serve until the next general municipal election on Nov. 3, 2026, the city announced Thursday. He will participate in his first regular council meeting on Dec. 9.
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The council's unanimous decision came during a special meeting Wednesday, during which four eligible candidates were interviewed for the vacancy.
District 5 includes the Hamilton area and portions of southern Novato.
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Karkal has lived in Novato for more than 22 years and served as general manager and chief engineer of the Novato Sanitary District for 12 years. He is a registered civil engineer and serves on the boards of several statewide and national organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, and the California Sanitation Risk Management Authority.
His local involvement includes the Rotary Club of Ignacio, previous service on the Novato Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and graduation from the Leadership Novato program.
Karkal's appointment follows the sudden passing of Milberg in mid-October. Milberg joined the council in 2021 and served as mayor in 2024.
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