Novato Mulls Options To Fill Open Council Seat

NOVATO, CA – The city of Novato needs to fill a City Council vacancy and it's seeking public input on how to move forward with the selection process.

The council is seeking a replacement for former District 5 Councilmember Amy Peele, who resigned last month citing "the demands of the position as impactful to her mental and physical health," city officials said in a statement.

The city has two options: It can appoint an interim councilmember to represent District 5 or call for a Special Election by Nov. 14.

An interim city councilmember selected by the council would fill the seat until next year’s November Statewide General Election. Should it call for a Special Election, it would be held April 12, 2022.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to hold a special meeting Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. to give District 5 residents an opportunity to express their views.

The virtual meeting will be held on Zoom. The meeting link and agenda will be posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting here.

"As always, the community is welcome to attend the meeting to provide live public comment," city officials said in a statement announcing the public meeting.

District 5 residents can also express their views on the selection process by emailing novatocouncil@novato.org.

The City Council will consider all written comments received via email prior to the Special Meeting.

District 5 includes Hamilton and parts of southern Novato.

To be considered for the District 5 seat, either by election or appointment, potential candidates must by District 5 residents and registered voters aged 18 or older.

Novato residents can find out which district they live in by using the city’s interactive mapping tool.

To view the City Council’s Tuesday meeting and staff report, visit here.