Earlier this week, the Novato City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Tim O’Connor to serve as the new Mayor and Councilmember Rachel Farac as Mayor Pro Tem. Each will serve in that capacity for one year. O’Connor was also officially sworn in alongside recently elected councilmembers Kevin Jacobs and Mark Milberg.
Outgoing Mayor Milberg passed the Mayoral Gavel to Mayor Pro Tem O’Connor during the Council’s reorganization meeting.
“This has really been something special to be a part of,” said Mayor O’Connor. “I want to thank everyone who supported, guided and partnered with me over the years. I’m incredibly grateful to live in a place like Novato that takes pride in all of its community members and celebrates the diversity and contributions that our community makes.”
This will be O’Connor’s first time serving as Mayor.
Novato is a “general law” city, which means its governance structure is specified by state law, and its Council selects the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for one-year terms.
“To City staff and the City Manager, thank you for all your dedication this past year,” said Mayor Pro Tem Farac. “One unique thing about this Council is that we truly care about the community, and we all try to go above and beyond to make Novato a better place. I am honored to be a member of this Council.”
Completing his first term as mayor, Councilmember Milberg stated, “This has been a tremendous year for me, both personally and professionally. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to lead you this year, as mayor. I’m looking forward to a great future ahead for this city.”
Newly elected Councilmember Kevin Jacobs stated, “I’m looking forward to working with the Council and the community. I’d like to thank everybody who helped me with my campaign and put me in this position.”
Councilmember Eklund thanked her fellow councilmembers and City staff, adding, “I look forward to continuing to serve our community together this next year and accomplishing as much as we can.”
Council also recognized outgoing Councilmember Susan Wernick for her many years of service to the Novato community. Wernick was elected to council in 2019 and served as mayor in 2023. Prior to serving on Council, Wernick spent 5 years as a Planning Commissioner and held the role of Chair in 2017.
“I’d like to express my sincere appreciation for the support and trust that this community has placed in me over the years – it has truly been an honor to represent you,” Wernick said. “Thank you to my fellow councilmembers for your unwavering collaboration and support. We’ve worked collaboratively and made many strong decisions that will have long-term positive effects on our community.”
The first meeting of the new City Council will be January 14, 2025.
Video of the reorganization is available at novato.org/watchmeetings.
For more information about the City Council, visit novato.org/citycouncil.
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