City Council
The Mayor and City Council, Novi’s elected officials, serve the community as part-time, volunteers without benefits. They serve as part of a civic responsibility and work towards the betterment of the entire Novi community today and long into the future.
The Novi City Council consists of seven members including the Mayor and the Mayor Pro-Tem. Council meetings are held twice a month on Mondays, at 7:00pm, in the Civic Center Council Chambers. We urge you to attend. Don't forget to check out the archive of Council meeting minutes in the Minutes Archive page.
Novi City Council
Click on any council member's name for a biography or to send feedback. To send feedback to the entire Council, use any of their feedback forms and select the option to Submit Feedback to all City Council.
Mayor Bob Gatt
Send feedback to Mayor Gatt or the entire City Council below.
Current Term:
November 2019 - November 2021
Previous Council Terms:
November 2017 - November 2019
November 2015 - November 2017 (Mayor)
November 2013 - November 2015 (Mayor)
November 2011 - November 2013 (Mayor)
November 2007 - November 2011 (Council Member)
November 2003 - November 2007 (Council Member)
Council Assignments and/or Committees:
Ordinance Review Committee, Council Rules Committee
Previous Boards/Commissions & Committees:
Ordinance Review Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Council Rules Committee, Consultant Review Committee, SWOCC Board, Rules Committee
Mayor’s hours are by appointment. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 248-347-0456.
Feedback Form
Mayor Pro-Tem David Staudt
Send feedback to Mayor Pro Tem Staudt or the entire City Council below.
Current Term:
November 2019 - November 2023
(Mayor Pro-Tem term concurrent with Mayor term - November 2019 - November 2021)
Previous Council Terms:
November 2015 - November 2019 (Mayor Pro Tem)
November 2015 - November 2017 (Mayor Pro Tem)
November 2013 - November 2015 (Mayor Pro Tem)
November 2011 - November 2015 (Council Member)
November 2011 - November 2013 (Mayor Pro Tem)
November 2007 - November 2011 (Council Member)
Council Assignments and/or Committees:
Ordinance Review Committee, Rules Committee, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Grant Citizen Advisory Committee
Previous Boards/Commissions & Committees:
SWOCC Board, Pathway and Sidewalk Prioritization, Consultant Review Committee, Rules Committee, Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission, Economic Development Corporation, Stormwater Management and Watershed Stewardship, Capital Improvement Committee, Ordinance Review Committee (alternate), Consultant Review Committee,
Council Member Andrew Mutch
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Current Term:
November 2017 - November 2021
Previous Council Terms:
November 2013 - November 2017
November 2009 - November 2013
November 2005 - November 2009
Council Assignments and/or Committees:
Walkable Novi (FKA Pathway and Sidewalk Prioritization), SEMCOG
Previous Boards/Commissions & Committees:
Pathway and Sidewalk Prioritization, Planning Commission, Master Plan & Zoning Committee, CIP Committee, Implementation Committee, Library Board, Housing & Community Development Committee, Ordinance Review Committee, Novi delegate to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) alternate, Capital Improvement Committee, Consultant Review Committee, Commission Interview Committee
Council Member Laura Marie Casey
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Current Term:
November 2019 - November 2023
Previous Council Terms:
November 2015 - November 2019
November 2011 - November 2015
Council Assignments and/or Committees:
Capital Improvement Program, Commission Interview Committee, Consultant Review Committee, Rules Committee, Youth Council
Previous Boards/Commissions & Committees:
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) alternate, Capital Improvement Program, Consultant Review Committee, Library Board, Commission Interview Committee, Youth Council
Council Member Hugh Crawford
Send feedback to Council Member Crawford or the entire City Council below.
Current Term:
November 2019 - November 2023
Previous Council Terms:
November 1985 - November 1989
November 1989 - November 1993
November 1993 - November 1997
November 1997 - December 2000
Council Assignments and/or Committees:
Capital Improvement Program, Ordinance Review Committee
Previous Boards/Commissions & Committees:
Parks & Recreation Commission, Town Center Steering Committee, Sidewalk Committee, Lake Property Committee, Walled Lake Lake Board, Civic Center Needs Committee, Cable Commission, Community Clubs Board of Trustees, Consultant Review Committee, Futuring Steering Committee, Rules Committee, Civic Center Complex Task Force, Ordinance Review Committee
Feedback Form
Council Member Justin Fischer
Send feedback to Council Member Fischer or the entire City Council below.
Current Term:
November 2019 - November 2021
Previous Council Terms:
November 2009 - November 2013
November 2013 - October 2014
Council Assignments and/or Committees:
Capital Improvement Program, Commission Interfiew Committee, Consultant Review Committee, Ordinance Review Committee (alternate)
Previous Boards/Commissions & Committees:
Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), Capital Improvement Program, Ordinance Review Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) alternate, Consultant Review Committee, Commission Interview Committee, Rules Committee, Youth Council (alternate)
Council Member Julie Maday
Send feedback to Council Member Maday or the entire City Council below.
Current Term:
January 2021 - November 2021
Previous Council Terms:
N/A
Council Assignments and/or Committees:
Commission Interview Committee, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Grant Citizen Advisory Committee, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) (alternate), Youth Council (alternate)
Previous Boards/Commissions & Committees:
Planning Commission
Feedback Form
City Council Goals
On Monday, February 10, 2020 City Council convened prior to their regularly scheduled City Council meeting to facilitate their annual early budget input session. As in year’s past, City Council used a real-time collaborative brainstorming application, called GroupMap to brainstorm and prioritize goals. Council determined at the meeting to consolidate the short-term and long-term goals into one bucket that would span over two years. The comprehensive results of City Council’s strategic session are attached. The goals that received a majority vote will be used to aid the City Manager in the creation of the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Proposed Budget. The goals that received a majority vote from City Council are:
Nurture public services that residents want and value.
- Add benches on Meadowbrook Road from Meadowbrook Commons to 8 mile Road. Sell naming rights to the benches. Make the benches maintenance free.
- Establish “Aging Commission” to address specific housing and “aging in place” services needed for growing older population to include potential revision of duties or incorporation of Older Adults Advisory Board.
- Propose and fund a sidewalk maintenance incentive program with the purpose of encouraging residents to replace uneven panels in neighborhoods which pose a safety risk.
Operate a world-class and sustainable local government.
- Employee Retention and Planning
- Develop succession plan for all City department heads and other key leadership roles.
- Review/update our strategy to attract and retain the best employees at all levels of the organization and all departments; including competitive levels of pay, benefits, training, developmental and promotional opportunities.
- Create a financially sustainable plan for the Tree Fund - current funding mechanism is not sustainable long term.
- Change the way we assess the City Manager; do so one on one, in private, not at a city council meeting. Then, at a later date, in closed session, discussion as to salary only
Value and build a desirable and vibrant community for residents and businesses alike now and into the future.
- Woodland and Wetlands review and amend
- Comprehensive Review of Woodland and Wetland ordinance; included benchmark against other communities.
- Amend woodlands and wetlands ordinances to balance protection of natural resources with development.
- Develop a plan to identify and purchase high quality woodlands using tree fund dollars so they are preserved permanently. Goal for at least 50 acres a year.
Invest properly in being a safe community at all times for all people.
- Develop / increase efforts to strengthen the Aux / POC program and ensure continued quality new hires into the system.
Scheduled Meetings
Council meetings are generally held the first and third Mondays of the month, but occasionally there are exceptions and additional special meetings
Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center Council Chambers unless otherwise noted.
View Agenda/Minutes
2021 Meeting Schedule
January 4 |
Special |
January 11 |
Regular Meeting |
January 25 |
Regular Meeting |
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February 8 |
Regular Meeting |
February 22 |
Regular Meeting |
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March 8 |
Regular Meeting |
March 22 |
Regular Meeting |
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April 12 |
Regular Meeting |
April 26 |
Regular Meeting |
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May 10 |
Regular Meeting |
May 24 |
Regular Meeting |
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June 7 |
Regular Meeting |
June 21 |
Regular Meeting |
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July 12 |
Regular Meeting |
July 26 |
Regular Meeting |
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August 9 |
Regular Meeting |
August 30 |
Regular Meeting |
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September 13 |
Regular Meeting |
September 27 |
Regular Meeting |
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October 11 |
Regular Meeting |
October 25 |
Regular Meeting |
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November 8 |
Regular Meeting |
November 22 |
Regular Meeting |
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December 6 |
Regular Meeting |
December 20 |
Regular Meeting |
Council Meeting Procedures
The City of Novi takes pride in providing open and inclusive government services and your presence/participation here and at other civic functions is encouraged and welcome. The information below is designed to provide an understanding of the format and proceedings of City Council meetings and to offer tips to assist you in effectively communicating and working with your City Council and administration. It is also important to note that all regularly scheduled City Council meetings are broadcast live on Novi Television and streamed live on cityofnovi.org.
Council Members
City Council consists of seven members, including the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tem. Your Novi City Council includes Mayor Bob Gatt, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Staudt, and Council Members Andrew Mutch, Laura Marie Casey, Hugh Crawford, Justin Fischer, and Julie Maday.
Council Meeting Format
Council agendas and agenda items can be found and printed off the City’s website. Agendas are also available on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers. Agendas are posted in the City atrium no later than the Friday before a Monday meeting and 24-hours prior to any special meeting and on the City’s website. The meeting format follows:
- Approval of the Agenda: It is at this point that additions or deletions may be made to the items originally listed on the agenda.
- Public Hearings: If you are here for a Public Hearing, you will be solicited for your input at this time. Generally, this is one of the first orders of business at the meeting. The same guidelines for Audience Comments apply to a Public Hearing. (See Audience Comments Rules below)
- Audience Comments: (See Audience Comments Rules below): You may participate during the periods of Audience Comments noted on the Agenda. There are two opportunities per meeting – one near the beginning and the second is before the meeting is concluded. If you wish to speak, raise your hand when the Mayor asks if there are any comments or concerns from those in attendance. When you are recognized by the Mayor, please come to the podium and state your name and address before you address your remarks to Council.
For the record, you are requested fill out a card provided at the Council Chambers’ entrance with your name and address and present it to the City Clerk. This also helps City administration when following up on your comments. Please note this is a time for you to voice/share your thoughts with City Council and they will not respond to comments heard.
- Consent Agenda (Approvals/Removals): At this point in the meeting, Council decides which items, if any, will be taken off the Consent Agenda and discussed following the Matters for Council Action Part II. The Consent Agenda items are listed on the agenda before the final Audience Comment. Once these items are taken off the agenda, they are then discussed under the section “Consent Agenda Removals for Council Action.”
- Matters For Council Action, Parts I and II: These are items listed on the agenda that will be discussed and acted upon during the meeting.
General Courtesies For All
- Please direct your comments to the Mayor.
- Please be polite and refrain from using offensive or abusive language.
- Please ensure all mobile devices are silenced while in the Council Chambers.
Audience Comments Rules
A. All members of the Audience addressing the meeting (hereinafter speaker) shall direct their remarks to the person in charge of the meeting (hereinafter Chair).
B. No speaker shall address the meeting unless recognized by the Chair for that purpose.
C. Remarks shall be limited to those pertaining to matters before the Council, to City business or policy, or to issues of community concern or interest. While comment upon the action, inaction, or performance of the Council and the City of Novi commissions, boards, employees and consultants is allowed, inappropriate, profane, vulgar or abusive language and personal attacks will not be tolerated.
D. No speaker shall continue to address the meeting after being advised by the Chair that the speaker's time for addressing the meeting has expired.
E. There shall be no audience comment by voice, clapping, or otherwise, showing approval or disapproval of any remarks of the speaker or member(s) of the public body.
F. Each speaker may address the meeting for 3 minutes. The Chair has the authority to grant additional time, if requested by a speaker, for good cause.
G. Speakers wishing to display visual materials through the City's audiovisual system must provide the materials to City staff for screening no later than 12:00 P.M. the day of the meeting. The materials submitted will be reviewed by the City Clerk (or designee) to ensure that (1) the materials are in a format capable of broadcast or presentation over the City's audiovisual system; (2) the materials relate to a permitted purpose under Paragraph C above; and (3) the material is legally appropriate for broadcast over the audiovisual system and/or cable system. Visual materials include any visual or textual items that are to be displayed through the audiovisual system irrespective of their specific format or media. This includes, without limitation, photographs, audio and video presentations, charts, computer presentations, computer screen images, posters and fliers, whether in physical or electronic format. Once the materials have been submitted for review, they cannot be changed before the meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chair may allow a speaker to utilize the City's audiovisual system to display a limited number (no more than three) of non-electronic, physical documents (e.g., photographs of potholes), provided that the documents are presented to the Clerk for review under Paragraph G above, before the documents are displayed.
H. Speakers using visual materials are subject to the same time limitation set forth in Paragraph F above.
I. Taped or recorded audio presentations not presented through the City's audiovisual system (i.e., with sound only, not displaying visual materials) shall also be submitted for review as described in Paragraph G above.
J. Council Members or the Mayor shall not respond to general Audience Comment. The Mayor or Council members can bring up a point of order in regard to false information and direct it to the parliamentarian for a response. The Mayor may direct the administration to respond to the speaker, if appropriate, during or outside of the meeting. The Mayor may also respond with an indication of the appropriate action to be taken.
K. Committee Reports will not be accepted during Audience Comment. An Applicant or Representative may present proposals for a period of time at the discretion of the Chair.
Communication with the City
In addition to attending City Council meetings, you can communicate specific interests in a variety of ways. You may want to consider these actions prior to attending a meeting:
- Contact the City department directly to speak with staff. City staff are there to assist you with your questions and comments. If you are not sure which department to speak with, contact the City Manager’s office at 248.347.0445 or City Clerk’s office at 248.347.0456 and you will be directed to the appropriate staff team member.
- City department directors oversee the daily operations of the City and may have the specific information you seek. Prior to an item being placed on the meeting agenda, there has usually been a record of action on the subject within the City department, so it may be best to start your inquiries there. Departmental phone numbers are available on the City’s website cityofnovi.org, in the City calendar, or you may call the general City number at 248.347.0460 for an automated listing of departments.
- You may also consider writing a letter or sending an e-mail to Council Members. If you write a letter it should be mailed to the City of Novi, Attention: Novi City Council, 45175 West Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI 48375. In person, deliver the correspondence to the City Clerk’s office. Your correspondence is then distributed to Council prior to a meeting. In order for your correspondence to be distributed, it must be received by 10 a.m. the Thursday before a meeting.
- An e-mail message can directly be sent to the City Council Members or to the City Clerk. All Council Members and City Administration e-mail addresses can be found on the City’s website at cityofnovi.org. .
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