Town Manager Jill Keimach announced on January 11 that Public Works Director and Town Engineer Jill Mercurio accepted a position with the City of Vallejo and will leave Moraga on January 19.
Mercurio was hired five years ago to do work that had previously been done by contractors. It was believed at the time that a full time Public Works director would be able to pursue grant opportunities. Her experience in that area allowed the completion of numerous projects. "We will be hiring someone to replace her since her position is critical to ensure we continue to bring in grant funds and watch expenditures for maintaining the Town's infrastructure," confirmed Keimach.
In the short term, Mercurio will leave a very important vacant seat on the Revenue Enhancement Community Outreach to Neighborhoods committee. That group is finalizing a study of the local infrastructure and establishing a plan to improve its overall performance. The proposed measures and the subsequent funding needs were supposed to be ready in the spring. In order not to delay this project, Keimach found a temporary solution.
"EL Cerrito made a similar effort on roadway planning, they are sort of the poster child for doing it right, and they have completed their plan under budget. We asked to partner with their city engineer to act as a consultant for our project," said Keimach, "he will be meeting with Jill (Mercurio) next week and will assist any way he can."
Mercurio was hired five years ago to do work that had previously been done by contractors. It was believed at the time that a full time Public Works director would be able to pursue grant opportunities. Her experience in that area allowed the completion of numerous projects. "We will be hiring someone to replace her since her position is critical to ensure we continue to bring in grant funds and watch expenditures for maintaining the Town's infrastructure," confirmed Keimach.
In the short term, Mercurio will leave a very important vacant seat on the Revenue Enhancement Community Outreach to Neighborhoods committee. That group is finalizing a study of the local infrastructure and establishing a plan to improve its overall performance. The proposed measures and the subsequent funding needs were supposed to be ready in the spring. In order not to delay this project, Keimach found a temporary solution.
"EL Cerrito made a similar effort on roadway planning, they are sort of the poster child for doing it right, and they have completed their plan under budget. We asked to partner with their city engineer to act as a consultant for our project," said Keimach, "he will be meeting with Jill (Mercurio) next week and will assist any way he can."
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA