| | Published January 4th, 2023
| Outgoing mayor looks back at the town's 2022 goals and priorities
| | | By Vera Kochan | | |
Outgoing Mayor Steve Woehleke presented his list of 16 town goals and priorities for the year of 2022 that have either been accomplished or are in the process of completion. His slide show presentation during the town council's Dec. 14 meeting served as a reminder of last year's full plate of projects.
Number one on the list was to "efficiently sustain core operations and services of the town, maintain fiscal discipline, and continue to position the Town for long-term fiscal sustainability and operational efficiency." The town adopted a balanced Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget; had successful labor agreements; reduced Hacienda de las Flores operating costs; had an $11.3 million balanced budget adopted with $13.6 million Capital Improvement Projects; and received $2.25 million in one-time developer fees, just to name a few.
Another top priority was to continue the general plan update and the 6th Cycle Housing Element with implementing corresponding rezoning, objective standards, and revisions to the planned development process. Much has also been accomplished through community engagement via workshops, surveys, pop-up events, town website/social media, and other forms of outreach.
The new Canyon Road Bridge has been reopened with a secured $10.5 million in federal and $400,000 in regional funding; and the three-year "Worst First" residential street repairs are underway. New traffic safety striping and signage at key locations is also a priority.
Continued implementation of the Storm Drain System Operations and Maintenance Program along with undertaking needed storm drain CIP will keep the public works department busy into 2023.
The town allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward high priority needs, such as storm drains, financing new town software, and small business grants.
Moraga continues to "maintain and improve public safety with high-quality police and emergency response services," and "coordination with MOFD on fire safety, and with Moraga schools on student well-being." The hiring of new police officers; banning the sale of flavored tobacco within town; and conducting virtual evacuation drills are some examples.
The town has worked to enhance its public parks, open spaces and facilities by contributing $250,000 to the acquisition of Harvey Ranch; installing a new irrigation system, trees and new playground equipment at Moraga Commons Park along with a sculpture at West Commons; making improvements at the Hacienda and Disc Golf Course; performing fire abatement; and the Monarch Habitat at Rancho Laguna Park.
A continuing goal is to "develop and initiate a process for identifying and prioritizing uses for Palos Colorados funds, including, among other things, consideration of a town-wide recreation and open space plan."
Traffic with regards to schools, pedestrians and congestion is being addressed through the Local Road Safety Plan; Saint Mary's Roundabout Plan; Corliss Drive Safe Routes to School and Camino Pablo Safety Crosswalk.
Communication with the public through the About Town newsletter, social media and the town's website, along with workshops, surveys and additional forms of outreach have served to keep the community better informed and participatory with regards to significant issues.
Moraga continues to "lessen the town's impact on the environment by continuing to implement sustainability initiatives and viable strategies in Moraga's Climate Action Plan" with water efficient irrigation; electric vehicle charging stations; and opting to go 100% Deep Green.
The town continues to make efforts to improve diversity and inclusion throughout the town by recognizing organizations such as the Moraga iKind project.
The town is working with the Moraga Chamber of Commerce to improve relationships with local businesses (ARPA grants); and SMC (building permits and Rheem development opportunities).
And finally, Woehleke made note of the immense success of Moraga Community Service Day (spearheaded by former council member Mike McCluer). |
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA