"Enhance Communication with Full Transparency" is the game plan for Moraga Mayor Mike McCluer's set of 2021 town goals.
McCluer presented five new goals during the town council's Jan. 27 meeting (one of which was rejected by council members as not being cost effective). Also on his list were seven continuing goals from last year. Two additional goals were proposed by members and added, bringing the total count to 13.
The mayor's new goals and priorities include working on a funding plan to sustain basic operations of the town, including unfunded storm drains, asset replacement and pension needs, by developing and adopting a five-year Capital Improvement Program Budget Strategy.
McCluer also expects to continue to focus on traffic safety while exploring opportunities for improvement, in addition to participating with community groups to improve diversity and inclusion town-wide.
He would like to identify funding and initiate work on the 2023-31 Housing Element (Affordable Housing Plan) to satisfy the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, meet state mandates, and maintain the town's "semi-rural" character.
Continuing the goals from 2020, McCluer wants to maintain and improve public safety through the continued provision of high quality police and emergency response services, including continued coordination with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District on fire safety and emergency preparedness. The town continues to maintain a sense of well-being and security throughout Moraga, while seeking to increase staffing to authorized levels.
McCluer expects Moraga to initiate and complete a review of the town's three-step planned development process and adopt an ordinance to streamline the process. This adoption is scheduled to be brought to the planning commission and town council this year.
Evaluation and implementation of viable strategies in Moraga's Climate Action Plan to lessen the town's impact on the environment will continue with the replacing of town lights with LED fixtures and the partnering with Sustainable Contra Costa to launch the Moraga Sustainability Challenge. The recent installation of four electric vehicle charging stations has been accomplished.
Completion of Phase I of the Canyon Road Bridge has come in on schedule, and the submittal for reimbursement of costs is expected to proceed in a timely manner. Continued construction of Phase II, the outbound lane including the multi-use pathway, is scheduled to begin in April and be completed by the end of the calendar year.
McCluer wants to begin preparation of a General Plan Amendment and Rezone of the Bollinger Canyon Special Study Area. This will entail utilizing a formal request for proposal process for selection of an environmental consultant to prepare the required environmental review for the project.
Also on the list, is the implementation of the 2021 Pavement Management Program which includes the pavement Resurfacing Project, design work for the 2022-24 "Worst First" Pavement Reconstruction Projects, and the Annual Pavement Repair Project.
The last of the continuing projects is the implementation and development of the Storm Drain System Operations and Maintenance Program with work to begin on storm drain capital improvement projects. Proactive inspections and CCTV of storm drain pipes and facilities are projected to continue.
Two additional goals proposed by council members were added to the list. Council Member David Stromberg requested a goal to work collaboratively with the Moraga Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders to improve the town's business climate and address retail's recovery from the pandemic.
Council Member Renata Sos requested a goal to maintain the town's parks, open space and facilities for the benefit of the public.
This agenda item of proposed town goals and priorities will be continued to the Feb. 10 town council meeting for additional clarification and fine-tuning.
McCluer presented five new goals during the town council's Jan. 27 meeting (one of which was rejected by council members as not being cost effective). Also on his list were seven continuing goals from last year. Two additional goals were proposed by members and added, bringing the total count to 13.
The mayor's new goals and priorities include working on a funding plan to sustain basic operations of the town, including unfunded storm drains, asset replacement and pension needs, by developing and adopting a five-year Capital Improvement Program Budget Strategy.
McCluer also expects to continue to focus on traffic safety while exploring opportunities for improvement, in addition to participating with community groups to improve diversity and inclusion town-wide.
He would like to identify funding and initiate work on the 2023-31 Housing Element (Affordable Housing Plan) to satisfy the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, meet state mandates, and maintain the town's "semi-rural" character.
Continuing the goals from 2020, McCluer wants to maintain and improve public safety through the continued provision of high quality police and emergency response services, including continued coordination with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District on fire safety and emergency preparedness. The town continues to maintain a sense of well-being and security throughout Moraga, while seeking to increase staffing to authorized levels.
McCluer expects Moraga to initiate and complete a review of the town's three-step planned development process and adopt an ordinance to streamline the process. This adoption is scheduled to be brought to the planning commission and town council this year.
Evaluation and implementation of viable strategies in Moraga's Climate Action Plan to lessen the town's impact on the environment will continue with the replacing of town lights with LED fixtures and the partnering with Sustainable Contra Costa to launch the Moraga Sustainability Challenge. The recent installation of four electric vehicle charging stations has been accomplished.
Completion of Phase I of the Canyon Road Bridge has come in on schedule, and the submittal for reimbursement of costs is expected to proceed in a timely manner. Continued construction of Phase II, the outbound lane including the multi-use pathway, is scheduled to begin in April and be completed by the end of the calendar year.
McCluer wants to begin preparation of a General Plan Amendment and Rezone of the Bollinger Canyon Special Study Area. This will entail utilizing a formal request for proposal process for selection of an environmental consultant to prepare the required environmental review for the project.
Also on the list, is the implementation of the 2021 Pavement Management Program which includes the pavement Resurfacing Project, design work for the 2022-24 "Worst First" Pavement Reconstruction Projects, and the Annual Pavement Repair Project.
The last of the continuing projects is the implementation and development of the Storm Drain System Operations and Maintenance Program with work to begin on storm drain capital improvement projects. Proactive inspections and CCTV of storm drain pipes and facilities are projected to continue.
Two additional goals proposed by council members were added to the list. Council Member David Stromberg requested a goal to work collaboratively with the Moraga Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders to improve the town's business climate and address retail's recovery from the pandemic.
Council Member Renata Sos requested a goal to maintain the town's parks, open space and facilities for the benefit of the public.
This agenda item of proposed town goals and priorities will be continued to the Feb. 10 town council meeting for additional clarification and fine-tuning.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA