HomeMy WebLinkAbout020720- 01
WORKSHOP ATTENDEES
Town Council
Karen Stepper Mayor
Lisa Blackwell Vice Mayor
Newell Arnerich Councilmember
Renee Morgan Councilmember
Robert Storer Councilmember
Town Staff
Joe Calabrigo Town Manager
Rob Ewing City Attorney
Tai Williams Assistant Town Manager
Allan Shields Police Chief
Jed Johnson Administrative Services Director
Dave Casteel Maintenance Services Director
Henry Perezalonso Recreation, Arts & Community Services
Director
Lani Ha Finance Manager/Treasurer
Steven Jones City Engineer
Jeff Hebel Emergency Services Manager
Geoff Gillette Public Information Officer
Diane Friedmann Assistant to the Town Manager
Town Consultants
Niccolo De Luca Senior Director, Townsend Public Affairs
Alex Gibbs Senior Associate, Townsend Public Affairs
Andres Ramirez Associate, Townsend Public Affairs
2019 HIGHLIGHTS & OUTCOMES
The Annual Planning and Goal Setting Workshop provides an opportunity for the
Town Council to reflect on prior year highlights and outcomes that support the
Town’s mission to deliver superior municipal services that make people’s lives better.
OVERVIEW
The Town continues to maintain a strong fiscal position. The 2018/19 fiscal year
ended on June 30, 2019, with a $4.0 million positive fund balance and a General Fund
(G.F.) Operating Reserve of $12.3 million (equivalent to 52.3% of the total G.F. Budget
or 35.8% of the total Operating Budget). Fund transfers totaling $8.2 million were
made from the G.F. into the Capital Improvement Program (C.I.P.) and the Town-
wide Lighting and Landscape Assessment District (LLAD). This included a $3.7
million transfer with approval of the 2018/19 CAFR in November.
Community safety remains the top priority. The Police Department continued their
success with combatting Part I crimes, closing the year with another record low. The
Town was named “Safest City in California” by Safewise, an independent review
website, for the third consecutive year.
Legislatively, the Town Council continued with advocacy efforts aimed at the
regional, state and federal levels, in the face of state and federal governments
continuing efforts to narrow the scope of local authority vested with cities.
Considerable time was spent updating Town standards regarding the placement of
small cellular wireless facilities to comply with federal standards. The Town Council
appointed a new Senior Advisory Commission and a new Arts Advisory Board that
will work more closely with the Parks Recreation and Arts Commission to implement
the Parks, Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan.
Community outreach efforts continued to focus on both online and in-person
methods. Social media channels, including Facebook, Facebook Live, Instagram,
Twitter, Nextdoor and Nixle continued to be utilized for communication, collectively
allowing the Town to maintain contact with the vast majority of Danville households.
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Despite higher than average total rainfall, the Town avoided significant disruption
and damage from winter storms. The most significant disruptions occurred as the
result of PG&E’s decision to implement their Public Safety Power Shutoff program,
which created frustration and confusion, among directly residents. A significant
windstorm that occurred at the end of October resulted in significant local property
damage, including the Town’s landmark oak tree on Diablo Road.
After extensive evaluation of options to modernize and expand the Town Offices at
510 La Gonda Way, the Town opted to purchase the building located next door at 500
La Gonda Way. Tenant and site improvements are currently in the design stage with
Town occupancy planned to occur by the end of 2021.
Completion of the $9.21 million Village Theatre Municipal Parking Lot expansion
project continued Town efforts to increase public parking downtown. The new lot
adds 132 new parking spaces in the heart of Old Town Danville while further
improving pedestrian connectivity in the process. Together with the new Rose Street
lot opened in November 2017, the Town has spent $14.5 million to add another 210
spaces downtown in the last two years.
The School District completed construction of the San Ramon Valley High School
modernization project, which included the addition of 240 new student parking
spaces on campus. The new parking was partially funded by a $1.45 million
contribution from the Town and continues a long and successful ongoing partnership
between the Town and the District.
Two Pavement Management projects totaling $5.4 million were completed,
overlaying or slurry sealing segments of 55 public streets and improving the Town-
wide PCI to 83. Other construction projects completed included the Front Street
Creekbank Stabilization Project and the Danville Various Streets and Roads
Preservation (OBAG) Project that made improvements to El Cerro Boulevard, the
Sycamore Valley Road overpass and the Sycamore Park and Ride lot.
Enhancements to the Town’s recreational programming and park system continued
with adoption of the new Town Green Master Plan and continued examination of
potential future scooter and skate park sites.
Arts appreciation was broadened through numerous high-quality art exhibits at the
Village Theatre Art Gallery, the “Dogs of Danville” exhibit which cross promoted the
arts with economic development downtown, another highly successful Open Studios
event and the highly popular public pianos summer program. Several other
programs continued including Music in the Park, Mobile Rec on the Go and May the
4th Be With You.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2019
Legislative
• Worked with Tri-Valley Cities Coalition, Contra Costa Mayors Conference and
state legislators to advocate for changes to housing legislation in a manner that
lessens their impacts to Danville.
• Actively engaged with and supported the League of California Cities’ and
various efforts and activities that promote retention of local control for cities.
• Appointed a new Senior Advisory Commission to advise the Town Council on
matters of importance to active adults and senior citizens.
• Appointed a new Arts Advisory Board to support the efforts of the Parks,
Recreation and Arts Commission in achieving the outcomes identified in the
Parks, Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan.
• Created a Legislative Sub-Committee of the Town Council to further Town
advocacy efforts at the regional, state and federal level.
• Updated the Wireless Communications Ordinance to address siting of small
cell wireless facilities.
• Concluded the year with the 38th Annual Mayoral Installation and Community
Service Awards.
• Successfully recruited for, interviewed and filled several Commission, Board
and position vacancies.
Finance and Administration
• Continued to ensure the ongoing fiscal health of the Town.
• Adopted a balanced budget, maintained strong reserves and sustainable ten -
year forecasts.
• Prepared the 2018/19 CAFR; realized a positive $4.0 million General Fund
balance.
• Received Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recognition for
excellence in financial reporting, 18 years in a row.
• Completed sale of the 115-125 Hartz Avenue property.
• Completed acquisition of the 500 La Gonda Way property for use as Town
Offices and Police Department.
• Maintained numerous highly successful co-sponsorship relationships to
support and provide enrichment and cultural opportunities for the
community.
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Information Technology
• Increased efficiencies within the MUNIS Financial System, EnerGov Permitting
& Land Management System and Office 365 suite by completing the move to
cloud-based services that offer 24/7/365 availability with ISO 9000 security
levels and automatic updates.
• Continued efforts to implement additional security measures as warranted and
monitor cybersecurity issues to protect the Town from ongoing attacks.
• Completed the transition to a town wide MITEL voicemail system to address
the lack of support from Microsoft for the previous voicemail system.
Community Outreach
• Continued social media efforts, including the use of Nextdoor, Twitter,
Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Continued promoting Nixle as the Town’s emergency communications system,
resulting in a 20% year-over-year increase in subscribers to alerts.
Sustainability
• Continued membership and became a “Deep Green Champion” with MCE
Clean Energy, a Community Choice Energy program, providing ratepayers
with greater choices for renewable energy options.
• Eight Town facilities including the Danville Town Offices, Danville Library
and Community Center, Maintenance Services Center, Veterans Memorial
Building, Oak Hill Park Community Center, Town Meeting Hall and Village
Theatre converted to MCE 100% renewable Deep Green Service.
• Installed additional EV charging stations in the new Village Theatre Municipal
Parking Lot.
• Launched an Environment and Sustainability section on the Danville website.
• Continued a reduction in electricity usage through operation of photovoltaic
arrays at four separate Town facilities.
Police and Emergency Services
• Closed 2018 with an another all-time low in reported Part I crimes.
• Received the distinction of “Safest City in California” in 2019, for the third year
in a row by Safewise, an independent review website.
• Provided Naloxone Kits to Police Department Patrol for use to combat the
effects of opiate overdose.
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• Provided over 20 training presentation to San Ramon Valley Unified School
District Employees on Active Shooter response through the “Run, Hide, Fight”
program.
• Responded to several PG&E PSPS events by keeping the community informed,
deploying portable generators to maintain traffic signal operations and
working with special needs populations to ensure their ongoing safety.
• Continued the Disaster Preparedness Program to step up readiness efforts
aimed at preparing for and responding to any natural or man-made disasters
or emergencies that could befall the Town.
• Continued to maintain a strong partnership with SRVUSD toward maintaining
school safety.
• Attended over 30 Coffee with the Cops events aimed at reaching out to the
community in a friendly and collaborative setting.
• Conducted Recess with the Cops programs at one school per week during the
school year.
• Continued the successful Police VIP Program, expanding service into Crime
Prevention through Environmental Design.
• Staffed and supported a full schedule of community events.
Capital Improvement Program
• Completed construction of the $9.21 million Village Theatre Municipal Parking
Lot expansion project increasing the number of parking spaces from 69 to 201.
• Completed construction of the $2.1 million Various Streets and Roads (OBAG)
Project to improve El Cerro Boulevard from El Pintado to La Gonda Way and
Sycamore Valley Road from Camino Ramon to San Ramon Valley Boulevard
including the bus loop at the Park N Ride.
• Completed construction of the $150,000 Osage Station Park pathway
improvements project.
• Completed construction of the $752,400 Front Street Creek Bank Stabilization
project.
• Completed the construction of the 2017/18 and 2018/19 Pavement
Rehabilitation projects, totaling $5.4 million.
• Realized completion of the San Ramon Valley High School Classroom
Modernization project which included 240 additional student parking spaces
on campus. The Town contributed $1.45 to help fund this project in order to
alleviate parking congestion in adjacent neighborhoods and the north end of
the downtown.
• Started construction on replacement of the children’s play area at Hap Magee
Ranch Park with a projected cost of $785,000.
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• Continued the design of the $2.76 million Sycamore Valley Park and Ride
Expansion Project, which will add 122 new public parking spaces and bicycle
parking to serve commuters and users of the Iron Horse Trail.
• Continued the design work for the $6 million project to replace the La Gonda
Way bridge at Danville Boulevard.
• Completed installation of bicycle video detection cameras at seven
intersections (total of 12 cameras).
• Completed installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at ten
(10) locations.
• Completed installation of four (4) wayfinding guide signs on Interstate 680
within Town limits.
• Completed replacement of traffic signal battery back-up systems at eight (8)
intersections.
• Complete the design of storm drain trash racks at Starview Drive, Loch
Lomond Way and Westridge, pending response from FEMA on the Town’s
grant applications.
• Continued design and planning of the Riverwalk bridge connecting Diablo
Road to the Town Green.
• Began design for improving 3.6 lane miles of on -street bicycle facilities on
Diablo Road from downtown Danville to Green Valley Road.
• Replaced radar speed display signs at two (2) locations and replaced one (1)
radar speed display trailer.
Development Services
• Continued with various Transportation programs including: Street Smarts
traffic safety education program, Neighborhood Traffic Management Program
and participation in Danville’s TRAFFIX Student Transportation Program.
• Worked with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and other Contra
Costa jurisdictions on the development of a new transportation expenditure
plan to present to Contra Costa Voters in March 2020 as part of a new one-half
cent transportation sales tax measure.
• Continued lead role with advocacy on regional transportation issues.
Maintenance Services
• Renovated the turf in the large dog park at Hap Magee Ranch Park for a total
of $18,875. The dog park at Hap Magee Ranch Park is rated one of the best dog
parks in the area by Diablo Magazine.
• Completed the installation of the UV and filtration system at O ak Hill Park
pond to improve water quality for a total of $49,318.
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• Completed the annual creek cleaning through in-house and contract efforts
($10,800) which helps protect the community and prevent damage to public
and private property.
• Worked with EBMUD to complete the installation of recycled water on El
Capitan Drive near Crow Canyon Road.
Recreation, Arts, and Community Services
• Succeeded in furthering integration of arts into the community through the
Dogs of Danville exhibit which was displayed throughout the downtown.
• Continued implementation of the Parks, Recreation & Arts Strategic Plan, with
an emphasis on capital projects in parks, trails and public art.
• Continued to explore potential locations for the multi-use scooter and skate
park as identified in the latest feasibility study.
• Offered a successful series of summer programs, camps and aquatic classes that
served approximately 5,500 residents.
• Continued work with the Danville Youth Council on communications strategy
and social media use, hosting a Tri-Valley Youth Advisory Council Round
table, and staging the Danville Amazing Race for Teens.
• Continued to provide a variety of arts opportunities through the Jazz Room
Series and Comedy with Liz Grant.
• Provided outdoor performances at the Town Green with the Midsummer
Melodrama and the Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged).
• Began the AdVANture local trips program for Seniors and hosted the first
Senior Variety Show.
Economic Development and Community Events
• Continued implementation of the Community Marketing and Branding Plan,
including publication of the Live Locally Guide, marketing material and
rebranding of the Town’s quarterly newsletter.
• Delivered numerous highly successful special events that were attended by
approximately 300,000 people.
• Continued to strengthen partnerships with the Danville Area Chamber of
Commerce, local businesses, commercial leasing agents and property owners.
Attachments: A – Notes from 2019 Planning and Goal Setting Workshop
B - Visioning Exercise from 2019 Planning and Goal Setting Workshop
C – Notes from 2019 Visioning Exercise
TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING &
GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP
2019 Annual Town Council
Planning & Goal Setting
Workshop Notes and Outcomes
Friday, February 1, 2019, 8:30 a.m.
Crow Canyon Country Club
Accomplishments from 2018
The Town Council reviewed and discussed significant accomplishments from 2018
(see Appendix A). Town Council highlighted the following:
• Continuing to revitalize the Front Street Arts District.
• Completing the North Hartz Economic Feasibility Study.
• Staying ahead of new laws and legislative activities at the federal, state and regional
level.
• Enhancing bicycle infrastructure to maintain a bicycle-friendly community.
• Maintaining the Friendship City efforts with New Ross, Ireland .
• Liaising effectively with the Danville Chamber of Commerce and San Ramon Valley
Unified School District.
• Assisting a local business with the East Bay Economic Development Alliance’s
Innovation Awards.
• Responding to and maintaining the Danville Connect system for customer requests.
• Continuing the robust Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
• Providing consistent, ongoing, small-town customer service to residents.
• Expanding the Live Locally branding in Town communications.
• Maintaining a vibrant, walkable downtown area.
• Completing the Skate Park Feasibility Study.
• Making a positive impact on businesses through the Business Concierge Program.
• Delivering skilled, friendly customer service at the Town’s front counter.
• Continuing a strong partnership and relationship with Town staff, due in part by the
political stability of the community.
• Launching the Arts and Rec on the Go program.
• Completing the Village Theatre Municipal Parking Lot.
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• Investing in other public parking projects, including the San Ramon Valley High
School Parking Lot and the Sycamore Valley Road Park & Ride Lot.
• Implementing MCE Clean Energy.
• Achieving a strong public safety record, with the lowest Part 1 crimes in the Town’s
history, and recognition as “The Safest City in California.”
• Continuing to maintain a strong partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and
Town businesses.
• Programming enhancements and ongoing efforts in the Recreation, Arts and
Community Services Department’s programs.
• Publishing a vibrant Activity Guide on a frequent basis.
• Providing strong services in the Building Division.
• Offering quality parks in the community, including Hap Magee Ranch Park.
• Maintaining a strong teamwork and solutions-oriented team.
• Negotiating a purchase agreement for the Town Office Relocation Project.
• Keeping the Town’s debt at a very low amount.
• Applying for and receiving reimbursement funds from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) for winter storms recovery.
Mid-Year 2018/19 Operating Budget and CIP Status Report
Town Council accepted the mid-year operating budget and CIP status report, and discussed
the following:
Operating Budget
• Property Tax, Sales Tax, Recreation Changes and Fees for Service are on track to meet or
exceed the budget forecast.
• RecycleSmart funds will increase by $17,468 for new recycling and garbage recycle
containers in the new parking lot.
• Mid-year will reflect acceptance and appropriation of those dollars.
• Building and Planning Revenues are being collected at a slightly lower rate.
• Gas Tax revenues continue to be on track due to the defeat of Prop 6, the repeal initiative
defeated by voters in November 2018.
• Solid Waste Impact Fee revenues are sustainable, with a 3% rate increase that became
effective on March 1, 2019.
• The Police Department will receive a $15,000 donation for additional equipment, which
will be reflected as a mid-year adjustment.
• An $1.2 million transfer from the Operating Budget into the CIP to fund the Town Office
Building Relocation Project.
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• The Lighting and Landscape Assessment District (LLAD) is underfunded in the long -
term; there will be a need to reformulate this revenue stream and seek a rate increase in
the future in order to provide the same level of service for future years.
• The Town’s expenditures are expected to be at or below budget, with risk management
expenses planned to be less than current fiscal year.
• Police Department contract costs as well as other personnel costs will increase in future
years.
• The Town continues to work closely to ensure that needs of the Town’s sales tax revenue
generators are met.
• The Town will continue to budget responsibly, in anticipation for a downturn in the
economy.
Capital Improvement Program
• The Town continues to invest in its infrastructure.
• New and ongoing initiatives include parking projects, the Town Office Relocation
Expansion Project, and the Pavement Management Program.
• Mid-Year review reflects the Town Office Relocation Project, CIP No. B-626. The CIP
fund balance at the end of the year is projected to be $9.1 million .
• With the 2018/19 Mid-Year Operating Transfers and Mid-Year CIP Transfers, the Town
is left with a year-end estimate of $8.1 million.
• Sycamore Valley Park and Ride Expansion started in late summer/early fall, and will
leverage funding from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and other sources
where possible.
• An update on the Town Office Relocation Project, CIP No. B-626, was discussed.
• Town Council directed staff to further discuss the San Ramon Valley Boulevard
Widening Project, CIP No. C-578, at a future study session meeting, to revisit traffic
counts, road widths, and on-street parking.
• C-593 Front Street Creek Stabilization project is dependent on PG&E relocating the
telephone poles. February 6 is the date of relocation. Mid-April construction start is
projected.
• The award of design contract for the La Gonda Way Bridge Improvements project is
expected in summer 2019.
• The Five-Year Forecast for Revenues and Expenditures for the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) show that the program will be fully-funded, with the revenue shortfall
offset by the Solid Waste Vehicle Impact Fee; this is under the assumption that no
additional projects would be funded beyond what has already been appropriated .
• Skate Park study was completed and brought to the Council with a recommendation on
a preferred location last year. The study was accepted, and the location was rejected, and
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staff is awaiting further direction from Council on next steps. The Town Council would
like to revisit this at a future study session.
Visioning Exercise
Town Council and Staff conducted an exercise to step away from the present and look
toward the future, and what we see that future holds for Danville, reflect about where we
are today and imagine where we want to be, what challenges we might face in the future,
and where we want to go from here in order to chart that course. (handout and results of
brainstorming exercise attached)
Police Services Update
Town Council accepted the report, and discussed the following:
• Part 1 Crimes reduced from 354 to 326 total reported crimes, continuing a downward
trend from an 8-year average of 416.
• Traffic Collision reports are down from 315 to 277, which was a new all-time low.
• How the Town staff work together to reduce crime through a robust economic
development program, and engaged parks and recreation programs.
• Allan spoke about transparency especially around any incidents that occur on the
school property.
• Active shooter training was conducted last night, collaborating with the Fire District
and School District.
• Aik, the Town’s K-9 continues to have underlying health issues that are hindering his
health and healing when injured. Aik will retire and live with Officer Emily
Neabeack. The Town will be getting a new K-9, training in the upcoming months
with Officer Neabeack continuing to serve as the K-9 handler.
• Officers Charles Caruso and Matan “Biz” Weingarden will be serving as the new
School Resource Officers (SROs), transitioning in this spring.
Regional, State, and Federal Legislative Update
Town Council accepted the Legislative Advocacy report, and discussed the following:
• The Town continues to be part of the Tri-Valley Cities’ Legislative Advocacy Efforts, with
Townsend Public Affairs (TPA) serving as the legislative advocacy consultant.
• The Tri-Valley's Community Development Directors are convening to develop the
framework for a housing issue white paper.
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• Tri-Valley Cities is laying the groundwork to communicate to the legislators about
housing, local control and the CASA compact in an effort to change/mitigate legislative
impact.
• TPA will continue to monitor legislation, with more proposed legislation expected
through the end of March.
• The Tri-Valley Mayors’ Legislative Advocacy Meetings in Washington D.C., in
conjunction with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, accomplished objectives in establishing
relationships, including meetings with members of Congress and agency staff.
• The Valley Link Project (Tri-Valley-San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority) is fully
supported by elected officials in the area, including newly elected Congressmember Josh
Harder (D-Turlock).
• Regarding the FCC “Small Cell Wireless” ruling, Congressman Eric Swalwell has
officially signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 530.
• State Senator Steven Glazer is going to introduce a CEQA streamlining bill.
• SCA 20 is being reintroduced again by Senator Glazer, and he is seeking support from
the Tri-Valley.
• Prop 68 (Parks Bond) funding will roll out in 2020, and there is supoort behind funding
infrastructure along the Iron Horse Trail.
• Governor Gavin Newsom will be proposing a change to the Public Utilities Commission
(PUC), appointing a new president. Next steps following the PG&E bankruptcy
declaration are being discussed in Sacramento.
• The CASA Compact was discussed. The Town Council expressed an interest in taking
the following positions on each of the CASA Compact Elements:
o Monitor: Compact Elements #1, #2, #3, #8
o Full Support and Expansion: Compact Element #4
o Oppose unless amended: Compact Element #5, #9, #10
o Support with amendments: Compact Element #6, #7
• The Town Council expressed a strong interest in sharing information about the CASA
Compact to the community through active communication/outreach efforts, including a
Community Town Hall (hosted with other agencies and legislators), and content on the
Live Locally Quarterly Newsletter.
Police
• A reduction in Part I crimes in 2017 and ongoing crime reduction efforts.
• Additional reports and statistics to be included in future department reports.
• Thoroughness of the Investigations Team to locate criminals and stolen property.
• The continued effectiveness of ALPRs for the apprehension of criminals and lack of need
to expand the camera program at this time.
• Ongoing community outreach efforts through social media and the Coffee with the Cops
program, in addition to Recess with the Cops.
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• Public access to crime reporting data on CrimeReports.com.
• Recovery of K-9 Aik.
Communication and Outreach
• The continuation of print, digital, media relations and in-person outreach methods.
• The Live Locally Newsletter began dedicating one page per quarter to Economic
Development. The page features new and existing businesses.
• The town website was relaunched in May 2018 with a new layout, graphics and
Danville’s Live Locally branding.
Training Needs
• Town Council received sexual harassment prevention training and education in
compliance with AB 1661.
Town Council Guidelines
• Town Council reviewed the Guidelines with consensus that all members are adhering
to the guidelines. No further changes were discussed.
Other Business and Updates
Council Matters
• Asked the Town Manager to move the Town Manager’s Report up earlier on the
regular Council Agenda; agreed that the report could be monthly.
• Discussed the designated survivor resolution, when would it be used, how does it
fit with Brown Act authority to have telephonic meetings.
• Discussed potential update on noise ordinance, related to hours of construction or
possibly more comprehensive.
• Discussed desire to amend the Friendship City policy to remove criteria for cities
being of "similar size.”
• Asked staff to look into whether Contra Costa County has an ordinance limiting
where smoke shops can open, specifically in proximity to school.
• Discussed potential amendments to the Smoking Ordinance due to concerns that
certain establishments facilitate smoking on public sidewalks, impacting outdoor
diners at nearby restaurants. Council will first seek voluntary compliance.
• Discussed concept of forming a possible downtown Business Improvement District
to provide for tree lighting and other improvements. Asked whether a BID can be
voted on by business owners or just the property owners.
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• Asked to have updated individual photographs and bios for councilmembers
included on the new Town website. Asked staff for clarification of current practices
(if any) for use of council photos on social media, use of photos taken by Town staff.
Annual Council/Commission Workshop
• Discussed the designated survivor resolution with the commissions.
• Consider public art as a potential engagement/discussion topic.
ATTACHMENT B
VISIONING EXERCISE
BACKGROUND
As elected officials, you seek and are elected to public office to pursue an agenda that
will benefit your community. Once elected, you work tirelessly in your pursuit of the
Town’s best interests and those of our citizenry at levels ranging from the local to the
federal level.
Since the Town was incorporated in 1982, community leaders have had a clear vision
of what Danville is. The Town Government is focused on retaining and enhancing
“Small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life,” and the Town’s mission is to
“provide superior municipal services that make people’s lives better.” However, in
2019, much of what affects quality of life and service delivery for Danville is external,
and beyond the Town’s direct control.
Given the myriad of issues, opportunities and challenges faced at a local, regional,
statewide and even federal level, the complexities and expectations faced by our local
government continues to increase. Although the Town takes great care to prepare
plans and engage the community to plan for the future, much of the effort is focused
on current issues – dealing with what’s in front of us right now.
Exercise
The Annual Planning and Goal Setting Workshop provides an opportunity to step
away from the present and look toward the future, and what we see that future holds
for Danville.
The exercise will help guide and prompt councilmembers to conduct
“visioning.” Each Town Councilmember will team with Town staff. Teams will use
post-it notes to think about “what we love about Danville” and “Challenges &
Opportunities” today and 20 years in the future, in 2039.
Preparatory to the workshop, participants should take some ti me to reflect on the
following questions:
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• What do we value, appreciate and love about Danville today and in the future?
• What are the challenges and opportunities we face today and in the future?
• How will societal change, technology, demographics and current and future
trends affect Danville?
• What will we need to do to prepare to meet future challenges?
• What will Danville look like twenty years from now in 2039? What’s changed?
How does that change affect the way we live and work, an d what our
community needs or wants from its local government?
The point of this exercise is to reflect about where we are today and imagine where we
want to be, what challenges we might face in the future (recognizing that we can’t predict
the future), and where we want to go from here in order to chart that course. Participants
should try to vision based on all areas of service delivery.
Today (2019) 20 Years from Now (2039)
What We Love
about Danville
Challenges &
Opportunities
What We Will Love
about Danville
Possible
Challenges &
Opportunities
Each team should come up with at least 5-6 items per column.
Town Council Visioning Exercise Results 2019
ATTACHMENT C
Today (2019) 20 Years from Now
(2039)
What We Love about
Danville
Challenges &
Opportunities
What We Will Love
about Danville
Possible
Challenges &
Opportunities
• Dog friendly
• Approachable Public
Safety
• Well Maintained
Community
• Thoughtful
Planning/design
• Safe, Friendly
Environment
• Partnerships with
schools & Education
• High Quality Parks &
recreation programs
• Open Space Amenities
• Preserved Ridgelines
• Walkable, Desirable,
Dynamic, Historic
Downtown
• Plentiful, free public
parking
• Great place to raise a
family
• Civic Pride
• Small Town Feel
• Trails/Open space
• Clean Air, Great
Climate
• Sense of community
w/special events
• Proactive in emergency
response/partnerships
• Fiscally
responsible/meeting
expectations
• Hidden Gem/680 access
• Feel safe/perceived
safety
• Local Control
• Prospect challenge, place
for kids to hang out, still
have retail
• Outside sources funds to
offset General Fund/not
an underserved
community
• Sports Alliance evolve
with culture
• Changing community
needs, demographics
• River Walk
• Maintain our image with
new housing regulations
• Self-guided history
markers
• Town to have bigger role
in maintaining history
• Economy stalls/recession
• Pocket parks in
commercial areas
• Sales tax unknown, state
of retail
• Small business vision
limited/not adapting to
current realities
• ‘no growth’ vocal
opposition
• Sustainability= asset,
bold vs. maintain
• Zoning & construction
limitations
• Federal/State legislation
creating downward
pressure to maintain
goals
• Active/engaged
community
• Safe routes to
school/arterials of
• Mayor will have a
budget to spend on
council activities
• One more friendship
city
• Really cool town council
office
• Light up all downtown
trees
• 100% Carbon Free
• Co-op Art Gallery
• Public/private
partnerships where we
own property & partner
with developer to build
housing
• Water fountain at
Prospect & Hartz
• More solar on town
owned property
• Town Council pay
increase
• Continue to plant oak
trees for the future
• More connection to
hiking trails
• All 5 G technology
under ground
• North end development
• Culture/values
• Maintain atmosphere,
ambiance
• Control growth
• Dedicated, passionate
staff
• Residents re-investing
in their properties
• Expanded Rec.
Programs for aging
population &
connecting with youth
• Robust community
engagement
• Open space/hillside still
protected
• Borel property
developed
• Property values double
by 2020
• Online citizens
engagement
opportunity for
residents to be more
positive and engaged
• Continually surpass
government
expectations town-wide
• Active role in
maintaining our history
• Annex the east side
• Buses travel on
shoulders
• Maintain local control
• More seniors, fewer
families and young
residents
• Drastic change in town
councilmembers
• Residents/business
owners love us
• Technology evolution
• Internet of Things (IOT)
• Close trail gaps and
maximize hiking
• More need for
community space
downtown
• Recreation & Arts focus
• Nurture concept of
business competition by
media
• Support technology that
makes people safe
• Housing, housing,
housing
• Shared technology
2
Camino Ramon/Camino
Tassajara
• LLAD Revenues &
Taxpayers willingness to
pay for services
• Stable revenue sources
and opportunities
• Retail retention &
programs
• SRO funding
• Traffic/Transportation
• Small Cell Technology
• Proactive
Communication of
projects
• Traffic
• Perceptions: lack of
parking, ongoing
community expectations
vs. Funding
• Aging population
• Dis/misinformation on
social media
• Housing legislation –
affordability, overreach,
losing local control
• Retail struggles with
online economy
• Social media – factual
information in the hands
of the community
• Keeping up with
technology
• Housing Demands –
Wiener
• Keeping & retaining
quality staff
w/competitive
compensation packages
• Still #1 Safest City
• More community
spaces/town green
• Arts-focused
community
• Foodie destination-
Michelin restaurants
• Automated
transportation and
autonomous vehicles
• Healthy community,
healthy choices
• Shared living spaces
• Same sense of quaint
downtown
• More connectivity
• 100% carbon free
community
• Still maintain small
town feel with state of
the art technology for
residents
• Still fiscally stable town
• 90% permits can be
done online
• International visitors,
active vibrant
downtown with theatre,
restaurants, parks
• Free green community
with trails, bikes,
walking downtown
• Trees have lights
downtown
• Residents/business
owners love downtown
• Social media will be
more intrusive/privacy
• Climate Change
• Technological changes
will be challenging
• North Hartz Avenue
finished
• Electoral
Process/Electronic
voting
• Different Options for
community
engagement
• Integrating new
council, staff,
leadership
• Availability and
affordability of
housing
• Commuting/freeway
access, mobility
• How we spend/shop,
expectations
• Permit approval
process expectations
• Earthquake/Emergenc
y response-”the big
one”
• How community
interacts with
government 24/7 , not
8-5.
• Healthy Town is our
opportunity