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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020224 - 01.1 Highlights and Outcomes 2023 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 On February 21, 2023, the Town ended the declared local State of Emergency that was declared on March 17, 2020, at the outset of the world-wide Coronavirus pandemic. A second declaration of Local Emergency was necessitated due to significant public and private property damage resulting from a series of severe storms that occurred on December 31, 2022 and in the weeks following. The magnitude of storm damage was such that the majority of 2023 was devoted to recovery efforts. All remediation work was completed by the end of November, at a total Town cost of $5.1 million. This second state of emergency ended on December 3, 2023. The combination of these two extraordinary events has significantly shaped the Towns actions and operations over the past four years. Though different in nature, each emergency taxed the Town in various ways, and the prompt, decisive actions taken were critical to successfully navigating the economic and physical impacts wrought by both events. DISCUSSION The 2023 Annual Planning and Goal Setting Workshop held on February 3 focused on Town recovery efforts, ongoing efforts to maintain the highest level of community safety and fiscal health, completion of the 2023-31 Housing Element process, a growing list of capital and capital maintenance needs, advancing efforts to implement the new Downtown Master Plan, design and construction of the new Diablo Road Trail and continuation of an ambitious Pavement Management efforts. Efforts continued throughout the year to secure approval from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for the 2023-31 Housing Element that was approved by the Town and submitted in January. Several rounds of discussions and edits were required per direction provided by HCD. Despite these efforts, the Town had yet to achieve HCD certification by the end of the year. Subsequently, the Town was informed of HCDs acceptance in January of 2024, a full year after the initial submittal of the Housing Element to HCD. 2 The Town Council continued downtown improvement efforts with the goal of further improving and activating downtown spaces to further increase patronage and support the business community. Upon completing the new Downtown Master Plan, “catalyst” projects were selected as the initial plan components for construction. The design development phase of the project was initiated, and plans were developed up through the construction document phase. In mid-December the project went out to bid, setting up an award of contract with construction primed to begin with the arrival of spring 2024. The Town continued to take steps to support and assist local businesses in a variety of ways. A “Business Boost” grant program was developed utilizing Cares Act funds previously obtained by the Town and the Town allocated $200,000 to support 60 different businesses and the local Chamber of Commerce. An additional $24,000 in Business Promotion Funds were used to support initiatives that boosted the visibility and success of over 100 local businesses. Community event sponsors brought forward a scaled back calendar of live, community events, highlighted by the annual July 4 parade, the Hot Summer Sundays Car Show, and the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Other Chamber sponsored smaller scale activities such as “Sip and Stroll” events, and a health and wellness fair enjoyed varying degrees of success and left the door open to consider other types of new events that could be considered to further enliven and drive traffic downtown. The Town Council considered and adopted a new Community Events Policy that set forth the process through which this could occur. The Town also sponsored and staged four “Music in the Park” concerts. Legislatively, the Town Council continued advocacy efforts both directly and through the Tri-Valley cities coalition, aimed at the state and federal levels. Areas of focus for advocacy include: Transportation and Infrastructure; Climate, Environment, Health and Safety; Economic Development; Affordable Housing and Homelessness; Mental Health and Fiscal Sustainability. Community outreach efforts continued through implementation of a new Outreach Strategy that included updating social media handles, consolidating social media accounts, using a Communications Liaison group to market projects, programs and activities and implementing logo changes to strengthen and consolidate the Town brand. The DanvilleTownTalks website continued to share information about key subjects and issues, and solicit citizen engagement and several video sessions of Town Talks with the Mayor were hosted, each presenting discussions on topics of interest to residents. The Town’s fiscal condition remained positive despite unanticipated costs arising from the devastating winter 2022/23 storms. The Town closed the books on the 2022/23 fiscal year with a positive $2.95 million General Fund balance. 3 The Police Department continued their efforts to combat increases in property crimes and improve traffic safety. The department also worked in a variety of ways to support enhanced mental health response that would lessen dependence upon direct police officer involvement to respond to non-violent mental health calls and the need to rely upon detaining persons pursuant to 5150 mental health holds. HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2023 Emergency Preparedness and Response • On February 28, ended the declared state of local emergency related to the Coronavirus pandemic which had been in place since March 17, 2020. • On January 3, declared a local state of emergency due to flooding and mudslides experienced in several neighborhoods as a result of an atmospheric river that hit the San Francisco Bay Area on December 31, 2022, causing approximately $5.1 million in damage to public property. • Initiated several emergency repair projects and recovery efforts necessitated by the December 31, 2022 storms, including the emergency replacement of a failing 12-foot diameter culvert on Diablo Road, reconstruction of approximately three hundred feet of creekbank along San Ramon Creek adjacent to Front Street and replacement of an 18-inch diameter storm drain line on East Linda Mesa Avenue. The culvert replacement was completed in 24 days. • Applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Highway Administration to qualify for up to $4.5 million in public assistance related to emergency repair and recovery costs attributable to the declared state of a local emergency due to the December 31, 2022 storms. • Provided approximately 45,000 sandbags for residents to assist with storm response efforts. • Provided frequent, timely, and accurate messages to residents related to the winter atmospheric rivers and their aftermath. Messages from the Town were viewed over 127,903 times on social media in January 2023. Frequent communication helped keep residents safe and informed during a difficult time. • On December 3, ended the declared state of local emergency related to flooding and mudslides caused by the atmospheric river that hit the San Francisco Bay Area on December 31, 2022. • Continued the Disaster Preparedness Program to increase readiness efforts aimed at preparing for and responding to any natural or man-made disasters or emergencies that could befall the Town. Legislative • Continued to ensure the ongoing fiscal health of the Town by adopting a balanced 2023/24 operating budget. Maintained strong reserves and sustainable ten-year forecasts. 4 • Resumed live public commission meetings, replacing the remote (ZOOM) format previously in use between 2020 - 2022. • Worked directly and with the Tri-Valley Cities Coalition to update the Tri-Valley Cities 2022 Legislative Framework and advocate for changes to legislation in a manner that benefits Danville. • Initiated a feasibility study to consider changes and updates to the Town-wide Lighting and Landscape Assessment District which supports ongoing maintenance of Town parks, buildings, roadside landscaping and street lighting, and contributes to the Town’s overall quality of life and property values. • Presented monthly legislative updates during regular Town Council meetings. • Concluded the year with the 41st Annual Mayoral Installation and Community Service Awards. • Successfully recruited for, interviewed, and filled several Commission, Board and position vacancies. Administration & Finance • Continued to implement and administer the American Rescue Plan Act including compliance with all reporting requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for the $10.6 million in local recovery funds awarded to the Town. • Coordinated the preparation of the 2023/24 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program for presentation to and consideration by the Town Council. • Coordinated with Emergency Services to provide all required applications, processing and monitoring related to the $4.5 million in requests for public assistance submitted to the FEMA and the FHWA related to emergency repair and recovery costs attributable to the declared state of local emergency due to the December 31, 2022 storms. • Completed the 2022/23 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), realizing a positive $2.95 million General Fund balance. • Received Government Finance Officers Association recognition for excellence in financial reporting for a twenty-first consecutive year. • Maintained numerous highly successful interagency partnerships to better serve and support the community. Economic Development & Community Events • Developed and produced the sixth annual Holiday Gift Guide, a comprehensive guide to holiday shopping in Danville, featuring local businesses and products. • Utilized $180,000 in federal Cares Act funds received by the Town to award 60 Business Boost grants designed to support local businesses through their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. 5 • Approved 10 Business Promotion grants totaling $24,000, to support initiatives that boost the visibility and success of over 100 local businesses. • Continued partnerships with Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, Museum of the San Ramon Valley & Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site (NPS), i-GATE, Innovation Tri-Valley, East Bay Economic Development Alliance, Visit Tri-Valley. • Worked with the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association to identify ways to boost market performance to pre-pandemic levels and remain competitive with other local markets. • Hosted community events attracting over 50,000 attendees, including the Devil Mountain Run, Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade, Hot Summer Sundays Car Show and Lighting of the Old Oak Tree. • Adopted a new Community Events Policy to assist with reviewing and approving requests for community event support. Police and Emergency Services • Named safest city in California by several online sources, including Propertyclub.com, ADT.com, and isoldmyhouse.com. This designation is based on factors such as reported crime data, community amenities, and overall quality of life. These assessments include all cities with more than 30,000 residents. • Enhanced public safety by equipping seven police patrol vehicles with "StarChase" pursuit mitigation devices, which allow officers to tag fleeing vehicles with GPS trackers, reducing the risks associated with high-speed police pursuits. • Collaborated with various mental health agencies, including A3 (Anyone/Anywhere/Anytime), MHET (Mental Health Evaluation Team), and the San Ramon Valley Public Safety Mental Health Program to reduce incidents of mental health distress within the community. • Continued the Police Chief’s "10-8 program," a weekly live video podcast, providing opportunities for residents to engage and interact with law enforcement via Facebook and YouTube. • Achieved a 100% juvenile diversion success rate, with all 14 juveniles referred to the program successfully completing it and avoiding further criminal activity. This marks a positive step in reducing juvenile recidivism. • Closed 2023 with 300 reported Part 1 crimes, a 3.5% increase over 2022, but at least a 6% decrease from any pre-pandemic year and 15% lower than the 10-year average reported Part 1 Crime total. Violent crime more than doubled from 10 Reported Part 1 Violent crimes in 2022 to 23 in of 2023. • Continued to utilize a variety of outreach methods to reach the community and help prepare residents for all types of community hazards, including Recess with the Cops, Coffee with the Cops, in person Citizens Academies for adults and youths, Special Olympics Events, and Toys for Tots fundraisers. 6 • Closed 2023 with 276 reported collisions, a 20% increase from 230 in 2022. The 10- year average collision rate is 275. There was one fatal collision in June 2022. Community Outreach • Launched a monthly email newsletter to over 4,000 subscribers providing subscribers with information about upcoming events, local businesses, and other news and resources, helping to build a strong connection with the Danville community and support local businesses. • Continued to promote and grow www.danvilletowntalks.org as a convenient and easy way for the community to stay informed and participate in the issues that matter to them including: the 2023 – 31 Housing Element Update and the Downtown Master Plan Update. • Continued social media efforts including Nextdoor, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, to highlight Town programs and essential local information. • Continued the “Town Talks with the Mayor” program to provide a way for residents to connect with the mayor and other community leaders and get up to the minute information on the issues and topics important to Danville. • Continued to utilize the Live Locally Quarterly Newsletter to promote Town activities and public safety to approximately 20,000 Danville households. Sustainability • Continued membership with MCE Clean Energy, a Community Choice Energy program, providing ratepayers with greater choices for renewable energy options. • Continued a reduction in electricity usage through operation of photovoltaic arrays at four separate Town facilities. • Reduced water usage to maintain Town parks and roadsides by 19% and 14% over the prior year. • Continued efforts to implement SB 1383, adopted in 2022, which is aimed at reducing disposal of organic materials generated through various Town activities and services. Capital Improvement Program • Constructed several emergency repair projects necessitated by the severe winter 2022/23 storms, including replacing a failing 12-foot diameter culvert on Diablo Road, reconstructing approximately 300 feet of creekbank along San Ramon Creek adjacent to Front Street and replacing an 18-inch diameter storm drain line on East Linda Mesa Avenue. • Completed design work for the Downtown Master Plan Catalyst projects; took the project out to bid in December 2023. • Constructed the Camino Ramon Improvements project. • Constructed the Loch Lomond, Starview, and Westridge Trash Rack projects. 7 • Constructed the Sycamore Valley Road Park & Ride bioretention and pedestrian improvements. • Constructed the Oak Hill Park playground replacement project. • Replaced 5.5 acres of synthetic turf athletic fields at Sycamore Valley Park. • Completed design and began construction of the El Pintado Loop Pavement and Drainage Improvements project. • Completed the schematic design work for the Diablo Vista Park playground and multi-use skate park. • Continued the design for the San Ramon Valley Boulevard Improvements project. • Completed the first phase of the Town-wide Storm Drain Master Plan. • Completed environmental work for Diablo Road Trail Improvements project and initiated project design. • Continued the design work for the $6 million project to replace the La Gonda Way bridge at Danville Boulevard. Development Services • Continued efforts to work with State HCD to achieve a state-certified 2023 – 2031 Housing Element. • Processed 162 planning applications, ranging from variances and land use permits to subdivisions and development plans. • Issued 2,689 building permits (83 percent of which were received online), conducted 2,183 plan checks and 7,897 building inspections. • Processed 548 encroachment permits for private or utility-related construction activity within the public right-of-way. • Opened and facilitated the resolution of 295 code enforcement cases, more than doubling the case load from the prior year. • Initiated work on Tri-Valley Transportation Plan/Action Plan for Routes of Regional Significance update (TVTC & SWAT) • Completed design of the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at four locations. • Completed Phase I of the Townwide Traffic Signal Modernization project and begin design of Phase II consisting of the federal-funded portion of the project. • Completed replacement of five traffic signal battery back-up systems • Completed a Local Roadway Safety Improvement Plan. • Received $611,000 in State grants for Traffic Signal Modernization project. • Received $109,000 State grant for the Downtown Masterplan Catalyst Project. • Continued the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, installing radar speed display signs at 8 locations, and traffic calming improvements on Greenbrook Drive and Paraiso Drive. • 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. 8 • Continue implementation of Townwide Bicycle Facility Improvements Maintenance Services • Responded to a significant atmospheric river induced storm on December 31 and through the following week that resulted in significant damage to property. Though minimal damage resulted to Town facilities, Maintenance staff and contractors responded to clear over 1,200 yards of mud and debris from approximately three miles of public streets while assisting private property owners and HOAs where feasible. • Completed annual renovation of the turf in the large dog park at Hap Magee Ranch Park (rated the best dog park in the area by Diablo Magazine). • Completed the annual creek cleaning project and the winter rains. Completed the annual creek cleaning prior to October 15 utilizing in-house and contract personnel with the goal of preventing damage to public and private property. • Continued managing the automated underground irrigation system (UgMO), refining it to maximize water efficiency and prepare for potential future expansion to other sites. • Continued to eliminate turf areas in passive landscapes within parks and roadsides. • Converted lighting at the Library and Danville Community Center to LED for energy conservation. • Partnered with the County Library to renovate the children’s reading area in the Danville Library, including new flooring, paint and furniture. • Completed a drainage improvement project on Van Patten Drive to eliminate recurring flooding on the street. Recreation, Arts, and Community Services • Continued to work with the Arts Advisory Board and Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission to prioritize and continue implementation of recommendations in the Parks, Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan. • Offered a full range of adult sports leagues for the fall 2023 season. • Considered options for how and where to construct additional pickleball courts to meet high community demand. • Collaborated with other departments and the DACC to help promote Economic Development to include local businesses in events like: May the 4th Be With You, Book Benches public art display, and the Amazing Race. • Continued to feature and promote public art through a series of exhibits at the Village Theatre & Art Gallery. Attachment – Notes from 2023 Planning and Goal Setting Workshop 2023 ANNUAL TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING & GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP MEETING NOTES AND OUTCOMES Friday, February 3, 2023, 9:00 a.m. Crow Canyon Country Club 2022 Highlights & Outcomes The Town Council reviewed and discussed Highlights & Outcomes from the past year. The following items were noted from the report: • J. Calabrigo highlighted the office move, COVID rebound efforts and return to in- person meetings. • Mayor Storer noted that the 3-year COVID program of adaptation and change was well managed; and noted that Housing Element outreach efforts were successful. • Vice-Mayor Stepper voiced her appreciation for staff; and the breadth of attendance to the Open House, from people who had been involved for a long time to newcomers to Danville. • Councilmember Fong complimented staff on their efforts in emerging from the pandemic; highlighted the personal connection the Town has with the community; and appreciates the use of social media from the Town and Police Department. • Councilmember Arnerich commended the community outreach around the Housing Element; the efforts on the Downtown Master Plan and evolution of parklets throughout COVID and recovery; and highlighted the storm efforts by Maintenance and Engineering. Appreciated how well prepared the infrastructure was, and the response. • Councilmember Morgan appreciated the 10-8 Police Department program and Town Talks continuing public outreach; highlighted the federal grant for the traffic signal modernization program; and lauded the efforts of Maintenance and Engineering for storm response. Storm Recovery Efforts • D. Casteel and S. Jones provided a special Storm Recovery Report. o Outlined staff and contractor work on debris removal from streets as well as pothole repair. o Continue to inspect trash racks, drains, and inlets. Facilities are in good shape and functioning properly. o Have put more than 2,000 staff hours in Maintenance along on storm recovery. 2 • Councilmembers requested updates and messaging regarding FEMA assistance. o J. Calabrigo confirmed that FEMA has indicated that Danville residents qualify for assistance and confirmed Town will share this to the community. o J. Calabrigo described efforts the Town has made to bring FEMA aid to residents, and confirmed that the Town would remind HOAs and homeowners annually about creek maintenance. • S. Jones confirmed Flood Control is evaluating all the creeks to determine capacity. • S. Jones provided an update on Front Street erosion repair; Councilmembers discussed options including one-way traffic and additional repairs for Front Street. Councilmember Fong asked for the Front Street decision to be agendized. • S. Jones provided an update to Diablo Road repairs. A culvert built in 1960 is failing and needs to be replaced. Temporary fixes are in place, and construction can begin in 3-4 weeks. Replacement is expected to cost $1.75 million and take 3-4 weeks. o Council discussed costs and timing for the project; staff made recommendations for starting during Spring Break. J. Calabrigo confirmed that staff would develop an outreach plan to include postcards to affected homes and roadside signage in advance of the closure. Mid-Year 2022/23 Operating Budget Update Town Council accepted the Mid-Year Operating Budget Update, and discussed the following: • J. Calabrigo confirmed that pandemic is in the rearview, but we expect to see impacts of inflation in near term. o Mid-year revenues continue to outpace the forecast; expenditures expected to increase with increased utility and contractor costs to the Town; and operating costs for storm repair are estimated at $500K to $1 million. • J. Calabrigo noted expected increases in outside legal support, staff cost and contract costs for police services. • Councilmember Fong questioned revenue trends over the past year, and impacts of increased operations costs on small business. o J. Calabrigo confirmed sales tax revenues have outpaced budget: $7 million as of Q3, budget is $6 million; restaurants are up 8% quarter-over-quarter. Mid-Year 2022/23 Capital Improvement Program Update Town Council accepted the Capital Improvement Program update, and discussed the following: • J. Calabrigo confirmed that some projects have been accelerated, while others have extended timelines due to inflation and labor costs. • S. Jones provided updates on projects, as noted in report. Additional discussion: 3 o Downtown Master Plan 30% plans will be reviewed at February 14 meeting. o Storm drain master plan approval is on the agenda for February 7. o Multi-sport skate park may be underfunded based on requested features and costs of recent improvements to other play areas. o Town Green project should be on budget, may need to prioritize elements in the final design. o Mayor Storer asked about acquiring the Maker Space property; J. Calabrigo confirmed purchase only needs a Council resolution. o J. Calabrigo confirmed that some of the overlay work for San Ramon Valley Blvd. will cost more than estimated, and the budget may need to be increased. o J. Calabrigo mentioned the La Gonda Way bridge replacement would take 18 months; S. Jones confirmed that the bridge is too narrow, but safe. • J. Calabrigo confirmed that resources would limit adding any new or additional projects over the next two years, and addressed projects that have been suggested but are not CIP: o Sycamore Valley Road re-paving between Camino Ramon and Camino Tassajara would be an estimated $3.5 million. o 510 La Gonda Way would be used for housing in Housing Element; will need to go through surplus lands process. • Police Services Update - J. Calabrigo asked if Council had any questions for Chief Shields. o Councilmembers asked about recent incidents and investigations, including a home burglary in which security camera video was shared and recent negative press around law enforcement. Regional, State and Federal Legislative Update Town Council accepted the Legislative Advocacy report, and discussed the following: • Tri-Valley Cities took part in adding substantive amendments in several bills. • Worked with regional rail authority and $5 million allocation to complete Valley Link project. • Outlined factors to watch in 2023: o High turnover in Assembly and Senate; many new members; opportunity to educate new members and staff about our community. o Potential leadership changes in Assembly and Senate leadership. o State budget deficit of $22 billion • Focus of legislature will include homelessness, water quality, water supply; public safety will continue to be a bipartisan issue, addressing fentanyl crisis and increased crime levels in communities. • Behavioral health will be a focus with bipartisan support. 4 • Discussion of potential legislation regarding electricity generation and green energy; confirmed that the activity and funding may be more on the regulatory side than legislative. Service Delivery – Moving Forward Post COVID 19 Town Council accepted the Service Delivery report, and discussed the following: • T. Williams highlighted three main observations post-pandemic: increased electronic communications, desire for residents to engage on large projects, and the need for retaining talented specialized staff. • Discussion of potential hybrid meetings included options to have only members of the public attend online; having Council test any new processes; and how other cities are holding their meetings. • Councilmember Arnerich mentioned he would like to see hybrid meetings use the same system as CCCA, which works seamlessly. o J. Calabrigo confirmed that we want to confirm the Council’s interest before embarking on changes for hybrid meetings. • Vice-Mayor Stepper asked if hybrid would apply to the body members as well as the public. o J. Calabrigo confirmed that this would be for the convenience of the public, not the body. • Discussion of virtual vs. hybrid vs. in-person, including how other commissions and cities are holding their meetings. Council confirmed that they would like staff to bring back a presentation with costs and options to a study session in the future. • Councilmember Arnerich initiated discussion about work schedule flexibility and impacts to response times and service delivery. J. Calabrigo confirmed that flexibility is needed for recruiting and retention of staff. Discussion included monitoring productivity, evaluating job roles for potential remote work; allowing flexibility to expand talent pool; and researching other cities’ practices. Other Business and Updates • Mayor Storer asked about the annual council/commission workshop; J. Calabrigo outlined the purpose and history; Council discussed potential format changes.