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HomeMy WebLinkAbout121625-07.11 MEMO From the desk of . . . Tai J. Williams, Town Manager December 16, 2025 To: Mayor and Town Council Subject: November Town Manager’s Update Overview November was a month of steady progress, preparation, and celebration across departments as staff continued to deliver high-quality service while preparing for one of Danville’s most cherished community traditions: the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree. Connection: Community engagement remained strong throughout November, highlighted by a highly successful holiday weekend that included the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree (LOOT) and Small Business Saturday. The LOOT event alone drew over 10,000 estimated visitors. Altogether both events filled downtown with families and friends, creating a palpable sense of community togetherness that garnered media attention: https://abc7news.com/post/small-business-saturday-downtown-danville-highlights- local-shops/18228382/ This level of success was the result of extensive coordination and behind-the-scenes work across multiple departments including Economic Development, Special Events, Police, and Maintenance to ensure public safety, event setup, and on-site support at each event. Feedback from downtown business owners has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the energy and foot traffic throughout the weekend, underscoring the tangible impact of these collective efforts These in-person moments were complemented by strong digital outreach, including a holiday-themed Town video that reached more than 15,000 people and generated over 25,000 views, as well as continued relationship-building through Coffee with the Cops, College Night on Hartz, and the conclusion of the Fall Citizens Academy. 2 Progress: Meanwhile, major infrastructure projects continued to advance, including installation of new crosswalk safety equipment along the Iron Horse Trail, completion of near-final designs for the Town Green Pavilion and Studio, and pre-construction activity for the Diablo Road Trail. Inside Town facilities, new security cameras were installed and Windows 11 conversions continued Townwide. Preparation: Departments focused on closing out the fiscal year, finalizing audit work, strengthening emergency readiness, and preparing parks and facilities for the winter season. Maintenance and Recreation teams collaborated on the installation of Danville’s first permanent public art project (“Acorns of the Old Oak) and completed extensive preparations for the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree, including light repairs, event setup, and the installation of illuminated wreaths along the downtown corridor. DEPARTMENT UPDATES Finance Closed Fiscal Year 2024/25 and completed draft Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Information Technology Installed five new 4K security cameras at the Library, Community Center, and Town Green. The Laserfiche server was also upgraded to improve system efficiency and reliability. In addition, the Town continued its transition to Windows 11, with 48 workstations successfully upgraded to date. Community Engagement A fall-themed video highlighting Danville reached more than 15,000 people and generated over 25,000 views. At the same time, the Town Talks platform continues to serve as a key source of community information, with Private Land Development and the Not My Kid: E-Bike Safety for Families ranking as the most viewed topics. 3 Economic Development & Community Events • Signature Events: Collaborated with the Danville Area Chamber to host the 49th Lighting of the Old Oak Tree and concluded the Scarecrow Stroll with strong community participation (55 entries, 260+ votes). • Prospect Park Plaza Activation: To support local businesses and maintain downtown vibrancy following the recent Starbucks closure, the Town is hosting a Pop-Up Gift Market at Prospect Park Plaza on December 13 and December 20. The outdoor market will feature local makers, live music, and festive backdrops, creating a welcoming seasonal atmosphere while drawing residents and visitors to the plaza. This initiative reflects the Town’s continued efforts to activate public spaces, support small businesses, and ensure the Downtown Master Plan Catalyst Project continues to deliver energy and activity during the holiday season. • Holiday Programming & Marketing: Launched a holiday marketing campaign and introduced the Auggie Elf Holiday Hunt - an interactive scavenger hunt across 30+ downtown businesses - debuting at the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree and running through year-end via the Discover Danville app. The initiative complements Small Business Saturdays, featuring live music at Prospect Park Plaza and in-store promotions, and was supported by consistent business- focused outreach across the Town’s social media platforms throughout November. 4 E-Bike Safety Update •Bicycle Advisory Commission (BAC) met in and recommended no changes to the existing downtown e-bike ordinance, electing not to extend the sidewalk restrictions into residential areas. This discussion builds on prior input from the Parks, Recreation & Arts Commission (PRAC), which recommended limiting e-bike and e-scooter use in parks to paved trails only and adopting a 15-mph speed limit. Input from both commissions is anticipated to be forwarded to the Town Council for consideration in January or February 2026. •Mineta Transportation Institute Study: In parallel, the Town is awaiting the release of a statewide e-bike safety study conducted by the Mineta Transportation Institute under authority of Senate Bill 381 (2023). The study is intended to inform policymakers on how to support expanded e-bike use while improving safety for riders and other road users. The report is expected to be published in December 2025. Emergency Preparedness & Response Training, testing, and regional coordination continues to advance. Staff completed Crisis Communications Training on October 29 and conducted 911 system testing on November 12 as part of the Town’s phone system upgrade. The Front Street FEMA appeal was approved and is currently under review by CalOES. In addition, staff participated in a joint Emergency Operations Center training and exercise with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District and the City of San Ramon on November 18, and attended the Citizen Corps Council PAC meeting to support planning for a countywide Mass Care and Shelter Exercise scheduled for fall 2026. Capital Improvements & Engineering •Iron Horse Trail Crossings (CIP 305): Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) under the Iron Horse Trail Crossings project (CIP 305) has been completed at the Del Amigo/IHT, Hartford/IHT, and Love Lane/Railroad Avenue intersections. The next installation is scheduled for the IHT/Love Lane crossing, with work coordinated through Contra Costa County Signal Maintenance. •Town Studio & Pavilion (CIPs 628 & 629): Project architect is incorporating comments from the 95 percent design review. The projects are expected to go out to bid in spring 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in August 2026 following the conclusion of the summer events and concert season. •Diablo Road Trail (CIP 055): Construction activities for the Diablo Road Trail project (CIP 055) continue to progress. Cattle fencing has been installed and is scheduled for 5 inspection by the end of next week. PG&E has completed utility marking and potholing, which identified several utility conflicts along portions of the trail. Updated design work addressing these conflicts, as well as erosion conditions, is expected to be completed by the end of January. Private Development Proposals •The Lanes (200 Boone Court): SB 330 application by the Address Company for 47 three-story townhomes and two junior accessory dwelling units on a 1.62-acre site— was reviewed by the Design Review Board on October 16 and heard by the Planning Commission on November 25. With no appeal filed, the project will proceed to final map approval and building permits. •Danville Village Apartments (107 Town & Country Drive): a 200-unit SB 330 apartment development, is anticipated to be reviewed by the Design Review Board in two separate hearings. The application was deemed incomplete in September; revised materials were submitted by the applicant on December 9. The Town has 30 days, through January 8, to respond to the resubmittal. •Community Presbyterian Church: A proposal was formally submitted prior to Thanksgiving and is currently undergoing a 30-day completeness review. The proposal includes a residential component totaling 69 units, consisting of 52 townhomes and 17 accessory dwelling units. Maintenance Services •AB 1572 Turf Replacement: Continued progress on this effort, including new plantings and trees between Hill Meadow and Tassajara Lane, and preparing to retain a design firm to develop a Master Plan and landscape palette for the remainder of the Camino Tassajara corridor. •Installation of Permanent Public Art: Collaborated with Recreation, Arts & Community Services to install permanent bronze “Acorns of the Old Oak” sculptures downtown—the Town’s first permanent public art project. •Danville Library: Completed professional carpet and furniture cleaning. •Danville South Park: Began pre-construction coordination for the Danville South Park playground replacement project. 6 • Danville Sports Alliance Partnership: Collaborating with the Sports Alliance to upgrade the Diablo Vista Park synthetic turf field lighting to LED. The approximately $300,000 project will be funded by the Sports Alliance and is expected to take place in June to minimize impact on the use of the field. • LOOT Preparations: Conducted preparations for the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree, including tree light repairs, special event setup, and installation of decorative wreaths along major downtown corridors. LOOT Event Crew: Esteban Hernandez, Tim Rye, Jude Brockway, Adam Rodriquez, Jeremy Hernandez, Donnell Winrow, Gene Guerrero, Damian Robledo, Guillermo Solorzano, and Salvador Rodriquez. Police Services In November, the Police Department continued its strong emphasis on community connection and support. The Fall Citizens Academy concluded on November 12 with 12 graduates, strengthening residents’ understanding of local public safety services. Officers also hosted a successful Coffee with the Cops event at Bagel Street Café, creating space for informal, meaningful conversations with the community. The Department recognized the contributions of more than 30 Volunteers in Police Service (VIPs) at its annual appreciation dinner on November 19, and provided staffing support for key community events, including College Night on Hartz Avenue on November 26 and the Lighting of the Old Oak Tree on November 28. 7 Police Service & Activity (October 2025) Calls for Service: 2,278 Citations Issued: 607, Traffic Warning: 142 Crime Reports: 126 Accident Reports: 10 Arrests: 23 (7 for DUI) VIP Service Hours: 377 Recreation, Arts & Community Services •Danville Youth Council: Collected blankets for Project Linus, providing no-sew blankets to children in hospitals. •Senior Programs: Hosted Friendsgiving Recipe Swap on November 25 with 16 participants—the first in the holiday celebration series. •Camps: Thanksgiving Break Camp Danville reached full capacity with 22 children enjoying games and outdoor activities. •Public Art: Installed “Acorns of the Old Oak”—ten bronze sculptures created by artist Chad La Fever—in downtown locations the week of November 17. •Performing Arts Nearly all Town-organized performing and cultural arts activities were at or near capacity, ranging from 93% to sold out, with one exception at 53% capacity. Notably, the I Can Do That Theatre Company presented The Lion King at the Village Theatre from November 11–23, selling 1,827 tickets across eight performances and achieving 93% capacity. Closing Note That’s all for now. Please feel free to contact me and let me know if you have any questions about anything covered in this memo.