TOWN OF MORAGA
REGULAR MEETING
May 11, 2022
Rovember, 1914 MINUTES
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
Council Chambers and Community Meeting Room
335 Rheem Boulevard, Moraga, California 94556
CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Renata Sos.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Mayor Renata Sos, Vice Mayor Steve Woehleke and Councilmembers Mike McCluer and Teresa Onoda
Councilmembers excused: Councilmember Sona Makker
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Town Manager Cynthia Battenberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Sos reported the Town Council had met in Closed Session prior to the regular meeting in the matter of PWRP-Moraga LP v. Stars Holding Co. LLC, with no reportable action.
4. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
There were no proclamations or presentations.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
There were no comments from the public.
6. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Consent Items
Items 6.2 Approve Minutes for the Town Council Regular Meeting on February 9, 2022 and 6.4 Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee Report were removed from the Consent Agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: It was M/S (Onoda/McCluer) to adopt Consent Agenda Items 6.1, 6.3, and 6.5.
Vote: 4-0-1. Absent: Makker.
Town Council Regular Meeting 1 May 11, 2022
6.1 Receive Accounts Payable Claims for: 04/22/2022 Approved ($122,373.27)
6.2 Approve Minutes for the Town Council Regular Meeting on Removed February 9, 2022
6.3 Approve Minutes for the Town Council Regular Meeting on Approved February 23, 2022
6.4 Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee Report Removed
Review and Accept the Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee's Independent Report to the Town Council for Fiscal Year 2020/21 Regarding the Revenue and Expenditures of the Measure K Transactions and Use Tax
6.5 Street Lighting Assessment District Approved
Consider Resolution 41-2022 Approving the Engineer's Report for the Town of Moraga Street Lighting Assessment District 1979-1 for Fiscal Year 2022/23; and Consider Resolution 42-2022 Declaring the Town of Moraga's Intention to Levy and Collect Assessments Under Assessment District No. 1979-1, Town of Moraga Street Lighting in Fiscal Year 2022/23 and Setting a Public Hearing Date of June 22, 2022
B. Consideration of Consent Items Removed for Discussion Approve Minutes for the Town Council Regular Meeting on February 9, 2022
Vice Mayor Woehleke requested an amendment to his comments in the third paragraph on Page 10, with the reference to 2016 to be corrected to read 2018.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: It was M/S (Woehleke/Onoda) to approve the Minutes for the Town Council Regular Meeting on February 9, 2022, as modified. Vote: 4-0-1. Absent: Makker.
Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee Report
Review and Accept the Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee's Independent Report to the Town Council for Fiscal Year 2020/21 Regarding the Revenue and Expenditures of the Measure K Transactions and Use Tax
Vice Mayor Woehleke explained that he had removed the item from the Consent Agenda to acknowledge that the Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee (LSTOC) had done its job, provided a clean bill of health regarding the use of Measure K funds and to recognize the work of the LSTOC. He thanked each member of the LSTOC by name.
Town Council Regular Meeting 2 May 11, 2022
Mayor Sos also expressed her appreciation to the LSTOC for its work out of the spotlight and to the fiscal well-being of the Town. She noted that Attachment B to the May 11, 2022 staff report was the Report from the LSTOC but the title was a carryover from the prior year and should be amended to read: Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020/21 dated April 20, 2022.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: It was M/S (Sos/Woehleke) to accept the Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee Report, as modified. Vote: 4-0-1. Absent: Makker.
7. ADOPTION OF MEETING AGENDA
Vice Mayor Woehleke recommended the meeting agenda be modified as follows: Item 10. A., Fire Abatement Draft Report; 10. B., FY 2022/23 Preliminary Budget Discussion; 10. C., Employment Agreement for Town Manager; 10. D., Employee Compensation Packages; and 10.
E., the Town Facilities Energy Generation Study.
The Town Council discussed the recommended modifications and acknowledged the receipt of numerous emails on more than one of the agenda items. There was no consensus to modify the meeting agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: It was M/S (Woehleke/Onoda) to adopt the meeting agenda as shown. Vote: 4-0-
1. Absent: Makker.
8. REPORTS
A. Town Manager Update - Town Manager Cynthia Battenberg reported the Hacienda Open House had been scheduled for Thursday, May 12 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.; Spring Fest at Moraga Commons on May 14 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. organized by the Moraga Youth Involvement Committee (MYIC) in coordination with the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD); and Hacienda Nights would start in the next week with the first event scheduled for May 17. She also reported the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Report had been due April 30, 2022, and the report had been completed by staff in a timely manner.
Also, the Town had two engineering positions open for the summer with interviews ongoing and another position was open for an Engineering Tech/Inspector.
B. Mayor's and Councilmembers' Reports
Mayor Sos - Reported she and the Town Manager had handed out Small Business Recovery Grant program checks, which had been a great opportunity to speak to the small business owners/staff in the Moraga and Rheem Centers. She briefed the Council on the feedback received and the great appreciation for the program. She thanked the members of the community who had gone out of their Town Council Regular Meeting 3 May 11, 2022
way to support Moraga businesses over the past two years, which was a good reminder that continued loyalty to local businesses was the key to their future health and well-being.
Vice Mayor Woehleke - Reported the CVS in the Moraga Center would be closing; he had spoken with CVS management and briefed the Council on the discussions and plans to expand the hours of operation at the Rheem Center CVS, with the Moraga Center employees to be moved to the Rheem Center location or to the City of Lafayette CVS. He also reported that June 1, 2022 was the beginning of the wildfire season and the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) would commence with inspections to ensure adherence to the fire rules. He reminded everyone to clear the brush from their properties.
Councilmember Makker - Absent
Councilmember McCluer - Reported he had attended the May 4 Joint Town Council/Planning Commission meeting; had a conversation with developers about the Housing Element; also commented on the CVS closure in the Moraga Center and reported that Noodle Theory in the Rheem Center would be closing but the operator would be opening a pop-up operation and family members planned to open a new restaurant in the former Noodle Theory location. He had also met with Councilmember Makker and another person regarding United Against Hate Week (UAHW); attended a Chamber of Commerce Board meeting; CCCTA (County Connection) marketing, legislative and planning meeting; and was pleased with the Small Business Grant Recovery Program. He thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the idea and staff for processing applications.
Councilmember Onoda - Reported she had attended the May 4 Joint Town Council/Planning Commission meeting; the Technical Committee for Marin Clean Energy (MCE); and reported the Art in Public Spaces Committee had removed two sculptures from the front of the Town Hall Offices with the Committee to discuss other sculptures in the Town.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
10. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR ACTION
A. FY 2022/23 Preliminary Budget Discussion
Discuss Preliminary Items for the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Budget and Provide Direction to Staff
Town Manager Battenberg provided a PowerPoint presentation on select items to possibly be included in the FY 2022/23 Preliminary Budget which included an overview of MCE's Deep Green service. The Town currently subscribed to MCE's Light Green 60 percent renewal energy service.
The Deep Green service would offer 100 percent renewable energy and would reduce the Town's emissions. Information on Moraga's current MCE customers and the additional costs to opt to Deep Green had been identified in the staff report, and the Town Council was asked whether the Town should opt for the Deep Green service and if so, if it should be only for the streetlights or for all Town facilities. Ms. Battenberg also highlighted ARPA funds and how they could be used along with Town Council direction on February 23, 2022 when the Town Council had designated the Town's $4.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as replacement for the lost Town Council Regular Meeting 4 May 11, 2022
public sector revenue, the option that provided the greatest flexibility to determine the highest and best use of the ARPA funds on government services and allowed for streamlined reporting.
The Town Council was asked to consider ARPA funds for broadband. The FY 2021/22 budget had included $50,904 for the installation of fiber services to Town facilities including the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), with $3,000 spent to date as Comcast was behind schedule. Staff recommended a $32,400 carryover to complete the project and asked the Town Council whether such a carryover of IT Broadband funding should continue for the implementation of high-speed fiber services to Town facilities.
The Town Council was asked to consider ARPA Storm Drain Infrastructure projects and whether the Town should continue funding the storm drain system infrastructure improvements and eliminate the funding of the Slide and Basin Failure and Sediment Base Studies (drainage at Mulholland that must be emptied out).
The Town Council was asked to consider ARPA - Government Services and whether the Town should transfer $310,000 to the General Fund to be spent on government services and whether the Town should budget $71,500 for the implementation of a finance software upgrade to Springbrook Cloud.
The Town Council was asked to consider ARPA - Capital Improvement Projects for the Bollinger Canyon Study Area General Plan Amendment and Rezone and Advanced Planning Initiative and whether the Town should fund the shortfall necessary to complete the Bollinger Canyon Special Study Area Rezone with an additional $65,000 needed to complete the project. For the Housing Element and General Plan Update, an additional $104,000 was needed to complete Phase 1 of the project and an additional $314,000 was needed to complete the General Plan Update. The State recommended the General Plan be updated every 20 years with the cost of a future General Plan Update estimated to exceed $1 million.
The Town Council was asked to consider ARPA - Business Assistance and whether the Town should allocate additional funding to the Chamber and/or for grants to impacted small businesses.
Ms. Battenberg also provided an overview of the Parks and Recreation Department reorganization and explained that the full impact of Wedgewood Weddings taking over events at the Hacienda would be included in the FY 2022/23 budget and as projected the net reduction in the Town's subsidy of the Hacienda events and grounds and maintenance operations was approximately $200,000. She also highlighted the Hacienda actual revenue and expenses for FY 2018/19 through FY 2021/22 and projected for 2022/23.
Ms. Battenberg further highlighted the Parks and Recreation personnel and explained that 25 percent of the Parks and Recreation Director's time had been allocated to Hacienda events. Staff recommended this allocation be reduced to 5 percent. She also detailed how the Parks and Recreation Director's time to other essential functions could be allocated. The Town Council was asked whether the Town should reallocate 20 percent of the Parks and Recreation Director's time to other recreation and open space needs and to public outreach.
The Recreation Supervisor's duties were also identified with 65 percent of that position's time allocated to Hacienda events and with staff recommending a reduction to 20 percent, with 45 percent of the Recreation Supervisor's time able to be reallocated to other duties that were highlighted. It was noted that an increase in the recreation revenue had been projected to cover the majority of the Recreation Supervisor's time. The Town Council was asked whether the Town should reallocate the Recreation Supervisor's time to recreation programs to expand the programs offered to the community. The projected financial impact of the staff recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Department was also highlighted.
Town Council Regular Meeting 5 May 11, 2022
The Town Council was asked to provide feedback on the staff recommendations as outlined.
Responding to Council questions on the PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Battenberg clarified:
• Information on the Town of Moraga's carbon footprint versus the total Town footprint was not known at this time but staff had reviewed the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and Town facilities were producing 250 metric tons of Co2 emissions with five strategies identified to reduce emissions by 23 percent, but with no strategy to consider Deep Green. Of the strategies identified, some had been or were already in the process of implementation. • As the Town liaison to MCE, Councilmember Onoda also provided an overview of MCE's 100 percent wind and solar Deep Green Program to be used in Moraga. 70 percent of the cities that had MCE had been identified as Deep Green communities. MCE had purchased land for a solar field located in the City of Concord. All the wind and energy used by MCE was within the State of California although its website may state otherwise.
Vice Mayor Woehleke also provided an overview of Renewable Energy Certificates and commented MCE contracted most of its energy in but appeared to be all renewable including some hydro. Of the communities that had Deep Green they also had a larger percentage of residents opting to go to the Deep Green service. • Confirmed that 1.8 percent of Moraga customers were Deep Green, which figure was constant since MCE had been implemented in Moraga.
• The Town's Storm Drain Program was funded by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the Enhanced Storm Drain program to be funded by ARPA as well as the projects. A past ballot measure initiative to raise revenue for storm drains was highlighted with the ARPA funds an opportunity for the funds to be invested based on past direction from the Council.
• ARPA - Government Assistance, the funds could be used for any government assistance services to help pay for the over $10 million in costs to run the Town of Moraga. The staff recommendation to allocate $310,000 in ARPA funds could go towards Government Services. Funds were needed to update the Town's finance software system and there were risks using a 20-year old software system given the likelihood for mistakes. • Confirmed that when the operating budget exceeded 50 percent, surplus funds had been transferred to asset replacement and funding had been transferred mid-year to complete projects; however, that was not done in the past year and instead, asset replacement was being considered as part of this year's budget process. The Town's 50 percent General Fund Reserve policy required that for every extra dollar spent, the Town would need to generate a dollar and a half, which was challenging due to escalating costs. • Confirmed the Town Council may consider a mid-year adjustment by resolution and allocate more funding to the Small Business Recovery Grant Program. The Preliminary Budget had shown at the next fiscal year June 30, 2023, the Town would have over $400,036 in the ARPA funds balance.
• The Town Council had not allocated all ARPA funds and the projections and numbers may be adjusted based on the direction provided by the Town Council. • The Hacienda revenues and expenses were again highlighted along with capital costs for projects at the Hacienda de las Flores, with Wedgewood Weddings having contributed over $300,000 in investments to date, although there remained much deferred Town Council Regular Meeting 6 May 11, 2022
maintenance. The Recreation Department reorganization and projected savings were also highlighted again.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Mayor Sos read into the record the public comments that had been asked to be read, as follows:
SMART Moraga, The previous 2021/22 fiscal year allocation of $310,000 for "revenue loss" bears absolutely no relation to the current state nor to staff's generic request to augment future revenue with additional ARPA allocations. The previous allocation was to backfill legitimate revenue losses the town experienced as a result of COVID (and we note that staff and Council made the conscious decision NOT to address that revenue loss with any form of corresponding cost containment, to the detriment of taxpayers). No such COVID-associated revenue losses exist any longer. Furthermore, property tax and sales tax revenue continues to grow and gas tax revenue will increase as a result of a statewide increase in gas taxes effective July 1. In this instance, staff is asking for a blank $310,000 check with absolutely no identified/targeted/approved uses nor demonstrable rationale. There is no known or projected shortfall or lack of revenue/funds, no risk to services that residents' desire, and no identified use for these extra funds that staff requests. This request should be denied outright as a matter of good governance, fiscal responsibility and prudent public policy. Unless and until such time that staff and council identify a legitimate and pressing shortfall in operating or other endeavors, these ARPA funds should be preserved. A cavalier and undefined allocation for "general government" is not an appropriate and judicious use of taxpayer funds.
Moraga Chamber of Commerce, The Moraga Chamber of Commerce continues our ask to the Town of Moraga to support the economic recovery of small business thru the allocation of ARPA funds. On behalf of local businesses, The Chamber asks the Town Council to set aside a significant amount of additional grant money from ARPA for the Town's grant program, as well as additional funds to support the programs. The Chamber will be presenting at the June 8th Town Council Meeting, per request. The need for business recovery assistance for Moraga businesses is still great. Based on feedback from Town Staff regarding the initial $150,000 grant, the Town's program was a huge success! Funds were applied for (and essentially reserved) within approximately the first two weeks of operation; the Town continues to receive applications. In addition, the Chamber has had numerous conversations with businesses who have submitted recent applications or still plan to. I wish we could speak in person tonight, however our expectation that this meeting would be on May 25th has limited the Board and myself to make the arrangements to come in-person. As we prepare our presentation for June 8th, we look forward to talking with Town staff to have our presentation on the agenda at that meeting.
Dave Schnayer, Moraga, It's important to set aside significant ARPA funds for business recovery in Moraga. The total amount set aside by the Council is insignificant and the per business grant amount of $5,000 is also. As have many local small businesses, my business has been negatively impacted by the pandemic with reduction of income and business activity many times the amount of assistance being offered here. The Town Council needs to do the right thing and pass along these funds to those business owners who are the life of the community, and in amounts that will provide a real difference. These funds should not be added to the Moraga General Fund balance, used to pay salaries of Town staff or to fund infrastructure projects at the discretion of Town staff, where other Federal, State or regional grants and funding mechanisms exist.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
The Town Council discussed each of the budget recommendations as follows:
Town Council Regular Meeting 7 May 11, 2022
Should the Town opt for the Deep Green service and if so, should it be only for the street lights or for all Town facilities?
Councilmember McCluer recalled that Moraga's carbon footprint was less than one percent, and if the Town were to take the lead of Deep Green it could help to double the impact and reduce carbon emissions. He noted that the City of Orinda had opted to Deep Green. While the Town had a structural deficit, he had concern with global climate issues and suggested the Town should do its part and recommended the Town opt to Deep Green.
Councilmember Onoda agreed it was important for the Town to opt to Deep Green, it would reduce the Town's carbon footprint to zero, the Town would lead by example, and it would require no staff time and was the right thing to do.
Vice Mayor Woehleke commented that historically he would not have been enthusiastic to consider Deep Green, but he had done enough research to be comfortable. While the percentage of Moraga citizens who had opted for Deep Green was small, based on the number of households it would be around a dollar per household, and he suspected residents would be supportive of the expense for the Town to opt to Deep Green.
Mayor Sos recognized the end game was to reduce the carbon footprint and convert to renewables, but in the interim agreed the Town should budget for Deep Green.
Councilmember McCluer encouraged residents to make their own choices but opt to Deep Green.
Councilmember Onoda also hoped this conservation would help elementary and high school students to hear that their parents had the opportunity for clean energy for future generations.
She applauded the Town Council for the support of Deep Green.
Should carryover of funds of $32,400 of IT Broadband funding continue for the implementation of high-speed fiber services to Town facilities including the EOC? Town Council consensus to support the staff recommendation.
Should the Town Council continue funding the storm drain system infrastructure improvements and eliminate funding of the Slide and Basin Failure and Sediment Base Studies?
Town Council consensus to support the staff recommendation.
Should the Town transfer $310,000 to the General Fund to be spent on government services and budget $71,500 for the implementation of a finance software upgrade to Springbrook Cloud?
Councilmember McCluer was unaware the Town had a $310,000 funding hole on an ongoing basis, and he wanted more information during the budget process. He recommended removing the $310,000 and placing it in the reserve until the budget process had been considered.
Councilmember Onoda supported the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Woehleke understood the $310,000 had been based upon a calculation allowed by the government to cover a general category of losses and costs associated with the pandemic and on that basis was fair. But, for the Town of Moraga it was a concern to blindly allocate those funds. He too wanted a better definition as they moved forward with the budget process.
Town Council Regular Meeting 8 May 11, 2022
Ms. Battenberg commented that in the next year they would be looking at a reserve of 50.1 percent assuming the transfer. If the Town Council did not support the transfer it would have to identify what type of programs to be reduced.
Vice Mayor Woehleke noted that would become clearer when the Town Council next discussed the budget on June 8, 2022.
Mayor Sos confirmed that if the $310,000 was not transferred, the Town would be below 50 percent. On the expectation of more information at the June 8 meeting, it would become clearer to allow the Town Council to make choices and based on that she was supportive.
As to the financial system update funding request, Councilmember McCluer commented that given the financial issues required to operate the Town, the Town Council had to be careful with discretionary items. While the current financial software system was out of date, he preferred not to spend the funds. He was open to a cost benefit analysis at some future point, but he initially found the item should be deferred in order for the Town to pay its bills.
Councilmember Onoda questioned the use of a 20-year old system. She supported the staff recommendation.
Vice Mayor Woehleke clarified with the Town Manager the increase in annual costs would be $18,000 per year, with $71,500 for the software upgrade. He agreed a 20-year old system was outdated and inadequate for current requirements from the regulatory agencies, which were different than 20 years ago, but he too wanted a qualitative assessment to justify the additional funds and to determine that the money would be well spent.
Mayor Sos supported the staff recommendation and suggested the finance software system should be upgraded and commensurate with the complexity of the Town. She pointed out that using spreadsheets increased the likelihood of errors and was incredibly inefficient and an upgrade would save staff time. She agreed that more justification for the item was needed.
Should the Town fund the shortfall necessary to complete the Bollinger Canyon Special Study Area Rezone with an additional $65,000 needed to complete the project? For the Housing Element and General Plan Update, an additional $104,000 was needed to complete Phase 1 of the project, and an additional $314,000 was needed to complete the General Plan Update.
Town Council consensus to support the staff recommendation.
Should the Town Council allocate additional funding to the Chamber and/or for grants to impacted small businesses?
Councilmember McCluer wanted to hear from the Chamber of Commerce first and expected a presentation would be made by the Chamber on June 8. He wanted to do more for small businesses which were most economically impacted by the pandemic. He pointed out that the Town had earmarked funds for storm drains, which had not been impacted by the pandemic and the surplus was not intended for storm drains. While he supported the Small Business Recovery Grant Program, he first wanted to hear from the Chamber of Commerce.
Councilmember Onoda agreed with Councilmember McCluer and wanted to see what the Chamber of Commerce would bring to the table.
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Vice Mayor Woehleke supported continuing the funding for two outstanding applications for a total of 32 justified applications. He agreed the Town Council should wait until the presentation from the Chamber of Commerce to then determine what could be accommodated in the budget.
Mayor Sos suggested the current program should cover all qualified applications received to date. She stated the next steps should be data driven. If the Chamber of Commerce was to make a presentation to the Town Council, she suggested it be a request for a future agenda item on June 8. She otherwise believed it was too early to consider additional funding, and it would behoove the Chamber, the Council, the small business community, and the community at-large to have time to see whether there was more demand for grants and discuss any impacts from the Community Faire. She indicated that having the Chamber make a presentation in the next two weeks would require the Town Council to decide based on projections and speculation rather than on evidence. She encouraged the Chamber to continue to collaborate with Town staff.
Councilmember Onoda agreed with the Mayor's comments.
Mayor Sos sought more information such as what businesses have communicated as needs, and how much; did the Community Faire have any impact that was tangible and helpful to the businesses, with the same input from the Art Walk and other programs as well as the resources the small businesses needed moving forward.
Councilmember McCluer pointed out the Chamber of Commerce had data and surveys and knew what the business community wanted. He suggested the door should be open for the Chamber to make a presentation to the Town Council at any time.
Mayor Sos agreed and commented that Councilmember McCluer had mischaracterized her comments. She was inviting a dialogue and was not saying she was an expert on businesses, but as a member of the Town Council who was responsible for spending public tax dollars prudently and effectively, the information she was looking for was as a policy and decision maker.
She emphasized she wanted to engage and have a dialogue with the Chamber and her suggestion was to wait to increase the likelihood of effectiveness and success of whatever proposal came forward.
Councilmember McCluer believed that everything the Mayor had requested would be part of a plan the Chamber would present to the Town Council.
Ms. Battenberg clarified the direction to staff was at this time plan to budget at least $10,000 for next year for the Small Business Recovery Grant Program for the two additional grant applications received to date and discuss more at a future time. She acknowledged that the $10,000 could be budgeted for this year but she would have to come back.
As part of the Parks and Recreation Department Reorganization items, Councilmember McCluer asked that the Town Council also consider an additional budget item as follows: Town Council to direct staff to find the $58,000 of expenses that have not been fully realized from the Wedgewood Wedding savings during the budget process.
Should the Town reallocate 20 percent of the Parks and Recreation Director's time to other recreation and open space needs and to public outreach? Vice Mayor Woehleke suggested in his review of the data it was the closest the Town would get at this time, pro forma, and looking forward. He supported the staff recommendation.
Town Council Regular Meeting 10 May 11, 2022
Councilmember Onoda recognized that with Wedgewood Weddings the Parks and Recreation Director and Recreation Supervisor duties had changed. She supported the staff recommendation.
Councilmember McCluer was generally supportive of the staff recommendation, but the Town Council Goals had included a goal to "consider" a recreation and open space plan, not "develop" an open space and recreation plan.
Mayor Sos supported the staff recommendation, found that the Parks and Recreation Director had done an outstanding job heading the Department, and engagement with the public, and she had received a lot of positive feedback from the community about the work of the Parks and Recreation Director.
Should the Town reallocate the Recreation Supervisor's time to recreation programs to expand the programs offered to the community? Town Council consensus to support the staff recommendation.
Ms. Battenberg clarified the figures in the Parks and Recreation Reorganization proposal and explained that there would be 5 percent in the Parks and Recreation Director's time and 10 percent of the Recreation Supervisor's time, about $20,000 of that would go to Parks and Open Space, fire abatement, expansion of volunteer activities, and capital asset replacement projects.
Town Council to direct staff to find the $58,000 of expenses that have not been fully realized from the Wedgewood Wedding savings during the budget process.
Councilmember McCluer referenced the savings due to Wedgewood Weddings taking over Hacienda events and suggested it was important to realize those savings. If the savings were spent elsewhere, they were not savings. While he supported the recommendations for the Parks and Recreation Director and Recreation Supervisor, the Town was a project-oriented organization. He did not disagree with the duties the Town Manager had identified for the two positions, but for the Town to realize the savings, with the minimization of the Hacienda costs, the net amount should be found somewhere in the organization and identified as the net savings due to Wedgewood Weddings taking over the Hacienda.
Ms. Battenberg reiterated the savings would be about $20,000, to be used for fire abatement work, capital asset replacement projects now being managed by the Parks and Recreation Department identified as non-engineering projects, and an increase in volunteer activities which she detailed.
Councilmember McCluer reiterated his concern and asked staff to find $20,000 for the next budget process.
Vice Mayor Woehleke commented the Town had the same staff, some of whom had been displaced due to Wedgewood Weddings taking over the Hacienda, which had been counted as savings. Now staff had employed other things, which were considered as overhead, and he understood Councilmember McCluer wanted that overhead assigned.
Councilmember McCluer reiterated that in the $10 million operating budget for the Town, he would like staff to find the $20,000 in savings.
Councilmember Onoda understood that Councilmember McCluer's request had been answered by staff with Parks and Recreation Department staff having spent their time on new volunteer Town Council Regular Meeting 11 May 11, 2022
activities as staff had described, and if that time was billed, it could be billed to those community projects and that could easily total $20,000.
Vice Mayor Woehleke understood the need to account for the time and assign it appropriately to a bucket or cost account so that it showed the savings for the Hacienda, but some of the activities were not billable and were considered to be overhead.
Mayor Sos found that the questions had been answered and there was nothing further to do.
Councilmember McCluer otherwise commented that it had been almost three years since a consultant had analyzed the Town's unfunded pension liability, which now with assumptions was over $10 million, and which consultant had recommended the use of a Pension Trust that over 200 cities had been using including the MOFD. He asked that the Town Council consider a budget request for $100,000 or more for Pension Trust funds to fund the Unfunded Pension Liability.
Vice Mayor Woehleke asked where the funds would come from and Councilmember McCluer suggested it would be through the writing of the first check and then the Town Council would find out the efficiencies in the Town's government or may have to consider a reduction of projects.
Vice Mayor Woehleke suggested that the identification of the source of funds should be done first and suggested that should be considered as part of the use of Palos Colorados funds. The Mayor agreed.
Councilmember McCluer stated he was willing to do that as well.
Mayor Sos declared a recess at 8:22 p.m. The Town Council meeting reconvened at 8:30 p.m. with all Councilmembers present with the exception of Councilmember Makker who had been excused.
B. Town Facilities Energy Generation Study
Receive the Town Facilities Energy Generation Study Initial Presentation and Provide Staff with Feedback
Ms. Battenberg introduced the item and reported that the Town Facilities Energy Generation Study was currently underway. The Town Council was asked to consider the funding process that would determine how the rest of the report had been written and asked the Town Council to ascertain how to budget for the project. Staff would then return with a complete report with findings.
Public Works Director/Town Engineer Shawn Knapp introduced and detailed the backgrounds of Greg Thompson, Director of Development and Bon O'Hagan, Program Engineer with Clean Coalition, who had conducted the Town Facilities Energy Generation Study. He also provided a PowerPoint presentation that included an overview of the study's alignment with the 2022 Town Goals and the facility needs and capabilities of the Town to address natural disasters, power outages and wildfires.
The Town's facility resiliency deficiencies were highlighted for Town Hall and Police Offices, Council Chambers and Corporation Yard and EOC, Town Library and the Hacienda. An overview of the Moraga Facility Energy Generation Study identified the intent to obtain and analyze energy usage at each of the four Town properties; study and model various options to provide resilience at each site; consider renewable energy and fossil fuel resources; provide a detailed report analyzing the power needs for each property; and proposing various alternatives for independent and emergency backup power generation for each site. The study also recommended the best Town Council Regular Meeting 12 May 11, 2022
options considering the Town's program and project goals for climate change, energy provider mix of resources, sustainability, financing and affordability.
The project steps and methodology, resilience scenarios and resource scenarios that had been analyzed, the key points for the project, a table of the economic analysis results for a 25-year period for the Town Hall and Police Offices, a table of the solar and battery storage and small diesel backup generation and recommended scenarios economic analysis results for a 25-year period, project delivery and the approaches for Town-owned equipment and outside developer- owned equipment were all highlighted with all information detailed in the staff report.
Mr. Knapp asked the Town Council to consider a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) approach.
The PPA details would be refined with Town Council input during the PPA solicitations phase.
This was a typical solar industry standard approach that created a custom PPA with developer- owned equipment. The Town Council would provide guidance on PPA details during the PPA solicitations phase and schedule the PPA as a future CIP Solicitation Project for FY 2022/23 and seek grant funding. For FY 2023/24, staff would review the selected PPA consultant submittals and for FY 2024/25 solar improvements would be installed.
Responding to the Council, Mr. Knapp clarified a draft report could be scheduled for presentation to the Town Council within the next month. He reiterated that staff was going through the budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process and allotted time for staff and budgeting for the projects identified, and if not included in the CIP schedule, other projects may come about and the funding may be used. The Town Council needed to decide whether this was a project to be pursued based on the information provided.
Ms. Battenberg clarified that the item had not been agendized to come back in a month for Town Council consideration, however, in order to complete the report staff needed answers on the PPA, and Mr. Knapp confirmed that if the Town Council was interested in pursuing the PPA approach, the report would be completed as such. He noted that staff was very aware of the Town's limited resources and needs, with the no-cash maintenance option the most economic option and the path best suited for the Town's limited funds.
Mr. Knapp again clarified the staff recommended approach and anticipated costs. He confirmed there would be phases where the Town Council may consider a no-go position. As part of the PPA approach there would be money spent on staff, attorney, and consultant time to develop a customized agreement for the vendor to implement, with the costs to be borne up front and in the first year. Staff would seek grant opportunities to help supplement the cost of the project.
Ms. Battenberg commented that one of the downfalls of the PPA approach was that the Hacienda, as an example, was not that beneficial and vendors would be looking at facilities that were more profitable.
Greg Thompson, Director of Development, Clean Coalition, thanked the Town Council and staff for the consideration of the PPA approach which option was simple, with the operator/installer of the system to pay all capital and maintenance costs for the 25-year life of the system and who charged a rate for those benefitting from the system similar to utility ratepayers who would not profit from anything other than the fact that the Town would pay a rate for the energy the system produced. The Town would save money on the utility bill given the local energy system to be used and would pay the PPA rate that would be consistent for the 25-year period, to be paid to the owner/operator of the system. The Town would save money and benefit from resilience for the sites that were important to the Town.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Town Council Regular Meeting 13 May 11, 2022
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Vice Mayor Woehleke urged caution since he had seen PPAs that worked well and those, such as Enron, that did not. He wanted the Town to make sure it knew its objectives and noted at this level there could be a broader slate of alternatives. If the objective was low impacts on the environment and renewables, he suggested the Town was almost already there with MCE's Deep Green service. Where the Town needed improvement was with the current diesel generators that needed to be replaced. What had been proposed for replacement in the Town Offices was fine with most of the public comment received related to the use of diesel for backup, but which would be used infrequently. The use of diesel could be addressed by planting trees to offset the impacts.
He suggested diesel should not be ruled out since it was not green. He noted that MCE did not provide for the payment of the transmission of electricity but offered efficiencies in scale and the Town would be part of an overall large grid with some buffer. In this case, they were talking about four different systems and there could be inefficiencies. He wanted to make sure the Town Council was aware of the objectives and considered all alternatives.
Vice Mayor Woehleke also found the scope of the project and what was contained in the staff report to be different. He added the issue related to a total CAPEX cost of $10 million where the objective was to reduce emissions and while he was open and receptive, he wanted to make sure the Town did a credible job and considered what it was trying to achieve. In this case, he was uncertain the Town of Moraga was a good candidate to be a leader for such a project. He asked what risks would be taken on and how that would be considered as part of the equation as to how the project would be financed.
Councilmember Onoda recognized the Town's limited financial resources and limited staff. She saw this project as an opportunity to put the Town on the right path, save money and provide safety. She recognized the comments provided by the Vice Mayor but also offered her perspective related to her neighborhood that had been evacuated on two occasions, and which had been very challenging for some residents who had health issues.
Councilmember McCluer commented that the issue was complex whatever decision was made.
He spoke to the number of assumptions involved with the PPA approach to make it come out over a 25-year period, with variable and deep risks, and expressed concern with the significant staff commitment that would be involved in the PPA approach. He preferred to wait for a more detailed report but urged caution when moving forward.
Mayor sos sensed the discomtort on the part of the lown Council and recognized some of the time pressure was that the Town was in the middle of the budget process. She asked staff if it would be viable to defer the project while budgeting the completion of the analysis for this budget cycle and make the other decisions after Councilmembers were more comfortable with the detailed report and had the opportunity for more questions to be answered.
Ms. Battenberg suggested that scenario was viable, but staff had recommended $10,000 in the 2022/23 budget. If after the Town Council received the more detailed report and decided to move forward, staff could retain the services of a grant writer to assist with funding and the project could be budgeted as a future year project.
Mayor Sos advised the Council consensus was to follow the Town Manager's recommendation, but after further discussion explained that had not included the PPA approach.
Mayor Sos re-opened public comment.
Town Council Regular Meeting 14 May 11, 2022
Mr. Thompson reiterated the study was to provide both resilience to key locations and having local energy for key locations and key services for the Town. MCE had both the Deep Green service for long-distance energy that was clean and had resilience hubs as big initiatives in towns in their service territory where they were adding solar and battery storage to key locations for resilience and safety. He again reiterated the cost savings that could be realized and had been analyzed at $1.8 million as a pure cost saving to the Town. The study could be completed without a decision on the financing option since the study was almost done. The Town Council could then decide where it wanted resilience and determine whether to pay up front or pay a monthly fee using the PPA. He explained that PPA had been in the industry for years, and that the largest solar company in the country, Sunrun had developed PPA years ago.
Mayor Sos noted the Town Council did not have to decide on the PPA at this time. She asked whether the Council was comfortable adding $10,000 to the budget as the Town Manager had recommended to complete the report and later make a decision on the financing.
There was Town Council consensus to follow the recommendation of the Town Manager to add $10,000 to the 2022/23 budget, as discussed.
C. Fire Abatement Draft Report
Receive Findings of the Fire Abatement Draft Report and Provide Direction to Staff
Parks and Recreation Director Breyana Brandt provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Fire Abatement Report that included an overview of the background of the Town's increased focus on fire prevention efforts; costs for fire abatement for 2017/18 through 2021/22; and where Town staff had worked in consultation with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) on the report since they had not been able to hire a consultant. Staff also redirected Council-approved funds for a Fire Abatement Study to be prepared by a consultant in the amount of $20,000 towards the completion of the fire abatement work. The Fire Code Regulations, Moraga-Orinda Wildfire Action Plan, an appendix to the Contra Costa Countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan and the MOFD Countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) were all highlighted and had been used to guide the analysis.
Ms. Brandt identified the 21 parcels and 382 acres of land owned by the Town of Moraga, with four parcels leased to Moraga Country Club (MCC). The total did not include right-of-way (ROW) obligations. Developed versus undeveloped parcels were identified and it was reported that the Town was responsible for nine developed parcels and eight undeveloped parcels, with all parcels identified in the staff report. In addition, applicable Fire Codes, the Fire Abatement Work Plan, both in-house and contracted, and the specific Fire Abatement Work Plan for Mulholland Ridge were described with all information in the staff report.
Ms. Brandt recommended the following fire abatement recommendations for Town Council consideration:
Continue to leverage the support and partnership of MOFD by working in collaboration on the following items:
Prescribed burns at Mulholland Open Space Preserve;
• Expanded use of burn piles to reduce hauling and disposal costs; and • Expanded use of MOD's Chipper Program.
Continue current grazing on Mulholland and explore expanded use of grazing.
Apply for available grant funds.
Town Council. Regular Meeting 15 May 11, 2022
Plan for increased budget appropriations:
• Increase the FY 2022/23 budget for fire abatement to $109,000; and • Commence planning for the additional $94,000 in annual expenses for Mulholland.
Phased fuel management.
Consider purchase of equipment:
• Track Skid Steer Loader at a projected cost of $119,547 to complete additional work in- house (cost recovery projected at six years).
The Town Council was asked to provide input whether the funds for the purchase of the Track Skid Steer Loader and Mulholland Ridge Fire abatement should come from the Palos Colorados Fund.
Responding to the Council, Ms. Brandt clarified if the Track Skid Steer Loader was purchased it would be used for four different types of properties including parks, the library, ROW, and would change year-to-year as part of the work plan as well as the potential for a partnership with the MOFD to use the equipment. She also confirmed staff had thought about the contractor costs and whether in-sourcing made sense, but the Town would be at the mercy of the increased demand by contractors. As to the use of hand crews, that had been a recommendation from the MOFD with respect to tackling fire abatement on Mulholland Ridge.
MOFD Fire Marshal Jeff Isaacs confirmed that the use of heavy equipment was the best way to go when it was available for use but given the topography and steepness of Mulholland Ridge the only way to address the fire abatement needs in that area would be the use of hand crews.
Fire Marshal Isaacs stated the MOFD had struggled with hand crew costs as part of the North Orinda Fuel Break Project but had been fortunate as part of the Tunnel Fuel Break Project to use the Contra Costa County Fire hand crew at a reduced cost. He commented that based on his experience and the fact that Moraga had large open spaces it would be difficult given the fuels, topography and wind patterns for the MOFD to reach those areas and it was important for the homeowners to provide defensible space as well as to work with Town staff to address the defensible space on Town-owned parcels.
Fire Marshal Isaacs commented that the Painted Rock property was mostly grass which would burn hot and fast, although a fire on Mulholland Ridge would produce more embers and heat.
The Track Skid Steer Loader would be used to chew up the fuels and brush, but tree limbs would still have to be trimmed to create the shaded fuel break. He stated that equipment would be critical for the Town to have on hand.
Fire Marshal Isaacs clarified the MOFD did not own a Track Skid Steer Loader but leased the equipment 20 to 30 days a year. If the Town purchased the equipment, the MOFD could partner with the Town on its use and possibly use the equipment more often and more than using hand crews. He added that Coyote Brush was one of the more flammable fuel sources in the area and the equipment would mash up the brush, but it would regenerate. Once the brush was cut up, the MOFD, in partnership with the landowners, could conduct pile burning when safe and appropriate. If the Town had the equipment, the MOFD could come to the Town first to inquire of Ms. Brandt confirmed that if the Town purchased the equipment and had it on-hand it would likely be used more often than if the Town were required to lease the equipment given the constant ongoing maintenance needs. It also was the intent that Town staff be trained to operate the equipment.
Town Council Regular Meeting 16 May 11, 2022
Fire Marshal Isaacs clarified, when asked, the option for the MOFD to purchase the equipment and have the Town lease it from the MOFD would have to be considered by the MOFD Board of Directors and Fire Chief and had not been considered at this time.
Councilmember McCluer suggested that was worth a conversation with the MOFD Board since the MOFD would have a greater need to use the equipment than the Town.
Ms. Brandt further clarified that a joint partnership with the City of Orinda made sense on Mulholland Ridge. She reported that Orinda was evaluating the needs of its lands and Moraga staff was in constant conversation with Orinda on possible commonalities.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
There was Town Council consensus to support the staff recommendations for prescribed burns at Mulholland; expanded use of burn piles to reduce hauling and disposal costs; expanded use of MOFD's Chipper Program; and phased fuel management.
As to requested budget items and whether Palos Colorados funds should be used, Councilmember Onoda stated the Palos Colorados funds were for open space and recreation, and this was open space and she supported the recommendation.
Councilmember McCluer opposed the use of Palos Colorados funds for the items described.
The funds were to be used for recreational opportunities and not the Town facilities and fire abatement. Rather than have the Town purchase a Track Skid Steer Loader, the Town could hire a contractor who had the equipment to do the work. He clarified the estimated costs for the fire abatement for Mulholland Ridge and suggested for this budget process he preferred that staff consider other options such as in- and out-sourcing and rent versus purchase.
Vice Mayor Woehleke emphasized that Palos Colorados funds should not be used for operating costs, although if there was a deficit in the General Fund this year the Town Council would have to address whether those funds would be pulled from Palos Colorados funds.
Mayor Sos stated that fire abatement in parks and open space would be an appropriate use of funds even if one assumed that was what the funds were to be used for. She was fine with the additional appropriation given the need to remain in compliance. She suggested that the Town should be looking at Mulholland Ridge if it was spending upwards of $200,000 a year just on fire abatement, which was a concern and which should be explored further. She agreed those costs would be an ongoing operating expense and the funds should not come from Palos Colorados but some other funding source, if possible.
As to the purchase of the Track Skid Steer Loader, Mayor Sos summarized the Town Council was in agreement that there may be opportunities for collaboration between the MOFD, the City of Orinda and Town of Moraga which should be explored before funds were allocated.
Ms. Brandt confirmed there would be increased demand for such equipment during the fire season even if proactive work was done on fire abatement to meet the June 1 deadline.
Councilmember Onoda noted if the Town of Moraga owned the equipment there could be challenges prioritizing the use if there was collaboration between the MOFD, Orinda and Moraga.
Town Council Regular Meeting 17 May 11, 2022
Ms. Brandt added if the Town Council were to approve the purchase it would likely be another couple of months before the equipment was received and she confirmed the equipment would not assist the Town in its fire abatement efforts this year.
D. Employment Agreement for Town Manager
Consider Resolution 43-2022 Approving and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement between Town of Moraga and Cynthia Battenberg
Vice Mayor Woehleke reported on behalf of the Ad Hoc Committee that the resolution contained in Attachment A to the staff report was a culmination of the annual contracting process of the Town Council's evaluation of the performance of the Town Manager and action on compensation:
As detailed in the staff report, the Ad Hoc Committee of the Mayor and Vice Mayor had been formed and the Town Council had agreed on the Town Manager performance dimensions, evaluated the Town Manager's achievement of the performance dimensions, consolidated the results, and those results had been shared with the Town Manager. The Town Manager had met and generally exceeded the performance dimensions and, in several areas, provided outstanding support and impact. Current inflation had also been considered and for those reasons the Ad Hoc Committee had recommended a 4 percent salary increase effective March 2022, with all other factors of the contract to remain the same.
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
There were no comments from the public.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
Councilmember McCluer thanked the Town Manager for her work.
ACTION: It was M/S (Woehleke/Onoda) to adopt Resolution 43-2022 Approving and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement between Town of Moraga and Cynthia Battenberg. Vote: 4-0-1. Absent: Makker.
Ms. Battenberg thanked the Town Council for the thoughtful process and conversations.
E. Employee Compensation and Benefits Packages, Memoranda of Understanding, Salary Schedules and Conforming Amendments to the Town of Moraga Salary Schedule
Consider Resolutions Establishing Compensation Packages and Approving the live nury . 202 Understandingo, 20 own of Moraga Resolution 44-2022 Establishing the Compensation Package for Department Directors Effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025; Resolution 45-2022 Establishing the Compensation Package for Mid-Management/Professional Employees Effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025;
Resolution 46-2022 Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Moraga and the Moraga Employees
Association Effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025;
Town Council Regular Meeting 18 May 11, 2022
4. Resolution 47-2022, Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Moraga and Moraga Police Officers
Association Effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025; and Consider Resolution 48-2022 Amending the Town of Moraga Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022/23 Consistent with the Provisions in the Memoranda of Understanding between the Town of Moraga and the Moraga Employees Association and the Town of Moraga and the Moraga Police Officers Association, and Compensation Resolutions Covering Department Directors and Mid-Management/Professional Employees Effective July 3, 2022
Ms. Battenberg provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Employee Compensation and Benefits Package for the four employee groups and an overview of the background and process, recruitment and retention, key provisions of the agreements, Director and Police Compensation Studies, Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), and the recommendation for future negotiations with staff recommending that the Town budget to engage a professional to complete a salary survey of the ten comparable cities in FY 2024/25 for all positions prior to the 2025 negotiations to apply the compensation methodology equally. The fiscal impacts were also highlighted.
Ms. Battenberg recommended the Town Council approve the proposed Resolutions in Attachments A through H.
Councilmember McCluer appreciated the Town staff for their hard work, always willing to go the extra mile, particularly during the pandemic. There were many parts of the compensation and benefits packages he was supportive of while he had concerns with others. He noted that of the ten comparable cities, the majority were 50 to 100 percent larger than the Town of Moraga and while the responsibilities may be the same there were typically increased salaries with larger cities. As to the adjustments for one group to market rate, he suggested market was part art and part science, and adjusting all the way to market was potentially problematic. One group had a COLA adjustment which included recent significant energy spikes and he suggested that was a concern.
Councilmember McCluer added he believed there was information that supported the risk of a recession in the next two years. Short-term yields were higher than longer-term yields indicating weakness, and when that occurred, 98 percent of the time the economy entered a recession in two years, which was important since if the nation was in a recession the average COLA would be zero and the Town had an agreement with three percent, $1.5 million over ten years. At this time, he recommended the Town Council move forward with the labor agreements as is and schedule a future Closed Session to listen to his idea of a tool to address recession risk that may possibly offer direction to staff
Vice Mayor Woehleke thanked Councilmember McCluer for his comments and recognized there would always be challenges including the COLA and agreed it made sense to consider. He expressed his appreciation to Town staff.
Mayor Sos echoed the Vice Mayor's comments and noted the intent was to acknowledge and recognize the outstanding work of Town staff, recognizing the commitment, work ethic and devotion to the Moraga community. She thanked the Town staff at all levels for negotiating in good faith, understanding the constraints in what could and could not be done, and remaining flexible with a back and forth process that had balanced all considerations.
ACTION: It was M/S (Onoda/Woehleke) to extend the Town Council Meeting to 10:45 p.m.
Vote: 4-0-1. Absent: Makker.
Town Council Regular Meeting 19 May 11, 2022
PUBLIC COMMENTS OPENED
Shawn Knapp, Public Works Director/Town Engineer, explained that he had not been involved in the negotiations nor had he been part of the negotiating team but working with the Director's team had realized that Directors and employees all contributed to the Town, which had been taken into consideration with an adjustment of salaries to match the median of other agencies. He explained that a COLA had not been requested for the Directors in acknowledgment that the Town operated on a lean budget.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
ACTION: It was M/S (Woehleke/Onoda) to adopt Resolution 44-2022 Establishing the Compensation Package for Department Directors Effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025.
Roll Call Vote: 3-1-1. Noes: McCluer. Absent: Makker.
ACTION: It was M/S (Woehleke/Onoda) to adopt Resolution 45-2022 Establishing the Compensation Package for Mid-Management/Professional Employees Effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025. Roll Call Vote: 3-1-1. Noes: McCluer. Absent: Makker.
ACTION: It was M/S (Woehleke/Onoda) to adopt Resolution 46-2022 Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Moraga and the Moraga Employees Association Effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025. Roll Call Vote: 3-1-1. Noes: McCluer.
Absent: Makker.
ACTION: It was M/S (Woehleke/Onoda) to adopt Resolution 47-2022 Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Moraga and Moraga Police Officers Association Effective July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025. Roll Call Vote: 3-1-1. Noes: McCluer.
Absent: Makker.
ACTION: It was M/S (Woehleke/Onoda) to adopt Resolution 48-2022 Amending the Town of Moraga Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022/23 Consistent with the Provisions in the Memoranda of Understanding between the Town of Moraga and the Moraga Employees Association and the Town of Moraga and the Moraga Police Officers Association, and Compensation Resolutions Covering Department Directors and Mid-Management/ Professional Employees Effective July 3, 2022. Roll Call Vote: 3-1-1. Noes: McCluer.
Absent: Makker.
11. DISCUSSION ITEMS
There were no discussion items.
12. COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember McCluer offered a motion, seconded by Vice Mayor Woehleke to request a future agenda item to review and discuss how to fund unfunded pension needs, asset replacement and storm drains on a long-term sustainable basis as directed by the stated 2022 Town Council Goal No 1.
On the motion, Mayor Sos asked whether the item was intended as a separate discussion in addition to discussions on the budget, the capital replacement plan or the CIP, and Councilmember McCluer stated it could be separate or part of larger discussions but would be about long-term sustainability.
Town Council Regular Meeting 20 May 11, 2022
ACTION: It was M/S (McCluer/Woehleke) to request a future agenda item to review and discuss how to fund unfunded pension needs, asset replacement and storm drains on a long-term sustainable basis as directed by the stated 2022 Town Council Goal No 1. Roll Call Vote: 2-2-1. Noes: Onoda, Sos. Absent: Makker.
ACTION: It was M/S (McCluer/Woehleke) to request a future agenda item for the Town Council to consider a future Closed Session meeting to discuss a tool to address recession risk for all parties. Roll Call Vote: 2-2-1. Noes: Onoda, Sos. Absent: Makker.
ACTION: It was M/S (Sos/Onoda) to request a future agenda item for the Town Council to hear a presentation from the Moraga Chamber of Commerce on a date and time agreed to by the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Manager. Roll Call Vote: 4-0-1. Absent:
Makker.
13. COMMUNICATIONS
The Town Council acknowledged the receipt of the following correspondence:
A. Letter from the Arbor Day Foundation Recognizing Moraga as a Tree City USA.
Letter from the Moraga Community Foundation Confirming Donation Check to the Town of Moraga for $21,000 Towards the Moraga Commons Enhancement Program Dated April 27, 2022
14. ADJOURNMENT
ACTION: It was M/S (Onoda/Woehleke) to adjourn the meeting at 10:36 p.m. Vote: 4-0-1.
Absent: Makker.
Respectfully submitted by:
make. Maintend
Marty C. Molnturf, Town Clerk
Approved by the Town Council:
Steve Woehleke, Mayor
Town Council Regular Meeting 21 May 11, 2022