CITY COUNCIL GOALS WORKSHOP
March 28, 2022
UPDATE ON ACHIEVEMENT OF FISCAL YEAR (FY)
2021/2022 CITY COUNCIL GOALS
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CITY COUNCIL GOALS FY 2021/22
GOAL #1: A CITY THAT IS SAFE
OBJECTIVE #1: Ensure there is adequate public safety.
A. Develop strategies and programs to reduce crime and increase public safety. i. Maintain the School Resource Officer
Key Accomplishments:
Assigned full time School Resource Officer (“SRO”)
Experienced a 15-year low in the crime rate
Completed development of and deployed the Regional Crisis Intervention Team Partnered with the Recreation & Park District to purchase a new motorcycle to patrol parks and trails
Significantly increased use of the County Mobile Crisis Response Team Developed the Special Enforcement Team
Fully staffed the Communications Bureau
Began participating in the FBI Safe Streets Task Force Successful recruitment of experienced police officers B. Effectively deploy police resources, including with focus on priority areas and issues, such as schools and homelessness.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued bi-monthly homelessness issues meetings with the City Managers and Police Chiefs of Concord, Walnut Creek, and Martinez
Assigned full time SRO
Continued participation with School Outreach Program
Continued close partnership with CORE Team
Assigned full time Community Resource Officer to address homeless related issues C. Improve traffic safety throughout the City, and particularly around schools.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued participation with School Outreach Program
Assigned full time SRO
Continued participation on the Traffic Safety Commission Reconvened the Regional Major Accident Investigation Team (“MAIT”) to investigate major traffic collisions and provide periodic traffic saturation at critical locations after team hiatus due to COVID-19
Completed the Gregory Lane/Elinora Drive Traffic Signal Project Completed the Oak Park and Monticello Improvement Project Maintain all traffic, safety, and regulatory signs citywide 2 | P a g e
D. Continue and expand community engagement and volunteer opportunities around public safety, including Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), and social media.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued community outreach efforts with the Annual Toy Drive, Coffee with the Cops, social media efforts and more
Developed the Chief’s Advisory Panel
Assigned full time SRO
Continued participation with School Outreach Program
Incorporated Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) into Emergency Operations Center (“EOC”) training
Made improvements to CERT HAM radio station
Conducted community engagement meeting seeking input regarding Unmanned Aircraft System (“UAS”) program
E. Fully integrate and enhance a comprehensive, resilient suite of emergency communication tools and methods.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued use of Nixle and other social media platforms to communicate with the public Continued access to the County Community Warning System Replaced and updated the 911 Call Handling System at the Pleasant Hill Police Department to ensure reliability and public safety
F. Maintain strong relationships with the Fire District and other public safety organizations and continue to participate in regional public safety activities.
Key Accomplishments:
In conjunction with the Contra Costa Fire District, introduced a new community evacuation management program
Continued bi-monthly homelessness issues meetings with the City Managers and Police Chiefs of Concord, Walnut Creek, and Martinez
Completed development and deployed the Regional Crisis Intervention Team Continue participating with the Central County Regional SWAT team Began participating in the FBI Safe Streets Task Force Developed and led an ad hoc task force to address a burglary spree Continued participation in the County stolen vehicle task force Continued participation in the Contra Costa Fire District’s weed abatement program in the City’s open space, medians, and roadside ditches
G. Continue to work with the public on reducing property crime.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Improvement District (“TID”), and other organizations to better understand and address community concerns
Worked closely with the Contra Costa Blvd. business community to mitigate frequent crimes
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Hosted several fraud prevention presentations for the senior community Continued Automated License Plate Reader partnership with the TID Shared crime prevention information via social media
OBJECTIVE #2: Preserve an infrastructure that is functional and effective.
A. Prioritize and ensure adequate funding for capital projects that prevent health and safety concerns.
Key Accomplishments:
Approximately $40.5 million allocated for constructing and maintaining the City's most pressing CIP projects
o Constructed a new City library: includes designing and constructing (in process) a new City library to meet the diverse needs of its users o Constructed new sidewalks, trails, and bike facilities, including implementing “low stress” bicycle and pedestrian facilities and improving safety to promote walking and bicycling as alternate forms of transportation
Maintained existing City streets, including fixing potholes, rehabilitating pavement surfaces, and instituting a preventative street maintenance program for the roadway network
Maintained and upgraded the City’s storm drain system, including replacing old and failing storm drain pipes and upgrading certain storm drain systems to reduce the risk of local flooding
Improved other City facilities and services, including maintaining and updating City facilities for increased efficiency and reducing costs in the delivery of City services B. Continue to aggressively pursue grant and other outside funding sources for capital projects.
Key Accomplishments:
Completed $26 million financing for the Pleasant Hill Library Received $152,800 grant revenue through project applications in response to formal calls for projects from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (“CCTA”) Obtained $350,000 in rubberized pavement grant funds to support the Street Resurfacing Program
Pursued MTC grant funds for the citywide asphalt pavement condition survey OBJECTIVE #3: Maintain an effective disaster preparedness program.
A. Support the CERT Program.
Key Accomplishments:
Regularly incorporated CERT into EOC training
Made improvements to the CERT HAM radio station
Facilitated CERT scenario training with City EOC trainer 4 | P a g e
B. Assess disaster of new origins.
Key Accomplishments:
IT continued to increase cybersecurity in an effort to prevent debilitating cyberattacks.
C. Utilize the Outlook newsletter, website, and social media to promote disaster preparedness.
Key Accomplishments:
Shared various disaster preparedness posts on City social media platforms Used both the Outlook and Bi-Weekly Update to inform the public on wildfire safety Shared floodplain development information on City Social media platforms D. Continue emergency management and disaster preparedness training for City staff.
Key Accomplishments:
Conducted multiple emergency operations preparedness training for City personnel and CERT
Sent employees to offsite emergency preparedness training Retained an outside vendor to assist City in emergency preparedness training of personnel
The Building Inspectors and Chief Building Official became certified inspectors through the CalOES Safety Assessment Program; the Chief Building Official also earned the coordinator certification
E. Improve multi-jurisdictional coordination of disaster preparedness, including with schools, colleges, the Fire District, CERT, the County, and the City.
Key Accomplishments:
Introduced a new community evacuation management program Entered into an Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with EBMUD to establish several points of distribution of water in the event of an emergency that disrupts service Conducted multiple emergency operations preparation and training sessions and drillsfor City personnel and CERT
Invited DVC personnel to participate in City EOC training Sent City employees to County disaster preparedness training Through the Commission on Aging, partnered with CERT and the Recreation & Park District’s Senior Center to provide an interactive online Disaster Preparedness for Seniors workshop
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GOAL #2: A CITY THAT IS FINANCIALLY SOUND
OBJECTIVE #1: Ensure a balanced budget.
A. Set and maintain a balanced budget.
Key Accomplishments:
The City Council, with the assistance of the Budget Committee, adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2021/22.
Continued to work with the Budget Committee and municipal advisor to provide advice on a number of financial issues such as financing the new library project with Measure K Funds
B. Continuously monitor and adjust expenditures, including personnel costs, to conform to funds available.
Key Accomplishments:
Received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for June 30, 2020 Provided financial updates to the Budget Committee on a quarterly basis Worked with the Chief Technology Officer to select the Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) and began implementation, which will streamline processes that will result in timely, accurate, and easy to access information
Continued to look for funding opportunities to assist with the City’s pension liability through CalPERS
Coordinated and working to implement a convenience fee for credit card transactions Negotiated fiscally responsible and sustainable bargaining agreements with all three unions and the management group.
C. Ensure that the City has sufficient revenue to meet community needs, including through evaluating alternative funding mechanisms for City projects and programs.
Key Accomplishments:
Worked closely with HdL Companies to audit and maximize the collection of sales tax, transaction and use tax, and property tax revenues.
Sought opportunities to share costs with other parties and also pursued regional, state, and federal funding
Recorded the receipt of CARES Act funding totaling $423,099, provided guidance on usage, and met reporting requirements
D. Maintain reserves for specific purposes and amounts (including unassigned reserves) to meet the City's needs.
Key Accomplishments:
Maintained a General Fund reserve of $10.0 million, which is consistent with City Council’s reserve policy
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OBJECTIVE #2: Foster active and effective economic development programs and services.
A. Strengthen the attractiveness of, and connectivity between, commercial areas.
Key Accomplishments:
Began development of “Pleasant Hill Perks” Gift Card and Website Technical Assistance programs that will serve eligible businesses on all commercial areas of the City and help bring customers to all shopping districts in the City.
Facilitated the resumption of the weekly Off the Grid food truck event at City Hall to connect residents with and entice visitors to our Downtown shopping district Started the process to begin collaborating with the Recreation & Park District on City sponsorships for special events that will help attract potential customers to local businesses
Maintained 23 acres of median landscaping and 21 acres of roadside landscaping Maintained 2,500 street trees
Monitored and maintained City street lights
B. Work with businesses to identify and promote the unique features of each business area.
Key Accomplishments:
Collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Shopping Center property management company on a regular basis to offer assistance, share outreach efforts, and assist them to support and help promote special events and local businesses Supported several business areas within the City by providing Marketing, Advertising, and Outdoor Furniture business grants to many businesses to support their survival and recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic
C. Coordinate infrastructure projects with economic development efforts to efficiently leverage City resources and enhance the vitality of commercial areas.
Key Accomplishments:
Worked closely with the Community Development Department and General Plan Advisory Committee on the Economic Development Element of the General Plan, including several goals and policies regarding infrastructure improvements throughout the City D. Foster coordination and enhancement of marketing and promotion between hotels, restaurants, and commercial establishments.
Key Accomplishments:
Created a $500,000 Small Business Economic Stimulus Initiative using American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) funds to provide business relief grants and programs for Pleasant Hill merchants in order to market and bolster individual businesses and shopping districts Collaborated with Stay Pleasant Hill to support several marketing and advertising campaigns to promote the City’s hotels, merchants, and business districts 7 | P a g e
E. Utilize the Tourism Improvement District (TID) to increase awareness and visibility of Pleasant Hill and to attract more overnight hotel guests to stay in local hotels.
Key Accomplishments:
Renewed the Pleasant Hill Tourism Improvement District for five additional years through 2027, which will generate approximately $700,000 annually to attract more overnight hotel guests and promote the City’s attractions, and businesses Facilitated the incorporation of the Stay Pleasant Hill (“SPH”) non-profit management corporation, SPH Owners’ Association Agreement, and adoption of SPH corporate by-laws in order to continue the activities of the TID for the next five years OBJECTIVE #3: Continue long-term financial planning.
A. Update the Long-Term Financial Planbiennially.
Key Accomplishments:
Postponed due to COVID and the retirement of the City’s long-standing Finance Manager
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GOAL #3: A CITY THAT IS ATTRACTIVE, WELL-PLANNED, AND WELL-MAINTAINED OBJECTIVE #1: Support land use policies and projects that enhance the quality of the city.
A. Maintain land use planning documents that are current and focus on enhancing quality of life, strengthening neighborhoods, incorporating sustainable land use and development principles, and encouraging high-quality economic development.
Key Accomplishments:
Completed miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments that modified existing parking, definitions, nonconforming provisions, additional site development regulations, resident and nonresidential zoning district provisions, and accessory dwelling units Prepared and adopted an urgency ordinance for Urban Lot Splits and Two Unit Projects (Senate Bill 9)
Continued the update of the General Plan
Initiated the Housing Element Update
B. Update the City's General Plan to address local and regional planning issues and comply with applicable laws, complete a draft in winter 2020, and complete the final update by summer 2021.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued the update of the General Plan where various draft elements of the General Plan have been completed
Initiated the Housing Element Update
C. Continually monitor and update other planning-related documents, including the Zoning Ordinance and Citywide Design Guidelines, as necessary.
Key Accomplishments:
Completed miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments that modified existing parking, definitions, nonconforming provisions, additional site development regulations, resident and nonresidential zoning district provisions, and accessory dwelling units Prepared and adopted an urgency ordinance for Urban Lot Splits and Two Unit Projects (Senate Bill 9)
Initiated the adoption of Residential Objective Design Standards D. Ensure high-quality development that appropriately considers the surrounding environment, quality of life impacts (including traffic), and the needs of individual neighborhoods, and contributes to the improvement of the City.
Key Accomplishments:
Completed the planning approval process for major commercial development projects that included a new Starbucks restaurant at 999 Contra Costa Blvd, new businesses such as Dog Over Breed at 598 Patterson Blvd, exterior improvements to Harbor Freight at 535 Contra Costa Blvd, and Crescent Bistro at 45C Crescent Drive Approved various personal improvement uses, day care, and wireless telecommunication facilities throughout the city
Completed the planning approval process for smaller residential development projects including minor residential subdivisions and design review for single-family residences 9 | P a g e
Approved a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning (“PUD”) for the 85 Cleaveland MultiFamily Residential project that included 189 residential units and for 401 Taylor Residential Project that included 31 residential units
Approved the Choice in Aging (“CIA”) and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates project that included 81 affordable senior housing units and an updated campus for CIA and Choice in Learning (“CIL”) adult and child care facilities E. Incorporate climate change considerationsinto City planning documents where feasible.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued the update of the General Plan that includes a new Environment Element Updated the Solid Waste Management Ordinance to include new SB1383 regulations F. Support residential development that will help address the lack of affordable housing.
Key Accomplishments:
Approved a General Plan Amendment and Rezoning (“PUD”) for the 85 Cleaveland MultiFamily Residential project that included 189 residential units and for 401 Taylor Residential Project that included 31 residential units
Approved the Choice in Aging (“CIA”) and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates project that included 81 affordable senior housing units and an updated campus for CIA and Choice in Learning (“CIL”) adult and child care facilities G. Advocate for state legislation/mandates to be consistent with the City's goals and community interests.
Key Accomplishments:
Filed an appeal to ABAG/MTC on the City of Pleasant Hill Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
Monitored proposed legislation and drafted letters of support and opposition for consideration by the City Council and/or Mayor
OBJECTIVE #2: Maintain the appearance of City facilities in a condition that meets community expectations.
A. Perform recurring maintenance activities, such as landscape maintenance, pothole repair, pavement crack sealing, storm drain cleaning, City vehicle maintenance, and City building maintenance in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Key Accomplishments:
Monitored and maintained 23 acres of median landscaping, 21 acres of roadside landscaping, and 53 acres of open space
Inspected and maintained 1,620 storm drain catch basins Inspected 11.7 miles of private creeks and 1.6 miles of public creeks to identify and resolve potential problem areas
Maintained 33 police vehicles, 35 Community Development vehicles, 15 Recreation and Park vehicles and the Senior Van
Maintained 55,975 square feet of City owned buildings Replaced all faded or damaged traffic and street name signs Completed the annual Pothole Repair Project
Completed annual Crack Sealing Program
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B. Maintain the high quality appearance of City property and facilities.
Key Accomplishments:
Designed and installed 96 Anniversary banners for light poles along Contra Costa Boulevard
Upgraded City Council Chambers carpeting and seating area Continued to display 96 sets of American flags on the Contra Costa Boulevard Street poles during 10 patriotic occasions
Supported homeless encampment cleanup, vehicular accident cleanups, and removal of fallen trees
OBJECTIVE #3: Implement a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that meets the City's needs.
A. Perform comprehensive assessment on a recurring basis to identify current and future capitalneeds.
Key Accomplishments:
$40.5 million allocated for the City’s priority projects/programs Developed a five-year Pavement Management Plan for the City based on new Measure K funding
Continued to address projects identified in the Storm Drain Infrastructure Assessment and Maintenance Plan for the City based on new Measure K funding Completed the City’s Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan that identifies existing bicycle/pedestrian facility locations, design templates, and future needs throughout the city
Continued work in the ADA Improvement Program, installing ADA-compliant enhancements such as curb ramps and signal upgrades in order to provide for safe access along public facilities for persons with disabilities
B. Create a long-term plan that prioritizes capital projects and identifies funding adequate to meet capital needs.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued to identify existing conditions of storm drain facilities, prioritize upgrade needs, and develop cost estimates for such upgrade
Completed the City's Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan C. Maintain arterial and collector roads with a citywide average Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 70 or better and residential roads with a citywide average PCI of 60 or better.
Key Accomplishments:
Completed the 2021 Street Resurfacing Project
Completed the annual Pothole Repair Project
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D. Communicate the impact of Measure K in improving the condition of the City's capital assets, including through a Measure K project information website containing a map of Measure K-funded projects.
Key Accomplishments:
Used the Outlook newsletter to inform the public of Measure K use on the library project E. Continue to aggressively pursue grant and other outside funding sources for capital projects.
Key Accomplishments:
Obtained $350,000 in CalRecycle Rubberized Pavement grant funds Pursued a state-funded asphalt pavement condition survey grant F. Use innovative technologies to minimize costs.
Key Accomplishments:
The Street Resurfacing Program uses value engineered surface treatments (Full Depth Reclamation and Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer seal followed by a Thin Maintenance Overlay)
Replaced the traditional open cut method with the slip-lining pipe method to install and upgrade any deteriorated storm drain lines throughout the city G. Focus projects on priority areas, such as implementing Complete Streets and cost effective projects to reduce localized flooding.
Key Accomplishments:
Completed Oak Park Blvd and Monticello Ave Improvements Completed various Storm Drain Improvements within the city 12 | P a g e
GOAL #4: A CITY THAT PROVIDES A HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE AND A SMALL-TOWN ATMOSPHERE
FOR ITS RESIDENTS
OBJECTIVE #1: Provide and promote communityevents.
A. Continue to organize community and cultural events that enhance the quality of life in Pleasant Hill, such as Off the Grid, Community Service Day, Light up the Night, and the Sunset by the Lake Summer Concert Series.
Key Accomplishments:
Established several community activities around the City’s 60th Anniversary Returned to outdoor projects in limited scope for Community Service Day Held a 60th Anniversary Celebration at City Hall, “Light Up the Lake” Recruited performers for the 2022 Sunset by the Lake Concert Series Began planning for the return to a full Community Service Day event in 2022 Economic Development has collaborated for a return of Off the Grid in April 2022 B. Sponsor, support, and promote diverse community and cultural events taking place in the City organized by other public and private organizations.
Key Accomplishments:
Through the Diversity Commission, organized the City’s first effort to participate in United Against Hate Week
Through the Commission on Aging, partnered with the Recreation & Park District’s Senior Center to provide four online workshops for the senior community Conducted Town Hall ‘Community Conversations’ on issues including Combatting AAPI Violence, and Social Justice and the LGBTQI+ community
C. Provide opportunitiesfor children to interactwith the City of Pleasant Hillthrough activities such as Mock City Council Meetings, Mayor for the Day, and the annual Holiday Tree Trimming and Caroling at City Hall.
Key Accomplishments:
Engaged the College Park HS Choir to Perform at the Light Up the Lake celebration Engaged the Studio A Dancers to perform at the Light Up the Lake celebration Resumed offering the Mayor for the Day opportunity
Through the Education Commission, provided Pleasant Hill Schools with information on Town Halls and programs.
D. Provide opportunities for community members to become more familiar with the City organization and its policies and procedures, including through a Citizens Academy program.
Key Accomplishments:
Created Chief’s Advisory Panel
Hosted Town Hall meeting to introduce Unmanned Aerial System (drone) program Hosted a Town Hall meeting related to the Pleasant Hill Housing Element 13 | P a g e
OBJECTIVE #2: Foster collaborations with other communitypartners.
A. Cultivate cooperation and communication with the Mount Diablo Unified School District and higher education institutions, including Diablo Valley College and John F. Kennedy University, to promote quality education and programs that enrich the quality of life in Pleasant Hill.
Key Accomplishments:
Provided a fulltime SRO
The SRO taught a class at College Park High School titled, “Talk Time with Officer Botelho” to discuss a wide variety of contemporary topics with students Continued the School Outreach Program
The Education Commission continues to act as a liaison to all Pleasant Hill Schools to inform them of City programs and garner feedback
The Building Division partnered with DVC to conduct three Virtual Career Events with their Construction Technology Group.
B. Collaborate with regional government agencies, such as the Fire District and County, to support programs that enrich the quality of life for Pleasant Hill residents.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued close partnership with CORE Team
Significantly increased use of the County Mobile Crisis Response Team Worked with Contra Costa County agencies related to public health, specifically related to COVID-19 pandemic issues
• Partnered with Contra Costa County and the Recreation & Park District to provide a free COVID vaccination booster clinic for County residents and provided special supplemental volunteer-driven Senior Van Service to transport seniors to and from the clinic
• Partnered with Contra Costa Health Services to provide a vaccine clinic as part of the Community Service Day activities
Completed the City’s weed abatement program in our open space, medians and roadsides C. Collaborate with the Recreation and Park District on areas of particular interest to the City, such as the District's master plan and proposed new park adjacent to the planned new library.
Key Accomplishments:
Partnered with the Recreation & Park District to purchase a new motorcycle to patrol parks and trails
Partnered with the Recreation & Park District on several projects during Community Service Day
Collaborated with the Recreation & Park District for siting of signs at locations for the City’s Anniversary SCANenger Hunt
Share program information from Recreation & Park District on the City’s LED board and on social media to help bolster interest in recreation programming 14 | P a g e
D. Collaborate with civic and community organizations to support programs that enrich the quality of life for Pleasant Hill residents.
Key Accomplishments:
Through the Commission on Aging, partnered with the Recreation & Park District to provide four online interactive workshops for seniors (but open to all) Partnered with Contra Costa County to coordinate volunteers to deliver library books to non-driving seniors
Continued to run the cost-efficient and accessible Senior Van Service throughout the pandemic
Partnered with Contra Costa / Solano Food Bank to provide an in-person food donation drop-off during Community Service Day and continues to have an online donation site for the organization
OBJECTIVE #3: Promote a sustainable and environmentally friendly community.
A. Continue and look for opportunities to expand good environmental practices and policies in theCity.
Key Accomplishments:
Became the first jurisdiction in the Bay Area to Partner with BayREN and Frontier Energy to provide a streamlined process for the permitting of heat pumps for water and space heating, which is key for helping decarbonize our built environment (includes available funding options for the community)
The Information Technology Division assisted the Building Division to transition from hardcopy and in-person permit applications to Electronic Plan Checks Continue to expand the use of SolarAPP for residential solar permit and battery storage projects (allows contractors to go straight to inspections after input into the APP which has streamlined the permitting process and does not require the contractor to have to visit City Hall)
Expanded the project types and information given out from the Interactive Permit Guide to allow the community to access key information and application documents on-line 24/7 from the comfort of their homes or offices (reduces applicants driving to in-person visits)
Updated the Solid Waste Management Ordinance to include new SB1383 regulations in support of methane reduction
Donated to, and continue to work with, Sustainable Contra Costa County in providing programming on green practices
Donated to Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center
B. Continue community education and outreach focused on good environmental practices.
Key Accomplishments:
Working with BayREN and Frontier Energy to provide training and education around heat pump technology which will help decarbonize our built environment Shared program information from Sustainable Contra Costa County on City social media platforms
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Use the Outlook and Bi-Weekly Update as venues to share sustainable living information from Sustainable Contra Costa as well as Republic Services Partnered with Republic Services to provide education and outreach on new SB1383 organic composting regulations utilizing social media and mass mailings C. Continue to promote alternative transportation options, such as electric vehicle usage and charging stations, walking, biking, buses, BART, and carpooling.
Key Accomplishments:
As part of the Planning application review process, the City approves EV charging stations as appropriate.
OBJECTIVE #4: Build a new state-of-the-art community library.
A. Complete construction of a new building to house the Pleasant Hill community library.
Key Accomplishments:
Constructed the new City Library to replace the old Pleasant Hill branch library that was built over 55 years ago and no longer met the needs of its users and the general community
OBJECTIVE #5: Support and explore opportunities to expand cultural, historical, artistic, and leisure activities and facilities.
A. Continue to look for opportunities, through the General Plan update process, for the City to support cultural, historical, and leisure activities and facilities.
Key Accomplishments:
The City is exploring opportunities, through the current General Plan Update process, to support cultural, historical and leisure activities and facilities.
B. Explore opportunities for public art.
Key Accomplishments:
As part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration, the Civic Action Commission held a photo contest; winning photos were framed and displayed at the Friends of the Library, during Light Up the Lake and at City Hall.
C. Create a mechanism for recognizing significant cultural milestones.
Key Accomplishments:
Provided the City Council with research and suggestions to successfully create and provide staff support to a new Diversity Commission, which led the first City effort to participate in United Against Hate Week
The Education Commission created a living document posted to the City’s website that highlights various cultural awareness holidays and milestones. The Civic Action Commission drafts proclamations for presentation by the Mayor recognizing and proclaiming cultural months and weeks in the city. 16 | P a g e
GOAL #5: A CITY THAT PROVIDES EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE PUBLIC SERVICES OBJECTIVE #1: Establish programs and provide resources to enable quality public service.
A. Support quality public service by providing City staff with appropriate training and educational opportunities.
Key Accomplishments:
Continued to identify virtual alternatives to onsite and in-house training during the pandemic and educational opportunities to employees of all levels Identified areas of greatest training need and incorporated appropriate training into the Human Resources Division work plan
Sponsored employees in the Contra Costa County Leadership Academy B. Create opportunities for teamwork that crosses departmentallines.
Key Accomplishments:
The City Clerk’s Office and Information Technology Division worked together to implement software to provide electronic signatures on resolutions, ordinances, agreements, and letters, reducing supplies and staff time, as well as postage costs and time involved in routing and mailing paper agreements
The City Clerk’s Office, Information Technology Division, and Community Development Division continued to populate the City’s Records Portal with digitized City records. The Human Resources and Maintenance Division collaborated to ensure all City Buildings complied with CalOSHA regulations arising out of the pandemic including installation of barriers and upgraded HVAC and filtration systems.
C. Ensure that the City has a high level of transparency by providing training and communications for City staff, Commissioners, and City Council with regard to the Brown Act, Public Records Act, Political Reform Act, and any other related state or federal laws.
Key Accomplishments:
Monitored staff, commissioner, and Councilmember compliance with required ethics, records, conflict of interest, and campaign financing trainings and filings Continued to offer timely and appropriate training regarding laws that impact the workforce including state and federal leave laws, employee evaluations and other related state and federal laws
Provide timely and easy online access to City records through the maintenance of and continued addition of records to the City’s Public Records Portal D. Find ways to assess customer satisfaction with City government and City services.
Key Accomplishments:
The Community Development Department, in collaboration with the Information Technology Division, implemented Q-Less, an appointment system for the public to schedule meetings with City staff for building permits, zoning and planning questions, encroachment permits, and business licenses.