[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6240199,"mediaKeyId","3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f","parentId",3327822,"title","Moraga council reviews proposed two‑year operating budget, five‑year CIP and signals support for Spirit Van funding","audioSeconds",864,"startMs",7204000,"endMs",8068000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f&start=7204&end=8068","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f/thumbnail_7204000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6240199/California/Moraga-council-reviews-proposed-twoyear-operating-budget-fiveyear-CIP-and-signals-support-for-Spirit-Van-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240199-d8e3a2374b270b0d78e6db60b44a71ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125133&Signature=fABjxYgPR87FlDW-C3Oi6MLMLPtiQGbCXc9ct-T2rbpxUIts4jiEuA6SLQip5NLjB6~1gL221DFsJ205eBzu033SHBdVhbOFJ2RhQ5N3vnmPq9XUwNbpiZcXCfsJ3zDzkkGdkwh~CKVoUijft8-7PuFPHu5mnHINrFmBHTMvbr34EheEwYVdA6d5DxlPkhV5Q4r9sEWOvi7BgVKNIl4IWVDg0bGb155ihKjqJ7f5xiGv4zYfgKP0Zoj2NzWBtcvMKHRvqj2aK3S1pjnyfZfpn0-bp-j-4dM8YG9tOlb9dsjdqKzqMakS35skm7lUmemq1ECslNoq7iYlMLhrdClGEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Moraga CA","date","2025-05-15T22:17:57.007Z","article","The Moraga Town Council on May 14 reviewed a preliminary two‑year operating budget for fiscal years 2025‑26 and 2026‑27 and a five‑year capital improvement program (CIP), and directed staff on several follow‑up budget items.

Administrative Services Director Katie Bruner presented an overview focused on the general fund and operating expenditures. The draft was a status‑quo proposal with approximately $13.0 million in general fund appropriations for fiscal 2025‑26 and $13.6 million for 2026‑27. Property taxes remain the largest general‑fund revenue (about 46%), with departmental revenues, franchise fees and sales tax the next largest categories. Bruner said the town’s unfunded pension liability (UAL) is projected to increase about 17.7% in fiscal 2026 and that the town’s reserve policy requires a 50% operating reserve; under the draft budget the town would add to reserves to meet policy targets.

The council continued the town’s master fee schedule item to June 11 for public notice and further review. For the CIP, Public Works Director Sean Knapp presented a five‑year program focused heavily on transportation, pavement and storm‑drain projects; the two‑year portion proposed roughly $5 million for pavement and substantial grant‑funded stormwater and transportation projects. Knapp flagged ongoing Hacienda‑area and Mulholland Ridge projects and described funding sources including Measure K, grant funds (FEMA/CalOES for storm repairs) and asset‑replacement reserves.

The council also discussed La Mirinda’s Spirit Van, a door‑to‑door transportation program for older adults. The town has been asked to budget $20,000 annually as a contribution; staff is seeking LFFA (La Mirinda Fee & Finance Authority) approval and a committee recommendation. Spirit Van driver and coordinator speakers described the service as essential, providing wheelchair‑accessible rides and affordable round trips for many riders. Ricky Jester of the Spirit Van said the program had “estimated that by the end of this fiscal year, Moraga residents will have taken approximately 1,250 rides,” and emphasized: “For many of our riders, we're not just the best option, we're their only option.” Council members expressed support for continuing the $20,000 request to LFFA and for finding alternate funding if LFFA does not approve the request.

Council members asked staff to continue refining the operating and capital budgets and to return with the budget and CIP for adoption at an upcoming meeting; the fee schedule item was continued to June 11. Council signaled broad support for Spirit Van funding and asked staff to pursue LFFA and fallback options.

—

Sources: Presentation by Katie Bruner, Administrative Services Director; Sean Knapp, Public Works Director; public testimony from Ricky Jester and Spirit Van volunteers and riders.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Moraga Town Council Meeting - May 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Moraga Town Council reviewed a draft two‑year operating budget and a five‑year capital improvement program on May 14, continued the town’s master fee schedule to June 11 and directed staff to pursue funding for the La Mirinda Spirit Van while seeking LFFA approval.","taxTitle","Moraga Town, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",70874,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6240204,"Council presses Moraga‑Orinda Fire District over proposed paramedic staffing changes, creates joint ad hoc committee",346,3612000,3958000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f&start=3612&end=3958","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f/thumbnail_3612000.jpg","/articles/6240204/California/Council-presses-MoragaOrinda-Fire-District-over-proposed-paramedic-staffing-changes-creates-joint-ad-hoc-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240204-7e395705aa0b0ed90a3ee2b6c48010ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125133&Signature=oYJ2zWduCsguuIVvbQzjJ-6cNDx~LeHbRX8mTQPUa2QtyVFiOXupFEl2lGGVL~kacvBG9ElVianZkH8cdcLgNBbDBXRbD-Q4-h428GrDOE-msq42HcQ1vdKUszlFuMBgomEmmDXmAGCqY5zFVquyWb2Vfne-3uiJNVqRte6ro1sf7UqpvoIUeQHPCWgGuVJ8C5kKdgQk83uTxI~ypJqclIgxumQC8P9PlEvKXnkcs8Pv-wRrbniyxyxRMwuolC-LargFB5hC7UHSm9Gn0BrvXTEtwyn~eRfWXfIw6o~pAfi0x4JtTNEzmJ32rCDPm5rGOAAWZS2obX3phFfhBJi2DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Moraga’s Town Council on May 14 voiced strong concern about proposed changes to paramedic and ambulance staffing at the Moraga‑Orinda Fire District (MOFD) and directed staff to pursue formal coordination with the district.

Town Manager Scott briefed the council after residents raised alarms that MOFD budget and labor changes could reduce ambulance availability in Moraga from a 24‑hour domiciled ambulance to fewer hours or different staffing. Scott said the district’s chief had proposed a solution that could preserve round‑the‑clock ambulance availability but alter staffing models and that the district’s board would consider recommendations at its May 21 meeting.

Scott told the council: “Public safety is our number 1 public, number 1 responsibility,” and urged the council to seek a formal commitment from the fire district. Longtime resident and public commenter Mr. Olson (spelled Olsen/Olson in the record) summarized earlier history and technical concerns in a prepared letter and at the podium.

Council members said they were surprised that the personnel changes and their operational impacts had not previously been shared directly with Moraga staff or elected officials. Several members called the proposal “unacceptable” or “insane” and pressed for an aggressive but cooperative approach to preserve ambulance availability. Several council members urged broad resident turnout at the MOFD board meeting next week.

The council directed staff to draft a strongly worded letter expressing the town’s concern and to have the mayor deliver the town’s position at the MOFD board meeting if possible. The council also agreed to form a joint Moraga‑MOFD ad hoc committee (to be administered by the town) mirroring Orinda’s committee model; Mayor Steve Walicky and Councilmember Carrie (as recorded) were identified as the town’s initial representatives and staff will return with a formal structure and resolution.

Town staff said the fire chief has proposed an option that would maintain 24‑hour ambulance availability but that the staffing model would move toward “single‑role” paramedic staffing and that the district’s board would vote on the recommended plan. Staff also highlighted geographic vulnerabilities for Moraga — greater road distances to hospitals and clustered senior care facilities — and said those factors justify requesting continued 24‑hour ambulance presence in town.

The council’s actions were procedural directions and a show of firm concern; the MOFD board will make the district’s final decision. The town manager and mayor said they would deliver a written letter and follow up with the fire chief and district board.

—

Sources: Town Manager briefing; public comments by Mr. Olsen and other residents; council deliberations.","After residents and town staff raised alarm about proposed ambulance staffing reductions, Moraga’s council asked the fire district to preserve 24‑hour ambulance coverage and established a joint Moraga‑MOFD ad hoc committee to track the issue and coordinate with the district.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6240209,"Moraga council approves Saint Mary's campus master plan amendment for larger clubhouse",791,1869000,2660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f&start=1869&end=2660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f/thumbnail_1869000.jpg","/articles/6240209/California/Moraga-council-approves-Saint-Marys-campus-master-plan-amendment-for-larger-clubhouse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240209-00428ca9bcd0f7f286c3a7fc9b553696/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125133&Signature=GeAbhYSRkukOwWfVZ0dzA8NhKB9o-2f~InmkvsRHC~PMdWgperWbZ7JXOtNJB~-y5wU3Cj11yuA7h~u7x3QdfmOEwTG3YsIjeR4uZYTyXUYKGG5Hxi-CmclcSbEiVaHObP9q1j~UKB8YXNc8FbB3Tc18w0grQMOk6g8A6fXCx7d9XtnYfjJ-6zRQcz6b66GGOaXhoaO0qRLkx398sVhETUijFoq-K2JbbQL1NWRfBSrLsgvPgoq1wggKhhpOR7mJI0Cu8VZPSOwozlygQy36qi3DCDmniQIOpDcmqkMIODS6RqJ6sFYP6PeYIlNJvy8Bze0eiNxPjn8AbfQF1-y9hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Moraga Town Council unanimously approved a resolution May 14 adopting an addendum to the 2016 Saint Mary’s College Campus Master Plan environmental impact report and amending the college’s master plan to allow a larger, relocated stadium clubhouse.

The change moves a previously approved 5,000-square-foot two‑story clubhouse from the scoreboard end of the athletic field to the east side, around the midpoint near the entrance to the Redwood Grove, and increases the building footprint to about 9,785 square feet to accommodate separate men’s and women’s locker rooms and an upstairs banquet/meeting room.

Planning Director Sonia Azula told the council that the town prepared an addendum to the original EIR and found “no substantial new evidence, no more severe or significant environmental impacts and no new mitigations were required,” while noting nine of the plan’s original mitigations were revised to reflect the reconfigured clubhouse. Azula said the Planning Commission approved associated design review and grading permits without appeal.

Representatives of Saint Mary’s College described the facility as primarily a game‑day building for student athletes. Mike Madoso, vice president for intercollegiate athletics, said the larger size was necessary “because I was not going to build a building without separate locker rooms for men and women,” and emphasized the clubhouse “is gonna be a day use facility for game days.” Cedro Diaz, vice president of facilities, and architect Susan Boots answered council questions about location, sightlines and public access.

Residents at the hearing raised concerns about potential increases in evening events, amplified sound and light spill. Several speakers who live on the Bluffs and in Bollinger Canyon said they could already hear game announcements and music and worried that expanded evening activity could worsen noise at night. David Gow and Kyle Hickey submitted written testimony and urged the council to delay or re-evaluate the project citing sound study gaps.

College officials said the stadium lighting had already been analyzed and approved and that the new lighting would use hooded, modern fixtures they expect will reduce off‑site spill compared with older fixtures. The college also said the clubhouse’s restrooms would replace current porta‑potties used during events and that the facility would be available for some community events under standard facility rental rules.

Council members said the matter before them was only the master plan amendment — size and location of the clubhouse — and that lighting and operational noise remain subject to the town’s ordinances and separate permits. After questioning staff and the applicant, the council adopted the resolution approving the EIR addendum and the GP0123 amendment by unanimous vote.

The council’s approval allows the college to proceed with the amended master plan for the clubhouse; the college must still comply with required mitigation monitoring and any conditions attached to design review, building permits and ongoing noise controls.

The council asked staff to continue enforcing the town’s noise standards and to monitor compliance if residents file complaints, and council members encouraged continued dialogue between the college and neighbors.

—

Sources: Staff presentation by Sonia Azula, Planning Director; testimony and presentation from Saint Mary’s College representatives Mike Madoso and Cedro Diaz; public hearing record.","The Town Council adopted an addendum to the 2016 Saint Mary’s College Campus Master Plan EIR and approved a master plan amendment allowing a larger, relocated stadium clubhouse; council members said lighting and noise remain subject to town ordinances and separate approvals.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6240192,"Council okays pilot public‑engagement booth at farmers market; staff to seek property owner approval",238,8088000,8326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f&start=8088&end=8326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f/thumbnail_8088000.jpg","/articles/6240192/California/Council-okays-pilot-publicengagement-booth-at-farmers-market-staff-to-seek-property-owner-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240192-fe9696e6b7fee3c11d59d7b2cc925604/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125133&Signature=cSX5BI9npGyv~tWTJSxlFK9CLASy0tKfhx34eOB7rwYZzddG6fw931rE0CF-Bnd0Cjml60NxVwv9YVgLTDThoRklGu1o3nj0tz7VCsE8LrdED07tu7Xa9M2Lmlq5iaWdUBIrgKzJrWajOJ7X7RfR3cMLDzhGHf-FnIHhGiFKCQ87G55N1~zj5ENUwlZfRU7KRqXI1YtjwoUNGYEPGEvLIvQPvvw~kNjhChsQ3co6OzmsRhIjh2bMtKhokrT6T8eLI6jT5cfTcDN4cI98WR2mK0V62m3CH~0eeqfJEL~BT7k7aE1R508klJ-T7alTVjpGpShYXrarusFRJwSlIAVq6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Moraga Town Council on May 14 agreed to pursue a pilot program for a council public‑engagement booth at the farmers market and other town events, subject to property owner approval and conditions.

Town Manager Scott and the mayor presented a model used by other Bay Area towns where council members rotate staffing a booth to meet residents at a weekly market. Council members favored testing the idea at the Moraga Farmers Market and suggested a pilot (for example monthly rather than weekly) to limit demands on council and staff time. The council requested staff approach the market property owner to address concerns raised in preliminary outreach; the owner had expressed concern that the market not be used for political campaigning.

Council members emphasized that (1) the booth should be non‑political and informational, (2) staffing should rely on council volunteers rather than paid staff to avoid recurring cost burdens, and (3) the pilot’s terms and frequency should be limited and revisited. Town Manager Scott said staff would contact the property owner for permission and negotiate an approach that protects the market’s operations and respects the owner’s concerns. The council asked staff to return with a proposal that includes location, frequency, and a code‑of‑conduct for council members staffing the booth to avoid appearance‑of‑impropriety and campaign use.

—

Sources: Presentation and discussion led by Town Manager Scott and the mayor; council direction to staff.","The council agreed in principle to test a public‑engagement booth (a staffed table) at Moraga’s farmers market on a pilot basis, asked the town manager to consult with the market property owner about conditions and restrictions, and emphasized volunteer staffing rather than a staff expense.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6240196,"Town Council appoints Derek Soderstrom to local sales tax oversight committee",350,1488000,1838000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f&start=1488&end=1838","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3327822-f78eae0f47e870a5e4e7d4c85261230f/thumbnail_1488000.jpg","/articles/6240196/California/Town-Council-appoints-Derek-Soderstrom-to-local-sales-tax-oversight-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6240196-47934e2e45ab16b55afc6ff60c71ddbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775125133&Signature=CO25poDs1WYP4SS1B8d82V5d4AMvplxh6djG0skmtSpeSB6e7v1GeeZP95yb8caf10ONNZuyQaPksrOQwJFasDBbzZqsIigby5hJKaHpcF8VOCO9dB5yHFoWkCN7yWLCQ9sRNSY1HYlqFaBHdrNJcBKZe5niAAVAOgNYnVe93jf~YhDRElEf4EUCONkMh2oBTAEl1mmCDZ3fHYuTKd-gqsfGVp0ipEujpLpy8RTBJgtMQm~sDekqRlpvicR4EZ742ko36hdnRPRHu-UVmAj49pqZ90689fAwdjoXuVjsE8l-vsTNNurFrIezaj4phggyQyG3K9CRG8qqdY6kNH66RQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Moraga Town Council unanimously appointed Derek Soderstrom to the Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee on May 14 to fill an open volunteer seat.

Staff noted there was a single applicant. Council members praised Soderstrom’s background; Councilmember Lisa (last name not recorded in transcript) said Soderstrom “has 40 years of finance and accounting experience” and that he is “more than qualified to do so.” The committee oversees the town’s Measure K revenues — the local one‑cent sales tax the voters approved in 2012 for roads and related expenditures.

Council members said the committee’s role is to maintain transparency and public confidence in the use of the Measure K funds, which have funded road work and improved the town’s pavement condition index over the past decade. The nomination was moved and seconded and the council voted aye to appoint Soderstrom to a full three‑year term.

—

Sources: Staff briefing; council comments and roll call vote.","The council unanimously appointed Derek Soderstrom to the Local Sales Tax Oversight Committee (Measure K advisory body) for a three‑year term following councilmember comments endorsing his finance experience.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Moraga council reviews proposed two‑year operating budget, five‑year CIP and signals support for Spirit Van funding

Council presses Moraga‑Orinda Fire District over proposed paramedic staffing changes, creates joint ad hoc committee

Moraga council approves Saint Mary's campus master plan amendment for larger clubhouse

Council okays pilot public‑engagement booth at farmers market; staff to seek property owner approval

Town Council appoints Derek Soderstrom to local sales tax oversight committee