Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Improvement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Moraga presents $5‑year capital plan with major pavement, storm‑drain and safety projects
Summary
Public works presented a preliminary five‑year capital improvement program that prioritizes pavement management, storm‑drain repairs (including Laguna Creek restoration), and traffic safety projects; many projects rely on grant funding and carry implementation timing risks.
The Audit & Finance Committee on May 7 reviewed the Town of Moraga’s preliminary five‑year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which outlines proposed work on roads, storm drains, parks and town facilities for 2025–2030 and prioritizes pavement management, storm‑drain repairs and traffic‑safety projects.
Public Works staff said the town completed roughly 16 CIP projects in the prior two years, representing about $10 million in work, and plans to program 11–12 projects per year as staffing permits. Sean Knapp, presenting the CIP, told the committee that the two‑year schedule funds the first two years of the five‑year plan and that most projects rely on restricted funds or grants rather than general fund support.
Knapp highlighted three categories that drive the plan: pavement management (about $5 million over two years), storm‑drain and creek projects (about $5.6 million, largely driven by Laguna Creek funding), and transportation safety (about $8.2 million in project estimates). Knapp told the committee the large storm‑drain number is heavily influenced by grant funding for Laguna Creek restoration work; staff have permits in hand and expect construction next year, though the project may require phased in‑stream work across seasons depending on permitting.
Committee members asked about scope‑, cost‑ and funding‑risk. On Laguna Creek restoration, staff said grant packages include both scalable FEMA funding and fixed grants; FEMA and other agencies are working with the town and reimbursements occur as work proceeds. If higher costs emerge and fixed grants do not scale, staff said they would return to council for direction on design or additional funding.
The committee reviewed an itemized list of Hacienda‑area projects (retaining wall, HVAC, playground resurfacing, roof replacements) that are largely classified as asset‑replacement and building‑maintenance work. Knapp recused himself from a portion of the Hacienda discussion out of an abundance of caution while the town attorney sought advice from the FPPC, then left the room for that portion of the agenda.
Transportation projects in the CIP include a number of grant‑driven safety upgrades already in construction this year, a set of planned sidewalk and pedestrian upgrades, the Ream Boulevard bike/pedestrian project (planned to improve walk/bike continuity toward Saint Mary’s College), and a future evacuation/evacuation‑lane concept on Moraga Way (often discussed as the La Mirinda regional trail / evacuation lane). Knapp said some projects are not yet fully funded and appear in the years after FY27 as forecasted work; staff will pursue additional grants and return to council if priorities or available funding change.
Committee members recommended staff continue to seek grant funding, provide clearer fund‑balance displays for non‑general funds in future packet materials, and refine schedule and contingency plans for Laguna Creek and other large, grant‑dependent projects. The committee did not take formal CIP votes; it provided feedback for staff to incorporate in the final plan for council consideration.
