Moraga staff propose $2.99M in five‑year asset replacements; council approves priorities for budgeting

Parks and recreation staff presented the Town of Moraga’s five‑year asset replacement plan Wednesday and asked council for input on near‑term priorities to include in the capital improvement program.

Mackenzie Bridal, parks and recreation director, summarized recently completed replacements and proposed projects. Council authorized a $1 million contribution to the asset replacement fund at the end of fiscal 2024; staff reported an estimated $1.1 million available starting July 1, 2025. Over the next five years staff identified $2,990,000 in potential replacements, with an annual average of about $599,000.

Year‑one and year‑two priorities presented by staff include design and construction for the pavilion flagstone staircase, replacement of the all‑access playground surfacing where wear has developed, Hacienda roof replacement (tile removal will determine whether the roof deck must be replaced), replacement or repair of key fleet mowers and two police vehicles, IT upgrades and library flat‑roof work in year two. Staff reported completed items this fiscal year include Commons restroom replacement, police and parks vehicle replacements and picnic table work funded in prior actions.

Council asked questions about safety and historical appearance for the pavilion stairs and thanked staff for fencing work at Hacienda near Laguna Creek. Council members signaled support for the staff priorities and for advancing the pavilion staircase design and playground surfacing as early actions; there were no public speakers on the item.

Bridal said the asset replacement list will be incorporated into the CIP and the budget for the coming fiscal cycle, and staff will sequence projects where they can obtain economies of scale or extend service life to defer costs when prudent.