Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Danville, CA Permit No. 71
Town of Danville 510 La Gonda Way Danville, CA 94526-1740
www.danville.ca.gov
Postal Customer
Town Administration
Town Council, Commission and Boards July 1, 2009–June 30, 2010
Joseph Calabrigo Town Manager
Danville Town Council Candace Andersen Newell Arnerich Mike Doyle Karen Stepper Robert Storer
Marcia Somers Assistant Town Manager Robert Ewing City Attorney Marie Sunseri City Clerk Steve Simpkins Police Chief Elizabeth Hudson Finance Director/Treasurer Steven Lake Development Services Director/City Engineer Tai J. Williams Transportation Director
Arts Commission Victoria Brooks Christina DeMarinis Celeste Evans Tricia Grame Rosemarie Hardy Jo Loecher J.P. McDermott Susan Ritner Poet Laureate Nancy Fraze
Heritage Resource Commission Patricia Dobbin Doug Farry Randy Haberl Lee Halverson Doug McQuillan Renee Morgan James Powers Planning Commission Bonnie Antoun Tiffany Attwood Robert Combs Steve Condie G. Mark Graham Renee Morgan Bob Nichols Lynn Overcashier Paul Radich
Parks and Leisure Services Commission Christine Austin Kevin Donovan Peggy Hiramine Jane Joyce Bill Lombardi John Mascali Stewart Proctor Kent Rezowalli Scott Tinetti
Design Review Board David Banducci Robert Combs Doug McQuillan Lynn Overcashier Marc Silveira Jim Wood
Danville Annual Report
2009–2010
Year-end Report to the Community for Fiscal Year July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010
Message to the Community
We are pleased to present the 2009/10 Annual Report highlighting accomplishments from the past year, and goals for the year ahead. Our Town government is committed to providing high quality services and facilities that support the exceptional quality of life offered in Danville while building upon our unique small town character through addressing the following priorities: • Public Safety • Well-maintained community appearance • Enrichment and recreational opportunities for all Town residents • Upholding high planning standards • Transportation planning and traffic safety • Economic vitality and growth • Providing an active voice on regional issues affecting Danville • Hosting Town-wide special events • Fostering vital partnerships Navigating the current economic climate, Danville provides municipal services in ways that avoid the painful and well-publicized organizational changes and cuts that many local governments have made over the past two years. What sets Danville apart is conservative fiscal management coupled with the integration of these five operational principles: 1. Operating as a “limited service city”—Danville does not provide certain services provided by larger, full service cities such as utilities, fire, human and social services, etc. 2. Effectively controlling municipal costs—Per capita service delivery costs are kept low compared to other cities. 3. Relying more heavily upon contracting to deliver municipal services— Contracting a portion of Town services that are provided by municipal employees in other cities results in greater fiscal flexibility while also creating jobs in the private sector.
Photo by Paige Green
4. Cultivating a small but dedicated workforce—Town staffing levels have remained constant over the past 20 years; personnel costs that typically account for 75% or more of total budget costs for most municipalities represent less than 35% of total budget costs for Danville. 5. Maintaining adequate reserves—Also known as “rainy day funds,” these set-asides provide a hedge against economic downturns, natural disasters, emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances such as State raids of local government revenues. As a result, despite the economy and raids on local government revenues by the State, Danville’s financial condition continues to be very sound.
Contents Council Highlights Serving the Community Major Accomplishments Special Events Capital Projects Community Development Looking Ahead
2
3 4–5 6–7 8–9 10–11 12–13 14–15
We invite you to take time to review this report. Danville is a special place to live, work and play because of the active involvement of its residents. We encourage you to become involved through your neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, or service clubs. Familiarize yourself with your Town government by visiting the Town website at www.danville.ca.gov, attending a Town Council meeting, volunteering in a Town program, or applying for a Town Commission or Board. We look forward to working with you to keep Danville special. Respectfully, Mayor and Town Council
Danville 2025 General Plan Update Moves Forward During 2009/10, the Town held eight public meetings to review and discuss what should be included in the comprehensive update to Danville’s 2010 General Plan. This document guides the Town’s future growth through 2025 and helps determine the overall approach to planning. It is expected to cover a number of issues and policies including: • Need to identify and designate new sites for multiple family residential use • Possible expansion of the Town’s Sphere of Influence on Danville’s east side • Analysis of and response to new laws/guidelines dealing with greenhouse gas emissions • Plan amendments pertaining to Emergency Response and Hazard Prevention The next phase will be selection of a consultant to prepare the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The public is invited to be a part of the update process. View the calendar section of the Town’s website for dates and times, or sign up at www.danville.ca.gov for automatic e-mail notifications. For more information, contact Chief of Planning Kevin Gailey at kgailey@danville.ca.gov or (925) 314-3305.
I.T. Master Plan Approved In July 2010, the Town Council approved its first Information Technology Master Plan. The result of an extensive needs assessment and evaluation process, the five-year plan focuses on implementing a variety of technology improvements to ensure Danville residents have easy access to Town information and services around-the-clock. Improvements to be made in 2010/11 include ongoing upgrades to the Town’s website, developing electronic forms to replace those that now require printing or faxing, replacement of the audiovisual system at the Town Meeting Hall, and evaluation of software applications that will support expanded public communication and services offered online. A copy of the Information Technology Master Plan detailing the various IT initiatives is available at www.danville.ca.gov.
Oak Hill Park Pond. Photo by Kyle Mix
Lighting and Landscape Assessment District Caring for 198 acres of parks, arterial roadway landscaping, streetlights and other amenities in Danville is a big job, requiring a sizable commitment of time, manpower and financial resources. In the Town of Danville, maintenance of these amenities is provided for through a Lighting and Landscape Assessment District (LLAD). The LLAD came about as existing lighting districts, established before Danville’s incorporation, were consolidated into a single Town-wide LLAD in 1983. The District expanded in 1987 to include major roadside and median landscaping and again in 1990 to include 50% of the cost for parks and facilities maintenance. In 1997, the District was ratified by the Town’s property owners with more than 87% support and in 2003, the Town’s property owners approved an increase in the assessments to maintain an adequate level of maintenance. Property owners are assessed based on the special benefit received from the improvements being maintained by the District. LLAD property assessments are set at a flat rate and are not subject to escalation. Coupled with the expansion of maintenance responsibilities and costs over the past seven years, LLAD revenues are no longer fully supporting District costs. This has required a General Fund contribution and may necessitate asking property owners for a rate increase as soon as 2011 to continue service levels currently being provided.
Village Theatre Art Gallery hosts exciting new exhibits The newly renovated Village Theatre Art Gallery was opened in November 2009, and has hosted several high quality exhibits from various artists. Exhibits planned for fall 2010 include the first invitational sculpture exhibit called Twisted-Chiseled-Fired, which is a contemporary sculpture exhibition featuring a variety of diverse pieces. The next exhibit will be Birth of Expressionism, which will be on display in September 2010 coinciding with the annual Eugene O’Neill festival, and Once upon a Book: Showcase of Children’s Book Illustrators, which showcases a number of artists who have published work in children’s storybooks.
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
15
Looking Ahead Veterans Memorial Building Construction Begins The planning is over and the construction phase is beginning on the $8.1 million renovation/reconstruction of the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Danville. As the 2009/10 year ended, planning was completed, and shovels turned over earth as the work began in earnest. The newly re-designed facility will double the available space at the Hartz Avenue site, providing more program space for veterans, seniors and community use.
Financial Outlook Danville’s long-standing fiscally conservative policies have enabled the Town to maintain consistent service levels for the second year of the economic downturn. Local programs and services are reviewed annually and are based upon established Town Council priorities for the community. In addition, sufficient funds are designated for capital projects as well as prudent reserves and contingency levels. Revenues in Millions
$7.37
$11
Property Tax
Restricted Revenues
Town Revenues—Operating revenues for the Town are estimated to total $27.30 million for FY 2009/10; $19.93 million of general funds (unrestricted use) and $7.37 million of special revenues (restricted use).
$1.83 Charges
for Services
$3 Sales & Other Local Taxes
Services Provided in Millions
$3.8 Other General Revenues
$7.7
Police
$6.7
Maintenance
Town Expenditures— $3.1 The Town’s major service $5.2 Recreation priorities include Police Development & $4.5 Transportation Services, Maintenance Admin. Services, Development and Transportation Services, and Recreation Services. Town operating expenditures are estimated to total $27.25 million. An additional $2.77 million is planned for transfer and/or designation for future capital needs and reserves. Looking Forward—Forecasts for FY 2010/11 show revenues remaining flat with 2009/10. Planned operating expenditures have been reduced by $1.04 million as a proactive measure during the continued economic uncertainty of both the economy and possible additional state raids of local revenue sources.
14
Council Highlights Shaping the Future of the Tassajara Valley With an eye toward preserving the character of Danville, and maintaining an agricultural transition from the Town’s eastern border, the Town of Danville is examining the possibility of expanding Danville’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) to include the northern end of the Tassajara Valley. Inclusion of a portion of the Tassajara Valley into its SOI would give the Town a greater voice in future land use decisions affecting this area. The Town is also looking at the possible annexation of newly constructed neighborhoods currently located outside of the Town limits. Annexation of these inhabited lands, located generally east of Diablo Vista Middle School, would allow the Town to receive a share of property taxes and other revenues generated in these areas to help support and maintain public services and facilities, such as police, parks and roads, which are utilized by those residents living outside of the Town. Town representatives are currently in the process of meeting with each of the neighborhoods located in the unincorporated areas outside the easterly Danville boundary regarding these potential changes.
Town Awards and Recognition Recreation Services: The 2009 California Park and Recreation Society Agency Showcase Award for an Agency Single Focus Brochure was awarded to the Town’s SUMMER ‘09 JOBS Brochure. This full-color glossy brochure, produced by the Recreation Services Department, was printed by a local printing company and distributed at local high schools, the Danville Library, various job and community fairs, the Danville and Oak Hill Park Community Centers and the Danville Town Offices. The California Park and Recreation Society also bestowed upon the Town a 2009 Educational Award of Excellence 2009: Education—Single Topic Focus for the BEST STAFF EVER Group Interviewing Workshop. This workshop demonstrated a successful group interview process utilized by the Town of Danville. Through active participation, workshop attendees gained a better understanding of this innovative and successful method to interview a large number of applicants, as well as the benefits of evaluating and selecting summer staff through a team method, instead of solely relying on strong, individual interviews.
Finance Department: In 2009/10, the Town’s Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award was given for the Town’s 2008/09 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by the Government Finance Officers Association. This marks the 8th year the Town’s Finance Department has received this award. Emergency Services: The Town, along with its partner agencies, received the highest Gold Award from the California Emergency Services Association (CESA) recognizing exceptional efforts in the field of Emergency Preparedness. Economic Development: The Town-hosted Danville In Style website (www.danvilleinstyle.com) was recognized by the Web Marketing Association. The designers of the site, who assisted the Town in its development, were given a WebAward for Regional Standard of Excellence.
Community Park Master Plan Process to Begin
Community Members Honored at Annual Awards Event
During the 2010/11 fiscal year, the Town will update the Osage Station Park Master Plan which was originally adopted by Contra Costa County prior to Town incorporation. Osage Station Park is the Town’s last community park to undergo a master plan update. Osage Station Park encompasses 30.1 acres and offers both casual and organized use by children, adults, and seniors.
Danville’s 28th annual Mayoral Installation and Community Service Awards ceremony was held at the Community Center on December 1, 2009. Mayor Newell Arnerich handed the gavel to Mike Doyle, who was selected to serve as Mayor for 2010. Karen Stepper was selected as Vice Mayor. Nancy Fraze, Danville’s Poet Laureate, presented Just Another Day in Danville, about the Danville community. The Town Council recognized and honored the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community:
In order to meet current health code requirements, address safety issues, protect valuable resources, and meet both current and future resident demands, the Town is working with architectural design firm Verde Design, Inc. to coordinate community input and develop conceptual design options for the park. The Osage Station Park Master Plan update will be discussed at publicly noticed meetings of the Town’s Parks and Leisure Services Commission. Residents can sign-up to receive email notices of agenda postings at www.danville.ca.gov. For more information, contact Recreation Services Manager Michelle Lacy at mlacy@danville.ca.gov or (925) 314-3454.
Danville at a Glance Households:
15,852
Population:
43,574
Average Persons per Household:
2.78
Median Household Income: $175,200
THE DANVILLE AWARD: The Town Council posthumously honored long-time Councilmember Mike Shimansky with the prestigious Danville Award for his years of service and dedication to the community. AWARD OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Chris Wenzel, Chief of Police, Danville Police Department, was recognized for his seven years of excellence in overseeing Danville’s Police Department.
Parks & Leisure Services Commission Volunteer of the Year Award: Valley Youth Council—For implementation of the online Needs Assessment Survey that identified ways to serve the local high school population with recreational opportunities and education about current issues.
Arts Commission Volunteer of the Year Award: Kevin Chen—For the time and commitment he has generously provided to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.
Town Volunteer of the Year Award: Richard Schumm—For his dedication and commitment to coaching youth basketball.
AWARDS OF MERIT Robin Kelley—For her volunteerism and dedication to the EPIC Healthy Choices Program at SRVHS and the youth in the community. Danville Police Reserves (Tim Davis, David Goldberg, Dale Myer, Walt Welti, Herman Rellar, Dan Scherber, Marc Silveira, Darrell Thornton, Chris Young)—For volunteering their time to provide an invaluable service to the Danville Community. Tony Carnemolla—For his leadership and service to the veterans in the Danville community. CPC Job Connections (Rod Ford-Smith, Dean Tracy, Doug Neeper, Bruce Cassell, Kevin Crockett)—For ongoing programs to provide support and encouragement to the unemployed.
Sports Alliance (John Sofranac; Gene Stoegbauer/Danville Adult Soccer; Scott Diekman/Danville Little League; Jeff Kahsen/Diablo Scorpion Lacrosse; Kevin Cole/Mustang Soccer/SRV Little League; Dean Roberts/SRVGAL; Vim Keosian/SRV Thunderbirds; Ron Tressen/ Tassajara Valley Little League)—For their cooperation and teamwork in representing youth and adult sports leagues in the Danville community. Colette Ankenman—For establishing Baragwanath Blessings, creating blankets and hats for newborns in South Africa. Melony Newman—For her dedication and willingness to always go above and beyond as the C.E.O. of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Michael K. Shimansky Community Service Award: The Shimansky family honored Christy Dodge with the first annual Michael K. Shimansky Community Service Award for her dedication to the special Olympics in Danville. Christy Dodge
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
3
Serving the Community Promoting Public Safety for Danville Danville is one of the safest places to live in Contra Costa County, due in large part to community partnerships and proactive law enforcement. Outreach programs include Neighborhood Watch, 911 for Kids, Citizen Police Academy and Disaster Preparation Training. Operation Precious Cargo, the Town’s child safety seat inspection program, provided 150 inspections for residents. Patrol Officers and Investigators continued to bring cases to successful conclusions at twice the national average. Danville officers responded to 34,512 calls for service, conducted 9,513 traffic stops, issued 4,409 citations and made 467 arrests. A total of 675 Part 1 crimes were reported, including 1 homicide, 2 rapes, 10 robberies, 2 arsons, 10 aggravated assaults, 93 other miscellaneous assaults, 84 residential burglaries, 140 auto burglaries, 300 thefts, and 34 auto thefts. To combat certain crime trends, proactive suppression enforcement operations were conducted to apprehend, reduce or gather intelligence regarding specific crimes. Danville partnered with other police agencies in the County to combat internet crimes, vehicle theft and sex registrant annual compliance. Danville Police investigated 196 traffic collisions and made 176 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). Of the reported collisions, 8 involved a vehicle versus pedestrian, 16 involved a vehicle versus bicycle, and 9 collisions were DUI-related. One fatal vehicle accident was reported in Danville in 2009/10. The School Program Coordinator met with thousands of middle and elementary school students providing education on Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and other safety-related topics. In the upper grades, the Town continues to maintain a School Resource Officer (SRO) on the San Ramon Valley High School campus, and secured a second year of funding for the School Resource Officer at Monte Vista High School.
Maintaining the Town
Danville Farmers’ Market partners with Local Merchants “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” is the theme of the Danville Farmers’ Market, where more than 55 farmers and other producers travel an average of 75 miles to sell the season’s fresh fruits and vegetables along with fresh cut flowers and delicious specialty food items such as olive oil.
The Town’s Maintenance Services Department stays busy keeping Danville’s parks, buildings, roadsides and streetlights in good working order.
In addition, the Market is now greener by selling reusable “Shop Danville” shopping bags—made from 100% recycled material—for only $2. The market is open every Saturday year-round, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot. Visit www.danvilleinstyle.com for more market information.
Danville’s parks are well-used and keeping them beautiful and safe to use is a major focus. The Town maintains 198 acres of parks, sports fields and courts, and recreation facilities. Danville streets and public buildings are also kept in good condition. Over 150 miles of public streets are maintained, including street signs, curb painting and minor paving work. The Town owns 13 public buildings, including the Danville and Oak Hill Park Community Centers, Town Meeting Hall, Village Theatre and Veterans Memorial Building, with a total area of approximately 100,000 square feet. Roadside and median landscaping creates an attractive backdrop for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, and contributes to overall community appearance. The Town maintains 60 acres of roadside and median landscaping as well as a number of trails, greenbelts and mini-parks. Maintenance Services also proactively prepared for and handled the effects of the annual winter storms, assisted with various Town Capital Improvement Program projects, and provided support for Town-wide special events such as the Fourth of July Parade, Lighting of the Old Oak Tree and Music in the Park.
Officer Mike Ireland and his partner Donna educate and entertain the crowd at the Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair.
Danville Farmers’ Market
Downtown Parking looking good One of the features that makes shopping in Downtown Danville such a pleasant experience is the fact that there is parking within a short walk of nearly every downtown business. A recent Downtown Parking Assessment found that the number of parking spaces is adequate to meet the identified needs. It also determined that, with the exception of special events, Danville’s parking service level was rated an “A.” The assessment revealed that there is a perception that premium parking spaces are occupied by employees instead of customers. The Town Council addressed this concern by approving a new Downtown Parking Management program that re-directs employee parking to peripheral areas of downtown with less parking demand. In addition, the Town Council approved the designation of 100 additional parking spaces as all-day employee parking.
Planning Applications The Planning Division processes applications for a variety of land development projects and use permits largely associated with privately-owned property in Town. The application process allows the Town to consider a variety of issues, and gives the public an opportunity to voice concerns and request changes before approval is granted. Approvals processed in 2009/10 included: 37 Development Plans 61 Land Use Permits 7 Subdivisions 2 PUD Rezonings
28 Sign Reviews 25 Tree Removals 15 Variances
The Town is reviewing an application for redevelopment of the Danville Hotel property in Downtown Danville. The redevelopment would include preservation of the historic buildings on the site (the Danville Hotel and McCauley House) and the construction of approximately 17,500 square feet of new commercial space and 14 residential apartment/condominium units on the second floor.
Employees working downtown may obtain all-day employee parking permits online at www.danville.ca.gov.
Pavement Management The Town maintains 156 miles of public roads, utilizing a Pavement Management System software database to help evaluate and prioritize when streets are due for surface treatment. The treatments range from expensive options such as complete removal and replacement of the pavement and asphalt concrete overlays to less expensive options like slurry seal applications of liquid asphalt. The Town also installs or upgrades pedestrian curb ramps as part of its maintenance program. Last year, the Town completed the following: • 7.4 miles of residential streets were slurry sealed • 2.0 miles of residential streets were rehabilitated • 0.7 miles of arterial street was overlaid Volunteers in Police (VIP) donated over 4,600 hours last year assisting with crime prevention education, special events and administrative duties.
4
• 67 pedestrian curb ramps were installed or upgraded The total 2009/10 investment in Pavement Management was $2,603,381. For the list of streets that were resurfaced, visit www.danville.ca.gov.
Above: This year, construction was completed on the IronHorse Crossings residential development. The project includes a total of 34 apartment units on a 1.78 +/- acre site located on Fostoria Way, just east of the Iron Horse Trail. Inset: The Town approved an application to re-subdivide lots within Braddock and Logan’s residential subdivision on Tassajara Lane, resulting in a total of 26 lots.
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
13
Community Development Building Division
Economic Development
The downturn in the economy and slow recovery continue to affect the construction industry, which in turn has an effect on the number of permits and inspections carried out by the Town in 2009/10. Building Division highlights include:
The overarching goal of Danville’s economic development efforts is to promote a diverse and healthy economy. During the 2009/10 fiscal year, in a period marked by the continued economic downturn, the Town committed to step up its efforts to bolster the local business community with several major initiatives—all designed to either help existing businesses stay in business or keep sales tax dollars local.
• 1,673 permits issued with a total valuation of $54,935,177.33 (down 5% from 2008/09) • 6,324 building inspections performed (down 23% from 2008/09) • New forms, informative handouts and an improved FAQ section are available on the Town website to assist customers with their building projects. • Permit fees may now be paid through the online permit system. • Expanded credit card service now includes the acceptance of American Express and Debit Cards. • Employment of an Administrative Assistant through the Contra Costa County Subsidized Employment Training Program [SET] using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Retail Incentives Program A total of 68 local retail businesses, property management companies and business organizations took advantage of Town grant funding to help in their marketing efforts. Façade improvement grants were allocated to enhance retail curb appeal— from a coat of fresh paint and new awnings to updated signage. Currently, 86% of the available grant funds have been dispersed. Since the program is designed to help the local business owner, the Town stipulated that grant funds used for marketing or other improvements use local companies, so that the grant funds continue to circulate within the local professional services community. Business Concierge Program In concert with the launch of Danville’s Retail Incentives Program, the Business Concierge Service was established to help businesses easily navigate through the planning and development process. Business owners work directly with the Town’s concierge representative, the designated single point of contact for all departments involved in the permitting process. Over the past year, over 80 businesses have benefitted from this streamlined approach. Promoting the Danville Experience through Regional Exposure As part of the overall goal of sustaining Danville businesses, the Town partnered with the Bay Area News Group and Danville Area Chamber of Commerce to promote the Danville experience to a broader audience in the regional marketplace. This partnership enables the Town to produce a monthly advertorial news page, appearing on the first Wednesday of each month in the local section of the San Ramon Valley Times and Valley Times newspapers, which boast a circulation of 88,600.
Above: A 3,800 +/- square foot addition behind the existing historic building at 345 Hartz Avenue (known as the McDonald’s Drug Store), was completed this year. The two-story addition is expected to be occupied by a retail use on the ground floor. Right: Monthly Advertorials.
Left: In June, the Town approved an application to rehabilitate the historic “James Root House,” located at 90 Railroad Avenue. The plans also call for construction of a new 3,100 +/- square foot building at the rear of the property.
12
Shop Danville Website Improvements… More Ways to Find Local Products and Services Everything that Danville offers is available at a single cyber location… www.danvilleinstyle.com, the Danville In Style website. In 2009/10, user-friendly icons were added to provide information at the click of a button on everything from “hot deals” offered by Danville retailers to 50 “dog-friendly” business establishments and e-news services about what’s new and happening in your neighborhood shopping center.
Expo Provides Residents a Sneak Peek at Summer Recreation Offerings The Town’s first annual Recreation Program Expo was a big hit in February as over 120 families packed into the Danville Community Center for a sneak peek at Danville’s spring and summer program offerings. Visitors circulated among the program stations getting information, sampling foods from local eateries and learning about the Town’s programs. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to receive discounts and Summer Camp t-shirts priority registration on select programs.
on display at the Expo.
“Sing it Out!” Teen Concert Series is a Hit
The Town conducts rigorous interviews to find qualified applicants to work with the hundreds of young residents attending Danville Summer Camps. In 2009/10, the Town received over 230 applications for lifeguard and camp jobs, with 39 hired to complement returning staff in the seasonal positions.
The Danville music scene showed its lively side this year with the teen concert series “Sing it Out.” With an average audience of 65, the Town’s new monthly teen acoustic performance was the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. The 2009/10 series featured more than a dozen local high school and college performers who entertained crowds with both cover tunes and original music.
Senior Services Continue to Expand
Shelter Drill Increases Emergency Preparedness Working with the City of San Ramon, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Contra Costa County Animal Services, the Disaster Animal Response Team and local American Red Cross volunteers, the Town trained on how to set up and manage an evacuation shelter for people and their pets. In October 2009, these new skills were put to the test at a drill conducted at Windermere Ranch Middle School. Over 125 volunteers acted as displaced disaster victims while Town staff assumed their roles as shelter workers and processed, housed, entertained and fed the volunteers in the five-hour drill. Workers also accommodated victims who brought their pets to be sheltered. For more information on how you can become better prepared for an emergency, visit www.bereadysrv.org.
Since completion of the Senior Needs Assessment in April 2007, the Town has enhanced its recreational, social, and educational program offerings for senior citizens. The Town also centralized programs for seniors at the Veterans Memorial Building, developed mid-day drop-in opportunities, and expanded free and low-cost programs. During 2009/10, 6,400 senior citizens actively participated in programs and events including Cane-Do, Bocce, Senior Sneaker Trips and Cooking Demonstrations.
“Trapped in a Rumor” Arrives at the Village Theatre In February 2010, the Town hosted its first co-sponsored theatre improv event, “Trapped in a Rumor,” at the Village Theatre. This eight-member company performs once a month at the historic venue on Front Street. “Trapped in a Rumor” performs in a fast-paced, high energy format similar to the television show, “Whose Line is it Anyway?” The company is made up of an ensemble of talented and eclectic personalities that take a blank page and create a vivid “Improv” playground for their audience.
Volunteers were out in the community in 2009/10. At the annual Lend-a-Hand Day, 172 volunteers contributed 1,187 hours helping senior residents with yard clean-up and other tasks.
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
5
Major Accomplishments Study Shows Positive Effects of TRAFFIX Program
After only one year of operation, the TRAFFIX bus program is helping to get cars off the roadways and easing traffic congestion, according to a recent traffic analysis. The Town of Danville has taken a leadership role in creating the multi-agency program, which served over 1,000 students at two middle and five elementary schools in the San Ramon Valley during its inaugural year in 2009/10. The study compared traffic volumes at intersections near Los Cerros Middle School and Green Valley Elementary School and found that they have dropped significantly during the A.M. and P.M. school peak hours. The data provided in the study complements the positive feedback the program has received from parents in the neighborhoods served by TRAFFIX. As one Los Cerros parent enthused, “Giant kudos, thanks and praise to those who had the vision and the determination to make this happen. You have improved the lives of all of us who drive in the Diablo Road/Green Valley Road corridor in the morning hours.” Information on the TRAFFIX program, routes and ticket prices can be found at www.rideTRAFFIX.com. Sam the Safety Car knows the rules of the road and is helping the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Program teach kids about pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Simpkins Selected as New Police Chief
Technology in Traffic Control Devices
In July 2010, Lt. Steve Simpkins was appointed the Town’s fifth Chief of Police. A 16-year veteran of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Simpkins assumed the top spot following the 7 1⁄2 year tenure of Chief Chris Wenzel. Chris was promoted to Commander in charge of the Sheriff’s Department Administration Bureau.
In 2009/10, the Town of Danville upgraded several area roads with new technology designed to increase the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. These enhancements include:
Prior to his appointment as Chief, Simpkins served as Watch Commander for after-hours operations at the Sheriff’s Office. His prior experience includes working in Field Operations, Custody Services and assignments in the contract cities of Orinda and San Ramon. Simpkins holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Solano College.
• Microwave Detection Technology and Audible Signals at pedestrian/bicycle crossings on the Iron Horse Trail. The El Capitan Drive and Greenbrook Drive crossings at the Iron Horse Trail were upgraded to include new warning systems for pedestrians and bicycles.
Sentinels of Freedom— Operation Welcome Home Since March 2004, the Town has welcomed home Danville residents from their military service or graduating from military academies to commemorate their commitment and service. In 2009/10, banners flew and cheers rang out to offer a hero’s welcome to several young Danville patriots as part of “Operation Welcome Home.”
“Operation Welcome Home” Ceremony for Viet Nam Veterans In April 2010, the Town held a special “Welcome Home” ceremony for Danville’s Viet Nam Veterans. The Town Council, along with nearly 150 residents, attended a ceremony at the Danville Community Center to congratulate and honor over two dozen community veterans who served in Viet Nam. Each was presented with a Town proclamation honoring their service to our country during a difficult time in the nation’s history.
• Interconnecting Traffic Signals which allow travel along a commuter corridor to flow smoothly as motorists hit green lights sequentially when driving the speed limit. • Countdown Pedestrian Signals installed on Green Valley Road. The new feature illustrates the amount of WALK time remaining for each phase and can be triggered to provide an audible message for the visually impaired.
Grant Funding The Town continues to realize significant success in securing grant funds from various sources. The funds are used for improvements at Town facilities, maintenance of the road network, and upgrades of parks and trails. The grants come from a variety of sources, and are awarded based upon advocacy efforts of our local Congressional representatives, competitive application processes, and per capita funding formulas. Current grant allocations include the following:
Project
Funding Source Grant Amount
LED Street Light Replacement
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act
$168,400
Diablo/Green Valley American Recovery Pavement Rehabilitation & Reinvestment Act
$871,600
Completed in 2009/10: Senior Airman Brian Fuchs, U.S. Air Force
Lance Corporal Paul Nawrath, U.S. Marine Corps
A federal grant from the Highway Trust Fund provides partial funding for Camino Tassajara/Crow Canyon SAFETEA-LU improvements—a $4.8 million project being coordinated with the San Ramon Valley Recycled Water project that kicks off in fall 2010. Right: A quaint plaza with a fountain, bench seating, and an information kiosk is being built at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Linda Mesa Avenue in downtown Danville beneath the shade of an old oak tree. The fountain and benches are inlaid with a mosaic tile design created by a local artisan.
A Place to Hang Out—New Teen Center at Diablo Vista Middle School Opens With the start of the 2009/10 school year, Diablo Vista Middle School students celebrated the opening of a new on-campus Teen Center. Open to all Diablo Vista students, the Town’s Student Union program offers both organized and unstructured recreation time in a safe, supervised environment. Students attest that the school year passed by more quickly with Wii tournaments, ping-pong matches, a book club, a group mural project, and many more exciting daily activities. Through an ongoing partnership with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, the Town is now offering after school programs at teen centers on all three middle school campuses in Danville.
In Progress:
Navy Corpsman Kevin Bradley, U.S. Navy 1st Lt. Eliot Proctor, U.S. Army
The Town is committed to honoring and welcoming Danville service men and women home. Since inception of the program, the Town Council is proud to have honored 54 returning military men and women.
6
• Wireless Vehicle Detection Systems installed at four intersections on Diablo and Green Valley Roads. The new technology detects and regulates traffic flow.
Camino Tassajara/Crow Canyon SAFETEA-LU Improvements
Federal Highway Trust Fund (Gas Tax)
Street Smarts Program
Safe Routes to School
$290,000
North Hartz Avenue Beautification
Proposition 1B
$865,200
Woodbine Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
Transportation Development Act
$240,500
Veterans Memorial Building Renovation
Federal Housing & Urban Development Economic Development Initiative
Veterans Memorial Building Renovation
EBRPD Measure WW
Total
$5,019,500
$200,000 $1,897,500 $9,552,700
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
11
Capital Projects
$3,089,437 Roadways
During the past fiscal year, the Town completed the following Capital Improvement Projects with a total value of $5,315,869.
Roadways:
The Town spent over $2 million last year resurfacing more than 10 miles of public roads.
Using an $871,600 federal grant from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, the Town repaved Green Valley Road and the curvy segment of Diablo Road, and upgraded sidewalks, curb ramps, and traffic signals. A curb ramp at the northwest corner of Camino Tassajara and Tassajara Lane was upgraded to allow access by those using wheelchairs. Below: The Town’s network of trails was improved by connecting a missing segment along Sycamore Creek between Freitas Road and Old Orchard Drive.
Camino Tassajara LED Street Lights Annual Pavement Slurry Seal Stone Valley Road Traffic Signal Interconnect Annual Pavement Dig-Out Repairs Annual Curb Ramp Replacement Annual Residential Street Resurfacing Diablo Road/Green Valley Road Pavement Rehabilitation
$1,816,511 Buildings & Facilities
$409,921
Parks & Trails
$168,400 $211,342 $56,011 $261,645 $233,195 $1,236,163 $922,681
Buildings & Facilities: Town Offices Side-Door Ramp Replacement Village Theatre Lobby Remodel Village Theatre Security Enhancement Diablo Vista Teen Center Monte Vista Community Pool Shade Structure (financial contribution only)
$53,251 $1,350,649 $70,083 $265,842 $76,686
New Look and Name for Town Website
During 2009/10, the Town continued to implement various programs and practices aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. Most significantly, the Town finalized and adopted a new “Climate Action Plan” that assists the Town in implementing the provisions of AB 32 and will reduce green house gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. The plan also includes 26 goals ranging from reducing energy and water consumption at Town facilities to creating neighborhoods that are safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
In December 2009, the Town unveiled its new website, featuring an updated look with bold new colors and larger graphic images designed to convey the unique look and feel of Danville. The other big change is the name. In order to make the site easy to find and remember, the Town has switched to www.danville.ca.gov.
Additional actions taken to bring the Town in line with these goals, included:
Parks & Trails: Iron Horse Trail Crosswalk Warning Systems Hap Magee Shade Structures and Rail Fencing Sycamore Creek Trail Extension and Resurfacing
Danville Adopts Green Initiatives
$91,828 $116,026 $202,067
• Installation of 272 high-efficiency LED streetlights along Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Tassajara which reduce electrical use and last far longer than the older style of lights.
Up-to-date news content is now displayed on the front page, giving residents quick access to what’s happening in Danville. Residents can also sign up for e-mail reminders of upcoming Town meetings and events. In addition, navigation of the site has been reorganized allowing users to quickly and easily access information. In 2010/11, watch for additional changes including expanded online services and more interactive and user-friendly ways to communicate and do business with the Town. Hoisting of the new Village Theatre Marquee in September 2009.
• Adoption of an Environmental Purchasing Policy, assuring that the Town will consider using recycled materials and energy-efficient equipment when feasible. • Implementation of a Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance to reduce solid waste in our landfills and reduce the Town’s carbon footprint. • Reduction of water usage in Town-maintained landscaping through use of more efficient sprinkler systems, soil testing and plant material choices. • Use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices at Town-owned facilities, parks and ponds to control weeds and pests using environmentally-friendly products. • Sponsorship of three local Electronic (E-waste) Recycling events and two composting events.
Using a $168,400 federal grant from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, the Town replaced 266 street lights on Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Tassajara using light-emitting-diode fixtures that consume 30% less electricity and require far less maintenance.
10
• Installation of energy-saving desktop computers, LCD monitors and other leading-edge computer technologies at all Town offices resulting in substantial energy savings.
In partnership with Contra Costa County Service Area R-7A, the Town of Danville installed two welded steel shade structures over the group picnic area and installed additional rail fencing along La Gonda Way and the Park meadow.
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
7
Special Events
July
Spectators enjoy The Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Paige Green
2009
The Fourth of July Parade sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley, the first and second of the Town-sponsored Music in the Park series, Summer Serenade—Shop Local Event sponsored by the Discover Danville Association, Hot Summer Nights Car Shows sponsored by the Danville Merchants Association, and the Town-sponsored Family Campout at Oak Hill Park
Opening of Village Theatre Art Gallery a Grand Slam With its newly renovated lobby, upgraded restrooms and improved concession area, the Village Theatre Art Gallery opened its doors for the first time Saturday, November 14, 2009. More than 300 people joined the Danville Town Council and Arts Commission as the Town celebrated this historic day. The opening exhibit for the newly created gallery was Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts at Bat. Local residents of all ages, including an energetic Brownie troop, took in the exhibit, had their picture taken with Snoopy, and enjoyed Peanuts movies in the theatre. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed jazzy music and danced to the tunes played by local musicians. Every guest walked away with a goody bag, including a commemorative Village Theatre Art Gallery baseball card. Other exhibits hosted in 2009/10 included The Light Fantastic: Irish Stained Glass Art, Mt. Diablo and selected pieces from The SRVUSD High School Student Recognition Project. Each of the exhibits was complemented by guest lectures, artist panel discussions, children’s craft classes and art workshops.
Through nearly the entire year, the Town of Danville and a wide array of community service organizations host special events that serve as community celebrations that enrich the quality of life for residents, promote a strong sense of community, and enhance the local economy by attracting approximately 160,000 participants each year.
“Danville Daycations”—The Perfect Escape From Your Day-to-Day Routine Photo by Kyle Mix
Runners of all ages participated in the annual Devil Mountain Run.
August
September
October
November
December
The third and fourth of the Town-sponsored Music in the Park series, Hot Summer Nights Car Shows sponsored by the Danville Merchants Association, Summer Fest—Shop Local Event sponsored by Discover Danville Association and the Wine and Art Stroll sponsored by the Discover Danville Association
Antique and Art Faire sponsored by the Discover Danville Association, The Eugene O’Neill Festival co-sponsored by the Town and the Eugene O’Neill Foundation and the Danville d’Elegance car show sponsored by The Parkinson Institute and Christe James Jewelers
Primo’s Run for Education sponsored by the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, Art in the Park co-sponsored by the Town and Alamo/ Danville Artists’ Society, the Danville Fall Craft Festival sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Town-sponsored Children’s Fall Fest
Veterans’ Day observance sponsored by the Veterans Task Force, The Spirit of Danville— Holiday Shopping Event, sponsored by the Discover Danville Association, and the holiday Lighting of the Old Oak Tree sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Mayor’s Installation and Community Services Awards and the Town-sponsored Elf Workshop
Preschoolers Delighted with Performance Series Scores of young Danville residents flocked to the Village Theatre to attend the new “Preschool Performance” series. The program began with an appearance by Bay Area magician Timothy James, followed by the energetic singer/songwriter Gary Lapow whose songs ranged over topics as wide as brushing your teeth and eating your veggies to showing respect for others. The final performance of the season took place in April of 2010 with the Bubble Lady. In front of a packed house, the unique show featured a huge amount of water and soap bubbles thrilling young audience members.
2010
With a tighter economy causing more residents to tighten their purse strings, adults are looking for fun “vacations” and getaways that allow them to stay close to home without breaking the bank. The “Danville Daycations” program offers the perfect option for those wanting to get away for a day of fun and relaxation. The Town offered the first in a series of Danville Daycation retreats in April 2010 at the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site known as the Tao House. The beautiful and serene setting contributed to a complete T’ai Chi experience that focused on healing and reviving the soul, and was extremely well received by all who participated. Each Daycation offers an all-inclusive package consisting of an activity encompassing elements from Eugene O’Neill’s lifestyle, philosophy and interests. The package also includes delectable meals from local five-star eateries and bakeries as well as wonderful discounts from local participating merchants. Danville Daycations provide perfect opportunities to play, shop, and dine in Danville.
February
April
May
June
Year-Round
Town-sponsored first annual Recreation Expo
Town-sponsored Spring Eggstravaganza, Town-sponsored Lend A Hand Day, Town-sponsored T’ai Chi Daycation at the Tao House
The Devil Mountain Run benefiting Children’s Hospital, Memorial Day Observance sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley, Town-sponsored Moonlight Movies on the Green (May–August) Spring Wine Stroll and Doggie Night sponsored by Discover Danville Association
The Danville Fine Arts Faire sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, Train Day at the Museum sponsored by the Museum of the San Ramon Valley
Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association
The Town’s four-legged residents enjoy Doggie Night.
8
Photo by Paige Green
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
9
Special Events
July
Spectators enjoy The Fourth of July Parade. Photo by Paige Green
2009
The Fourth of July Parade sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of the San Ramon Valley, the first and second of the Town-sponsored Music in the Park series, Summer Serenade—Shop Local Event sponsored by the Discover Danville Association, Hot Summer Nights Car Shows sponsored by the Danville Merchants Association, and the Town-sponsored Family Campout at Oak Hill Park
Opening of Village Theatre Art Gallery a Grand Slam With its newly renovated lobby, upgraded restrooms and improved concession area, the Village Theatre Art Gallery opened its doors for the first time Saturday, November 14, 2009. More than 300 people joined the Danville Town Council and Arts Commission as the Town celebrated this historic day. The opening exhibit for the newly created gallery was Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts at Bat. Local residents of all ages, including an energetic Brownie troop, took in the exhibit, had their picture taken with Snoopy, and enjoyed Peanuts movies in the theatre. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed jazzy music and danced to the tunes played by local musicians. Every guest walked away with a goody bag, including a commemorative Village Theatre Art Gallery baseball card. Other exhibits hosted in 2009/10 included The Light Fantastic: Irish Stained Glass Art, Mt. Diablo and selected pieces from The SRVUSD High School Student Recognition Project. Each of the exhibits was complemented by guest lectures, artist panel discussions, children’s craft classes and art workshops.
Through nearly the entire year, the Town of Danville and a wide array of community service organizations host special events that serve as community celebrations that enrich the quality of life for residents, promote a strong sense of community, and enhance the local economy by attracting approximately 160,000 participants each year.
“Danville Daycations”—The Perfect Escape From Your Day-to-Day Routine Photo by Kyle Mix
Runners of all ages participated in the annual Devil Mountain Run.
August
September
October
November
December
The third and fourth of the Town-sponsored Music in the Park series, Hot Summer Nights Car Shows sponsored by the Danville Merchants Association, Summer Fest—Shop Local Event sponsored by Discover Danville Association and the Wine and Art Stroll sponsored by the Discover Danville Association
Antique and Art Faire sponsored by the Discover Danville Association, The Eugene O’Neill Festival co-sponsored by the Town and the Eugene O’Neill Foundation and the Danville d’Elegance car show sponsored by The Parkinson Institute and Christe James Jewelers
Primo’s Run for Education sponsored by the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, Art in the Park co-sponsored by the Town and Alamo/ Danville Artists’ Society, the Danville Fall Craft Festival sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Town-sponsored Children’s Fall Fest
Veterans’ Day observance sponsored by the Veterans Task Force, The Spirit of Danville— Holiday Shopping Event, sponsored by the Discover Danville Association, and the holiday Lighting of the Old Oak Tree sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Mayor’s Installation and Community Services Awards and the Town-sponsored Elf Workshop
Preschoolers Delighted with Performance Series Scores of young Danville residents flocked to the Village Theatre to attend the new “Preschool Performance” series. The program began with an appearance by Bay Area magician Timothy James, followed by the energetic singer/songwriter Gary Lapow whose songs ranged over topics as wide as brushing your teeth and eating your veggies to showing respect for others. The final performance of the season took place in April of 2010 with the Bubble Lady. In front of a packed house, the unique show featured a huge amount of water and soap bubbles thrilling young audience members.
2010
With a tighter economy causing more residents to tighten their purse strings, adults are looking for fun “vacations” and getaways that allow them to stay close to home without breaking the bank. The “Danville Daycations” program offers the perfect option for those wanting to get away for a day of fun and relaxation. The Town offered the first in a series of Danville Daycation retreats in April 2010 at the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site known as the Tao House. The beautiful and serene setting contributed to a complete T’ai Chi experience that focused on healing and reviving the soul, and was extremely well received by all who participated. Each Daycation offers an all-inclusive package consisting of an activity encompassing elements from Eugene O’Neill’s lifestyle, philosophy and interests. The package also includes delectable meals from local five-star eateries and bakeries as well as wonderful discounts from local participating merchants. Danville Daycations provide perfect opportunities to play, shop, and dine in Danville.
February
April
May
June
Year-Round
Town-sponsored first annual Recreation Expo
Town-sponsored Spring Eggstravaganza, Town-sponsored Lend A Hand Day, Town-sponsored T’ai Chi Daycation at the Tao House
The Devil Mountain Run benefiting Children’s Hospital, Memorial Day Observance sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley, Town-sponsored Moonlight Movies on the Green (May–August) Spring Wine Stroll and Doggie Night sponsored by Discover Danville Association
The Danville Fine Arts Faire sponsored by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, Train Day at the Museum sponsored by the Museum of the San Ramon Valley
Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association
The Town’s four-legged residents enjoy Doggie Night.
8
Photo by Paige Green
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
9
Capital Projects
$3,089,437 Roadways
During the past fiscal year, the Town completed the following Capital Improvement Projects with a total value of $5,315,869.
Roadways:
The Town spent over $2 million last year resurfacing more than 10 miles of public roads.
Using an $871,600 federal grant from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, the Town repaved Green Valley Road and the curvy segment of Diablo Road, and upgraded sidewalks, curb ramps, and traffic signals. A curb ramp at the northwest corner of Camino Tassajara and Tassajara Lane was upgraded to allow access by those using wheelchairs. Below: The Town’s network of trails was improved by connecting a missing segment along Sycamore Creek between Freitas Road and Old Orchard Drive.
Camino Tassajara LED Street Lights Annual Pavement Slurry Seal Stone Valley Road Traffic Signal Interconnect Annual Pavement Dig-Out Repairs Annual Curb Ramp Replacement Annual Residential Street Resurfacing Diablo Road/Green Valley Road Pavement Rehabilitation
$1,816,511 Buildings & Facilities
$409,921
Parks & Trails
$168,400 $211,342 $56,011 $261,645 $233,195 $1,236,163 $922,681
Buildings & Facilities: Town Offices Side-Door Ramp Replacement Village Theatre Lobby Remodel Village Theatre Security Enhancement Diablo Vista Teen Center Monte Vista Community Pool Shade Structure (financial contribution only)
$53,251 $1,350,649 $70,083 $265,842 $76,686
New Look and Name for Town Website
During 2009/10, the Town continued to implement various programs and practices aimed at promoting environmental sustainability. Most significantly, the Town finalized and adopted a new “Climate Action Plan” that assists the Town in implementing the provisions of AB 32 and will reduce green house gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. The plan also includes 26 goals ranging from reducing energy and water consumption at Town facilities to creating neighborhoods that are safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
In December 2009, the Town unveiled its new website, featuring an updated look with bold new colors and larger graphic images designed to convey the unique look and feel of Danville. The other big change is the name. In order to make the site easy to find and remember, the Town has switched to www.danville.ca.gov.
Additional actions taken to bring the Town in line with these goals, included:
Parks & Trails: Iron Horse Trail Crosswalk Warning Systems Hap Magee Shade Structures and Rail Fencing Sycamore Creek Trail Extension and Resurfacing
Danville Adopts Green Initiatives
$91,828 $116,026 $202,067
• Installation of 272 high-efficiency LED streetlights along Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Tassajara which reduce electrical use and last far longer than the older style of lights.
Up-to-date news content is now displayed on the front page, giving residents quick access to what’s happening in Danville. Residents can also sign up for e-mail reminders of upcoming Town meetings and events. In addition, navigation of the site has been reorganized allowing users to quickly and easily access information. In 2010/11, watch for additional changes including expanded online services and more interactive and user-friendly ways to communicate and do business with the Town. Hoisting of the new Village Theatre Marquee in September 2009.
• Adoption of an Environmental Purchasing Policy, assuring that the Town will consider using recycled materials and energy-efficient equipment when feasible. • Implementation of a Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance to reduce solid waste in our landfills and reduce the Town’s carbon footprint. • Reduction of water usage in Town-maintained landscaping through use of more efficient sprinkler systems, soil testing and plant material choices. • Use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices at Town-owned facilities, parks and ponds to control weeds and pests using environmentally-friendly products. • Sponsorship of three local Electronic (E-waste) Recycling events and two composting events.
Using a $168,400 federal grant from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act, the Town replaced 266 street lights on Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Tassajara using light-emitting-diode fixtures that consume 30% less electricity and require far less maintenance.
10
• Installation of energy-saving desktop computers, LCD monitors and other leading-edge computer technologies at all Town offices resulting in substantial energy savings.
In partnership with Contra Costa County Service Area R-7A, the Town of Danville installed two welded steel shade structures over the group picnic area and installed additional rail fencing along La Gonda Way and the Park meadow.
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
7
Major Accomplishments Study Shows Positive Effects of TRAFFIX Program
After only one year of operation, the TRAFFIX bus program is helping to get cars off the roadways and easing traffic congestion, according to a recent traffic analysis. The Town of Danville has taken a leadership role in creating the multi-agency program, which served over 1,000 students at two middle and five elementary schools in the San Ramon Valley during its inaugural year in 2009/10. The study compared traffic volumes at intersections near Los Cerros Middle School and Green Valley Elementary School and found that they have dropped significantly during the A.M. and P.M. school peak hours. The data provided in the study complements the positive feedback the program has received from parents in the neighborhoods served by TRAFFIX. As one Los Cerros parent enthused, “Giant kudos, thanks and praise to those who had the vision and the determination to make this happen. You have improved the lives of all of us who drive in the Diablo Road/Green Valley Road corridor in the morning hours.” Information on the TRAFFIX program, routes and ticket prices can be found at www.rideTRAFFIX.com. Sam the Safety Car knows the rules of the road and is helping the San Ramon Valley Street Smarts Program teach kids about pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Simpkins Selected as New Police Chief
Technology in Traffic Control Devices
In July 2010, Lt. Steve Simpkins was appointed the Town’s fifth Chief of Police. A 16-year veteran of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, Simpkins assumed the top spot following the 7 1⁄2 year tenure of Chief Chris Wenzel. Chris was promoted to Commander in charge of the Sheriff’s Department Administration Bureau.
In 2009/10, the Town of Danville upgraded several area roads with new technology designed to increase the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. These enhancements include:
Prior to his appointment as Chief, Simpkins served as Watch Commander for after-hours operations at the Sheriff’s Office. His prior experience includes working in Field Operations, Custody Services and assignments in the contract cities of Orinda and San Ramon. Simpkins holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Solano College.
• Microwave Detection Technology and Audible Signals at pedestrian/bicycle crossings on the Iron Horse Trail. The El Capitan Drive and Greenbrook Drive crossings at the Iron Horse Trail were upgraded to include new warning systems for pedestrians and bicycles.
Sentinels of Freedom— Operation Welcome Home Since March 2004, the Town has welcomed home Danville residents from their military service or graduating from military academies to commemorate their commitment and service. In 2009/10, banners flew and cheers rang out to offer a hero’s welcome to several young Danville patriots as part of “Operation Welcome Home.”
“Operation Welcome Home” Ceremony for Viet Nam Veterans In April 2010, the Town held a special “Welcome Home” ceremony for Danville’s Viet Nam Veterans. The Town Council, along with nearly 150 residents, attended a ceremony at the Danville Community Center to congratulate and honor over two dozen community veterans who served in Viet Nam. Each was presented with a Town proclamation honoring their service to our country during a difficult time in the nation’s history.
• Interconnecting Traffic Signals which allow travel along a commuter corridor to flow smoothly as motorists hit green lights sequentially when driving the speed limit. • Countdown Pedestrian Signals installed on Green Valley Road. The new feature illustrates the amount of WALK time remaining for each phase and can be triggered to provide an audible message for the visually impaired.
Grant Funding The Town continues to realize significant success in securing grant funds from various sources. The funds are used for improvements at Town facilities, maintenance of the road network, and upgrades of parks and trails. The grants come from a variety of sources, and are awarded based upon advocacy efforts of our local Congressional representatives, competitive application processes, and per capita funding formulas. Current grant allocations include the following:
Project
Funding Source Grant Amount
LED Street Light Replacement
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act
$168,400
Diablo/Green Valley American Recovery Pavement Rehabilitation & Reinvestment Act
$871,600
Completed in 2009/10: Senior Airman Brian Fuchs, U.S. Air Force
Lance Corporal Paul Nawrath, U.S. Marine Corps
A federal grant from the Highway Trust Fund provides partial funding for Camino Tassajara/Crow Canyon SAFETEA-LU improvements—a $4.8 million project being coordinated with the San Ramon Valley Recycled Water project that kicks off in fall 2010. Right: A quaint plaza with a fountain, bench seating, and an information kiosk is being built at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Linda Mesa Avenue in downtown Danville beneath the shade of an old oak tree. The fountain and benches are inlaid with a mosaic tile design created by a local artisan.
A Place to Hang Out—New Teen Center at Diablo Vista Middle School Opens With the start of the 2009/10 school year, Diablo Vista Middle School students celebrated the opening of a new on-campus Teen Center. Open to all Diablo Vista students, the Town’s Student Union program offers both organized and unstructured recreation time in a safe, supervised environment. Students attest that the school year passed by more quickly with Wii tournaments, ping-pong matches, a book club, a group mural project, and many more exciting daily activities. Through an ongoing partnership with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, the Town is now offering after school programs at teen centers on all three middle school campuses in Danville.
In Progress:
Navy Corpsman Kevin Bradley, U.S. Navy 1st Lt. Eliot Proctor, U.S. Army
The Town is committed to honoring and welcoming Danville service men and women home. Since inception of the program, the Town Council is proud to have honored 54 returning military men and women.
6
• Wireless Vehicle Detection Systems installed at four intersections on Diablo and Green Valley Roads. The new technology detects and regulates traffic flow.
Camino Tassajara/Crow Canyon SAFETEA-LU Improvements
Federal Highway Trust Fund (Gas Tax)
Street Smarts Program
Safe Routes to School
$290,000
North Hartz Avenue Beautification
Proposition 1B
$865,200
Woodbine Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
Transportation Development Act
$240,500
Veterans Memorial Building Renovation
Federal Housing & Urban Development Economic Development Initiative
Veterans Memorial Building Renovation
EBRPD Measure WW
Total
$5,019,500
$200,000 $1,897,500 $9,552,700
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
11
Community Development Building Division
Economic Development
The downturn in the economy and slow recovery continue to affect the construction industry, which in turn has an effect on the number of permits and inspections carried out by the Town in 2009/10. Building Division highlights include:
The overarching goal of Danville’s economic development efforts is to promote a diverse and healthy economy. During the 2009/10 fiscal year, in a period marked by the continued economic downturn, the Town committed to step up its efforts to bolster the local business community with several major initiatives—all designed to either help existing businesses stay in business or keep sales tax dollars local.
• 1,673 permits issued with a total valuation of $54,935,177.33 (down 5% from 2008/09) • 6,324 building inspections performed (down 23% from 2008/09) • New forms, informative handouts and an improved FAQ section are available on the Town website to assist customers with their building projects. • Permit fees may now be paid through the online permit system. • Expanded credit card service now includes the acceptance of American Express and Debit Cards. • Employment of an Administrative Assistant through the Contra Costa County Subsidized Employment Training Program [SET] using funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Retail Incentives Program A total of 68 local retail businesses, property management companies and business organizations took advantage of Town grant funding to help in their marketing efforts. Façade improvement grants were allocated to enhance retail curb appeal— from a coat of fresh paint and new awnings to updated signage. Currently, 86% of the available grant funds have been dispersed. Since the program is designed to help the local business owner, the Town stipulated that grant funds used for marketing or other improvements use local companies, so that the grant funds continue to circulate within the local professional services community. Business Concierge Program In concert with the launch of Danville’s Retail Incentives Program, the Business Concierge Service was established to help businesses easily navigate through the planning and development process. Business owners work directly with the Town’s concierge representative, the designated single point of contact for all departments involved in the permitting process. Over the past year, over 80 businesses have benefitted from this streamlined approach. Promoting the Danville Experience through Regional Exposure As part of the overall goal of sustaining Danville businesses, the Town partnered with the Bay Area News Group and Danville Area Chamber of Commerce to promote the Danville experience to a broader audience in the regional marketplace. This partnership enables the Town to produce a monthly advertorial news page, appearing on the first Wednesday of each month in the local section of the San Ramon Valley Times and Valley Times newspapers, which boast a circulation of 88,600.
Above: A 3,800 +/- square foot addition behind the existing historic building at 345 Hartz Avenue (known as the McDonald’s Drug Store), was completed this year. The two-story addition is expected to be occupied by a retail use on the ground floor. Right: Monthly Advertorials.
Left: In June, the Town approved an application to rehabilitate the historic “James Root House,” located at 90 Railroad Avenue. The plans also call for construction of a new 3,100 +/- square foot building at the rear of the property.
12
Shop Danville Website Improvements… More Ways to Find Local Products and Services Everything that Danville offers is available at a single cyber location… www.danvilleinstyle.com, the Danville In Style website. In 2009/10, user-friendly icons were added to provide information at the click of a button on everything from “hot deals” offered by Danville retailers to 50 “dog-friendly” business establishments and e-news services about what’s new and happening in your neighborhood shopping center.
Expo Provides Residents a Sneak Peek at Summer Recreation Offerings The Town’s first annual Recreation Program Expo was a big hit in February as over 120 families packed into the Danville Community Center for a sneak peek at Danville’s spring and summer program offerings. Visitors circulated among the program stations getting information, sampling foods from local eateries and learning about the Town’s programs. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to receive discounts and Summer Camp t-shirts priority registration on select programs.
on display at the Expo.
“Sing it Out!” Teen Concert Series is a Hit
The Town conducts rigorous interviews to find qualified applicants to work with the hundreds of young residents attending Danville Summer Camps. In 2009/10, the Town received over 230 applications for lifeguard and camp jobs, with 39 hired to complement returning staff in the seasonal positions.
The Danville music scene showed its lively side this year with the teen concert series “Sing it Out.” With an average audience of 65, the Town’s new monthly teen acoustic performance was the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. The 2009/10 series featured more than a dozen local high school and college performers who entertained crowds with both cover tunes and original music.
Senior Services Continue to Expand
Shelter Drill Increases Emergency Preparedness Working with the City of San Ramon, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Contra Costa County Animal Services, the Disaster Animal Response Team and local American Red Cross volunteers, the Town trained on how to set up and manage an evacuation shelter for people and their pets. In October 2009, these new skills were put to the test at a drill conducted at Windermere Ranch Middle School. Over 125 volunteers acted as displaced disaster victims while Town staff assumed their roles as shelter workers and processed, housed, entertained and fed the volunteers in the five-hour drill. Workers also accommodated victims who brought their pets to be sheltered. For more information on how you can become better prepared for an emergency, visit www.bereadysrv.org.
Since completion of the Senior Needs Assessment in April 2007, the Town has enhanced its recreational, social, and educational program offerings for senior citizens. The Town also centralized programs for seniors at the Veterans Memorial Building, developed mid-day drop-in opportunities, and expanded free and low-cost programs. During 2009/10, 6,400 senior citizens actively participated in programs and events including Cane-Do, Bocce, Senior Sneaker Trips and Cooking Demonstrations.
“Trapped in a Rumor” Arrives at the Village Theatre In February 2010, the Town hosted its first co-sponsored theatre improv event, “Trapped in a Rumor,” at the Village Theatre. This eight-member company performs once a month at the historic venue on Front Street. “Trapped in a Rumor” performs in a fast-paced, high energy format similar to the television show, “Whose Line is it Anyway?” The company is made up of an ensemble of talented and eclectic personalities that take a blank page and create a vivid “Improv” playground for their audience.
Volunteers were out in the community in 2009/10. At the annual Lend-a-Hand Day, 172 volunteers contributed 1,187 hours helping senior residents with yard clean-up and other tasks.
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
5
Serving the Community Promoting Public Safety for Danville Danville is one of the safest places to live in Contra Costa County, due in large part to community partnerships and proactive law enforcement. Outreach programs include Neighborhood Watch, 911 for Kids, Citizen Police Academy and Disaster Preparation Training. Operation Precious Cargo, the Town’s child safety seat inspection program, provided 150 inspections for residents. Patrol Officers and Investigators continued to bring cases to successful conclusions at twice the national average. Danville officers responded to 34,512 calls for service, conducted 9,513 traffic stops, issued 4,409 citations and made 467 arrests. A total of 675 Part 1 crimes were reported, including 1 homicide, 2 rapes, 10 robberies, 2 arsons, 10 aggravated assaults, 93 other miscellaneous assaults, 84 residential burglaries, 140 auto burglaries, 300 thefts, and 34 auto thefts. To combat certain crime trends, proactive suppression enforcement operations were conducted to apprehend, reduce or gather intelligence regarding specific crimes. Danville partnered with other police agencies in the County to combat internet crimes, vehicle theft and sex registrant annual compliance. Danville Police investigated 196 traffic collisions and made 176 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). Of the reported collisions, 8 involved a vehicle versus pedestrian, 16 involved a vehicle versus bicycle, and 9 collisions were DUI-related. One fatal vehicle accident was reported in Danville in 2009/10. The School Program Coordinator met with thousands of middle and elementary school students providing education on Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying and other safety-related topics. In the upper grades, the Town continues to maintain a School Resource Officer (SRO) on the San Ramon Valley High School campus, and secured a second year of funding for the School Resource Officer at Monte Vista High School.
Maintaining the Town
Danville Farmers’ Market partners with Local Merchants “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” is the theme of the Danville Farmers’ Market, where more than 55 farmers and other producers travel an average of 75 miles to sell the season’s fresh fruits and vegetables along with fresh cut flowers and delicious specialty food items such as olive oil.
The Town’s Maintenance Services Department stays busy keeping Danville’s parks, buildings, roadsides and streetlights in good working order.
In addition, the Market is now greener by selling reusable “Shop Danville” shopping bags—made from 100% recycled material—for only $2. The market is open every Saturday year-round, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m at the Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot. Visit www.danvilleinstyle.com for more market information.
Danville’s parks are well-used and keeping them beautiful and safe to use is a major focus. The Town maintains 198 acres of parks, sports fields and courts, and recreation facilities. Danville streets and public buildings are also kept in good condition. Over 150 miles of public streets are maintained, including street signs, curb painting and minor paving work. The Town owns 13 public buildings, including the Danville and Oak Hill Park Community Centers, Town Meeting Hall, Village Theatre and Veterans Memorial Building, with a total area of approximately 100,000 square feet. Roadside and median landscaping creates an attractive backdrop for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, and contributes to overall community appearance. The Town maintains 60 acres of roadside and median landscaping as well as a number of trails, greenbelts and mini-parks. Maintenance Services also proactively prepared for and handled the effects of the annual winter storms, assisted with various Town Capital Improvement Program projects, and provided support for Town-wide special events such as the Fourth of July Parade, Lighting of the Old Oak Tree and Music in the Park.
Officer Mike Ireland and his partner Donna educate and entertain the crowd at the Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair.
Danville Farmers’ Market
Downtown Parking looking good One of the features that makes shopping in Downtown Danville such a pleasant experience is the fact that there is parking within a short walk of nearly every downtown business. A recent Downtown Parking Assessment found that the number of parking spaces is adequate to meet the identified needs. It also determined that, with the exception of special events, Danville’s parking service level was rated an “A.” The assessment revealed that there is a perception that premium parking spaces are occupied by employees instead of customers. The Town Council addressed this concern by approving a new Downtown Parking Management program that re-directs employee parking to peripheral areas of downtown with less parking demand. In addition, the Town Council approved the designation of 100 additional parking spaces as all-day employee parking.
Planning Applications The Planning Division processes applications for a variety of land development projects and use permits largely associated with privately-owned property in Town. The application process allows the Town to consider a variety of issues, and gives the public an opportunity to voice concerns and request changes before approval is granted. Approvals processed in 2009/10 included: 37 Development Plans 61 Land Use Permits 7 Subdivisions 2 PUD Rezonings
28 Sign Reviews 25 Tree Removals 15 Variances
The Town is reviewing an application for redevelopment of the Danville Hotel property in Downtown Danville. The redevelopment would include preservation of the historic buildings on the site (the Danville Hotel and McCauley House) and the construction of approximately 17,500 square feet of new commercial space and 14 residential apartment/condominium units on the second floor.
Employees working downtown may obtain all-day employee parking permits online at www.danville.ca.gov.
Pavement Management The Town maintains 156 miles of public roads, utilizing a Pavement Management System software database to help evaluate and prioritize when streets are due for surface treatment. The treatments range from expensive options such as complete removal and replacement of the pavement and asphalt concrete overlays to less expensive options like slurry seal applications of liquid asphalt. The Town also installs or upgrades pedestrian curb ramps as part of its maintenance program. Last year, the Town completed the following: • 7.4 miles of residential streets were slurry sealed • 2.0 miles of residential streets were rehabilitated • 0.7 miles of arterial street was overlaid Volunteers in Police (VIP) donated over 4,600 hours last year assisting with crime prevention education, special events and administrative duties.
4
• 67 pedestrian curb ramps were installed or upgraded The total 2009/10 investment in Pavement Management was $2,603,381. For the list of streets that were resurfaced, visit www.danville.ca.gov.
Above: This year, construction was completed on the IronHorse Crossings residential development. The project includes a total of 34 apartment units on a 1.78 +/- acre site located on Fostoria Way, just east of the Iron Horse Trail. Inset: The Town approved an application to re-subdivide lots within Braddock and Logan’s residential subdivision on Tassajara Lane, resulting in a total of 26 lots.
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
13
Looking Ahead Veterans Memorial Building Construction Begins The planning is over and the construction phase is beginning on the $8.1 million renovation/reconstruction of the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Danville. As the 2009/10 year ended, planning was completed, and shovels turned over earth as the work began in earnest. The newly re-designed facility will double the available space at the Hartz Avenue site, providing more program space for veterans, seniors and community use.
Financial Outlook Danville’s long-standing fiscally conservative policies have enabled the Town to maintain consistent service levels for the second year of the economic downturn. Local programs and services are reviewed annually and are based upon established Town Council priorities for the community. In addition, sufficient funds are designated for capital projects as well as prudent reserves and contingency levels. Revenues in Millions
$7.37
$11
Property Tax
Restricted Revenues
Town Revenues—Operating revenues for the Town are estimated to total $27.30 million for FY 2009/10; $19.93 million of general funds (unrestricted use) and $7.37 million of special revenues (restricted use).
$1.83 Charges
for Services
$3 Sales & Other Local Taxes
Services Provided in Millions
$3.8 Other General Revenues
$7.7
Police
$6.7
Maintenance
Town Expenditures— $3.1 The Town’s major service $5.2 Recreation priorities include Police Development & $4.5 Transportation Services, Maintenance Admin. Services, Development and Transportation Services, and Recreation Services. Town operating expenditures are estimated to total $27.25 million. An additional $2.77 million is planned for transfer and/or designation for future capital needs and reserves. Looking Forward—Forecasts for FY 2010/11 show revenues remaining flat with 2009/10. Planned operating expenditures have been reduced by $1.04 million as a proactive measure during the continued economic uncertainty of both the economy and possible additional state raids of local revenue sources.
14
Council Highlights Shaping the Future of the Tassajara Valley With an eye toward preserving the character of Danville, and maintaining an agricultural transition from the Town’s eastern border, the Town of Danville is examining the possibility of expanding Danville’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) to include the northern end of the Tassajara Valley. Inclusion of a portion of the Tassajara Valley into its SOI would give the Town a greater voice in future land use decisions affecting this area. The Town is also looking at the possible annexation of newly constructed neighborhoods currently located outside of the Town limits. Annexation of these inhabited lands, located generally east of Diablo Vista Middle School, would allow the Town to receive a share of property taxes and other revenues generated in these areas to help support and maintain public services and facilities, such as police, parks and roads, which are utilized by those residents living outside of the Town. Town representatives are currently in the process of meeting with each of the neighborhoods located in the unincorporated areas outside the easterly Danville boundary regarding these potential changes.
Town Awards and Recognition Recreation Services: The 2009 California Park and Recreation Society Agency Showcase Award for an Agency Single Focus Brochure was awarded to the Town’s SUMMER ‘09 JOBS Brochure. This full-color glossy brochure, produced by the Recreation Services Department, was printed by a local printing company and distributed at local high schools, the Danville Library, various job and community fairs, the Danville and Oak Hill Park Community Centers and the Danville Town Offices. The California Park and Recreation Society also bestowed upon the Town a 2009 Educational Award of Excellence 2009: Education—Single Topic Focus for the BEST STAFF EVER Group Interviewing Workshop. This workshop demonstrated a successful group interview process utilized by the Town of Danville. Through active participation, workshop attendees gained a better understanding of this innovative and successful method to interview a large number of applicants, as well as the benefits of evaluating and selecting summer staff through a team method, instead of solely relying on strong, individual interviews.
Finance Department: In 2009/10, the Town’s Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award was given for the Town’s 2008/09 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by the Government Finance Officers Association. This marks the 8th year the Town’s Finance Department has received this award. Emergency Services: The Town, along with its partner agencies, received the highest Gold Award from the California Emergency Services Association (CESA) recognizing exceptional efforts in the field of Emergency Preparedness. Economic Development: The Town-hosted Danville In Style website (www.danvilleinstyle.com) was recognized by the Web Marketing Association. The designers of the site, who assisted the Town in its development, were given a WebAward for Regional Standard of Excellence.
Community Park Master Plan Process to Begin
Community Members Honored at Annual Awards Event
During the 2010/11 fiscal year, the Town will update the Osage Station Park Master Plan which was originally adopted by Contra Costa County prior to Town incorporation. Osage Station Park is the Town’s last community park to undergo a master plan update. Osage Station Park encompasses 30.1 acres and offers both casual and organized use by children, adults, and seniors.
Danville’s 28th annual Mayoral Installation and Community Service Awards ceremony was held at the Community Center on December 1, 2009. Mayor Newell Arnerich handed the gavel to Mike Doyle, who was selected to serve as Mayor for 2010. Karen Stepper was selected as Vice Mayor. Nancy Fraze, Danville’s Poet Laureate, presented Just Another Day in Danville, about the Danville community. The Town Council recognized and honored the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community:
In order to meet current health code requirements, address safety issues, protect valuable resources, and meet both current and future resident demands, the Town is working with architectural design firm Verde Design, Inc. to coordinate community input and develop conceptual design options for the park. The Osage Station Park Master Plan update will be discussed at publicly noticed meetings of the Town’s Parks and Leisure Services Commission. Residents can sign-up to receive email notices of agenda postings at www.danville.ca.gov. For more information, contact Recreation Services Manager Michelle Lacy at mlacy@danville.ca.gov or (925) 314-3454.
Danville at a Glance Households:
15,852
Population:
43,574
Average Persons per Household:
2.78
Median Household Income: $175,200
THE DANVILLE AWARD: The Town Council posthumously honored long-time Councilmember Mike Shimansky with the prestigious Danville Award for his years of service and dedication to the community. AWARD OF SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Chris Wenzel, Chief of Police, Danville Police Department, was recognized for his seven years of excellence in overseeing Danville’s Police Department.
Parks & Leisure Services Commission Volunteer of the Year Award: Valley Youth Council—For implementation of the online Needs Assessment Survey that identified ways to serve the local high school population with recreational opportunities and education about current issues.
Arts Commission Volunteer of the Year Award: Kevin Chen—For the time and commitment he has generously provided to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.
Town Volunteer of the Year Award: Richard Schumm—For his dedication and commitment to coaching youth basketball.
AWARDS OF MERIT Robin Kelley—For her volunteerism and dedication to the EPIC Healthy Choices Program at SRVHS and the youth in the community. Danville Police Reserves (Tim Davis, David Goldberg, Dale Myer, Walt Welti, Herman Rellar, Dan Scherber, Marc Silveira, Darrell Thornton, Chris Young)—For volunteering their time to provide an invaluable service to the Danville Community. Tony Carnemolla—For his leadership and service to the veterans in the Danville community. CPC Job Connections (Rod Ford-Smith, Dean Tracy, Doug Neeper, Bruce Cassell, Kevin Crockett)—For ongoing programs to provide support and encouragement to the unemployed.
Sports Alliance (John Sofranac; Gene Stoegbauer/Danville Adult Soccer; Scott Diekman/Danville Little League; Jeff Kahsen/Diablo Scorpion Lacrosse; Kevin Cole/Mustang Soccer/SRV Little League; Dean Roberts/SRVGAL; Vim Keosian/SRV Thunderbirds; Ron Tressen/ Tassajara Valley Little League)—For their cooperation and teamwork in representing youth and adult sports leagues in the Danville community. Colette Ankenman—For establishing Baragwanath Blessings, creating blankets and hats for newborns in South Africa. Melony Newman—For her dedication and willingness to always go above and beyond as the C.E.O. of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Michael K. Shimansky Community Service Award: The Shimansky family honored Christy Dodge with the first annual Michael K. Shimansky Community Service Award for her dedication to the special Olympics in Danville. Christy Dodge
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
3
Message to the Community
We are pleased to present the 2009/10 Annual Report highlighting accomplishments from the past year, and goals for the year ahead. Our Town government is committed to providing high quality services and facilities that support the exceptional quality of life offered in Danville while building upon our unique small town character through addressing the following priorities: • Public Safety • Well-maintained community appearance • Enrichment and recreational opportunities for all Town residents • Upholding high planning standards • Transportation planning and traffic safety • Economic vitality and growth • Providing an active voice on regional issues affecting Danville • Hosting Town-wide special events • Fostering vital partnerships Navigating the current economic climate, Danville provides municipal services in ways that avoid the painful and well-publicized organizational changes and cuts that many local governments have made over the past two years. What sets Danville apart is conservative fiscal management coupled with the integration of these five operational principles: 1. Operating as a “limited service city”—Danville does not provide certain services provided by larger, full service cities such as utilities, fire, human and social services, etc. 2. Effectively controlling municipal costs—Per capita service delivery costs are kept low compared to other cities. 3. Relying more heavily upon contracting to deliver municipal services— Contracting a portion of Town services that are provided by municipal employees in other cities results in greater fiscal flexibility while also creating jobs in the private sector.
Photo by Paige Green
4. Cultivating a small but dedicated workforce—Town staffing levels have remained constant over the past 20 years; personnel costs that typically account for 75% or more of total budget costs for most municipalities represent less than 35% of total budget costs for Danville. 5. Maintaining adequate reserves—Also known as “rainy day funds,” these set-asides provide a hedge against economic downturns, natural disasters, emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances such as State raids of local government revenues. As a result, despite the economy and raids on local government revenues by the State, Danville’s financial condition continues to be very sound.
Contents Council Highlights Serving the Community Major Accomplishments Special Events Capital Projects Community Development Looking Ahead
2
3 4–5 6–7 8–9 10–11 12–13 14–15
We invite you to take time to review this report. Danville is a special place to live, work and play because of the active involvement of its residents. We encourage you to become involved through your neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, or service clubs. Familiarize yourself with your Town government by visiting the Town website at www.danville.ca.gov, attending a Town Council meeting, volunteering in a Town program, or applying for a Town Commission or Board. We look forward to working with you to keep Danville special. Respectfully, Mayor and Town Council
Danville 2025 General Plan Update Moves Forward During 2009/10, the Town held eight public meetings to review and discuss what should be included in the comprehensive update to Danville’s 2010 General Plan. This document guides the Town’s future growth through 2025 and helps determine the overall approach to planning. It is expected to cover a number of issues and policies including: • Need to identify and designate new sites for multiple family residential use • Possible expansion of the Town’s Sphere of Influence on Danville’s east side • Analysis of and response to new laws/guidelines dealing with greenhouse gas emissions • Plan amendments pertaining to Emergency Response and Hazard Prevention The next phase will be selection of a consultant to prepare the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The public is invited to be a part of the update process. View the calendar section of the Town’s website for dates and times, or sign up at www.danville.ca.gov for automatic e-mail notifications. For more information, contact Chief of Planning Kevin Gailey at kgailey@danville.ca.gov or (925) 314-3305.
I.T. Master Plan Approved In July 2010, the Town Council approved its first Information Technology Master Plan. The result of an extensive needs assessment and evaluation process, the five-year plan focuses on implementing a variety of technology improvements to ensure Danville residents have easy access to Town information and services around-the-clock. Improvements to be made in 2010/11 include ongoing upgrades to the Town’s website, developing electronic forms to replace those that now require printing or faxing, replacement of the audiovisual system at the Town Meeting Hall, and evaluation of software applications that will support expanded public communication and services offered online. A copy of the Information Technology Master Plan detailing the various IT initiatives is available at www.danville.ca.gov.
Oak Hill Park Pond. Photo by Kyle Mix
Lighting and Landscape Assessment District Caring for 198 acres of parks, arterial roadway landscaping, streetlights and other amenities in Danville is a big job, requiring a sizable commitment of time, manpower and financial resources. In the Town of Danville, maintenance of these amenities is provided for through a Lighting and Landscape Assessment District (LLAD). The LLAD came about as existing lighting districts, established before Danville’s incorporation, were consolidated into a single Town-wide LLAD in 1983. The District expanded in 1987 to include major roadside and median landscaping and again in 1990 to include 50% of the cost for parks and facilities maintenance. In 1997, the District was ratified by the Town’s property owners with more than 87% support and in 2003, the Town’s property owners approved an increase in the assessments to maintain an adequate level of maintenance. Property owners are assessed based on the special benefit received from the improvements being maintained by the District. LLAD property assessments are set at a flat rate and are not subject to escalation. Coupled with the expansion of maintenance responsibilities and costs over the past seven years, LLAD revenues are no longer fully supporting District costs. This has required a General Fund contribution and may necessitate asking property owners for a rate increase as soon as 2011 to continue service levels currently being provided.
Village Theatre Art Gallery hosts exciting new exhibits The newly renovated Village Theatre Art Gallery was opened in November 2009, and has hosted several high quality exhibits from various artists. Exhibits planned for fall 2010 include the first invitational sculpture exhibit called Twisted-Chiseled-Fired, which is a contemporary sculpture exhibition featuring a variety of diverse pieces. The next exhibit will be Birth of Expressionism, which will be on display in September 2010 coinciding with the annual Eugene O’Neill festival, and Once upon a Book: Showcase of Children’s Book Illustrators, which showcases a number of artists who have published work in children’s storybooks.
small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life
15
Presorted Standard US Postage Paid Danville, CA Permit No. 71
Town of Danville 510 La Gonda Way Danville, CA 94526-1740
www.danville.ca.gov
Postal Customer
Town Administration
Town Council, Commission and Boards July 1, 2009–June 30, 2010
Joseph Calabrigo Town Manager
Danville Town Council Candace Andersen Newell Arnerich Mike Doyle Karen Stepper Robert Storer
Marcia Somers Assistant Town Manager Robert Ewing City Attorney Marie Sunseri City Clerk Steve Simpkins Police Chief Elizabeth Hudson Finance Director/Treasurer Steven Lake Development Services Director/City Engineer Tai J. Williams Transportation Director
Arts Commission Victoria Brooks Christina DeMarinis Celeste Evans Tricia Grame Rosemarie Hardy Jo Loecher J.P. McDermott Susan Ritner Poet Laureate Nancy Fraze
Heritage Resource Commission Patricia Dobbin Doug Farry Randy Haberl Lee Halverson Doug McQuillan Renee Morgan James Powers Planning Commission Bonnie Antoun Tiffany Attwood Robert Combs Steve Condie G. Mark Graham Renee Morgan Bob Nichols Lynn Overcashier Paul Radich
Parks and Leisure Services Commission Christine Austin Kevin Donovan Peggy Hiramine Jane Joyce Bill Lombardi John Mascali Stewart Proctor Kent Rezowalli Scott Tinetti
Design Review Board David Banducci Robert Combs Doug McQuillan Lynn Overcashier Marc Silveira Jim Wood
Danville Annual Report
2009–2010
Year-end Report to the Community for Fiscal Year July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010