Town of Moraga

The meeting included public comments regarding potential park improvements, including concerns about pickleball courts and transparency in meeting documentation. The commission discussed governance and Brown Act regulations. Additionally, approval was granted for a bandshell banner installation, contingent upon a secure fastening system to prevent vandalism. Staff provided reports on upcoming activities and the Master Plan update, and various subcommittee liaisons delivered their respective updates.

The Planning Commission discussed amendments to Chapter 8.124 of the Maraga Municipal Code regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). The presentation covered the necessity of these amendments to align with state law, administrative updates to improve ordinance usability, and the removal of the administrative adjustment provision. Commissioners queried the rationale behind code deletions, the impact of state law on local zoning discretion, and the public noticing process.

The committee reviewed updates on various art projects including the Pear Commission, the Bandshell Mural Banners, street light banner rotations, and the relocation of the Cement Lions. The annual work plan was reviewed and approved, and new subcommittees were formed to align with work plan tasks. The committee approved the purchase of the Doug Heine sculpture and authorized the installation of informational signage for sculptures. Additionally, members identified locations for sculptures, discussed future event planning, and received liaison reports from various local arts organizations.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on the Pear Commission, mural banners for the bandshell, status updates on the cement lions, the installation of surprise butterflies on the regional trail, and the review of sculpture locations and signage. The committee will also discuss preparations for the Pear Festival, future events for 2027 such as Poetry for the Ages and Chalk a Haiku, and hear updates from various liaisons and subcommittees.

The commission reviewed a request for a grading permit and a hillside development permit to address a 2017 landslide. The proposed project involves remedial grading, slope reconstruction, the installation of an underground drainage system, and the construction of a permanent debris catchment and deflection wall to provide long-term slope stabilization and protection for nearby residential properties. The project is designed to match existing hillside contours and includes erosion control and native vegetation hydroseeding.