City Council Minutes Page 1 of 18 January 26, 2026
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City of Lafayette
City Council Minutes
Lafayette Library and Learning Center – Don Tatzin Community Hall January 26, 2026 3491 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California 6:00 p.m.
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City Council Minutes Page 2 of 18 January 26, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Anduri the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Anduri, Vice Mayor McCormick; Councilmembers Candell, and Wotherspoon
Absent: Councilmember Cervantes
Staff Present: Niroop Srivatsa, City Manager; Tracy Robinson, Assistant City Manager; Andy Comly, Emergency Services Coordinator; Mala Subramanian, City Attorney; Joanne Robbins, City Clerk
3. Disclosure and/or Take Action on Remote Participation due to Just Cause or Emergency Circumstances Pursuant to AB 2449 (Gov. Code section 54953(f).)
4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Wotherspoon/Candell) to adopt the agenda. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 4-0-1 (Ayes:
Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Wotherspoon; Noes: None; Absent: Cervantes).
5. PRESENTATION
A. Andy Comly, Emergency Services Coordinator
Incident Command System (ICS) Emergency Preparedness Training for the City Council Recommendation: Receive and file.
Emergency Services Coordinator Andy Comly gave a PowerPoint presentation and an overview of what emergency services is andthe City Council’s roles and responsibilities in the process. He noted there are national standards on how to respond to disasters which are followed by the City of Lafayette. The first key point is that responding to disasters and preparing for them takes the whole community to be involved. Common terminology and organization is needed that everyone understands and works with.
Mr. Comly described the overall concept as the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which is a framework for how everything is organized in incident response. Within that is the Incident Command System (ICS) which the City uses in the field and the Emergency Operations Center. The concept is they start with one Incident Command organization in the field for police, fire, medical, public works, parking officers and others responding to an incident.. When an Incident becomes too large and the field team needs support the City activates the next level, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC’s job is to support the field but not do the field work. from the support includes providing guiding policies and priorities, seeking outside resources or mutual assistance to be successful, keeping track of all resources, and working with other agencies.
He then described the EOC’s responsibility to gain Situational Awareness and create a Common Operating Picture (SACOP) to ensure everyone involved as a full understanding of the overall incident In a big system there may be multiple field Incident Commands and Emergency Operation Centers at the local, County, and State levels. Lafayette’s EOC is responsible for helping gather the Lafayette information and providing it to the field and everybody else.
City Council Minutes Page 3 of 18 January 26, 2026
Once the EOC starts running out of resources and capabilities, then they go up to the next level or the Operational Area, which is the County EOC. The County EOC is the EOC for unincorporated areas in the County and it is support for all cities and towns inside the County. Similarly, they would be allocating resources and providing support across all cities and all areas in the County. As a disaster gets additional EOCs at the state and federal levels may be activated. Each of these Operations Centers are follow the Incident Command System structure
Councilmember Candell referred to the fires in Los Angeles last year and asked how many levels were involved. Mr. Comly said they went all the way up to FEMA to receive national support.
Mr. Comly then presented the EOC and described levels and responsibilities of the components of an EOC including Operations, Planning , Logistics, Finance and Administration, and Management Sections.. He then described all roles that need to be accomplished under each of EOC levels or branches. He said the City Council helps make sure that disaster preparation and mitigation is a priority and provide resources and authority to the City needed to perform Emergency Management.. In the response and recovery piece, the Council’s role is to support the EOC Director, which is the City Manager, to help them succeed by providing policy decisions,, priorities, and authority for the EOC to operate..
The first step to activate the EOC is to proclaim a local emergency.. The Mayor, Vice Mayor, or EOC Director may issue the proclamation. The City Council must approve the proclamation within 7 days or that proclamation is no longer in effect. It is important to keep this going for support and money and, most importantly, it gives the legal right for the EOC to take control of the whole disaster operations on behalf of the City. The Mayor can also request through the County EOC to get the State to declare a State of Emergency if the incident is way beyond what the City can support In conclusion, once the incident is resolved the City enters the Recovery phase, with the goal of getting Lafayette back normal life
Vice Mayor McCormick referred to area below the State and above a County level, and Mr. Comly clarified it is a State function of Cal OES which has broken the State into 5 or 6 regions. He confirmed the region can provide support and resources.
Vice Mayor McCormick inquired about the City’s financial responsibilities during a localized emergency, specifically whether the City is required to cover costs for necessary resources. Mr. Comly explained that while relief funding is available, it is not immediate. The City must initially fund emergency response costs independently for a period of time, which has extended from approximately one to two weeks in the past to several months. After that point, the City may become eligible to seek reimbursement or relief funding through established processes.
Councilmember Wotherspoon asked what type of emergency meets the threshold for activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Mr. Comly explained that activation occurs when an incident exceeds normal City operations and requires a fundamentally different response approach. At the County or State level, activation is often tied to cost thresholds associated with the emergency response. He noted that the EOC was activated in 2023 for certain flood events and that there is historical precedent for such activations.
City Council Minutes Page 4 of 18 January 26, 2026
City Manager Srivatsa confirmed that the City has activated the EOC several times, primarily during the 1990s and early 2000s in response to floods or heavy rainfall. While the City did not have a formal physical EOC at the time, staff conducted daily coordination meetings involving multiple departments and the Mayor to assess conditions, address issues, and plan for subsequent days. More recently, the City opened the current facility during the tennis club fire to support the community. Although residents were not housed there, the activation led to coordination with the Red Cross, which provided food, and the space was used by residents to charge phones during power outages.
Vice Mayor McCormick reported that during a recent Cal Cities discussion on disaster preparedness, he learned that FEMA assistance typically requires a damage threshold of approximately $17 million before activation. In one fire incident, multiple cities attempted to aggregate their damages to meet this threshold and qualify for reimbursement. Mr. Comly added that disasters of this magnitude are generally managed at the operational area or County level. In such cases, the County requests early damage assessments from affected cities and agencies in order to compile and submit a combined damage total to support a request for state or federal assistance.
Mayor Anduri asked whether recent changes at FEMA, including reduced federal allocations, have affected how FEMA should be viewed as a potential source of assistance. Mr. Comly responded that there have been noticeable impacts, including longer delays in receiving initial funding and increased funding thresholds, now around $17 million. He noted that while reduced staffing does not significantly affect FEMA’s day-to-day operations, it does limit personnel availability for broader support activities. In response to these changes, FEMA is also revising its training materials to align with the current federal administration’s priorities.
Councilmember Wotherspoon referenced prior Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations and asked whether they were primarily due to failing City infrastructure. City Manager Srivatsa explained that, at the time, roads and drainage systems were not in their current condition, which led to flooding in residents’ homes and urgent calls for assistance. In response, the City activated the EOC at City offices, with representatives from multiple divisions convening as described by Mr. Comly to coordinate the response and provide needed support.
Councilmember Candell asked Mr. Comly to explain how Councilmembers are notified in the event of a major fire. Mr. Comly outlined that the process begins with the City Manager, who determines whether to activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). If activated, the City Manager then coordinates with the Mayor or Vice Mayor to prepare a proclamation, which must be approved within seven days. Policy matters and emergent issues are first directed to the Mayor, then brought to the full City Council for discussion or action through an appropriate meeting or forum.
Mayor Anduri asked whether standard public noticing requirements apply when the City approves an emergency proclamation within seven days. City Attorney Mala Subramanian responded that normal noticing requirements likely apply; however, if an emergency meeting is necessary to take additional action, the City may use shortened noticing periods, including less than 24 hours if required.
Mayor Anduri also inquired about expectations for Councilmember presence during emergencies. Mr.
Comly explained that the City Council continues to act in its normal legislative role, while staff build and operate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). If Councilmember involvement is needed, the City Manager or EOC Director would make that request.
City Council Minutes Page 5 of 18 January 26, 2026
City Manager Srivatsa clarified that Councilmembers do not operate within the EOC itself due to the intensity of operations, but may be assigned supporting roles, such as directing residents to appropriate resources outside the EOC. She noted that the Emergency Preparedness Commission, volunteers handling donations, and HAM radio operators also support response efforts outside the EOC structure.
Mr. Comly emphasized the importance of care and shelter operations, noting that the City has formally coordinated with the Red Cross and designated the Jennifer Russell Building and Community Center as approved shelter locations following inspections and a facilities agreement. The Red Cross may activate these sites as needed.
Mayor Anduri confirmed that the current room serves as the primary EOC location. Mr. Comly stated the EOC is flexible in size and location, typically accommodating 12 to 20 people, with alternative spaces such as the Jennifer Russell Building or the Art and Sciences Room available if needed. He also confirmed that the City maintains a staffing chart with primary and alternate personnel—more than 20 individuals in that may staff the EOC.—operating in 12-hour shifts, with operations scaling back overnight once conditions stabilize.
Vice Mayor McCormick asked how emergency response would be structured if an incident occurred along the border of Lafayette and Orinda, specifically whether both cities would activate their own Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) or defer to the County. Mr. Comly explained that each city would activate its own EOC to manage incidents within its jurisdiction, even during simultaneous or overlapping emergencies. At the County level, cities report up to the operational area, which is responsible for coordinating and prioritizing shared resources—such as allocating limited equipment based on the severity of incidents across jurisdictions. While neighboring cities collaborate closely, each maintains its own EOC operations.
City Manager Srivatsa added that all City employees are designated disaster workers as a condition of employment. She also noted that, for the first time, all Contra Costa County cities recently participated in a joint exercise at the County’s EOC, during which each section reviewed its roles and responsibilities. She commended Mr. Comly for his role in helping organize the exercise and emphasized that the drill was highly effective in familiarizing participants with one another and strengthening countywide coordination.
Mayor Anduri asked about the types of disaster event was used in the joint City County exercise. Mr.
Comly explained that the recent activity was a tabletop exercise—focused on coordination and planning rather than aphysical scenario. Approximately 110 participants from various cities attended, with Lafayette sending one of the largest contingents (7–8 people). The exercise included a general briefing followed by breakout sessions with roles such as EOC Director, EOC Coordinator, Planning Section Chief, Operations (focused on Public Works), and PIO. Participants also observed other cities’ procedures for activating EOCs and preparing proclamations, providing a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing.
Mayor Anduri asked about disaster types beyond fire, earthquake, and flood. City Manager Srivatsa highlighted that the County had declared an emergency for a tsunami warning. Lafayette’s recent exercises included scenarios such as a sinkhole on Pleasant Hill Road affecting the freeway and BART.
Other exercises addressed flooding, fire, evacuations, senior facilities, and coordination with schools, creating realistic training conditions.
Mayor Anduri noted concerns about rising sea levels due to Antarctic glacier melt, confirming Lafayette’s elevation is safe.
City Council Minutes Page 6 of 18 January 26, 2026
Mr. Comly added that emergency training continues to evolve. Staff received extensive in-house training last year and are now participating in specialized outside courses provided by professional agencies.
Multiple personnel have trained with the Office of Emergency Services (OES) this year, with additional sessions planned for a variety of different roles. The Emergency Preparedness Commission is being integrated more actively into these efforts, enhancing overall preparedness and capability.
Mayor Anduri and Councilmembers thanked Mr. Comly for his involvement, training, and presentation.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
BREAK
Mayor Anduri called for a break at 6:45 p.m. and, thereafter, opened the regular 7:00 p.m. meeting.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – 7:00 p.m. - Mayor Anduri led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS (For items not on the agenda)
TRACY FARRELL of the Park Theater Trust, accompanied by President Kathy Bowles and future operators Jaimi Holker and Adam Bergeron of Cinema SF Bay, is visiting the community to meet with local leaders, including Library representatives, City staff, and Acalanes Union High School District film educators. The group received their building permit today, and she expressed gratitude to Niroop Srivatsa, Greg Wolff, the Planning Department, and the County Building Department for their support throughout the process.
ADAM BERGERON introduced Jaimi Holker, noting that they represent Cinema SF Bay and are enthusiastic about joining the community. They have met a few Councilmembers and look forward to engaging with the full Council. He expressed admiration for the community and excitement about the upcoming theater construction, emphasizing their anticipation of programming the venue and contributing to downtown life. He thanked the Council for their warm welcome.
JAIMI HOLKER of Cinema SF Bay echoed previous remarks, highlighting the community’s talent and potential for collaboration in bringing the theater to life for local residents.
Vice Mayor McCormick, a Park Theater Trust Board member, praised Adam Bergeron and Jaimi Holker for their work and emphasized that the theater’s impact goes beyond the building itself, benefiting downtown Lafayette and new housing developments. He recognized Kathy Bowles for her exceptional fundraising efforts and thanked Tracy Farrell for her hands-on leadership and dedication in advancing the project.
Mayor Anduri thanked Adam Bergeron and Jaimi Holker for engaging with the community and noted that Cinema SF Bay’s strong reputation precedes them. He expressed that the City is fortunate to have them operating the theater and looks forward to its opening.
8. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
City Manager Niroop Srivatsa gave the following update:
City Council Minutes Page 7 of 18 January 26, 2026
• Staff just came from the unveiling of the first downtown mural. This is a request from the Public Art Committee who is seeking a highly visible downtown wall. If anyone who is listening is interested in offering their wall in the downtown for the next beautiful piece of art, they can go to the Public Art Committee’s web page for more information. • From Parks, Trails, and Recreation:
➢ The Youth Commission Tri-City Dance was a huge success. 275 middle school students enjoyed dancing and fun at the sold-out event.
➢ The Lafayette Senior Services Commission is in the very early stages of developing an event that will pair non-profits with residents of all ages who want to volunteer for those organizations. If interested, you can check out the City’s web page or email [email protected].
➢ Through a cooperative and collaborative process, staff has issued the tentative spring field allocations for the Lafayette Community Park and Buckeye Fields. She thanked the Little League, LMYA, and the many volunteers for working together to maximize access for all Lafayette families.
• From Administration:
➢ Today, the City issued an RFP for a comprehensive fee study and cost allocation plan. This RFP is for processing fees which have not been updated for a while and it has been on staff’s “to do” list.
➢ Last week, staff launched a comprehensive impact fee nexus study and have hired the consultant who has started looking at the City’s current development impact fees, coming up with ideas for new fees if feasible, and the study will ensure the impact fee program aligns fees with the infrastructure and facilities’ costs generated by new development. ➢ Last week, she attended a League of California Cities Housing, Economic and Community Development Policy Committee meeting. League staff advised them there are several issues of local interest that will be covered by this year’s bills. Among them are:
o Local development impact fees – they might see moves to reduce the fees or postpone their collection. o SB 79 clean-up bill.
o A housing bond
o Renter protections
o Bills for measures to reduce the cost of housing construction throughout the State.
The Legislative Committee will be quite active this year tracking the bills and offering their recommendations to the Council.
Councilmember Candell said the HCD Audit came out, and she asked if there was any talk at the League meeting about RHNA reform based on recommendations from the auditor.
City Manager Srivatsa said there was not. There was just an update from the Legislative staff. The League has done an analysis of the audit and she will share that link with the Council. They also had a presentation from the cities of Arcata and Eureka in Humboldt who have started their 7th cycle RHNA work. They indicated their RHNA allocations had gone up quite a bit and, in one case, it had doubled despite the fact that the DOF’s projections are that there would be a population reduction in those areas.
Mayor Anduri asked for the dates of their 7th cycle. Ms. Srivatsa said she is following up to get more information, but it was a surprise they had begun work on the 7th cycle and had been given their numbers.
City Council Minutes Page 8 of 18 January 26, 2026
Vice Mayor McCormick said he did a little research on it and apparently, they are moving toward a more continuous mode. Before they did south to north and now they are starting it early and starting with some of the smaller, rural counties and then they will keep going. Mayor Anduri said it would be great to learn more about that.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Anduri asked if Councilmembers or member of the public wished to remove any items, and there were no requests and no public comments.
A. City Council Minutes
January 12, 2026
Recommendation: Approve.
B. Quitclaim Offer of Drainage Easement at 1 Lucas Court APN 238-190-003 and 3 Lucas Court APN 238-190-004
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute the quitclaim deed for recordation, quitclaiming the drainage easement at 1 Lucas Court (Lot C) and 3 Lucas Court (Lot D).
C. Award of Construction Contract for the Lafayette Restriping Project, No. 014-9749 Recommendation: Award a construction contract to Central Striping Service, Inc., in the amount of $217,682.00 for the Lafayette Restriping Project, No. 014-9749.
D. Resolution 2026-20 Approving the Municipal Pooling Authority Joint Power Agreement (JPA) for Providing Property, Workers Compensation, Public Liability and Other Insurance Coverages
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-20.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Candell/McCormick) to adopt Consent Calendar Items A, B, C, and D. Roll Call Vote:
Vote: 4-0-1 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Wotherspoon; Noes: None; Absent: Cervantes).
10. OLD BUSINESS – None.
11. STAFF REPORTS
A. Mala Subramanian, City Attorney
Lafayette Plaza Holiday Policy
Recommendation: That the City Council consider whether to adopt the updated Lafayette Plaza Holiday Policy, keep the current Winter Holiday Policy, or rescind the Winter Holiday Policy.
City Attorney Mala Subramanian explained that the City Council first adopted a Winter Holiday Display policy in 2015, permitting winter displays in the Plaza during December. Due to recent requests for year-round or off-season displays, staff proposed an updated policy allowing cultural displays for up to 20 days at a time, with a maximum of two displays in the Plaza concurrently. An application process would remain, and Department Managers would review displays for safety and compatibility with Plaza use. The policy aims to promote cultural diversity and additional displays in the City. The Council may adopt the new policy, continue the existing December-only policy, or rescind the policy entirely, and she was available to answer questions.
City Council Minutes Page 9 of 18 January 26, 2026
Mayor Anduri said if the Council were to adopt a new policy, he asked if the item would return with a resolution. Ms. Subramanian said staff did provide the policy without a resolution and it would supersede the existing Winter Holiday policy.
Vice Mayor McCormick referred to power and illumination. He asked if they are saying the display can plug into the City’s power supply and the City will pay for it. Ms. Subramanian said this is how it currently operates only in the month of December, so this would extend it.
Councilmember Candell confirmed that only two displays would be allowed at a time and asked whether the Council would vote on applications or if there would be oversight. City Attorney Mala Subramanian explained that individuals would apply to the City Manager, demonstrating that the display meets the cultural holiday criteria and policy parameters. Staff would review the size and location to ensure appropriateness, with displays approved for up to 20 days. The two-display limit ensures the Plaza remains available for other uses, and applications would be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, ideally submitted 30 days in advance but no earlier than two months prior.
Vice Mayor McCormick said the Menorah Lighting has come in to as a request to the Council which the Council has approved in prior years, and he confirmed the Council would no longer see it. If the Council wished to reconsider, rescind, or change the policy at any time, staff could bring it back, and this is another reason for there to be a limited period to submit applications.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period.
ROB LAVOIE noted that the year-round display discussion seemed sudden and asked if it was prompted by recent requests, also raising concerns about potential conflicts with California law and referencing the Kennedy v. Bremerton School District case.
City Attorney Subramanian clarified that there is no direct conflict with state law. She explained that the policy is designed to comply with both U.S. and California constitutional law, with staff reviewing displays to ensure they are not overtly religious and coordinating with the City Manager to maintain compliance.
Vice Mayor McCormick noted concerns about religious symbols in public spaces but supported expanding the policy to represent other cultures, citing the longstanding Christmas Tree and Menorah displays. He appreciated the flexibility in the staff report, allowing the Council to update or rescind the policy as needed.
Councilmember Candell agreed, calling the proposed approach sensible, compliant with State law, and a positive expansion of the current policy. Councilmember Wotherspoon supported including other cultural and religious holidays, recommending retention of certain specifications from the existing policy to define appropriate display locations in the Plaza and avoid obstructing walkways, roadways, or parking areas. Vice Mayor McCormick raised the need for clarity on display platforms. Mayor Anduri confirmed that the City Manager is authorized to determine the portions of the Plaza available for displays, and the Council agreed that no further specificity was necessary at this time.
City Manager Srivatsa clarified that Item 4 of the policy should prevent anything from blocking pedestrian paths under the trellis, but it would not prohibit items from being hung from the pergola. Councilmembers agreed with this interpretation.
City Council Minutes Page 10 of 18 January 26, 2026
Mayor Anduri expressed support for the policy, calling it a well-constructed framework for trial implementation. He noted that it represents a positive step toward offering a wider variety of cultural displays for the community.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (McCormick/Candell) to adopt the updated Lafayette Plaza Holiday Policy, as documented in the staff report. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 4-0-1 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Wotherspoon; Noes: None; Absent: Cervantes).
B. Niroop Srivatsa, City Manager and Tracy Robinson, Administrative Services Director
1. Review of City Council Adopted Priorities for FY2025/26 Recommendation: Confirm the current priorities for this fiscal year.
City Manager Srivatsa explained that the Council meets annually to review goals and policies for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1–June 30), which guide funding, resource allocation, and staffing. The attached tables in the staff report provide updates on the current year’s priorities, and staff recommends that the Council reaffirm its commitment to those adopted priorities. She also noted that a special meeting will be held on February 20th to discuss priorities for the next fiscal year, and staff is available to answer questions.
Mayor Anduri confirmed there were no questions by Councilmembers. He then opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
Vice Mayor McCormick noted that, given the accelerated RHNA cycle and the City’s inability to rely on predictable timing, he recommended prioritizing Task 2 under Wildfire Prevention, Preparedness, and Safety. This task, which involves considering wildfire risks during the 2031–38 RHNA process and exploring collaboration with Orinda and Moraga, is currently “not started” and scheduled for the next fiscal year or later. Citing examples from Humboldt County, he suggested the City begin this process sooner rather than waiting until next fiscal year.
Mayor Anduri noted that the February 20th special meeting will provide a more detailed update on all Council priorities. He suggested requesting an update on Priority 1, Wildfire Preparedness, to understand what steps Planning could take and to receive a more detailed report on potential actions at that time.
Vice Mayor McCormick agreed and suggested reaching out to Moraga and Orinda.
Mayor Anduri noted that the issue has been raised with the City’s legislators, who indicated they would likely follow-up after the February 20th priorities meeting. He suggested that this confirms the need to focus on the item and to provide additional work or detail on it prior to that meeting.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (McCormick/Candell) to confirm the current priorities for this fiscal year, with the thought of moving a bit on Task 2 under Wildfire. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 4-0-1 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Wotherspoon; Noes: None; Absent: Cervantes).
2. Facilities Assessment Report
City Council Minutes Page 11 of 18 January 26, 2026
Recommendation: 1) Contribute $730K annually to sinking funds for Library, Police Offices, Corporation Yard, Parks, and Trails each year, increasing by 3.5% annually for inflation. 2) Contribute an additional $2.25M to “seed” sinking funds for parks capital maintenance. 3) Contribute an additional $75K to “seed” the trails capital maintenance fund. 4) Continue to contribute $125,000 per year to the Community Center to address current health and safety needs as well as provide funds for capital maintenance required for the Jennifer Russell Building. 5) Begin discussions on options for potential replacement or reconstruction of the Community Center. 6) Inventory roadway- and pathway-related infrastructure to determine appropriate annual sinking fund contributions. 7) Update the facilities assessment study every 5-7 years to ensure that sufficient funding is being applied for capital maintenance expenses.
Assistant City Manager Tracy Robinson said this item is about how the City plans, funds, and manages long-term capital maintenance. For many years, the City has followed the sound budget practice of setting aside money each year into what we call capital improvement sinking funds. These are dedicated reserves that allow us to pay for major repairs, replacements, or facility upgrades over time.
The benefit of this approach is that instead of facing large, one-time budget hits or relying heavily on debt, we make smaller, predictable contributions each year. That helps smooth costs, reduces financial risk, and ensures that our infrastructure can be maintained or replaced when it’s needed.
Currently, the City has sinking funds in place for the Library, Police Offices, Corporation Yard, the Community Center, ballfields and playground equipment, and recreation parking lots.
While that framework is solid, there were 2 important gaps. First, contributions were not indexed for inflation, meaning their purchasing power erodes over time. Second, several categories of infrastructure—particularly parks, trails, and other facilities—were either underfunded or not included at all.
Recognizing that existing balances and contribution levels were not sufficient, the Council authorized a comprehensive facilities assessment to look at the City’s capital needs over a 20-year horizon, including buildings, parks, and trails.
That study produced several key findings.
The first, and most significant, relates to the Community Center. The assessment concluded that the building has reached the end of its useful life. Addressing maintenance and repair needs over the next 20 years would exceed $16 million. To fully fund that approach, the City would need annual sinking fund contributions starting at approximately $510,000 per year, growing by 3.5% annually for inflation.
However, because more than $5 million in repairs would be required in just the next 5 years, this strategy would also require a very large front-loaded investment—about $4 million—along with an ongoing contribution of approximately $330,000 per year thereafter.
City Council Minutes Page 12 of 18 January 26, 2026
While the Jennifer Russell Building itself remains in relatively good condition and is projected to need less than $400,000 in maintenance over the next 10 years, the broader issue is one of risk and return.
Continuing to invest at this scale into a structure that is at the end of its life does not represent a strong return on investment. As buildings age, costs become less predictable, cost overruns are more likely, and service disruptions become more frequent. Over a 20-year horizon, the City would be assuming significant financial risk and still face the likelihood of eventual replacement. Given the high usage of the facility, a more comprehensive and sustainable solution will ultimately be needed.
The second major finding is that the City’s other facilities also require significantly higher annual contributions than we are currently making.
For buildings, parks, and trails combined, the assessment shows that sinking fund contributions should start at approximately $820,000 per year, increasing annually by 3.5%. Current contributions total about $320,000, leaving an annual gap of $500,000.
That said, there are opportunities to mitigate some of that cost.
Community Park and Buckeye Fields will both require major capital projects within the next 3–6 years. If the City seeds the parks sinking fund with $2.25 million from excess reserves, the required annual contribution drops from $220,000 to about $130,000 per year—an annual savings of roughly $90,000.
Similarly, Community Park trails will require more than $170,000 in capital work over the next 3–5 years.
Because of the short timeframe and higher costs, a funding shortfall would otherwise occur within the next 3–10 years. Staff therefore recommends seeding the trail sinking fund with $75,000 to cover nearterm needs while still meeting the full 20-year funding target.
Based on the assessment, staff is recommending the following actions.
First, fund the Library, Police Offices, Corporation Yard, and Parks and Trails sinking funds at the identified levels, with annual 3.5% inflationary adjustments. Consistent with Finance Subcommittee direction, these amounts have already been incorporated into the FY 2025-26 budget, which I’ll discuss under the next item.
Second, begin policy-level discussions about options for potential replacement or reconstruction of the Community Center.
Third, continue contributing $125,000 per year to the Community Center to address immediate health and safety needs and to fund necessary capital maintenance for the Jennifer Russell Building.
Fourth, inventory roadway- and pathway-related infrastructure so appropriate sinking fund contributions can be established for those assets as well.
And finally, update the facilities assessment every 5 to 7 years to ensure that funding levels remain aligned with actual conditions and costs.
Mayor Anduri confirmed there were no questions from Councilmembers. He then opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
City Council Minutes Page 13 of 18 January 26, 2026
Mayor Anduri thanked Ms. Robinson for preparing the parks capital maintenance report, noting its value in identifying priorities for maintaining existing assets. He suggested reviewing the first four items but deferring any decision, as adopting the budget would already reflect those recommendations. He confirmed with Director Katayanagi that the proposed $2.25 million to seed sinking funds for parks capital maintenance covers Community Fields and Buckeye Fields, addressing infrastructure such as parking lots, restrooms, snack facilities, pavement, and drainage. Mayor Anduri clarified that this funding does not include major ballfield improvements, synthetic turf, or other enhancements.
PTR Director Jonathan Katayanagi confirmed that the capital assessment focuses on existing facilities and their current condition, excluding potential improvements or upgrades discussed separately, such as synthetic turf or parity enhancements between the fields.
Vice Mayor McCormick stated that the report aligns with the spirit of Measure H, providing the City a framework to maintain fiscal responsibility. He thanked Ms. Robinson for her efforts in advancing the report, acknowledged that the financial figures are significant, but emphasized the importance of having this assessment. He supported moving to the final recommendation to keep the report updated on a 5- to 7-year cycle.
Mayor Anduri said the fifth recommendation was “Begin discussion on options for potential replacement or reconstruction of the Community Center.” He recommended that until February 20th they keep that with the Finance Subcommittee and ask that staff come prepared with a little more detail as to what the options might be for replacement of the Community Center and rough estimates of what it might cost so they get a sense of what options and costs might be.
Councilmember Wotherspoon said she would be interested in perhaps some analysis about alternative locations and looking at maybe a more central location.
Vice Mayor McCormick said he would also be curious that by allocating the $125,000 they are basically saying the current building is not the long-term solution and will have an end of life. He questioned how long putting in $125,000 a year could they expect the building to last. Mayor Anduri added also that they should ask how long they can reasonably expect to do that.
Councilmember Candell asked if this would also be the time for the February 20th meeting to bring the concept of more fields as long as they are discussing the Community Center. Mayor Anduri said yes, and Councilmembers agreed with comments on the Community Center.
Mayor Anduri referred to number 6; “Inventory roadway and pathway related infrastructure – determine appropriate sinking fund contributions.” His first question is what is anticipated this would cost. Knowing the cost of this survey, it was very reasonable for what they got.
Ms. Robinson said she would estimate less because what they are talking about are not buildings per se.
Those are complicated structures with a lot of things inside. At this point, they are talking about streetlights, stoplights, potential pathways, retaining walls, and those are not complicated structures and a lot of it would be inventorying them and getting some basic information so it will not be as complicated as what they just did. She can come back to the Council and do a budget adjustment or if it is not that much, it is possible they could absorb it into the current budget.
City Council Minutes Page 14 of 18 January 26, 2026
Also, it might take a while to get on their schedule so it might be something they budget for in the next fiscal year, but she can talk with them and return with a number. This one only cost $45,000 which was a bargain and they have access to their database on-going so she wanted to mention that updating these every 5 to 7 years will not be at that magnitude either because they have already done a lot of the upfront work, so it is just an update.
Mayor Anduri said he would be in favor of directing the Assistant City Manager to proceed with that study whenever it can be scheduled. It would be nice to have the information for the next fiscal year or by June.
Councilmembers agreed and he confirmed with staff a motion was needed.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (McCormick/Candell) to: 1) Contribute $730K annually to sinking funds for Library, Police Offices, Corporation Yard, Parks, and Trails each year, increasing by 3.5% annually for inflation. 2) Contribute an additional $2.25M to “seed” sinking funds for parks capital maintenance. 3) Contribute an additional $75K to “seed” the trails capital maintenance fund. 4) Continue to contribute $125,000 per year to the Community Center to address current health and safety needs as well as provide funds for capital maintenance required for the Jennifer Russell Building. 5) Begin discussions on options for potential replacement or reconstruction of the Community Center. 6) Proceed to Inventory roadway- and pathway-related infrastructure to determine appropriate annual sinking fund contributions. 7) Update the facilities assessment study every 5-7 years to ensure that sufficient funding is being applied for capital maintenance expenses. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 4-0-1 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Wotherspoon; Noes: None; Absent: Cervantes).
3. FY2025-2026 Final Municipal Budget
Recommendation: 1) Based on the assessment analysis and as recommended by the Finance Subcommittee:
a. Seed the parks capital maintenance sinking fund with $2.25M of reserves - $1.425M from the General Fund reserves and $825K from Measure H.
b. Seed the trails capital maintenance sinking fund with $75 from General Fund reserves c. Increase the annual amounts contributed to capital facility sinking funds by $410K d. Index contributions by 3.5% per year to account for inflation 2) Begin to consider options for replacing or reconstruction a new Community Center. 3) Adopt Resolution 2026-06 Adopting the Final Budget and Workplan for FY25-26.
Assistant City Manager Tracy Robinson said the passage of Measure H half cent sales tax has given the City much needed breathing room to continue providing services at current levels for at least the next 6 years.
Overall, the City remains in very strong financial health, with a General Fund balance of $22.6 million as of June 30, 2025—equal to roughly 114% of annual General Fund expenditures.
It’s important to note, however, that this unusually high balance was driven largely by timing. Several large projects were carried forward from the prior year, and there were savings from unfilled staff positions. In addition, the Finance Subcommittee recommended significant investments in deferred maintenance, which have now been incorporated into the FY 2025-26 budget, as discussed earlier.
As a result, the General Fund reserve at the end of FY 2025-26 is projected to be $17.5 million, or about 71% of annual expenditures. That is still well above the City’s 60% reserve target—by approximately $2.7 million.
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Looking ahead, the 5-year forecast shows that the City can maintain a 60% reserve through FY 2029-30.
That said, small but gradually increasing deficits begin to appear starting in FY 2026-27, which underscores the importance of continued fiscal discipline.
The Manager’s memo details all changes made in the Final Budget, but I want to briefly highlight 4 significant items.
First, all sinking funds related to deferred maintenance—including city-owned buildings, parks, and trails—have been consolidated into Fund 16. Any capital expenditures for this infrastructure will also be budgeted in Fund 16.
Second, a new Measure H fund—Fund 10—has been created. While this fund remains part of the General Fund from an accounting perspective, it allows Measure H revenues, expenditures, and transfers to be tracked explicitly. Any unspent balance will continue to count toward the General Fund reserve. This change improves transparency and accountability.
Third, in addition to the regular Measure H transfers for roads, stormwater pollution control, core area maintenance, insurance, and police services, $1.25 million was transferred to Public Facilities Fund 16 as part of the $2.25 million in seed funding for deferred maintenance, consistent with Finance Subcommittee recommendations.
Fourth, $1.425M was transferred from the General Fund to Fund 16 as part of the $2.25M seed funding for deferred park maintenance; $427.5K for half the annual sinking fund contribution (the other half comes from Measure H); and $75K for the trails maintenance seed fund.
Finally, while the City is currently in a very strong financial position, this surplus reflects temporary conditions and deliberate fiscal restraint—not the absence of long-term challenges. As Council considers future budgets, it should remain mindful of several issues.
Many of the factors that contributed to the City’s prior structural deficit will continue beyond the expiration of Measure H in 6 years, including funding gaps for core area maintenance and stormwater pollution programs, rising insurance costs, and the increasing expense of maintaining roads at current PCI levels.
As discussed earlier, the facilities assessment confirmed that deferred maintenance across City buildings and facilities has been significantly underfunded and does not yet include all ancillary infrastructure.
And finally, not only will there need to be a significant investment into the community center, there continues to be strong community demand for additional recreation facilities, ballfields, downtown parks, and open space—needs that will require both capital investment and ongoing operating resources.
Mayor Anduri confirmed there were not Councilmember questions. He then opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
City Council Minutes Page 16 of 18 January 26, 2026
Mayor Anduri expressed appreciation to staff and residents for supporting Measure H, highlighting that it enables the City to maintain existing services without expansion. The recent study confirms that continuing current services is feasible over the next five years, though challenges remain, particularly regarding the Community Center and recreational facilities, including playing fields and pickleball courts.
Current capital assessments do not account for potential improvements, additional fields, or extended usage, leaving the City under-provided compared to neighboring communities. Future considerations may include budgeting for wildfire mitigation and other priorities.
Vice Mayor McCormick acknowledged staff and Mayor Anduri, noting the City’s strong financial position and the importance of careful budgeting. Councilmember Candell thanked staff for maintaining responsible financial management, and Councilmember Wotherspoon commended the thorough budget and facilities analysis while recognizing the 65% of voters who supported Measure H for their trust in the City.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (McCormick/Candell) to adopt Resolution 2026-06 Adopting the Final Budget and Workplan for FY25-26. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 4-0-1 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Wotherspoon; Noes:
None; Absent: Cervantes).
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
13. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT – None.
14. COUNCIL / COMMISSION REPORTS
A. Councilmembers report on activities and consideration of matters a Councilmember wishes to initiate for placement on a future agenda.
Mayor Anduri asked for any items for future agendas, noting the Council has received a communication from the Chamber of Commerce asking them to look into food trucks and he suggested putting this on the next meeting’s agenda.
Vice Mayor McCormick reported on his participation in the League of California Cities E-Bike Safety Roundtable, noting that while the City’s current education-focused approach is appropriate, enforcement challenges and the widespread availability of high-powered e-bikes remains of concern. He highlighted AB 1224, a San Diego County pilot program allowing cities to ban e-bike use by children under 12, which has been largely successful and simplifies enforcement. He emphasized the need for statewide, consistent e-bike regulations to prevent injuries and suggested the Legislative Committee explore ways to accelerate or expand such programs.
Mayor Anduri turned to reports on activities and said in December, he would like to broaden this a bit so Councilmembers think about what they may have participated in as it relates to their committees and commissions where if they were no involved they would want to know about.
Councilmember Wotherspoon reported attending the Creeks Committee meeting last Wednesday. They have a new member who has brought forth some plans and proposals for involving youth in some of the creeks work, educational work, etc. and it was great.
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Vice Mayor McCormick said the same day the City Manager was attending the Housing policy meeting he attended the Environmental Quality Policy Committee in Sacramento last week. The number one thing the Policy Committee is working on is wildfire preparedness. He asked to add the notion of adding RHNA sensitivity to wildfire which was approved.
Mayor Anduri reported they are still scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd for their first welcome event in the Don Tatzin Hall. They will have 18 tables and more than 18 organizations ready to meet with relatively new residents to Lafayette. They do not have any indication about how many people will come and he is looking forward to it.
He also asked to mark calendars for June 29th, the 5th Monday in June, for the “State of the City” presentation and recognition of Commissioners and Committee members, noting it will be similar to last year’s event starting at 6 p.m.
B. Councilmembers Cervantes and Vice Mayor McCormick
Resolution 2026-11 Appointing a member to the Emergency Preparedness Commission Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-11 Appointing a member to the Emergency Preparedness Commission.
Vice Mayor McCormick reported they had an opening on the commission, held interviews and had two excellent candidates, and the committee was unanimous recommending Jean Follmer be appointed to the Emergency Preparedness Commission. She attends Commission meetings, understands what is going on, and it was a delight to speak with both candidates.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (McCormick/Wotherspoon) to adopt Resolution 2026-11 appointing Jean Follmer to the Emergency Preparedness Commission. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 4-0-1 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Wotherspoon; Noes: None; Absent: Cervantes).
15. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
A. E-mail from Nancy Hu resigning from the Environmental Task Force.
Recommendation: Accept with regret and thank Ms. Hu for eight years of volunteer service.
Mayor Anduri stated Nancy Hu has resigned from the Environmental Task Force who has been on the task force for 8 years, has served as Chair for a number of years and has been an exemplary volunteer, and the Council thanks her for her service.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Wotherspoon/Candell) to accept with regret and thank Ms. Hu for eight years of volunteer service. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 4-0-1 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Wotherspoon; Noes:
None; Absent: Cervantes).
16. ADJOURNMENT – 8:11 pm in memory of Renee Nicole Wood and Alex Jeffrey Pretti.
City Council Minutes Page 18 of 18 January 26, 2026
APPROVED:
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Carl Anduri, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Joanne Robbins, City Clerk