City Council, Youth Services Commission and Page 1 of 13 March 9, 2026 Transportation and Circulation Commission Minutes
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City of Lafayette
City Council
Minutes
Lafayette Library and Learning Center – Don Tatzin Community Hall March 9, 2026 3491 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California 6:30 p.m.
As a courtesy, and technology permitting, members of the public may participate virtually. However, the City cannot guarantee that the public’s access to teleconferencing technology will be uninterrupted, and technical difficulties may occur from time to time. Unless required by the Brown Act, City Council/Board meetings will continue despite technical difficulties for participants using the teleconferencing (Zoom) option. To participate virtually in the City of Lafayette’s public meetings and provide public comment, please follow these steps:
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1. CALL TO ORDER – 6:30 P.M.
Mayor Anduri the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: City Council: Mayor Anduri, Vice Mayor McCormick; Councilmembers Candell, Cervantes, and Wotherspoon
Absent: None
Present: Youth Services Commission: Co-Chair Addy Stevens, Co-Chair Miela Hsu
Present: Transportation and Circulation Commission: Chair Bart Carr; Commissioners Lynn Hiden, and Anthony Ratner
Staff Present: Niroop Srivatsa, City Manager; Tracy Robinson, Assistant City Manager; Kraig Tambornini; Patrick Golier, Transportation Program Manager; Mala Subramanian, City Attorney; Joanne Robbins, City Clerk
Disclosure and/or Take Action on Remote Participation due to Just Cause or Emergency Circumstances Pursuant to AB 2449 (Gov. Code section 54953(f).)
3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mayor Anduri removed Item 16.B from the agenda.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Candell/Cervantes) to adopt the agenda, as amended. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 5-0 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Cervantes, Wotherspoon; Noes: None).
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS ON THE CLOSED SESSION – 6:30 P.M. – None.
5. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation
Gov. Code section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Housing Action Coalition vs. City of Lafayette
Contra Costa Superior Court, Case No. C25-0512
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Anduri announced there was no reportable action taken in Closed Session.
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Anduri led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. Mayor Anduri – Land Acknowledgement Statement
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We acknowledge that Lafayette is part of the unceded, ancestral homeland of the Bay Miwok people. The Bay Miwok and neighboring Ohlone people have lived in and moved through this place for thousands of years. They stewarded and shaped this land for hundreds of generations. We express our appreciation and gratitude for this profound legacy, which enhances and contributes to our lives to this day. We will strive to honor this land and strengthen our ties with the Indigenous communities that continue to live and work in our East Bay region as our neighbors and community members. We acknowledge and honor them and their ancestors, elders, and next seven generations.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS (For items not on the agenda) – None.
9. CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
City Manager Niroop Srivatsa gave the following update:
• The PAC will host Poetry for the Ages on April 21st at noon. It is a salon style poetry reading, celebrating National Poetry Month at the Town Hall Theater. For those poets, please submit your work to Jenny Rosen, Staff Liaison to the PAC.
• This Thursday, the City’s Management Team will meet to kick off the budget process by reviewing the City Council’s priorities for FY 26/27 and developing departmental work plans to support the Council’s priorities.
• On March 1st, the Lamorinda Muslim community temporarily installed a crescent moon sculpture in Lafayette Plaza to welcome Ramadan. LMC commissioned Bushra Gill to create a threedimensional sculpture which symbolizes the beginning of Ramadan. You can stop by Lafayette Plaza to see the display through March 20th which coincides with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
10. PRESENTATIONS
A. Morgan Dayley, Managing Director of the Town Hall Theatre Lafayette Civic Values: Lifelong Learning and the Arts
Recommendation: Receive and file.
Mayor Anduri introduced the item and said Lafayette’s Mission Statement calls out its commitment to lifelong learning and through the City’s Public Art Committee and its newly expanded focus, the City seeks to embed the arts in their civic life and in the fabric of their community. During the next two years, they will help strengthen those civic values of presentations at the beginning of the first Council meeting of each month by an arts organization or an organization that offers lifelong learning opportunities. This month’s featured organization is both of those. Morgan Dayley, Managing Director of the town Hall Theatre, will talk about the Town Hall Theatre as a venue for the arts and about the opportunities the Town Hall Theater provides for lifelong learning.
Morgan Dayley, Managing Director of Town Hall Theatre, addressed the Council and introduced Brian Foley, a member of the Theatre’s Board of Directors, and Colette Hudson, a member of the Town Hall team. Ms. Dayley expressed appreciation to the Council for its ongoing commitment to the arts and lifelong learning and noted that, despite her relatively short tenure, she has observed Lafayette to be a supportive community that values nonprofit organizations and the arts.
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Ms. Dayley provided historical context for Town Hall Theatre, explaining that the organization was established in 1944 as the Dramateur and reorganized in 1992 as the Town Hall Theatre Company of Lafayette. It is now the oldest continuously active theatre company in Contra Costa County. The theatre operates in a 110-year-old historic building that has hosted a variety of performing arts groups over the decades, including the Lafayette Play Shop, which began staging performances in 1941, shortly before the United States entered World War II. During the war years, Town Hall supported national efforts. Other groups, including the Straw Hat Review, also performed in the space before the organization evolved into the Dramateur and later the Town Hall Theatre Company. The theatre has received numerous Shelley Awards and continues to serve audiences of all ages.
Ms. Dayley emphasized that Town Hall Theatre serves not only as a performance venue but also as a community gathering space where residents can learn, collaborate, and share stories. The theatre provides opportunities for participation through performances, adult improv classes, and live music and comedy events, serving hundreds of students, artists, volunteers, and audience members each season.
Programming is organized into three primary areas: main stage productions, education programs, and community co-productions. Through youth camps, school-based programming, and adult engagement opportunities, Town Hall brings together individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds to explore creativity and performance.
The theatre produces four main stage shows annually and is committed to accessibility by offering paywhat-you-can performances. Its educational programs help young people build confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and empathy while encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
Ms. Dayley also noted that Town Hall Theatre contributes to the community both culturally and economically. Through partnerships with organizations such as Front Porch Music and the Lamorinda Arts Council’s Poetry Through the Ages program, the theatre attracts audiences from Lafayette and surrounding communities, supporting local restaurants, shops, and businesses.
In closing, Ms. Dayley highlighted the theatre’s role in fostering community connection. She noted that shared live experiences bring together performers, audiences, volunteers, and families, helping strengthen community bonds. On behalf of Town Hall Theatre, she thanked the Council, as well as the organization’s students, volunteers, artists, and staff, for their support of the arts and lifelong learning in Lafayette and expressed gratitude to be part of a community that values creativity, education, and culture.
She concluded by offering to answer any questions.
Councilmember McCormick shared that both of his children participated in Town Hall Theatre’s education programs, as well as Lamorinda music camps and classes. He remarked on the high level of enthusiasm among the students, noting the vibrant energy created when groups of young performers come together.
He expressed appreciation to Ms. Dayley and the theatre for the positive impact they have on the community. Ms. Dayley responded that many students initially arrive feeling shy but gradually build confidence and skills through the theatre’s supportive, process-based learning environment.
Councilmember Wotherspoon also noted that her family had been involved with Town Hall Theatre, sharing that her daughter performed in several productions. She described the experience as very positive and praised both the quality of the performances and the educational value provided to participants.
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Councilmember Cervantes commented that both of his children had also participated in the program. He asked Ms. Dayley about any opportunities or challenges the City should be aware of regarding Town Hall Theatre’s future.
Ms. Dayley explained that since beginning her role in June, one of her priorities has been encouraging the community to return to and engage with the theatre space. She noted that the theatre currently offers a robust rental program that includes events such as birthday parties and performances by magicians— activities that may not traditionally be part of a theatre company but help ensure the space remains accessible and serves the broader community. She encouraged residents to attend upcoming events, noting that the theatre hosts activities nearly every weekend and is committed to strengthening community engagement.
Councilmember Candell added that her children also participated in Town Hall Theatre programs.
Mayor Anduri thanked Ms. Dayley for her presentation and reminded attendees that the Council’s presentations are recorded and available on the City’s website. He noted that the Council has recently heard from the City’s Public Art Committee and the Park Theater Trust, and that the following week’s presentation will be from the Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period. There were no speakers.
B. Tracy Robinson, Assistant City Manager
Introduction of Kraig Tambornini, Senior Planner
Recommendation: Receive and file.
Assistant City Manager Tracy Robinson introduced Kraig Tambornini as the City’s new Senior Planner, highlighting his background in public service and education, as well as his personal interest in cosmology.
She welcomed him to the City of Lafayette.
Senior Planner Kraig Tambornini expressed his enthusiasm for joining the City and stated that he looks forward to working with City staff, commissions, committees, and the City Council.
Mayor Anduri and the Councilmembers welcomed Mr. Tambornini and expressed their support as he begins his role with the City of Lafayette.
C. Youth Commission
Annual Update
Recommendation: Receive and file.
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Youth Services Commission Co-Chairs Miela Hsu and Addy Stevens, who have each served approximately six and a half years on the Commission, provided their annual update through a PowerPoint presentation.
They highlighted several community events and initiatives organized or supported by the Commission over the past year, including participation in the City’s Earth Day celebration in April; the Family Dance and Community Day in May, the latter in partnership with the Senior Services Commission; and the annual Haunted House event, which featured a “haunted campground” theme with a ranger station and a National Park–style scavenger hunt. They also described their involvement in the Santa’s Sleigh Craft Fair in December, where the Commission hosted a photo booth, craft-making activities, and letter-writing stations, as well as coordinating Adopt-a-Family and Toys for Tots efforts during the holiday season. In addition, they successfully revived the Tri-City Dance, which featured a Hollywood-themed event.
Councilmember McCormick thanked the Commission for its work and asked how the group is preparing the next generation of leaders as the current co-chairs prepare to graduate. Ms. Hsu noted that the Commission has welcomed many new associates and that there is strong interest from middle school and early high school students, many of whom could become future leaders. Ms. Stevens added that the Commission recently conducted interviews to onboard new commissioners and associates and has been encouraged by the high level of interest and enthusiasm.
Councilmember Wotherspoon expressed appreciation for the Commission’s efforts and acknowledged the significant work required to organize these events. She praised Ms. Stevens’ leadership in coordinating the Haunted House and for engaging community members beyond the Commission to participate in the production. She also recognized Commissioner Marley Oh, who initially participated in the Haunted House before later joining the Commission.
Councilmember Candell commended the Commission for its accomplishments and thanked all members for their contributions to the community. Councilmember Cervantes also expressed appreciation for the Commission’s work and noted that he had participated in interviews with prospective members and was impressed by the energy and talent of the applicants. He asked whether there are additional ways the City could help increase youth engagement. Ms. Hsu stated that the Commission values the Council’s support and would welcome opportunities to collaborate with other City commissions and expand outreach efforts. Ms. Stevens added that Councilmembers are always welcome to attend events such as the Haunted House or participate in future activities like a trick-or-treat experience.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
Mayor Anduri echoed the appreciation expressed by Councilmembers for the Youth Services Commission’s work and the positive impact of their programs and events on the community. He commended the students for their dedication and contributions and noted that their efforts are greatly valued. The Mayor also acknowledged that the graduating student leaders will be missed and wished them success in their future college endeavors.
D. Transportation and Circulation Commission
Annual Update
Recommendation: Receive and file.
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Chair Bart Carr gave the Annual update and Work Plan for the Transportation and Circulation Commission (Trans/Circ). He introduced Commissioners Michele Sahar as Vice Chair who took over for Stella Wotherspoon, Greg Brown, Lynn Hiden, Mark Dreger, Mario DiPrisco, and Tony Ratner. This is the first time in a long time they have had full membership and they are expertly supported by Transportation and Circulation Program Manager Patrick Golier.
Chair Carr presented and described 2025 Accomplishments:
• Connecting Lafayette-Downtown Pathways and School Safety Project; • Traffic Calming Program – Reviewed and supported Glen Road and Glenside Road speed hump projects;
• Mt. Diablo Boulevard Right-Turn-on-Red Restrictions-report from consultants and Commission comments on potential right-turn restrictions at three busy intersections along Mt. Diablo Blvd (First Street, Oak Hill Road, and Moraga Road);
• BART Town Center Bike Station Project, which will include a new shared use bicycle and pedestrian pathway connecting the south side of the BART station and Town Center, a new plaza between the pathway and BART entrance, a new passenger vehicle turnaround featuring a suspended public art installation, and a new unattended bike station providing secure parking for 82 bicycles; and
• E-Bike Safety Subcommittee work of Mark Dreger, Tony Ratner and Bart Carr that serves as an advisory committee to the Lafayette PD in their efforts to address local and regional concerns with e-bike safety;
Trans/Circ Commission 2026 Work Plan:
• Lafayette Aqueduct Pathway on the EBMUD right-of-way and extension of the pathway from Dolores to Pleasant Hill Road;
• The Smart Signals Project-upgrade to traffic signals and interconnecting them, making them smarter to help optimize traffic flow;
• Downtown Parking Management Study to identify strategies to achieve a balance between the parking supply and demand;
• Mt. Diablo Corridor Multi-Modal Mobility Plan will look for ways to expand multi-modal options for all users in the downtown area. This study will include two sub-studies that have previously been initiated;
o Moraga Road planning exercise that will consider changes that can be made to portions of Moraga Road to make it more accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists. o Right-turn-on-red restrictions on Mt. Diablo Boulevard. • BART Station Access and Circulation Analysis—looking at access routes for pedestrians and bicyclists within one-half mile radius of BART to identify any gaps and ways to bridge gaps. The study will help the City become compliant with MTC Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) policies; • Update to the City’s Circulation Element, to be led by the Planning Department and GPAC; and • The Active Transportation Master Plan—to update the existing Bike Plan and Walkways Master Plan and join those two together in one update, which is grant-dependent.
On-Going Programs:
• Response to Transportation Action Requests (TARs);
• Considering staff recommended traffic calming projects; City Council, Youth Services Commission and Page 8 of 13 March 9, 2026 Transportation and Circulation Commission Minutes
• Review of large development applications;
• Consideration of grant funding opportunities; and
• Ribbon-cuttings dependent upon completion of construction include: the Lafayette Town Center Pathway and BARTBike Station project, Connecting Lafayette project.
Councilmember Wotherspoon thanked the Trans/Circ Commission for their thorough work, particularly noting the detailed analysis provided in the right-turn-on-red restriction report, as well as the parking study and other projects.
Councilmember Candell echoed this appreciation and referenced the recently finalized TOC policy; City Manager Srivatsa noted that Planning staff is reviewing the policy and will provide a report to Council.
Mayor Anduri shared an update from the Mayors’ Conference, stating that of $700 million in funds, $45 million will be allocated for those meeting specific targets, while the remainder will not require that process.
Councilmember Candell requested an update on the School Street and Topper Lane Project. Mr. Golier explained that the project is managed by Laurie Sucgang, the City’s new Senior Engineer, and that environmental review is ongoing due to cultural resource considerations. Construction timing is pending resolution of these issues. City Manager Srivatsa added that as a federally funded Caltrans project, the City must follow the federal process; utility relocations are planned this year, with actual construction expected to begin next year.
Vice Mayor McCormick praised the Commission, noting the new mix of members, while Councilmember Cervantes acknowledged the volume of ongoing work and referred to the timeline chart, expecting the latter part of this year’s work to be presented to Council. Mr. Golier indicated that much of the work is linked to the upcoming multi-modal mobility study, which is expected to launch in the summer. He also provided an update on the MTC Study of TOC BART Access and Circulation, noting a kickoff with the consultant team occurred recently, and confirmed that the BART project began in early February.
Regarding the Aqueduct Pathway, Mr. Golier confirmed that staff aims to complete the fully funded design work by the end of the calendar year. On integrating the Active Transportation Master Plan with the multimodal mobility plan, he noted that timing is slightly misaligned: the Active Transportation Plan, if funded through a Caltrans grant application, would start after the multi-modal study, which focuses on downtown bike and pedestrian routes, and will subsequently layer additional citywide elements.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Anduri requested the removal of Item 11.A and asked if Councilmembers or member of the public wished to remove any other items, and there were no requests and no public comments.
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B. Adoption of Ordinance 698 Adopting the (1) 2025 California Building Code with appendices C, I, and P; (2) 2025 California Residential Code with appendices BB, BF, BJ, and CI; (3) 2025 California Electrical Code; (4) 2025 California Mechanical Code; (5) 2025 California Plumbing Code; (6) 2025 California Energy Code; (7) 2025 California Historical Building Code; (8) 2025 California Existing Building Code;(9) 2025 California Green Building Standards Code; and (10) Contra Costa County Ordinance No. 2025-19, with changes, additions and deletions Recommendation: Waive second reading of Ordinance 698; determine that the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA; and adopt Ordinance 698, thereby adopting the 2025 Building Standards Code as modified by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.
C. Adoption of Ordinance 700 adding Chapter 2-19, “Electronic Filing of Campaign Disclosure Statements,” to Title 2 (“Administration”) of the Lafayette Municipal Code to require electronic filing of campaign finance disclosure statements pursuant to Government Code Section 84615 and determining the Ordinance to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Recommendation: Waive second reading Ordinance 700; determine that the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA; and adopt Ordinance 700.
D. Settlement Agreement between Robert McClain and the City of Lafayette Regarding Litigation associated with Surcharge Fees
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute the Settlement Agreement to settle McClain V. City of Lafayette et al, in Contra Costa County Superior Court, Case No. N23-1644.
E. Budget Change Order #2 for Objective Design Standards (ODS) Phase 2 to Allow for Additional Meetings and Review
Recommendation: Approve Change Order #2 to the Lisa Wise Consulting contract.
F. Comprehensive Fee Studies
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to select a consultant and execute an agreement for a Comprehensive Fee Study and Cost Allocation Plan in an amount not to exceed $50,000, utilizing funds previously authorized by the City Council for the Development Impact Fee Nexus Study and Fee Update.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (McCormick/Wotherspoon) to adopt Consent Calendar Items B,C, D, E, and F. Roll Call Vote: 5-0 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Cervantes, Wotherspoon; Noes: None).
12. OLD BUSINESS – None.
13. STAFF REPORTS – None.
14. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None.
15. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT
A. City Council Minutes
February 23, 2026
Recommendation: Approve.
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Mayor Anduri referred to page 3; and even though it was agendized, he asked to strike the reference to the Land Acknowledgement Statement because this is done during the first meeting of each month.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Wotherspoon/Candell) to adopt Consent Calendar A, as amended. Roll Call Vote:
5-0 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Cervantes, Wotherspoon; Noes: None).
16. COUNCIL / COMMISSION REPORTS
A. Councilmembers report on activities and consideration of matters a Councilmember wishes to initiate for placement on a future agenda.
• DEIB Committee: Councilmember Candell reported an event on April 11 at Acalanes High School to celebrate committee leaders. Mayor Anduri will attend, and the City Clerk will issue a proclamation. The committee is formalizing as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to receive City funding, with the Community Foundation of Lafayette acting as a temporary fiscal agent until June 30. • Emergency Preparedness & Community Engagement: Vice Mayor McCormick highlighted Burton Valley’s certification as a Firewise neighborhood (917 homes, 3,000 residents). He also noted participation in the upcoming Citizens Police Academy and attendance at an IFTAR dinner hosted by the DEIB Committee and local Muslim community. Councilmember Candell confirmed a letter was sent to Senator Grayson supporting wildfire-related budget requests. • BART Updates: Councilmember Wotherspoon shared that if a November measure fails, BART will implement budget cuts and fare increases in January 2027, delaying station closures to FY 2027/28. Low-revenue stations are prioritized for potential closure. She also reported on roadwork at Brown Avenue and El Nido Ranch Road, expected to involve at least partial lane closures. Coordination for a Tri-Cities meeting featuring BART is underway. • City/Schools Subcommittee: Councilmember Wotherspoon reported ongoing deficit spending in Lafayette and Acalanes school districts, with proposed cuts affecting instructional staff. Both districts are considering ballot measures to address funding shortfalls. She also noted that the Lafayette School District plans to delete the crossing guard program and contract management, independent of any measure outcomes.
• City Events and Recognitions: A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for the All-Ages Recreation Downtown-Aardvark’s Den. Mayor Anduri attended several community and educational events, including the Measure H Oversight Committee, IFTAR dinner, Good Character Awards, Mayors’ Conference, and LPI Gala. Vice Mayor McCormick highlighted the upcoming Citizen of the Year dinner for Carol Singer.
B. Councilmember Wotherspoon and Mayor Anduri
Resolution 2026-18 Appointing one member to the Environmental Task Force Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-18 appointing one member to the Environmental Task Force.
Item 16B was removed.
C. Mayor Anduri
Resolution No. 2026-19 Formalizing the policy for the election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor Recommendation: Discuss and adopt Resolution 2026-19 Policy for the election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor.
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Mayor Anduri noted there is no urgency to do this, however, the resolution was prepared from a transparency standpoint on how the City chooses its Mayor and Vice Mayor. He thanked the City Clerk for preparing the resolution and adding some important parts to it.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
Councilmember Cervantes said he appreciates the thoughtfulness that went into this. He also likes having done this while the “waters are calm.” Mayor Anduri thanked the City of Walnut Creek that put this out and he had asked and confirmed there have been no glitches with the policy and confirmed it has been working fine.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Cervantes/Candell) to adopt Resolution 2026-19 Policy for the election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 5-0 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Cervantes, Wotherspoon; Noes: None).
D. Councilmembers Candell and Cervantes
1. Legislative Platform for 2026
Recommendation: Approve the amended legislative platform for 2026.
Councilmember Candell said the only thing that changed on the Legislative Platform for 2026 was adding the statement about “Monitoring legislation related to E-bikes and other electric mobility devices, including classification, age restriction, safety standards, enforcement authority, and local control over use of public rights-of-way, parks and trails.”
2. Bills of Local importance
a. AB 2346 (Wilson) – E-Bike speed limits
Recommendation: Support
b. SB 922 (Laird) – Franchise fees for local road improvements Recommendation: Support.
Councilmember Candell asked if Casey Elliott could provide a summary of the two bills. There was a third bill that was part of their meeting and they decided to take a different action and will return once done.
Casey Elliott, Townsend Public Affairs, said as it relates to AB 2346 (Wilson), she is the Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee and the Committee will look at a number of bills this year that deal with E-bike safety. This is her measure which is in large part issued from the Mineta Transportation Institute. Her bill starts in 2029; it would require that all E-bikes sold in California are equipped with a speedometer as well as front and rear lighting for safety and visibility. It would also require manufacturers and distributors selling E-bikes to provide consumers with a summary of State laws and regulations. The measure would also require retailers to disclose what type of E-bike they are selling and the maximum speed, battery wattage, any age restrictions, helmet restrictions applicable to the classification of bike. It would impose civil penalties on manufacturers and distributors that violate these laws.
Additionally, the measure authorizes local jurisdictions to adopt overall speed limits for E-bikes both on bike paths and multi-use paths. It imposes state-wide speed limit of 15 mph on an E-bike for any rider aged 15 and younger and it also sets a state-wide speed limit of 5 mph when riding any E-bike on a sidewalk.
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The second bill, SB 922 (Laird) is in response to a court case that came up last year in the City of Redlands related to the use of franchise fees. The court found that Redlands, as well as applicable in many other jurisdictions including Lafayette, was in violation of a 40+ year old Vehicle Code Section by using the revenues generated from their waste-hauling franchise agreements for road maintenance.
He explained that there is an archaic Vehicle Code Section that had nothing to do with the topic at hand that says cities cannot implement local road taxes. This was cited during the court case as the rationale for not allowing those funds to be used that way. Most public agencies have these type of agreements so this legislation is aimed to clarify that while local governments cannot establish local VMTs or local road taxes, under this circumstance, the use of these funds to mitigate to offset wear and tear caused in providing public services is an acceptable item under the Vehicle Code.
Both bills were presented to the Legislative Committee and the Committee is suggesting support position on both measures.
Councilmember Wotherspoon said she noticed in the Legislative Platform for Housing-10 and Emergency Preparedness-2, it just states “high fire hazard areas.” She asked if this is the Cal Fire High Fire Hazard Severity Zone definition. And, if it is, this should be made explicit.
Councilmember Candell said she thinks it is more of a generic term as a description and not a classification.
Mayor Anduri suggested deleting “high” because there are fire hazard zones and they are very high, high, and moderate. Councilmember Candell said they will think about better language for this.
Councilmember Wotherspoon referred to AB 2346 and she commented that integrated front lamps are very important to have lights on the bikes for both people encountering them and for rider safety.
However, there is a situation she has seen around town where there are 2 or 3 riders who have a certain type of bike and look more like the E-dirt bike type of style and they have a very big 1970’s VW bug headlight which is a high beam and is a super high-intensity LED. She thinks the regulation will have to catch up with the market because while visibility for bicyclists and of bicyclists it is important, the lights are coming straight out and are frankly blinding.
Councilmember Cervantes said this is a great point to flag and something that Mr. Elliott could take up with the committee consultant or staffer for Assemblymember Wilson. Councilmember Wotherspoon agreed and said she could send Mr. Elliott an email. Germany has a name for these bike lights and how they should be calibrated.
Councilmember Cervantes said there was a long discussion about E-bikes at the legislative session with lots of bills coming out. The EU have standards nailed down and have more restrictions. There is another bill and Assemblymember Wilson is Chair of the Transportation Committee and this may be the bill that rules them all. Councilmember Wotherspoon said she thinks giving cities the ability to regulate speed of E-bikes is a very important component of this.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
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Councilmember Cervantes said with respect to SB 922, there is a dollar amount the franchise fees represent for the City of Lafayette which he believes is over $1 million. City Manager Srivatsa agreed to follow-up and identify the actual amount.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Cervantes/Candell) to approve the amended legislative platform for 2026. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 5-0 (Ayes: Candell, Cervantes, McCormick, Wotherspoon, and Anduri; Noes: None).
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Candell/Cervantes) to approve supporting AB 2346. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 5-0 (Ayes:
Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Cervantes, Wotherspoon; Noes: None).
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Candell/Wotherspoon) to approve supporting SB 922. Call Vote: Vote: 5-0 (Ayes:
Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Cervantes, Wotherspoon; Noes: None).
17. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
A. E-mail from Kristie Rodenbush, resigning from the Creeks Committee.
Recommendation: Accept resignation and thank Kristie Rodenbush for her volunteer service.
Mayor Anduri regrets Ms. Rodenbush’s resignation, hopes she will return, and reported that the committee interviewed for the position.
Mayor Anduri opened the public comment period, and there were no speakers.
ACTION: It was M/S/C (Anduri/Wotherspoon) to accept resignation and thank Kristie Rodenbush for her volunteer service. Roll Call Vote: Vote: 5-0 (Ayes: Anduri, McCormick, Candell, Cervantes, , Wotherspoon; Noes: None).
18. ADJOURNMENT – 8:15 p.m.
APPROVED:
__________________________________
Carl Anduri, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Joanne Robbins, City Clerk