Orinda City Council Minutes Page 1 of 8 12.16.25
DECEMBER 16, 2025
CITY OF ORINDA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Note: Written communications received from the public prior to the start of this meeting can be viewed on the City’s website meeting calendar. They are also kept in the City Clerk’s Office as part of the public record and available upon request ([email protected]). 7:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING– ORINDA LIBRARY AUDITORIUM
A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL:
Mayor Malkani called the Regular Meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Darlene Gee, Cara Hoxie, Janet Riley Mayor Latika Malkani, Vice Mayor Brandyn
Iverson
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Malkani.
C. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION by Councilmember Gee, and seconded by Councilmember Riley, to adopt the agenda. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
D. ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY
D.1 Introduce Amalie Zahradnickova, Tabor Visiting Student and Recognize the Acalanes School District and Miramonte High School for their Educational Support
Bobbi Landers, former Mayor and Councilmember provided a brief background on forming friendships to the world with other countries and described the start of Sister City International. She introduced Acalanes School District Superintendent Dr. John Nickerson and Amalie (Amy) Zahradnickova, visiting student from the Czech Republic for the fall semester, who thanked Bobbi Landers and the Sister City Foundation, Acalanes High School District Superintendent Dr. Nickerson, and the Doust family for making her stay possible.
Ms. Landers then presented Dr. Nickerson with a Letter of Appreciation from the Mayor of Tabor.
Mayor Malkani presented Certificates of Recognition to both Miramonte High School and the Acalanes Union High School District in recognition of hosting visiting students from Tabor for over 25 years.
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Superintendent Dr. Nickerson acknowledged how much the school district and its students benefit, and said it is their pleasure to participate and host students and looks forward to the next 25 years.
Mayor Malkani expressed gratitude to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s and his office who assisted with the Visa process this year.
D.2 Mayor's Award of Excellence - Moraga Orinda Fire District Mayor Malkani presented the Moraga Orinda Fire District with the Mayor’s Award of Excellence, noting the District stands out among the many incredible organizations in Orinda. She highlighted the many joint efforts in disaster readiness exercises, training and on-boarding for new employees, operational improvements which MOFD has advanced this year such as the fully staffed ambulance, collaboration in public education, partnering with police services, wildfire mitigation work, and participation in the City’s joint 2x2 meetings.
She thanked MOFD for its entire team for their dedication, partnership and unwavering service to the Orinda community, read the award into the record and presented the award to Chief Isaacs and also recognized Deputy Chief Lambert who was present.
Fire Chief Isaacs thanked the Council and recognized the leadership of City Manager Linda Smith in working with MOFD.
Director Steve Danziger, MOFD Board of Directors, thanked the Council and City Manager for their leadership and said they look forward to working together in the future.
Director Craig Jorgens, MOFD Board of Directors, echoed thanks, recognized the City Manager for her leadership and thanked the Council for their support in protecting the Orinda community.
Director Mike Roemer, MOFD Board of Directors, said it is an honor and he is humbled and proud to be part of this team. He said this is a great partnership, said they have a lot of work to do in terms of home hardening and defensible space, and asked the Council to keep up the good work.
Mayor Malkani opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers. She commented that one written public comment was received from Steve Cohn.
D.3 Mayor's Award of Excellence - Orinda Tabor Sister City Foundation Mayor Malkani honored the Sister City Foundation and presented the Mayor's Award of Excellence.
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Mayor Malkani asked the Orinda Tabor Sister City Foundation representatives to join her and said it is her honor to present the Mayor’s Award of Excellence to the Orinda Tabor Sister City Foundation. She said last summer she had the opportunity, together with a delegation from Orinda, to visit Tabor, which she described. She spoke of the Orinda Tabor Sister City Foundation who coordinates the competitive process for students to be chosen and noted a lot of work goes into setting this all up.
The Foundation has partnered with the City to bring to the City’s annual Winter Fest and its now annual Gingerbread Decorating Contest to the City. This year’s winning entries are on display at the Library and the Orinda Historical Society. She recognized the leaders in sustaining the Northern California Sister Cities Chapter and held last month hosted the SCI NorCal Annual Conference in Orinda. What struck her the most from their visit to Tabor was the warmth and friendship extended across the globe. She extended thanks to the Orinda Tabor Sister City Foundation and all host families.
Bobbi Landers, on behalf of the Orinda Tabor Sister City Foundation Board, thanked Mayor Malkani for the Award of Excellence. She introduced Bohuslava (Slavka) Ruzicka, Vice President.
Bohuslava (Slavka) Ruzicka, Vice President, recognized the Foundation and the Orinda City Council, spoke of their relationship and participation in events of Tabor, recognized host families, planned events, and invited everybody to Tabor.
Mayor Malkani then presented the Mayor’s Award of Excellence.
Cheryl Chekla said she is the newest member of the organization and said it has been a wonderful honor to work with Bobbie Landers, Slavka, and Chandler, said the students brought over are amazing, and she asked to let her know of interested people that want to be involved and serve as a host family.
E. PUBLIC FORUM
None.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Riley requested removal of Item F.6. There were no other requests for items to be removed or public comments.
F.1 Approval of City Council Minutes
Approve City Council Minutes of December 2, 2025.
F.2 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Audit Report and other compliance reports
Accept the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); Transportation Development Act Funds Report (TDA); Appropriations Limit Report; Report on Internal Controls (ROIC); and Required Communication for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025.
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F.3 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Development Impact Fee (AB 1600) Report Adopt Resolution 66-25 Accepting the FY 2024-25 Development Impact Fee Report and Make Findings Regarding the Continuing Need for Unexpended Balances of Development Impact Fees as of June 30, 2025.
F.4 Local Agency Special Tax and Bond Accountability Act (SB 165) Report FY 2024-25
Receive and file the Special Tax and Accountability Act Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025.
F.5 Introduction of Ordinance - Changes to the Orinda Municipal Code to Reflect 2025 California Building Code Update
Introduce Ordinance 25-07, which includes a determination that it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), waiving a full reading.
MOTION by Councilmember Hoxie moved, and seconded by Councilmember Gee to approve Consent Calendar Items F.1, F.2, F.3, F.4, and F.5. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
Item Removed from the Consent Calendar:
F.6 Camino Pablo Median Landscape Improvements Project (Project No. 5019) Design Approval and Construction Contract
Councilmember Riley expressed support for the item while noting that the median landscaping details are still being finalized due to Caltrans restrictions. She explained that the team is selecting smaller plants that resemble Oleander, adding rocks to the design, and working with landscape architect Shari Bashin-Sullivan, who is helping refine plant placement without requiring a full redesign.
City Engineer Siva Natarajan presented an overview of the Camino Pablo Median Landscape Improvements Project, noting it is located entirely within Caltrans’ right-ofway and under Caltrans control. He explained that staff worked with Caltrans to recommend two access openings, improving conditions without additional cost. The proposed openings and landscape improvements were shown and plants are largely funded by the Orinda Garden Club. While Caltrans has strict landscaping requirements, some changes were approved, and staff are finalizing the plant selection to include a third plant.
Councilmember Riley asked if the planting will be on either side of where the bollards would be. Mr. Natarajan said this is not a plant area and Caltrans will put asphalt there and the device will be on top of the asphalt, with drought-tolerant planting outside of that area with irrigation and maintenance.
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Councilmember Riley clarified that one of the two plants is Manzanita which is low water use and the other a grass. The third one will also be flowering with low water use.
Mayor Malkani opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Councilmember Riley thanked staff for working with her and the Garden Club and she feels comfortable this will go very well.
Councilmember Gee recognized the Orinda Garden Club for their partnership with the City, staff’s work with Caltrans, and said this is an innovative and creative project.
MOTION by Vice Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Riley to approve Consent Calendar Item F.6. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
G. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
H. POLICY MATTERS
H.1 Proposed Solid Waste Rate Adjustments for Orinda Residential and Commercial Customers for March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027 Review, discuss, and receive public input on the proposed solid waste rate adjustments.
Assistant City Manager Doug Alessio gave the staff report and overview of the proposed solid waste rate adjustments residential and commercial customers for March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027, first noting that the table displayed has been updated and corrected from the third page of the staff report. He and Jennifer Faught, Program Manager from Recycle Smart are available to answer any questions of Councilmembers.
Mayor Malkani commented that the current Chair of Recycle Smart, Supervisor Candace Anderson is present, and that the new contract will provide positive benefits for customers.
In response to Councilmember Riley regarding the rate reserve and how this affects the smoothing process, Mr. Alessio said the rates are designed to capture more than the cost of service which will result in a reserve by each city and held by Recycle Smart and smooth out future increases.
Councilmember Hoxie asked Mr. Alessio to address the impact fees on roadways and how they are deemed adequate towards the damage trucks cause to them.
Mr. Alessio explained the impact fee is based on an outdated study with a new study underway that will help better reflect fees into the future. Impact fees are accounted for separately into a special revenue fund which can only be spent on public street repairs and improvements.
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Councilmember Hoxie asked if there is a way to change the way impact fees can be spent, such as on private roads. City Manager Smith said the vehicle impact fee will be an on-going discussion and evaluation with the Recycle Smart Board. At this time there is not an opportunity to apply the fees to private roads under the rules; however, legislation may be strenthened around vehicle impact fees for private roads in the future.
Vice Mayor Iverson said when the fee is being charged to Recycle Smart based on damages, she asked and confirmed that they pass 100% of the fee back to the customers.
Mayor Malkani opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers. She noted written public comments were received from Steve Cohn and Charles Porges.
Councilmember Riley voiced support to the proposal, believes the monthly increase of $12 is a modest amount for the 32 gallon can, and thinks the City will have enough reserves to smooth things out in 2027.
City Manager Smith confirmed no action is needed except to receive any comments from the Council and from the public.
Mayor Malkani and Vice Mayor Iverson voiced support of the proposal, and Councilmember Hoxie voiced support and asked to learn more in the future about vehicle impact fees.
H.2 Selection of Mayor for a Term Beginning December 2025 through December 2026
Mayor Malkani declared the office of Mayor vacant and called for the selection of Mayor for a term beginning December 2025 through December 2026. Nominations are now open for the office of Mayor.
Mayor Malkani nominated Brandyn Iverson for the office of Mayor. There were no further nominations.
MOTION by Councilmember Gee moved, and seconded by Councilmember Gee to close nominations and select Bradyn Iverson for the office of Mayor for a term beginning December 2025 to December 2026. Said motion carried by unanimous (5- 0) vote.
H.3 Selection of Vice Mayor for a Term Beginning December 2025 through December 2026
Mayor Iverson declared the office of Vice Mayor vacant and called for the selection of Vice Mayor for a term beginning December 2025 through December 2026. Nominations are now open for the office of Vice Mayor.
Mayor Iverson nominated Darlene Gee for the office of Vice Mayor. There were no further nominations.
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MOTION by Councilmember Malkani moved, and seconded by Councilmember Riley to close nominations and select Darlene Gee for the office of Vice Mayor for a term beginning December 2025 to December 2026. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
H.4 Oath of Office to New Mayor and Vice Mayor
City Clerk Smith administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Iverson and Vice Mayor Gee.
H.5 Acknowledge Service to the Community of Outgoing Mayor Latika Malkani
Mayor Iverson recognized Supervisor Anderson and asked to lead off acknowledging service of outgoing Mayor Malkani.
Supervisor Candace Andersen noted this was her sixth City reorganization, expressed appreciation for honoring outgoing mayors, and thanked former Mayor Malkani for her leadership, collaborative approach, and significant work on emergency preparedness, evacuation routes, and wildfire mitigation. She highlighted the strong cooperation among fire districts, school districts, and cities, and presented Mayor Malkani with a certificate in gratitude.
KayLee DeLand, representing Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s office, apologized for the Congressman’s absence, expressed appreciation for former Mayor Malkani’s leadership and for celebrating Orinda’s reorganization, and congratulated new Mayor Iverson on her new role.
Rachael Zenner from Senator Tim Grayson’s office thanked former Mayor Malkani for her strong partnership with their office, acknowledged the Senator’s absence, and praised the patience and collaboration of the City’s leadership and Council as they worked on issues important to Orinda. She highlighted their shared accomplishments, expressed optimism for continued work together, and presented former Mayor Malkani with a certificate honoring her service.
Cherise Khaund from Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan’s office thanked former Mayor Malkani for her leadership, dedication, and collaborative efforts to make Orinda a welcoming, safe, and healthy community, and presented her with a certificate in recognition of her service.
Mayor Iverson and Councilmembers then presented and individually read a Proclamation into the record for former Mayor Malkani. Mayor Iverson also presented a bouquet of flowers and a gavel plaque. Councilmembers then provided thanks and recognition to former Mayor Malkani and shared personal and professional experiences.
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Former Mayor Malkani expressed gratitude for serving with collaborative and respectful Councilmembers, thanked City Manager Smith and former Mayor Gee for their leadership, and wished Mayor Iverson success in the coming year.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum.
Diana Honig said she serves the region as Vice President on the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board and thanked former Mayor Malkani for all of the work she has done. She recognized her for her heart and dedication, for her community involvement at various events, and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
I. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Mayor Iverson reported attending the Siesta Valley Open House, noting excitement about the founding team and their plan to combine nonprofit education and community theater with a for-profit component offering outdoor music events starting this summer.
J. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Smith reported the following:
• She thanked former Mayor Malkani for the special relationship over a full year of working together and said she looks forward to the upcoming year with Mayor Iverson.
• She invited people to apply on commission and committees, noting applications and information is now available on the website.
• Orinda Police Services is hosting a Citizen’s Academy and information is available on the City’s website;
• City offices will be closed between December 24th and January 2nd.
K. MATTERS INITIATED
Mayor Iverson said written communication was received from Nick Waranoff on this item, and there were no Matters Initiated.
L. ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting was adjourned to refreshments in the Library Art Gallery (immediately following the meeting) at approximately 8:34 p.m. and thereafter to the next Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ______________________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk