Orinda City Council Minutes Page 1 of 11 02.17.26
FEBRUARY 17, 2026
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 Iverson called the Regular Meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Cara Hoxie, Latika Malkani, Janet Riley Mayor Brandyn Iverson, Vice Mayor Darlene Gee
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Iverson.
C. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION by Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani, to adopt the agenda. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
D. ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY – None.
E. PUBLIC FORUM
Reed Robertson, Orinda, spoke about insurance costs and increases as a big problem and asked the Council to discuss this with their Assemblywoman Rebecca Buer-Kahan, Senator Tim Grayson, and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Iverson asked if Councilmembers or the pubic wished to remove any items. Item F.3 was requested for removal and there were no public comments.
City Manager Smith reported receipt of a letter from Nick Waranoff regarding Item F.5; however, Mr. Waranoff is not present and if the Council wished to pull the item, they could.
F.1 Approval of City Council Minutes
Approve City Council Minutes of:
1. February 3, 2026, Regular Meeting
F.2 Investment Report for the Quarter Ending December 31, 2025 Orinda City Council Minutes Page 2 of 11 02.17.26
The City Council will receive the quarterly report on the City’s investments, consistent with California Government Code Section 53646(b) and the City's Investment Policy. This report covers the period of October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the Investment Report for the quarter ending December 31, 2025.
F.4 Adoption of Ordinance 26-02 Amending Title 17 of the Orinda Municipal Code to Implement Housing Element Program Actions 1.A,
1.B, and 1.J Regarding Streamlined Approvals for Affordable Housing The City Council will consider adoption of Ordinance 26-02 to make changes to Title 17 of the Orinda Municipal Code to implement certain Housing Element program actions. Specifically, the Ordinance codifies State mandates requiring streamlined approval for multifamily housing developments on certain Housing Element sites, provided the project includes at least 20 percent affordability for lower-income households. The proposed Ordinance would not alter the uses allowed or the procedures Staff would otherwise follow, as State law already mandates these streamlining provisions.
RECOMMENDATION:
Waive the full reading of the text and adopt Ordinance 26-02 amending Title 17 of the Orinda Municipal Code to implement Housing Element Program Actions 1.A, 1.B, and 1.J regarding streamlined approvals for affordable housing for certain Housing Element sites.
F.5 Adoption of Ordinance 26-01 Zoning Map Amendment and General Plan Map Amendment Resolution 01-26, and Plan Orinda Revised Final EIR and CEQA Consistency Resolution 02-26, Regarding Amendments to the General Plan and Zoning for 23 Altarinda Road The City Council will consider the adoption of Ordinance 26-01, a proposed zoning change to 23 Altarinda Road, a .60-acre (approx. 26,136 square feet) site located on the north side of Altarinda Road within the area studied in the certified Revised Final EIR (Final EIR) for Plan Orinda and within a half mile of the Orinda BART station.
Concurrent with the action to approve the zoning change would be an amendment to the General Plan. The General Plan and zoning designation changes were included as part of Plan Orinda and evaluated in the Final EIR.
The City Council will also consider adoption of Resolution 01-26 amending the General Plan Map, and adoption of Resolution 02-26 affirming the consistency of the 23 Altarinda Road Project with Plan Orinda and its Certified Revised Final EIR and adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations. Two updates to the information previously presented are included to first, reflect the discussion regarding the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations and, second, complete additional wildfire analysis using Ladris software displayed in an update results table.
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RECOMMENDATION:
Take the following actions:
1. Waive the full reading and adopt Ordinance 26-01 Amending the Zoning Map to change the zoning designation for 23 Altarinda Road (APN 260-192-013) from ”DO (Downtown Office)” to ”DG (Downtown General).”
2. Adopt Resolution 01-26 Amending the General Plan Map to change the land use designation from ”Business and Professional Offices” to ”Downtown - General” for 23 Altarinda Road (APN 260-192-013).
3. Adopt Resolution 02-26 Affirming the Consistency of the 23 Altarinda Road Project with Plan Orinda and its certified revised Final EIR; Adopting Findings Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and Adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations for Those Impacts that were Found to be Significant and Unavoidable.
MOTION by Mayor Iverson moved, and seconded by Vice Mayor Gee to approve Consent Calendar Items F.1, F.2, F.4, and F.5. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
Item Removed from Consent Calendar:
F.3 AB 2561 Report on the Status of Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention for Calendar Year 2025 (Public Hearing)
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561, the City Council will receive a report on an overview of employee vacancies, the factors contributing to those vacancies, and the strategies the City of Orinda is implementing to support recruitment, retention, and continuity of municipal services.
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and accept the report on the status of vacancies and recruitment and retention for calendar year 2025.
Vice Mayor Gee thanked the City Manager and senior staff for providing an overview of the City’s report on the status of employment, employees, and turn-over. She thanked all employees, noting that the low turn-over rate and the ability to have continuity to keep talented and valuable staff is important for such a small community.
Mayor Iverson opened the public hearing. There were no speakers and she closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Vice Mayor Gee moved, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani to approve Consent Calendar Item F.3. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
G. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
H. POLICY MATTERS
H.1 Art in Public Places Committee 2025 Annual Report
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The City Council will receive the annual report from the Arts in Public Places Committee with information highlighting the goals and objectives for the year.
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the report.
Accept Artwork Donations of Current Loaned Artwork to Allow for Continued Public Display through the Art in Public Places Program Parks and Recreation Director Todd Trimble introduced the item and introduced the Rich Thompson, Chair and Shelley Hubner, Vice Chair of the Art in Public Places Committee (APPC).
Rich Thompson, Chair of the APPC, provided an overview of art in public places and their annual report, highlighting goals and objectives for the year.
Councilmembers recognized the APPC for their extraordinary work and for coordinating local art throughout the City, received clarification regarding changes in membership, borrowed versus owned art, future renewal of expired loaner art agreements, a request to rotate art to the extent possible, commented on the educational aspect of pieces and sharing information on the City’s website, and requested future discussion regarding space by the Welcome to Orinda sign on City land that could be used for art.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Mayor Iverson and Councilmembers thanked the APPC, encouraged more borrowed versus owned art, to come current on art contracts, to consider future art on City-owned lands, and also thanked the Orinda Community Foundation and APPC.
MOTION by Vice Mayor Gee moved, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani to accept the Art in Public Places Committee 2025 Annual Report. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
H.2 The City Council is being asked to consider Resolution No. 06-26 authorizing the City to accept the permanent donation of five currently loaned artworks recommended by the Art in Public Places Committee.
Acceptance of these donations would allow the artworks to remain on public display, transfer ownership to the City, and ensure appropriate rights for display and reproduction, subject to agreements approved by the City Manager and City Attorney. The recommended pieces have been favorably received by the community, and, at this time, there is no direct fiscal impact to the City associated with accepting the donations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution No. 06-26 the Donation of Artworks by Kati Casida; Ted Urban; and Gyongy Laky
Parks and Recreation Director Todd Trimble gave the staff report and overview of the Council’s consideration to adopt Resolution No. 06-26 authorizing the City to accept the permanent donation of five currently loaned artworks recommended by the APP Committee.
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Director Trimble then presented and described the five donated art which are currently loaned pieces, their location, and said these are the pieces of art proposed to be permanently donated.
Councilmembers Riley and Hoxie asked, and Director Trimble described, each of the five pieces’ stories of their ownership, potential storage, their locations, potential disposal and obligations of the agreement.
Councilmember Malkani referred to the two inside hanging pieces; Silence, and Geometer’s Choice, asked for comment on the ownership expectations of those pieces and the artist.
Shelley Hubner, Vice Chair of APP Committee, shared that Gyongy Laky background in 1976 at the San Francisco Foundation. Laky, once a young fiber artist, is now an internationally recognized sculptor and Professor Emeritus at UC Davis. A refugee from Budapest who embodies the American dream, is downsizing, has offered to donate her works to the City of Orinda, and it would be unfortunate to decline the free donation.
Regarding other pieces, the City is lucky to have these special opportunities.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum.
Shelley Hubner, Vice Chair of the APP Committee, expressed appreciation for serving on the Committee and highlighted the growth and reputation of Orinda’s public art program.
She noted the opportunity to accept donated works by four acclaimed artists currently on display, emphasizing that the pieces are well-received, complement existing art, and require minimal maintenance. While the Committee typically favors loaned works, she referenced prior Council actions accepting or purchasing select pieces and urged adoption of Resolution No. 06-26 to authorize the donations.
Councilmembers voiced support for accepting the donated artworks by Kati Casida, Ted Urban, and Gyongy Laky, thanked the artists and the APPC, and acknowledged the need for future Council discussion on the long-term direction of the program, including a suggestion to create a community art book.
MOTION by Councilmember Riley moved, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani to adopt Resolution No. 06-26, the Donation of Artworks by Kati Casida; Ted Urban; and Gyongy Laky. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
H.3 Update on the Transit-Oriented Communities Policy and Acceptance of a $300,000 Parking Management Grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
In November 2024, the City was awarded a $300,000 grant to fund consultant services for a comprehensive evaluation of parking strategies in Downtown Orinda. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) established compliance with its Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy as a prerequisite for future funding eligibility under the upcoming fourth round of One Bay Area Grant Funding (OBAG 4) in Fiscal Years 2026-30.
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To address this uncertainty, the proposed Resolution specifies that the City commits to evaluating the suitability of policies emerging from the grant funded work. Future implementation of any resulting parking management strategies remains at the City Council’s discretion, determined primarily by alignment with Orinda’s local needs. While the study scope anticipates analysis of potential TOC guidelines, acceptance of this technical assistance grant does not mandate compliance with TOC Policy.
RECOMMENDATION:
Take the following actions:
1. Adopt Resolution 09-26, accepting a $300,000 grant for technical assistance for parking management in Downtown Orinda;
2. Consider suggestions for staff on potential additions to the scope of work that align with both City goals and TOC Policy;
3. Defer consideration of any formal commitment to MTC TOC Policy compliance until the assessment methodology has been finalized by MTC.
Associate Planner Darin Hughes provided an overview of the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy and a $300,000 Parking Management Grant awarded by MTC in November 2024. Due to ongoing uncertainty regarding TOC implementation and assessment criteria, staff recommended deferring any formal commitment to compliance until MTC finalizes its methodology.
The grant would fund a review of existing policies, evaluation of potential parking and transportation demand management strategies, and development of alternative policy options. Proposed parking revisions would focus on ensuring parking requirements do not constrain housing production. Resolution 09-26 commits the City only to consider recommendations in good faith and does not obligate adoption of TOC standards.
Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 09-26 to accept the grant and defer formal compliance. If approved, staff would work with MTC and a consultant over approximately 18 months, conduct public outreach, and return to the Planning Commission and City Council with updates as the TOC framework evolves.
City Manager Smith announced there were three recommendations listed on the agenda, but in the staff report, there were two recommendations, so she suggested the Council discuss the two recommendations.
Councilmembers discussed the scope and flexibility of the $300,000 MTC Parking Management Grant. Key points included:
• City discretion: Acceptance of the grant does not obligate the City to adopt TOC policies, and the funds may be retained even if no changes are implemented. • Timing considerations: Work could be delayed, but some analyses support previously adopted Plan Orinda EIR actions and Housing Element rezonings.
Much of the grant work focuses on parking management within a half-mile of the BART station, including the Village and Theater Districts.
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• Parking policy options: The grant could explore paid parking, “park once” strategies, shared parking, and Transportation Demand Management Plans, though these are not guaranteed recommendations. Reviewing parking minimums for housing may also be included, in alignment with AB 2097. • Community benefits: Grant-funded work aims to improve walkability, parking efficiency, and access downtown, supporting broader City and MTC objectives without imposing restrictive requirements on individual developments. • Local priorities: Updating outdated parking management plans, particularly for Theater Square, and considering BART-related parking impacts are key components. Past neighborhood parking issues and impacts on local businesses were noted.
• Consultant: MIG has been identified as the consultant for this project.
Overall, the discussion emphasized using the grant to develop practical, locally relevant parking and transportation strategies while retaining flexibility and aligning with regional priorities.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Vice Mayor Gee emphasized that past parking studies, including the major pre-COVID study, should be summarized to avoid duplicating prior work and to inform the current process. She also suggested looking at neighboring cities, like Lafayette, for insights on paid parking implementation.
Mayor Iverson described the situation as a “fork in the road,” noting that parking discussions are part of a broader shift toward urbanization and transportation demand management. She stressed that Orinda’s downtown is already under-parked and highlighted the need for shared parking strategies, particularly on the Theater District side, to support growth and walkability. While considering shared and possibly paid parking, she framed the grant as a strategic move with long-term policy implications rather than simply “free money.”
Councilmember Malkani supported moving forward with the grant, viewing it as aligned with Orinda’s long-term vision and helpful for future infrastructure funding, though she personally does not favor paid parking. She emphasized that all options should be explored to reduce car reliance.
Councilmember Riley expressed support for shared parking before considering paid parking, noted the benefit of having a written plan to guide future development, and raised enforcement concerns. Mayor Iverson and City Manager Smith clarified that State law already limits parking minimums within a half-mile of BART, making shared parking strategies critical, and that enforcement and metered parking typically go hand-in-hand, though the City currently has dedicated staff for parking enforcement.
MOTION by Councilmember Malkani moved, and seconded by Councilmember Riley to adopt Resolution 09-26, accepting a $300,000 grant for technical assistance for parking management in Downtown Orinda; and defer consideration of any formal commitment to MTC TOC Policy compliance until the assessment methodology has been finalized by MTC. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
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H.4. Orinda BART Station – Update from BART Board Workshop from February 12.
The City Council receive a report on the February 12, 2026, BART Board Workshop where the possibility of station closures was discussed. As part of the packet for that workshop, the Orinda BART station was included for possible closure if there is no revenue measure to support operations. The Mayor sent in a public comment letter to the BART Board on February 11.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the report and provide comment.
City Manager Smith and Planning Director Lashun Cross provided updates on BART’s efforts to address its ongoing budget deficit. The Board is evaluating operational reductions, including potential phased station closures, with Orinda among the top ten stations at risk if a proposed half-cent sales tax measure in Contra Costa County does not pass. Even with the measure, BART anticipates a $70 million shortfall over the next five years.
The BART Board outlined a three-phase contingency plan:
• Phase I: 30% fare increase, closure of ten stations, 63% reduction in train hours, and workforce cuts.
• Phase II: Six months later, cumulative 50% fare increase, reassessment of service reductions, and further potential service suspensions.
• Phase III: Possible cessation of passenger service if operations cannot be maintained safely, with attention to infrastructure risks and liabilities.
Some Directors opposed Phase I closures, requesting that staff explore shifting them to Phase II. Staff were tasked with returning in 2–4 weeks with alternative analyses, including bankruptcy/insolvency information, financial tradeoffs, sequenced station closures, and annual cost savings. Additional outreach to City Managers and coordination on transit-oriented development was also requested.
Regional impacts were highlighted, such as potential displacement of 4,000 peak-hour passengers on the Yellow Line, roughly equivalent to 120 buses. While low ridership drives closure considerations, some stations like Milpitas and Berryessa are exempt due to existing agreements. The BART attorney confirmed that station closures are within the Board’s legal authority.
Councilmembers discussed BART’s efforts to rebuild ridership and manage potential service reductions. Key points included:
• Public outreach: Councilmember Hoxie asked about marketing to restore rider confidence. Director Cross confirmed the Board is emphasizing communication about safety and cleanliness improvements, including increased police presence, upgraded fare gates, and cleaner trains. A resident survey found 67% of residents do not currently ride BART, citing crime and cleanliness concerns. • Fare increases: Hoxie also asked whether 30% or 50% fare increases could reduce ridership enough to offset revenue gains. Cross noted that ridership impacts are still being analyzed, and attracting non-riders alone will not eliminate the deficit.
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• Service reductions: City Manager Smith reported that the alternative service plan now proposes moving potential station closures to Phase II. Phase I (January 2027) includes a 30% fare and parking fee increase, averaging $6.38 for short trips. Phase II occurs six months later, with Phase III projected for FY 2028. • Ballot measure: The proposed sales tax measure would be a citizen initiative across five counties—Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara—requiring a simple majority (50+1) for approval. • Station closures: Councilmember Hoxie asked whether the closure list is being revisited. City Manager Smith indicated closures are based solely on ridership metrics. Mayor Iverson noted that moving closures to Phase II could affect up to 15 stations, resulting in significant train and schedule reductions and a 70% capacity cut across the system.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Councilmember Riley suggested that, beyond accepting the report, the Council discuss a coordinated plan of action as a City.
City Manager Smith emphasized the importance of Council input on next steps. Staff have already communicated Orinda’s concerns to BART Board President and Director Rinn, and she noted that the Bay Area Council may lead broader economic impact analyses.
She recommended identifying resources to quantify potential impacts on Orinda if its BART station were closed.
Councilmembers highlighted priorities including advocacy to preserve the top ten stations, outreach to the BART Board, timing and social media strategies, communicating the consequences if the measure fails, positive messaging, coordination with CCTA, resident education, and consideration of competing ballot measures.
City Manager Smith summarized the discussion as emphasizing proactive, fact-based communications, stakeholder outreach, and ongoing engagement. She noted BART will revisit the matter next week and will forward updates from the February 26 meeting to the Council.
H.5 City of Orinda 2026 Legislative Platform
The City Council will consider the proposed 2026 Legislative Platform. The Platform is consistent with the adopted 2025 Platform with some refinements and reorganization of information within the document itself.
The Guiding Principles and the Public Policy Priority Categories remain the same.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the City’s 2026 Legislative Platform.
City Manager Smith took a poll on continuing the item to the March 3rd Council meeting, stating that more information will be gleaned about bills that have been introduced.
Councilmembers voiced support and asked that the legislative platform incorporate some of the discussion they had from the last meeting.
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MOTION by Mayor Iverson moved, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie to move Item H.5 to the March 3, 2026 Council meeting. Said motion carried by unanimous (5- 0) vote.
I. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Mayor Iverson reported on a fire safety meeting with Senator Grayson, noting progress on SB 959, which would allow schools to retain funding if closed due to imminent fire danger, and requested letters of support by the end of February. Updates included Caltrans’ review of vegetation management constraints, City engagement with insurance providers and the Insurance Commissioner, and pursuit of State-funded home hardening grants for high fire severity zones.
Councilmember Malkani credited the City Manager for initiating the legislation and collaborating with Senator Grayson’s office. She also reported personally meeting with Insurance Commissioner candidates to discuss local issues.
Mayor Iverson also summarized the Mayor’s Liaison Meeting, noting Friends of the Nature Area public forums (updates on the John Muir website), upcoming community events (Orinda Action Day on April 25, Rotary Crab Feed on March 3, and Orinda Community Foundation Anniversary Party on February 27), and Acalanes School District budget reductions. Tabor is sending three delegates, with two spots remaining, and Councilmembers were invited to participate.
Councilmember Hoxie reported attending Lamorinda Program Management Committee and Lamorinda Fee and Financing Authority meetings on behalf of Vice Mayor Gee; Orinda will chair both committees for the next year. She also met with the School Bus Transportation Authority regarding upcoming bus issues.
Vice Mayor Gee noted she is expected to become Chair of CCTA, overseeing the 2028 renewal of the County half-cent sales tax, with Sue Noack (Pleasant Hill) as Vice Chair and who is also MTC Chair.
J. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Smith gave the following report:
• Ladris training: A seminar will be held tomorrow, February 18th at 2:00 PM to answer community questions and demonstrate the public-facing tool, with a second session on the evening of February 24. Details are available on www.OrindaReady.com, the City website, and through the Orinda Outlook.
Vice Mayor Gee confirmed the sessions are virtual/webinar-based, allowing Councilmembers to join via Zoom without commenting.
• 2x2 meeting: A quarterly meeting with the School District is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30 PM at the District Offices.
K. MATTERS INITIATED – None.
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L. ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:40 p.m. to the next Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
______________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk