Orinda City Council Minutes Page 1 of 14 04.07.26
APRIL 7, 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
Mayor Iverson proposed moving up the Councilmember Reports and City Manager Reports to be heard after the Public Forum.
MOTION by Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie, to adopt the agenda, as amended. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
D. ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY
D.1 Certificates of Recognition Presented to Outgoing City of Orinda Commissioners and Committee Members
Mayor Iverson recognized and presented a Certificate of Recognition to Sarah Speron with the Parks and Recreation Commission and noted that certificates will be mailed to those Commissioners/Committee members not in attendance. Councilmembers thanked outgoing Commission and Committee members for their service.
D.2 Certificate of Recognition Presented to The Social Connection in Recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
Mayor Iverson reported that the Council has given a Certificate of Recognition to the Social Connection in recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in April, and Councilmembers expressed their appreciation for the work of the Social Connection.
D.3 California Parks and Recreation State-level Award of Excellence Presentation to Orinda Parks and Recreation and Recycle Smart for "Camp Orinda Sustainability Week" in the New Innovation Award of Excellence Category
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Todd Trimble, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Adam Chow from the City of San Ramon and President-Elect for the State CPRS Board.
Adam Chow, President-Elect for the State CPRS Board/San Ramon Parks and Recreation Director, provided a presentation of the Award of Excellence to Orinda Parks and Recreation and Recycle Smart for “Camp Orinda Sustainability Week” in the New Innovation Award of Excellence category. He described professional accomplishments of the City’s Camp Orinda sustainable efforts as well as Recycle Smart, and presented the award to the City.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Councilmembers congratulated Recycle Smart and Orinda Parks and Recreation, confirmed camps are for ages 5 to 11, class sizes are 10 to 30 participants, and recognized their great partnership.
E. PUBLIC FORUM
Dan Torres said he is a resident and a proud union member and recognized Local 483.
He bought an electric vehicle, did not realize there are no Tesla Superchargers between Oakland and Walnut Creek, and hoped the City could work towards providing a super charger in town.
Mayor Iverson recognized she received a similar comment from a resident on this topic.
Bielle Moore of PG&E introduced herself as the point of contact for the City of Orinda for PG&E.
City Manager Smith thanked Ms. Moore for coming to the meeting, noting that the building was not powered 3 to 4 hours ago and staff was not sure the Council meeting could be held. Ms. Moore was very responsive and instrumental in getting the building operational.
I. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Hoxie reported on the Downtown Development Subcommittee meeting where staff provided a thorough presentation and discussion held on issues relating to downtown Orinda, vacancies in various buildings, and parking.
Mayor Iverson added to the subcommittee meeting report, stating she invited those interested to meet with the City Manager or Planning Director to learn more. They also talked about whether the Council would like to consider waiving the parking requirement for new business tenants to the downtown and the formula of the in-lieu fees paid. City Manager Smith then provided additional information regarding new businesses and vacancies.
Vice Mayor Gee reported CCTA’s subcommittee approved and moved forward with the grant package for the Lamorinda Smart Signals project. The Board meets April 15th where they will approve putting the project out to bid. Completion date is expected by the end of the year, and the City Engineer provided additional details.
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Councilmember Riley reported on her attendance at Recycle Smart Personnel and Legislation Committee meetings where legislative proposals were reviewed relating to recycling and vaping products.
Mayor Iverson reported on the Contra Costa Mayors’ Conference stating E-bike legislation is moving along at the State level.
J. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Smith gave the following report:
• Next week, the first Regional Legislative Advocacy meeting will be held on Wednesday morning in Lafayette with other jurisdictions who joined with the Coalition.
• Later this month will involve advocacy work at the League of California Cities in Sacramento.
• This weekend, the Touch a Truck event will be held at Wilder on April 11th. • Food trucks start again this Thursday in Orinda.
• Orinda Action Day will be held on April 25th.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Iverson asked if Councilmembers or the pubic wished to remove any items, and Councilmember Hoxie requested removal of Item F.4. There were no other requests and no public comments.
F.1 Approval of City Council Minutes
Approve City Council Minutes of:
1. March 17, 2026, Regular Meeting
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve City Council Minutes of:
March 17, 2026, Regular Meeting
F.2 Local Appointments List of Boards, Commissions, and Committees 2026
The City Council is required by the Maddy Act (Government Code Section 54972) to annually prepare and post a list of all regular boards, commissions, and committees appointed by the City Council, including the names of incumbents, appointment dates, term expirations, and required qualifications. Following the City Council’s February 28, 2026, interviews and appointments to positions with upcoming term expirations or vacancies, the updated Local Appointments List has been prepared. The list is provided for City Council review and will be posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with statutory requirements.
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and receive the local appointments list of boards, commissions, and committees, as required by the Maddy Act.
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F.3 Approve Lease Agreement with Sprint Spectrum, LLC. for Use of CityOwned Property Located at 135 Camino Pablo The City Council will consider approval of a Lease Agreement with Sprint Spectrum, LLC. for continued use of City-owned property located at 135 Camino Pablo for cellular telecommunications equipment. The proposed agreement replaces the existing 25-year License Agreement, which expired on August 30, 2025.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 21-26 approving the new Lease Agreement.
F.5 Authorize Amendment No. 5 to Contract with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. for the Community Park Improvement Project (CIP Project No. 4112)
The City Council will consider an amendment to the existing professional services contract with Callander to perform design work for the play areas at the Community Park. The play areas were identified as a high priority phase of the approved Master Plan for the Park.
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize Amendment No. 5 to Contract with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc.
F.6 Ordering the Preparation and Filing of a Report for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Assessments for the Orinda Street Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District No. 1986-1
The City Council will consider ordering the annual report necessary to levy assessments for the Orinda Street Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District No. 1986-1. This District is divided up into three zones: L-42, M-9 and M-11.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 19-26, Ordering the Preparation and Filing of Report for Levy of Annual Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Orinda Street Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District No. 1986-1.
MOTION by Mayor Iverson moved, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie to approve Consent Calendar Items F.1, F.2, F.3, F.5, and F.6. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
Item Requested for Removal:
F.4 Traffic Circulation Pilot Program at and around the Ivy Drive Neighborhood
The City Council will consider a pilot project to implement various traffic signs to improve safety and circulation at various intersections near the Ivy Drive Neighborhood, including Moraga Way, Ardith Drive and Eastwood Drive.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Approve Resolution 10-26 (Traffic Order 238) Implementing Turning Movements On and In the Vicinity of Ivy Drive, Moraga Way, Ardith Drive, Southwaite Court and Eastwood Drive:
1. Resolution15-02, Traffic Order 115, (Prohibiting Left Turns from Moraga Way onto Ivy Drive on School Days Between the Hours of 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., Monday through Friday) is rescinded. This sign prohibited left turns from Moraga Way onto Ivy Drive (north).
2. Resolution 41-12, Traffic Order 155, (Prohibiting U-Turns on Moraga Way at Southwaite Court and Prohibiting Left Turns from Moraga Way onto Southwaite Court on School Days Between the Hours of 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., Monday through Friday) is rescinded.
3. Resolution 42-12, Traffic Order 156 (Prohibiting U-Turns on Moraga Way at Whitehall Drive and Prohibiting Left Turns from Moraga Way onto Whitehall Drive on School Days Between the Hours of 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., Monday through Friday) is rescinded
4. Right Turns from Ivy Drive onto Ardith Drive are prohibited between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on School Weekdays.
5. Left Turns from Eastwood Drive onto Moraga Way are prohibited between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on School Weekdays.
6. U-Turns on Moraga Way at Southwaite Court and Left Turns from Moraga Way onto Southwaite Court are prohibited between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on School Weekdays.
7. U-Turns on Moraga Way at Whitehall Drive and Left Turns from Moraga Way onto Whitehall Drive are prohibited between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on School Weekdays.
City Engineer Siva Natarajan gave the staff report, background, and an overview of the matter which led to feedback received and Council’s review at the March 17th meeting.
He presented mapping, analysis undertaken, and staff’s proposed recommendations based upon Council feedback geared to incentivize people trying to use Ivy Drive as a cut-through. Once implemented, staff should be able to show changes are functioning or not, and at that time, revisions can be further reviewed and considered.
Councilmember Hoxie asked about adding a stop sign at Ivy and Ardith to slow traffic. Mr.
Natarajan said it was not previously considered and likely would not have a significant impact, though they could review it if desired.
Councilmember Hoxie also inquired about the cost of a traffic signal if the no-left-turn sign were removed. Mr. Natarajan responded that signals require a separate process and typically cost $800,000 to over $1 million. Regarding additional traffic calming on Ivy Drive, staff noted the speed limit could be reduced to 15 mph due to it being a school route, and while some speed bumps already exist, further measures would be evaluated individually.
Councilmember Hoxie then cited bicyclists coming from Moraga Way onto Ivy Drive and questioned their protection. Mr. Natarajan said there are Class II bike lanes along Moraga Way that will merge with traffic to make the turn. One thing successful has been rapid flashing beacon crosswalks, and this is something staff can consider.
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Mayor Iverson suggested Councilmember Hoxie make a Matter Initiated for a rapid flashing beacon crosswalk.
Councilmember Malkani raised concerns about a proposed 4-way stop at Ardith and Coral, noting resident opposition and that speed bumps are not feasible due to fire evacuation needs. Mr. Natarajan described roadway striping improvements, including centerlines and edge lines, along with future sidewalk plans.
Vice Mayor Gee asked about data collection and monitoring if a pilot project moves forward. Mr. Natarajan explained that consultants would gather traffic data from August through December to assess cut-through traffic and behavior changes. Vice Mayor Gee also asked about enforcement, and the Police Chief reported ongoing traffic stops and citations, with additional monitoring tools coming soon.
Councilmember Malkani asked whether studies could distinguish between cut-through traffic and school-related trips. Mr. Natarajan said they attempted to capture this in prior data collection based on school start times, and the study will look at timing and whether there is a gap.
Mayor Iverson asked whether only the “no left turn on Ivy” is a pilot or if all changes are.
Mr. Natarajan clarified that the entire set of changes is a pilot and new data will be collected and compared to existing conditions. Mayor Iverson questioned why previous traffic data methods differed so much and asked which is more reliable. Mr. Natarajan explained that while count-based data is standard, LPR data appears more accurate in this case and will be used.
Mayor Iverson also asked about adding speed bumps on Ardith and whether a moratorium applies. Mr. Natarajan said staff has not yet consulted the fire department but will, noting speed cushions may be possible if the area is outside the fire hazard severity zone.
Vice Mayor Gee asked whether stop signs and signal timing changes would be completed before the pilot begins. Mr. Natarajan said they will try to implement everything at once if approved, but won’t delay other changes, and noted the no-left-turn signs will only apply during school hours.
Councilmember Riley asked if signal changes are being delayed, and Mr. Natarajan responded that they could proceed but are choosing to be cautious and avoid changes while the study and no-left-turn restriction are in place.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum.
Aileen Schier raised concerns about serious safety hazards and cut-through traffic, questioned the removal of the “no left turn” sign, argued a trial period and year-long delay are unnecessary given risks to children, and emphasized that enforcement is essential and important.
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Nicole Carter McGill lives near Coral Drive and has children at OIS and Del Rey. She walks her children to school daily and described unsafe conditions, urged equal or stronger safety measures before removing the “no left turn” sign, said a four-way stop and striping alone are insufficient; cited a recent accident, and emphasized that completing the Coral sidewalk is essential.
Emily Polcari, an Ivy Drive neighbor, has children at Miramonte and OIS who walk along Coral to school. She requested analysis of pedestrian traffic before removing the sign, urged completion of additional safety measures before allowing increased traffic, asked the City to coordinate with schools on potential start-time changes, and questioned how success will be measured in the pilot study.
Carri Maas is a parent of an OIS student and a Wagner Ranch student. She supports measures that improve safety and reduce cut-through traffic, said the “no left turn” sign limits access for OIS families and staff, especially for early programs, noted that rerouting via Coral Drive adds time and stress, with no protected left-turn lane, and requested a solution that allows reasonable access for school-related traffic at all hours.
Roderick Phillips echoed prior concerns about speeding and neighborhood safety. He warned that drivers turn onto Coral and accelerate downhill toward Moraga Way, emphasized sidewalks as the top priority, called for enforcement at Carisbrook and Coral, and noted children walk around parked cars and predicted accidents if no action is taken.
Linda Smetana, Ardith Drive off of Ivy Drive intersection at the hill, said she works at home and knows the time by the sound of cars on Ardith at 7:58 a.m. zooming by. She asked for continued police presence, cited dangerous conditions and appreciates the attention given to Ardith Drive.
Ron Smetana thanked City staff for listening to input, said he cannot back out of his driveway at 8 a.m. due to very dangerous speeding conditions on Ardith.
Mayor Iverson closed the Public Forum and asked for Council deliberation. The following outlines Councilmember comments and preferences.
Councilmember Hoxie:
• Emphasized urgency for immediate safety measures (e.g., temporary barriers, striping) rather than waiting for long-term fixes like sidewalks. • Skeptical that a sidewalk alone would have prevented the recent accident. • Opposes removing the no left turn sign without additional protections in place. • Supports relying on traffic experts and implementing short-term safety improvements.
• Advocates for a more holistic approach to walking/biking safety near schools. • Open to lowering speed limits on Ivy and Ardith.
• Prefers a shorter pilot period (fall data collection) for quicker decisions. • Wants protections in place before removing the no-left-turn sign.
Vice Mayor Gee:
• Strongly focused on overall neighborhood safety and reducing cut-through traffic. • Believes current signage is ineffective due to lack of compliance. • Supports signal timing changes to discourage shortcutting.
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• In favor of sidewalks, striping, and additional stop signs. • Advocates for camera-based enforcement, potentially as a pilot program for school safety.
• Supports a shorter pilot timeline to accelerate decision-making. • Encourages regional collaboration with nearby cities.
Councilmember Malkani:
• Interested in revisiting school start times, though recognizes constraints (school day length, younger students).
• Stresses urgency in implementing already-approved safety measures (striping, signal timing).
• Asked about sidewalk timeline (estimated 1–2 years).
• Supports sending permanent changes (like stop signs) through proper channels (TSAC).
• Explores additional speed control options, including school-hour speed limits. • Curious about how to distinguish cut-through traffic vs. school-related trips (acknowledges difficulty).
• Generally supportive of the pilot but cautious about camera enforcement.
Councilmember Riley:
• Prioritizes safety-first approach and questions removing the no-left-turn sign. • Prefers enforcement over removal of restrictions.
• Feels the pilot is too complex and should be broken into smaller components. • Supports most safety measures (striping, stop signs, speed reduction), but not the left-turn change.
• Skeptical that drivers will comply with certain restrictions. • Suggests faster data collection timeline (earlier evaluation).
Mayor Iverson:
• Stated that the no-left-turn sign was never formally justified by engineering and may be outdated.
• Believes the root issue is congestion on Moraga Way, driving cut-through traffic. • Strongly supports fixing signal timing to improve main-road flow. • Suggests focusing on system-wide solutions rather than isolated fixes. • Supports speed control measures (e.g., speed bumps on Ardith). • Interested in bike/pedestrian improvements and safer school routes. • Open but cautious about camera enforcement.
• Supports the pilot and emphasizes delegating technical details to staff/TSAC rather than over-designing at the Council level.
There was broad agreement on:
o Need for immediate safety improvements
o Importance of signal timing changes
o Desire for data-driven decisions via a pilot program
Key disagreements were:
o Whether to remove the no-left-turn sign
o Length and structure of the pilot
o Role of enforcement vs. design changes (e.g., cameras, signage) Orinda City Council Minutes Page 9 of 14 04.07.26
After Council deliberation, Mayor Iverson proposed and made a motion.
MOTION by Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani, to approve Item F.4 as proposed. Said motion failed by the following roll call vote: (2-3) Ayes: Iverson, Malkani; Noes: Hoxie, Riley, Gee.
Council deliberation continued and Councilmembers provided additional comments:
Councilmember Hoxie:
• Supports changing no-left-turn hours on South Waite, Whitehall, and Eastwood to reduce cut-through traffic.
• Open to a no right turn on Ardith, but believes it will be ineffective without a stop sign.
• Continues to oppose removing the no left turn on Ivy until traffic calming measures (e.g., stop sign at Ardith, reduced speeds) are in place. • Strongly supports adding a three-way stop at Ardith and lowering speed limits on Ivy and Ardith.
Mayor Iverson:
• Sought clarification on what additional measures would be required to gain support.
• Expressed frustration with delays, noting prior TSAC recommendations and ongoing debate.
• Questioned whether concerns about camera enforcement are blocking progress. • Preferred moving forward with a clear action or motion, rather than ending with no decision.
• Not fully supportive of combining no right turn + stop sign at Ardith without broader consideration.
Councilmember Malkani:
• Highlighted concerns about the length of the pilot program and pushed for a shorter alternative.
• Asked colleagues who opposed the proposal if they would support a compromise version.
• Open to camera enforcement, but wants more analysis and a full staff report. • Suggested school communication (e.g., newsletters) as part of implementation.
Vice Mayor Gee:
• Emphasized the complexity of the problem—no single solution will fix it. • Concerned that implementing too many changes at once makes it hard to evaluate effectiveness.
• Stressed that enforcement is critical—without it, measures like turn restrictions or speed limits may fail.
• Supports ideas like no right turn on Ardith, but doubts impact without enforcement. • Open to a shorter pilot, but unsure it would capture real behavioral change. • Advocates for strong community outreach/communication alongside any changes. • Expressed disappointment about uncertainty around camera enforcement.
Councilmember Riley:
• Focused on clarifying areas of consensus, especially around:
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o Signal timing changes
o Turn restrictions (e.g., no right on Ardith)
• Supports no right turn on Ardith, but also wants a stop sign added. • Prefers a more incremental or structured approach rather than partial agreement.
City Manager Smith summarized that there is no consensus on removing the no-left-turn sign on Ivy. Consensus exists on:
o Some turn restrictions (excluding Ivy)
o Advancing traffic calming (e.g., speed cushions on Ardith) o Exploring additional stop signs along Ivy/Ardith
o Accelerating sidewalk (Coral Drive) planning via CIP
o Continuing broader safety improvements (bike/pedestrian focus) o Implementing signal timing and striping changes (already underway) She suggested proceeding with partial approval (excluding Ivy) and returning later with a comprehensive evaluation.
Key takeaways on agreement include:
o Immediate safety steps (signal timing, striping, some turn restrictions) o Need for traffic calming and infrastructure improvements o Importance of enforcement and communication
Ongoing Disagreement includes:
o Removing the no-left-turn on Ivy
o Whether to pair turn restrictions with stop signs
o Pilot duration and structure
o Role and readiness of camera enforcement
MOTION by Councilmember Hoxie, and seconded by Vice Mayor Gee, to make all changes as recommended, except the no left turn on Ivy Drive. Said motion carried by the following roll call vote: (4-1) Ayes: Gee, Hoxie, Riley, Malkani; Noes: Iverson.
G. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
H. POLICY MATTERS
H.1 Recommendation from Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission Regarding Funding Request from Fire Safe MoragaOrinda The City Council will consider a recommendation from the Supplemental Sales Tax Oversight Commission (SSTOC) regarding a funding request from Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda (FSMO), a local nonprofit supporting wildfire preparedness and fire-fuel reduction in Orinda. The SSTOC recommends funding a pilot program where FSMO would be responsible for administering the City's existing Fire Fuels Reduction Incentive Program, a neighborhood group-based fuel reduction program, and some community outreach and education efforts, currently performed by City staff.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Support the SSTOC recommendation and direct Staff to prepare a services contract for approval at a future City Council meeting that authorizes funding for FSMO for a one-year pilot program.
Micki Cronin, Senior Management Analyst and staff liaison to the SSTOC, said she and Doug Alessio met with the Subcommittee seven times and brought information to the full SSTOC on two occasions. Tonight, the SSTOC is asking the Council to consider a oneyear service contract with FSMO to administer the City’s existing Fire Fuels Reduction Incentive Program, assist FSMO with their neighborhood-based fuel reduction grant program and expand community outreach and education in Orinda for wildfire. She introduced Brad Barber from the SSTOC and a member of the ad-hoc subcommittee, and Mark Evans, President of FSMO.
Brad Barber, SSTOC, reported that SSTOC now unanimously supports the funding proposal, noting it aligns with program goals and strengthens incentive and neighborhood award initiatives.
Mark Evans, FSMO, provided an update on FSMO’s activities, including reimbursed expenditures, resumed and expanded grant-funded projects in Orinda and Moraga, and new funding from the County and PG&E to support community safety efforts. He also highlighted significant growth in community engagement and expressed optimism about continued collaboration with the City through a service contract.
He also noted growing community engagement, now exceeding 5,400 residents, with expectations to add another 1,000 this year through Firewise networks. Additionally, FSMO received $100,000 from PG&E in March, directed by MOFD, to enhance community safety. He concluded that the organization is making strong progress and looks forward to partnering with the City through a service contract.
Jud Hammon stated that the volunteer-driven Firewise network would benefit from dedicated professional staff support. He explained that the proposal’s Item 3 seeks City funding to provide outreach, training, awareness, and operational assistance to strengthen Firewise program activities.
Councilmember Hoxie sought clarification on the requested approval, and City Manager Smith confirmed that the City is being asked to authorize FSMO as a service contractor.
The role would include implementing the City’s incentive and neighborhood programs and delivering community education with professional support. The agreement also allows FSMO to manage reimbursements and apply a 12% administrative fee to cover staff time, leveraging its existing network to ensure efficient program delivery.
Assistant City Manager Doug Alessio explained that the FSMO contract will return to the City Council for final approval after development. He noted that FSMO is well positioned to handle grassroots outreach and education, which are difficult for the City to manage directly. The proposed structure includes a not-to-exceed budget of $450,000 with adjustable funding through change orders, payment based on services performed, and included administrative costs. It also incorporates performance-based incentives linked to program growth and grant achievement.
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Mayor Iverson questioned how the proposal’s funding compares to the previous Measure R-supported City outreach position and whether it expands beyond that scope. Assistant City Manager Doug Alessio responded that partnering with FSMO is more cost-efficient than maintaining City staff and leverages nonprofit and volunteer capacity to maximize resources. He also addressed concerns about extensive oversight requirements, explaining that these reflect standard transparency and accountability practices for public funds and align with FSMO’s existing procedures.
Councilmember Malkani noted FSMO’s efficient approach to obtaining three competitive bids simultaneously. FSMO Executive Director Rob Schroeder confirmed this process, explaining that joint walk-throughs with vetted contractors ensure consistent project scopes, allowing comparable bids to be submitted quickly for board approval.
Councilmember Riley asked why the proposal increased to $450,000 rather than remaining at $400,000. Assistant City Manager Doug Alessio explained that the higher amount includes administrative costs and expanded outreach efforts not covered in the original request, replacing prior City capacity and enhancing overall program value. He noted that reducing funding would likely limit either outreach or fuel reduction work. City Manager Smith added that the funding could be adjusted or capped, with the option to return to Council for additional support if needed.
Jud Hammon, SSTOC, expressed confidence in FSMO’s capabilities while emphasizing that future funding increases should be contingent on demonstrated results.
Vice Mayor Gee requested clearer reporting on outcomes, and Mr. Schroeder confirmed FSMO already conducts post-project assessments and shares updates, while the Assistant City Manager added that quarterly SSTOC reports would formalize tracking.
Councilmember Hoxie sought clarification on matching funds and project prioritization, and Mr. Schroeder explained criteria such as fire severity, resident vulnerability, vegetation, and evacuation proximity, with input from MOFD, reimbursement controls, local-only funding for Orinda projects, and the ability to terminate the contract if necessary. Brad Barber also noted that competitive bidding practices generate significant cost savings.
EXTEND MEETING
MOTION by Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie, to extend the meeting time to 10:15 p.m. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
Councilmember Riley raised a question about how funding decisions would be handled when multiple high-priority projects compete for limited resources. Mark Evans explained that this situation has not yet arisen, but noted that current Cal Fire grants operate on a 50/50 match, while 2026 programs will shift to a one-third/two-thirds model requiring greater resident contribution. Orinda residents would prioritize 50/50 grants first, which could reduce demand on City-funded reimbursements.
Mayor Iverson inquired why MOFD or the Town of Moraga declined to participate financially. Mr. Evans responded that MOFD leadership expressed discomfort allocating tax dollars to efforts outside their primary district responsibilities.
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Mayor Iverson expressed concern over this position, noting that fire prevention and suppression fall squarely within MOFD’s mission, and questioned their reluctance to fund initiatives aligned with that purpose.
Mr. Alessio said hopefully they will see this track record of a program that is successful and a model they might be interested in utilizing themselves in the future.
Mayor Iverson proposed using the program as a model for Moraga and suggested approving it with a requirement for a dollar-for-dollar funding match from MOFD to ensure equal investment in fire prevention. City Manager Smith advised against this condition, noting that MOFD already supports prevention efforts through direct home-hardening measures and materials. She commented that successful implementation by FSMO could open future opportunities for collaboration with MOFD on related programs.
Councilmember Malkani noted that MOFD incorporated previously pilot- and state-funded inspectors into its regular budget and expressed support for enforcement-based approaches. Vice Mayor Gee added that MOFD also manages a Fire Ambassador program with trained volunteers and paid staff oversight. Mark Evans further explained that MOFD undertakes large-scale fire break projects and secures significant grant funding, often through nonprofit partnerships, as part of a broader system-level approach that leverages community organizations for fuel reduction.
Councilmember Hoxie asked and confirmed the Chipper Program will remain with the City of Orinda and staff is in discussions with MOFD to assist by using the City’s software tools in order to better coordinate resources.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum. She noted that a number of written comments were received.
Jeff Blum said he is just here to support the contract with FSMO. He is a Firewise leader, has seen the way the existing incentive program works, communication is key as people forget about the program.
Mayor Iverson called for Council deliberation.
Vice Mayor Gee supported the proposal as a reasonable, goal-aligned pilot with flexibility for future adjustments. Councilmember Malkani endorsed it, citing FSMO’s community partnerships and efficiency, and supported the $200,000 allocation for the incentive program. Councilmember Hoxie also supported the measure, emphasizing safeguards, local spending requirements, and confidence in its safety benefits. Mayor Iverson, initially undecided, ultimately supported the proposal while expressing caution about long-term funding commitments and reliance on public funds for homeowner programs, and encouraged pursuing additional external and partnership funding opportunities.
MOTION by Councilmember Malkani, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie, to support the SSTOC recommendation and direct staff to prepare a services contract for approval at a future City Council meeting that authorizes funding for FSMO for a one-year pilot program. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
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EXTEND MEETING
MOTION by Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani, to extend the meeting to 10:20 p.m. Said motion carried by unanimous (5-0) vote.
K. MATTERS INITIATED – Councilmember Hoxie initiated a motion to review leftturn signage and bicycle/pedestrian safety at Moraga Way and Ivy Drive North, which Councilmember Malkani seconded; the motion passed with unanimous consensus, and staff will return with updates, including related improvements from the Local Roadway Safety Plan.
Councilmember Malkani moved to consider rescheduling the June 2 Council meeting due to election night, seconded by Vice Mayor Gee, with unanimous consensus. City Manager Smith noted the Council will have four members present for the next four meetings.
L. ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:20 p.m. to the next Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ______________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk