Orinda City Council Minutes Page 1 of 13 04.21.26
APRIL 21, 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
Mayor Brandyn Iverson, Vice Mayor Darlene Gee
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Janet Riley
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 Vice Mayor Gee, to adopt the agenda, as amended. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Riley absent) vote.
D. ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY
D.1 Recognizing Orinda Action Day of Community Service on April 25, 2026
Mayor Iverson recognized Saturday, April 25, 2026 as Orinda Action Day of Community Service which is spearheaded by the Orinda Community Foundation, and she read the proclamation into the record recognizing the many organizations.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
D.2 Recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month
Mayor Iverson recognized the month of April as Arab American Heritage Month and those in the community who contribute and celebrate traditions of Arab Americans.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
D.3 Library Update - Michael Beller, Orinda Library Manager Mayor Iverson introduced Michael Beller, Orinda Library Manager who will provide an update.
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Library Manager Michael Beller provided a PowerPoint presentation and library update.
He began by reciting a poem, recognized National Library Week of April 19-25, 2026, described increases in total circulation, digital circulation, Library in-person and virtual visits, highlighted the most popular books of 2025, the Rolling Reader which is an allelectric van providing literacy services to children 0-5 old in vulnerable communities, new digital services, Lunch at the Library, Summer Reading, book and DVD circulation statistics, Ebook/Audiobook circulation and checkouts, number of new library cards (1,020), Library patron count (131,700), programs and outreach, described special events, and recognized the Friends of the Orinda Library.
Councilmember Hoxie asked and confirmed there are 10 regular staff members and roughly 10 library aides who are hourly members.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Councilmembers voiced appreciation for the work of the Orinda Library and Friends of the Orinda Library, recognized new Sunday hours, the creative resources available to the community as well as in-person resources, cited diverse experiences, availability of the library rooms/offices, and thanked Mr. Beller for his work as Manager.
E. PUBLIC FORUM
Staci DeShasier, Orinda Farmers Market Director, thanked staff for seasonal preparations, noted an early spring with fruit four weeks ahead, and marked the market’s 29th year with continued Saturday operations. She highlighted participation in Orinda Action Day, including fruit donations, and confirmed closure on July 4th for the local parade while expressing optimism for the season.
Michelle Hendrickson highlighted the market’s role as a community hub and its focus on food access through SNAP/EBT, supported by local partners like the Rotary Club and grant funding from Supervisor Andersen’s office. New funding will increase the dollar-fordollar match from $10 to $15 starting this Saturday, expanding access to fresh produce for low-income residents.
Mayor Iverson and Councilmembers thanked Farmers Market representatives for providing the update.
I. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Hoxie reported on the Transportation Safety Advisory Committee, which has been receiving Police Department updates on citations, accidents, and activities. The reports help identify dangerous intersections. Citations are up, and a recent enforcement day was effective.
She also met with Eloise Sotelo, new Director of Seniors Around Town, who reported a slight decline in rides due to driver shortages. In January, 24 riders were served by 47 drivers. She also discussed fire safety and evacuation planning with Ms. Sotelo, and connected her with Mark Evans of FSMO.
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Vice Mayor Gee reported that the CCTA Board approved Smart Signals, and staff is preparing the RFP.
She also summarized a recent 2x2 meeting with MOFD, where the Chief provided updates on maintaining the North Orinda fuel break and planned prescribed burns. The City’s FSMO contract and vegetation management incentive program were also discussed and additional topics included the Lafayette Reservoir area, with emphasis on strengthening partnerships and the need for more fuel break work and coordination with Moraga.
Councilmember Malkani added 2x2 committee updates on fuel reduction work, including Wagner Ranch. MOFD will soon share details on next year’s inspection focus areas. She noted MOFD allocated about $516,000 for fuel break maintenance and $50,000 for pile burns, along with funding for a part-time burns coordinator and $500,000 for home hardening materials. There was also a brief update on Zone 0 regulations.
City Manager Smith added that draft Zone 0 regulations have been released and are expected to be well-received.
Councilmember Malkani also reported an update on an upcoming new fire station opening, and both Fire Stations 41 and 45 need a lot of work in terms of renovations, which MOFD is budgeting for.
Mayor Iverson reported attending the Rotary State of the City presentation, noting it’s valued tradition. She also participated in the Mayors’ Liaison meeting, with the City Manager expected to share relevant updates.
She highlighted coordinated legislative advocacy by OUSD and Acalanes School District to raise the base school funding formula. She noted a potential opportunity in the State budget to advance this effort and emphasized strong, visible support for improving funding for the state’s lowest-funded districts.
J. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Smith gave the following report:
• “Thursday Nights in Orinda” begins in June, consolidating weekly activities into a branded Thursday evening event with food trucks, movies, concerts, and other activities.
• The Orinda Way Newsletter has been delivered to all households and includes eight pages of updates.
• The City received a $140,000 TDA grant for the Camino Pablo Pathway Rehabilitation Project, led by Engineering.
• Dog park fencing is nearly complete, with a ribbon-cutting planned for May 16 at 9:30 a.m.
• A prescribed burn near Orinda Oaks Park is planned for June in coordination with MOFD, date TBD.
• A Zone 0 press release issued Friday is more flexible than expected and emphasizes home hardening over vegetation management.
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• BART reported a 10% year-over-year ridership increase as discussions continue about a potential ballot measure for additional funding in November.
In response to a question of Councilmember Malkani, Vice Mayor Gee confirmed that BART ridership is back up to over 200,000 a day, however, it is still 50% of what the preCOVID peak was, at 400,000.
In response to Councilmember Hoxie, the Tri-City meeting will be held at St. Mary’s College on July 16th where BART will provide a presentation.
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 there were no requests and no public comments.
F.1 Approval of City Council Minutes
The City Council will consider approval of the Meeting Minutes of:
1. April 7, 2026, Regular Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve City Council Minutes of
1. April 7, 2026, Regular Meeting
F.2 Award Contract for Crossroads Plaza Project No. 4103 The City Council will consider awarding a contract for the re-bid Crossroads Plaza project construction. The lowest responsive bidder was Modernscapes Innovations, for an amount of $277,000. In order to award the contract, a budget change of
$48,000 is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Award Contract to Modernscapes Innovations for Crossroads Plaza Project No. 4103 for $277,000, Authorize a 15% Contingency ($41,550) and Approve Budget Change Form #012-26 for an amount of $48,000.
F.3 Letter of Agreement for Temporary Use of Community Parking Lot at 10 Irwin Way
The City Council will consider a request for temporary use of the community parking lot at 10 Irwin Way to Orinda Community Church related to the construction of the Vista Verde project. The City Council is being asked to authorize the City Manager to enter into a Letter Agreement which will authorize its use, extend the existing lease term and restore the lot to public parking at the conclusion of the project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 15-26 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Letter of Agreement with Orinda Community Church, Inc. regarding temporary use of the community parking lot at 10 Irwin Way.
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F.4 Award Professional Design Services Contract for Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Projects to Advanced Mobility Group (AMG)
The City Council will consider awarding a contract to Advanced Mobility Group (AMG) for engineering and design services for CIP 4185 - Highway Safety Improvement Program projects. The proposed contract amount is $398,880, plus a 15% contingency of $59,832, for a total not to exceed value of $458,712. These projects will implement targeted safety improvements (for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists) and produce GISbased traffic control devices (striping, signage, etc.) inventories.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a contract with Advanced Mobility Group (AMG) for Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) project design services in the amount of $398,880, plus a 15% contingency, for a total not to exceed value of $458,712.
F.5 Approve Construction Contract with Allied Construction Services for Orinda Library Roof Replacement Project (CIP #4173)
The City Council will consider approving a construction contract to renovate the cap sheet roof section of the Library.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve construction contract with Allied Construction Services for Orinda Library Roof Replacement Project (CIP #4173) in the amount of $73,053.
MOTION by Councilmember Hoxie moved, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani to approve Consent Calendar Items F.1, F.2, F.3, F.4, and F.5. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Riley absent) vote.
G. PUBLIC HEARING
G.1 Introduction of Citywide Objective Design Standards (ODS) Ordinance 26-03, implementing Action 3.E of the Housing Element
The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adoption of Citywide Objective Design Standards. The purpose of the objective design standards is to provide guidance, set design expectations, expedite processing, align with new laws streamlining review for residential projects, and maintain the architectural and landscape character of the community.
RECOMMENDATION:
Waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance 26-03, to amend Title 17 of the Orinda Municipal Code (Zoning) and adopt the Citywide ODS; and find this ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and direct Staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
Principal Planner Christine Thompson presented the Citywide Objective Design Standards (ODS), covering project scope, applicable state housing laws, and the goal of facilitating housing through clear, objective standards. She outlined refinements made since prior study sessions, including clarified design standards, definitions, and application processes.
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The Planning Commission recommended adoption with modifications for clarity, and staff has made minor updates in an April 2026 draft. Staff recommends the Council introduce Ordinance 26-03 to adopt the ODS, find it CEQA-exempt, and proceed with a second reading at the next meeting, and she and Associate Planner Celina Palmer, as well as Tony Perez, Senior Associate at Opticos, are available to answer any questions.
Mayor Iverson opened the public hearing and asked for questions from Councilmembers.
Vice Mayor Gee asked and confirmed with Ms. Thompson that this is a living document and the Council still have the opportunity in the future to amend it. City Attorney Osa Wolff clarified that if the Council wished to update the document, it would require an ordinance process because it is effectively zoning which is adopted by reference into the Zoning Code.
Councilmember Hoxie asked how Zone 0 regulations are incorporated into the ODS. Ms.
Thompson explained staff generally cites, rather than incorporates, requirements like state law and zoning updates so documents can remain flexible. She added the ODS focuses on design, while broader development standards stay in the Municipal Code and State law. City Manager Smith added that State law supersedes local law.
Councilmember Hoxie asked whether fire-related features like gutter guards or vent mesh fall under the ODS or state law. Ms. Thompson said some requirements are governed by state law and coordinated with MOFD, while the ODS focuses on design considerations.
City Manager Smith added these features are optional “nice-to-haves,” not enforceable through ODS, as State housing laws limit what cities can require beyond certain Building Code provisions.
Mayor Iverson asked about requiring color variation on larger residential buildings. Staff said the standards allow flexibility, guiding where color changes can occur but not requiring alternating colors along a wall.
On design review, Ms. Thompson explained the Planning Commission will still review all commercial projects, while residential projects may follow ODS for ministerial approval or pursue traditional review if they do not comply. Experience suggests most developers still opt for discretionary review.
Mayor Iverson expressed concern about losing design quality, but Tony Perez of Opticos noted projects have generally remained attractive, and the standards can be updated over time.
Councilmember Malkani asked if they are seeing an incorporation of fire resilience into architecture and doing it in a way that is beautiful. Mr. Perez said they are seeing requirements for compliant materials on buildings and fuels being planted away from the buildings themselves, or no plants along walls.
Councilmember Malkani asked about resources for smaller builders. Ms. Thompson said the ODS uses a building typology approach (e.g., single units, duplexes, multi-plexes) to guide users, and was designed to be user-friendly with visuals like diagrams and images to help applicants navigate the standards.
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Councilmember Malkani raised concerns about maintaining architectural cohesion without design review. Mr. Perez responded that while some cities embrace eclectic styles, Orinda’s standards aim to preserve existing patterns without overly restricting applicants. He noted that only a few jurisdictions—like Santa Barbara, Carmel, and Marin—actively regulate architectural style, and doing so typically requires more prescriptive tools than those included in the current ODS.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers. She closed the Public Forum and asked for Council deliberation and discussion.
Mayor Iverson and Councilmembers voiced support, recognized the amount of work that has gone into the process, thanked staff and the consultants for balancing needs and acknowledged that the Council can revisit the ODSs, as needed.
MOTION by Councilmember Malkani, and seconded by Vice Mayor Gee, to waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance 26-03, to amend Title 17 of the Orinda Municipal Code (Zoning) and adopt the Citywide ODS; and find this ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and direct Staff to file a Notice of Exemption. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Riley absent) vote.
H. POLICY MATTERS
H.1 Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance (RAC) Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Participation
The City Council will receive a report from Rinta Perkins, Interim Program Manager for Contra Costa County Clean Water Program. Ms. Perkins will provide an overview on the Contra Costa County Regional Alternative Compliance (RAC) System. The Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) requires low impact development (LID)/green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) to be implemented for new development/redevelopment (C.3.b), retrofitting a proportion of permittee (City of Orinda) impervious surfaces (C.3.j), and addressing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)/mercury Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) in San Francisco Bay (C.11/C.12).
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive presentation from Rinta Perkins, Interim Program Manager for Contra Costa County Clean Water Program, on the proposed RAC Joint Powers Authority (JPA) System and provide comments and direction.
Senior Engineer Ryan O’Kane introduced the item, noting tonight is an introduction by Ms. Perkins to explain the program and hopefully at the next Council meeting, staff can come back with a formal resolution. He provided an overview of the matter, stating the City of Orinda is required to implement retrofit projects at least 1.2 acres by June 2027.
Thus far, the City has installed approximately .2 acres, leaving a shortfall of approximately 1 acre. Under the new MRP 4.0 which is being finalized, the retrofit project requirements could increase.
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The County RAC system allows green stormwater infrastructure treatment facilities or offstie GSI projects to be constructed within the County to generate compliance units that can then be exchanged through the system. Compliance units can be sold to an interested party like a developer or a municipality in need of off-site stormwater treatment for compliance. To effectively manage the RAC system, participating agencies are forming a JPA that will be responsible for administrating off-site GSI certification, compliance unit accounting, project verification, long-term maintenance funding mechanisms, and annual reporting to the Water Board. He then introduced Renta Perkins, the Interim Program Manager for the County’s Clean Water program and she will provide an overview of the RAC compliance system.
Rinta Perkins, Interim Program Manager, Contra Costa County Clean Water Program, presented the Regional Alternative Compliance (RAC) system, a multi-agency program enabling 19 cities, the County, and the Flood Control District to meet stormwater requirements through regional projects instead of solely on-site improvements. She explained it helps jurisdictions like Orinda, which lack industrial areas, meet mandated runoff treatment goals for pollutants like PCBs and mercury.
The system functions as a credit-based framework allowing cities and developers to fund or participate in regional green stormwater infrastructure projects. She also outlined governance through a joint powers agreement, cost-sharing, potential financing tools, and the formation process and timeline for implementation.
Mayor Iverson asked about managing supply and demand in the RAC system. Ms.
Perkins said a tracking tool will account for rainfall, pollutant loads, and environmental benefits, and that the system is market-driven, so balance will develop over time with priority given to member compliance needs.
On governance risks, Mayor Iverson compared it to other JPAs potentially being excluded from funding programs. Ms. Perkins responded that this JPA would be a legal entity eligible to receive funding from sources like EPA, the state, and Caltrans to support regional projects.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Councilmember Hoxie asked how Orinda would meet requirements without joining the JPA. Mr. O’Kane said it would be difficult and likely require scattered, small-scale projects, which are costly and hard to site and maintain locally, making the JPA a more efficient solution.
On compliance purchasing, staff explained Orinda would likely need roughly equivalent credits for required acreage, while other cities may have surplus capacity to sell. Ms.
Perkins added that regional projects are generally more cost-effective than small local installations. She also noted estimated JPA costs of about $2,800 initially per agency and $1,500 annually thereafter for administration and reporting.
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Vice Mayor Gee, Councilmember Malkani, and Councilmember Hoxie all expressed support for joining the JPA, citing regulatory complexity and cost efficiencies for a small jurisdiction. Staff confirmed the JPA would handle documentation and reduce potential municipal liabilities, including insurance and other costs, and could also assist private developers with compliance.
Mayor Iverson confirmed broad Council support and thanked staff for the presentation.
H.2 The Mills Act Program Discussion
The City Council will receive a presentation on managing historic preservation in the City of Orinda. Staff seeks direction on a recent request for a Mills Act contract and the potential need for program development and ongoing administration. Based on an assessment of comparable programs in other jurisdictions, Staff recommends the City Council consider repealing Orinda Municipal Code (OMC) Sections 17.25.22 and 17.25.23 to terminate the City's participation in the Mills Act due to administrative and fiscal challenges.
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss the Mills Act and program options and provide direction to Staff to prepare an ordinance repealing OMC Sections 17.25.22 and 17.25.23 and take no further action on the Mills Act contract.
Principal Planner Christine Thompson presented the Mills Act Program, which offers property tax reductions (about 40–60%) in exchange for historic preservation and restoration commitments. She reviewed Orinda’s ordinance, eligible landmark properties, and two current contract requests (Buehler House and Nelson House), along with a new designation application.
She noted prior Council hesitation due to limited public benefit relative to tax revenue loss and completed prior renovations at some sites. Staff also highlighted regional challenges such as administrative burden, staffing needs, and equity concerns, with potential tax impacts estimated at about $149,000 across current Orinda requests.
She presented three options for Council direction: repeal the program, proceed without a formal program (ad hoc), or establish a structured Mills Act program with defined criteria and procedures, and asked how to proceed with existing applications.
The Council discussed how Mills Act requirements would differ from normal property maintenance. Ms. Thompson explained it would require a restoration plan focused on preserving historic features under the Secretary of the Interior Standards, emphasizing repair over replacement and maintaining historic character (e.g., windows, roofing, materials).
Councilmembers questioned the program’s relevance in Orinda, especially for private residential properties versus more public commercial landmarks like the Orinda Theater.
Staff noted local designation is primarily recognition and does not prevent changes, but triggers review processes for alterations.
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Questions were raised about separating commercial vs. residential eligibility, potential repeal impacts, and program costs. Staff estimated about $10,000–$11,000 in combined legal and planning time to establish a formal program.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum.
E.B. Master described the Nelson House’s ownership history and extensive restoration efforts after prior alterations, emphasizing how easily historic homes can be significantly changed or threatened with demolition. She explained the property was previously targeted for redevelopment before she purchased and preserved it.
She noted ongoing preservation is costly but has enabled educational and cultural use, including tours and visits by universities, architecture groups, and international visitors interested in Richard Neutra.
Mayor Iverson asked about public benefit, and Ms. Master pointed to these educational and outreach activities. She also said she was only recently informed of the Council’s consideration of the Mills Act item.
Tania DeGroot, a Historic Landmarks Committee member, said the committee had expected to review a Mills Act application and was surprised by the proposal to consider abolishing the program. She expressed concern about limited time for public discussion and supported further evaluation.
She emphasized the importance of preserving Orinda’s architectural diversity and encouraged continued participation in landmarking, including downtown properties, noting concern that eliminating the program could discourage future preservation efforts.
Jeanne HuangLi raised concerns about the staff report and questioned what historic preservation models Orinda aims to follow, suggesting some information may have been selectively presented and that administrative impacts are not fully known.
She argued that architecturally significant homes—especially post-WWII properties in Orinda—do attract public interest and study, citing examples of people visiting and observing such residences. She referenced places like Sea Ranch as examples of accessible residential historic design value and noted that preservation can have significant cultural and financial importance, citing a costly restoration of a Julia Morgandesigned building as an example.
Mayor Iverson closed the public forum and asked for Council discussion.
Councilmembers debated whether to continue Orinda’s Mills Act program.
Councilmembers Hoxie, Gee, Malkani, and Iverson generally favored an ad-hoc approach rather than a formal program, citing limited public benefit, administrative burden, and small number of eligible properties, while emphasizing respect for existing applicants and preservation values.
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Councilmember Hoxie stressed fairness to the current applicant and separating individual cases from the broader policy decision. Vice Mayor Gee and Councilmember Malkani questioned overall program value for a small jurisdiction, with Councilmember Malkani leaning toward maintaining the status quo but not expanding a formal program. Mayor Iverson supported Option 2 (ad-hoc), emphasizing historic preservation as a City value but noting limited scale and potential costs.
Discussion also covered legal structure, inspection requirements, negotiation flexibility, consultant needs, and potential precedent-setting effects. Staff clarified no formal process currently exists and would need to be developed if the program continues.
EXTEND MEETING
MOTION by Councilmember Malkani, and seconded by Vice Mayor Gee, to extend the meeting to until 10:30 p.m. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Riley absent) vote.
Council discussion ensued and the Council agreed to move forward with processing the existing Mills Act application on an ad-hoc basis while pausing consideration of a broader program and new applications. Members expressed interest in better understanding the applicant’s perspective before further action.
Staff suggested a study/work session to review the application, lessons from other jurisdictions, and possible contract terms, with the applicant invited to present. Council also agreed to pause acceptance of new Mills Act applications during this period.
Mayor Iverson suggested a potential site tour of the property, which staff said the owner would likely support.
City Manager Smith noted that the last two items on the agenda are not time-sensitive tonight and they could be moved to the next meeting. Vice Mayor Gee said she has a question on one of the items, and City Attorney Wolff said they should also hear from the public if this is the case.
MOTION by Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani, to move up Item H.4 on the agenda ahead of Item H.3. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Riley absent) vote.
H.4 Discussion Regarding Rescheduling the City Council Meeting of June 2, 2026
The City Council will discuss rescheduling their June 2, 2026, meeting to a different date.
RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss and give direction to staff.
Councilmember Malkani said she brought this up because it was primary election day and her understanding that they are already down to four Councilmembers that night because Councilmember Riley had a conflict. So, the question was whether they could move the meeting to June 8th or 9th.
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Councilmember Hoxie said June is a 5-Tuesday month and she asked if they should schedule June 9th and the following week or skip a week and June 23. Councilmember Malkani said they did not agendized anything but moving the June 2nd meeting.
City Manager Smith said they always need two meetings in June to adopt the budget at the first meeting and then bring contracts needed for the next year for the second meeting.
For staff’s benefit, they plan to adopt the budget on June 9th, and she confirmed there would be 5 Councilmembers present. It is also okay to have a meeting on June 16th, noting there will not be any public hearings on that agenda. However, the City Attorney will not be present for the June 9th.
MOTION by Councilmember Hoxie, and seconded by Councilmember Malkani, to move the June 2nd meeting to June 9th, provided all 5 Councilmembers can be present.
Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Riley absent) vote.
H.3 Updated City Council Policy and Procedures Manual
The City Council will consider changes to their Policy and Procedures Manual
to comply with recent changes to the law due to Senate Bill 707 and other changes to language proposed by Staff.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider changes to their Policy and Procedures Manual to comply with recent changes to the law due to Senate Bill 707 and other changes to language proposed by Staff.
Vice Mayor Gee raised concerns about members of the public recording Council meetings and potentially using AI or editing tools to misrepresent statements, especially in political contexts. She asked whether there are protections against altered or misleading recordings.
City Manager Smith said she will be attending a League of California Cities session on AI and local government and can report back. City Attorney Wolff responded that while she was not aware of specific precedent, existing defamation and slander laws would apply to false or misleading statements.
Council discussion ensued regarding the practice of recording of public meetings, risk to all public officials, and a lot of video up on the web already.
Mayor Iverson proposed making a trial change permanent to move City Manager and Council Reports earlier on the agenda, noting it had been working well. Councilmembers agreed.
The Council directed staff to amend Section 3.1 so Councilmember Reports and City Manager Reports (Items J and K) would be moved up in the agenda order between Items F and G.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
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Councilmembers discussed how proclamations are handled. Councilmember Malkani requested a future report on how other cities manage them before considering changes.
Councilmember Hoxie noted the School Board’s more structured approach and suggested limiting proclamations to mission-related items.
Mayor Iverson preferred maintaining the current flexible, Mayor-led ceremonial approach and was not in favor of additional staff work.
The Council ultimately agreed to adopt the Policy and Procedures Manual while directing that the topic of proclamations under Section 8.1 be brought back for future discussion.
MOTION by Vice Mayor Gee, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie, to approve changes to the Policy and Procedures Manual to comply with recent changes to the law due to Senate Bill 707, other changes to language proposed by Staff, as amended to revised Section 3.1, Items J and K, and direction to staff to return with survey information on how other cities handle proclamations under Section 8.1; Councilmember Reports and City Manager Reports which would go between F and G. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Riley absent) vote.
K. MATTERS INITIATED – None.
L. ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:26 p.m. to the next Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
______________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk