Orinda City Council Minutes Page 1 of 10 05.19.26
MAY 19, 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 at ssmith@cityoforindagov 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, Janet Riley
Mayor Brandyn Iverson, Vice Mayor Darlene Gee
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Latika Malkani
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Iverson.
C. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Mayor Iverson announced there were no reportable items from the Closed Session held earlier.
D. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOTION by Mayor Iverson, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie, to adopt the agenda. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Malkani absent) vote.
E. ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY
E.1 Proclamation - Recognizing May 17-23, 2026, as National Public Works Week - "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community"
Public Works Director Scott Christie said the Public Works Department appreciates the proclamation, noting the Council has always supported the department and cited the professionalism and hard work of City Public Works staff.
Councilmembers voiced appreciation to the Public Works Department, and Mayor Iverson presented and read the Proclamation recognizing May 17-23, 2026, as National Public Works Weed – “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community.” E.2 Certificate of Recognition - Jewish American Heritage Month Mayor Iverson reflected on her visits to Temple Isaiah and emphasized the significance of recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month before presenting the Certificate of Recognition. She then invited Councilmember Hoxie to share remarks.
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Councilmember Hoxie spoke about her family’s Jewish roots in Orinda, noting her parents were among the City’s first Jewish families and referencing historical covenant restrictions once included in their deed. She highlighted the community’s progress toward greater inclusion and emphasized the importance of celebrating diversity and unity across all backgrounds and faiths.
F. PUBLIC FORUM – None.
G. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS
Vice Mayor Gee reported on Orinda’s hosting of the CCTA Spring Workshop on May 14–15, noting positive feedback regarding the City’s public art, Community Center, and civic complex. She explained the workshop focused on the potential renewal of the County sales tax measure.
Mayor Iverson, who was unable to attend, requested that workshop materials be shared with Councilmembers.
Councilmember Hoxie summarized the recent TSAC meeting, where members discussed bike and pedestrian safety, including a request to make the topic a standing agenda item. TSAC also advanced the RFP process for the Bike and Trails Master Plan and discussed community outreach, e-bike safety, and related matters. Mayor Iverson also referenced recent changes to Moraga Way light timing and pedestrian crossings, emphasizing the need to keep project updates current.
Councilmember Riley reported attending the Schools 2x2 meeting with Councilmember Malkani, where crossing guards were a primary topic. She also attended the Art in Public Places Committee meeting, noting that all artwork loan agreements were renewed for new five-year terms. She highlighted the installation of a large elephant sculpture made from repurposed metal near the Community Center.
Additionally, she noted discussions are underway to relocate the butterfly pole artwork that must be removed to accommodate ADA accessibility improvements near the Kinder Gym.
Mayor Iverson reported attending the monthly Mayor Liaison meeting and highlighted Miramonte High School’s “Challenge Success” initiative, which focuses on student mental and social well-being and has shown measurable positive results. She noted the current principal is transitioning to a district leadership role, with a replacement expected by month’s end.
She also shared that the Tabor Student exchange program is still seeking a host family for a male student arriving August 10. Additional updates included the successful Mayors’ Conference hosted in Orinda on May 7, Rotary Field Day on May 9, Safeway’s re-grand opening on May 13, Bike to Anywhere Day events at BART on May 14, and the May 16 opening of the Dog Park.
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Looking ahead, Mayor Iverson announced the June 1 Pride Flag Raising ceremony and recognized Councilmember Malkani’s participation. She also reported attending the Downtown Revitalization meeting with Councilmember Hoxie, where discussion included launching a façade improvement program for downtown properties and reported on the preliminary conversations about a potential entertainment zone in Theater Square.
H. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Smith reported attending the Wildfire Task Force meeting convened by Senator Grayson’s office on May 8 in Lafayette, where she and Mayor Iverson participated in discussions on regional wildfire and evacuation modeling software. She emphasized the need for a broader regional funding approach rather than Orinda bearing the costs alone, and noted Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan is coordinating a meeting with Cal Fire. Mayor Iverson added that fire breaks are now being incorporated into state and insurance fire modeling maps.
She also reported on her role as Chair of the East Bay Radio Communication Systems Authority, noting the Finance Committee recently met to discuss equitable cost-sharing among counties for system maintenance.
Additional updates included the launch of Thursday Nights in Orinda, with food truck events underway and the summer concert series beginning June 4. She noted that recent signal timing changes on Moraga Way appear to be reducing cut-through traffic as drivers adjust, while police continue monitoring traffic activity and new speed limits on Orchard Road.
She further reported that tile work has been completed and work is continuing on the Library roof, new LED lighting has been installed at Wilder Sports Field, and the new dog park officially opened over the weekend. Lastly, she thanked City Clerk Sheri Smith for coordinating the Mayors’ Conference and Recreation Director Todd Trimble and his team for their work on the dog park project.
I. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Iverson asked if Councilmembers or the public wished to remove any items. Vice Mayor Gee requested removal of Item I.4. There were no further requests and no public comments.
I.1 Approval of City Council Minutes
The City Council will consider approval of the Meeting Minutes of:
1. May 5, 2026, Regular Meeting
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve City Council Minutes of
1. May 5, 2026, Regular Meeting
I.2 Appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Contra Costa County Connection Advisory Committee.
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The City Council will consider the Mayor’s recommendation to appoint Anthony Valdiosera as Orinda’s representative on the Contra Costa County Connection Advisory Committee and Greg Fernbacher to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Valdiosera would serve for a term ending in 2029 and Mr. Fernbacher would serve the remainder of the term ending in 2027, due to the resignation of Sarah Speron.
RECOMMENDATION:
Appoint Anthony Valdiosera as Orinda’s representative on the Contra Costa County Connection Advisory Committee and Greg Fernbacher to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
I.3 Approve the Engineer's Report for the Levy of Annual Assessments, Declare Intent to Levy Annual Assessments, and Set June 9, 2026, as the Date for the Public Hearing on the Levy of Assessments for Orinda Street Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District No. 1986-1, Zones L-42, M-9 and M-11 for Fiscal Year 2026-27
The City Council will consider approving the Engineer’s Report for the levy of annual assessments, declaring the City’s intent to levy annual assessments, and setting June 9, 2026, as the date for the public hearing on the proposed assessments for Orinda Street Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District No. 1986-1, Zones L-42, M-9, and M-11, for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The proposed assessments allow the City to continue providing street lighting, landscape maintenance, and related services within the district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 30-26 Approving the Engineer’s Report for the Levy of Annual Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Within the Orinda Street Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District No. 1986-1, Zones L-42, M9, And M-11.
Adopt Resolution No. 31-26 Declaring Intent to Levy and Collect Assessments and Setting June 9, 2026, as the Date for the Public Hearing on the Levy of Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026-27 Within the Orinda Street Lighting and Landscape Assessment District No. 1986-1, Zones L42, M-9, And M-11.
I.5 Street Closure for the Orinda Association's Fourth of July Parade and Associated Activities
The City Council will consider a traffic order which will authorize street closures in Downtown Orinda for the Fourth of July Parade Route and associated community activities, sponsored by the Orinda Association.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution 27-26 (Traffic Order No. 243) Authorizing Street Closures in Downtown Orinda for the Fourth of July Parade Route and Associated Community Activities.
I.6 Authorization for Caltrans Submittal - "Downtown Orinda” Identification on Highway 24
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The City Council will consider authorizing the submittal of an encroachment permit application to Caltrans in order for the Staff to pursue the installation of up to five Downtown Orinda signs along Highway 24. Caltrans’ Supplemental Signing Program allows cities to install highway signage identifying key destinations in an effort to improve visibility and support economic development efforts. If approved, the City will fund fabrication and installation, and Caltrans will assume ongoing maintenance.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 29-26 Supporting the Installation of up to Five “Downtown Orinda” Supplemental Signs Along Highway 24 and Authorize Staff to Submit an Encroachment Permit Application to Caltrans.
MOTION by Councilmember Hoxie moved, and seconded by Councilmember Riley to approve Consent Calendar Items I.1, I.2, I.3, I.5, and I.6. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Malkani absent) vote.
Item Removed from the Consent Calendar:
I.4 Budget Increase for Traffic Pole Replacement
The City Council will consider increasing budget appropriation in Fiscal Year 2025-26 to allow for replacement of a traffic signal pole.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Budget Change Form #016-26
Vice Mayor Gee said if someone has an accident and damages the traffic signal pole she asked if there is insurance coverage for that.
Assistant City Manager Doug Alessio said in this particular instance they were a noninsured motorist, and the City is placing a claim with their property insurance. Hopefully, the City will receive reimbursement for this; however, they must fix the pole before the process plays out.
MOTION by Vice Mayor Gee moved, and seconded by Councilmember Hoxie to approve Consent Calendar Item I.4. Said motion carried by unanimous (4-0-1; Malkani absent) vote.
J. PUBLIC HEARING – None.
K. POLICY MATTERS
K.1 Report on the City’s Efforts to Obtain Grant Funding The City Council will receive a report on ongoing grant efforts with the City’s grants consultant, California Consulting.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report and provide direction, as needed.
City Manager Smith stated Matt Kamm, Project Manager, and his team from California Consulting will provide an update on on-going efforts with them and with staff.
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Matt Kamm, Project Manager, introduced Senior Project Manager David Marquez and presented an overview of the City’s grant funding efforts, highlighting the successful acquisition of more than $2.17 million over the past three years. The presentation covered collaboration with City staff, the grant application process at the local, state, and federal levels, awarded and pending grants, and future priorities including multimodal transportation, green space improvements, pickleball courts at Wilder Park, and wildfire prevention initiatives.
Vice Mayor Gee asked about future Safe Routes to School funding opportunities given Orinda’s ineligibility for many grants targeted toward disadvantaged communities. Mr.
Kamm explained that while many state grants prioritize disadvantaged areas, emerging federal opportunities may provide additional funding avenues. He noted that staff continues to closely monitor opportunities through the State, County, and MTC.
Mr. Marquez confirmed that Orinda faces challenges competing for certain state grants due to its demographic profile, but noted there are still opportunities through ATP planning grants and regional funding programs administered through MPOs such as MTC. He emphasized that timing is critical, with potential ATP funding opportunities anticipated within the next six months.
Mr. Marquez also stressed the importance of documenting traffic and pedestrian safety concerns near schools, including incidents, collisions, injuries, public correspondence, petitions, agenda discussions, and community engagement efforts, all of which strengthen future grant applications.
Mayor Iverson requested additional public education on how residents can help document safety concerns for grant purposes. Mr. Marquez explained that community input submitted through letters, emails, petitions, presentations, and public meetings can all support grant applications.
In response to Mayor Iverson’s question regarding Orinda’s grant success relative to other jurisdictions, Mr. Marquez stated that while comparisons vary depending on project needs and grant strategies, securing more than $2 million in funding over three years is a strong outcome for a non-disadvantaged community. He added that continued relationship-building with funding agencies and program managers has improved the City’s competitiveness in recent years.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Mayor Iverson and Councilmembers thanked representatives for their presentation.
City Manager Smith commented she enjoys working with California Consulting and described new Proposition 4 and FEMA funding opportunities for wildfire work.
K.2 Proposed Inclusionary Housing Ordinance - Recommendations from Affordable Housing Subcommittee
The City Council will consider the recommendations from the Affordable Housing Subcommittee, composed of Vice Mayor Gee and Councilmember Malkani, and discuss the potential adoption of the Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION:
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Receive the Subcommittee’s recommendations and provide direction to Staff regarding the proposed Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO).
Planning Director Lashun Cross presented a staff report and PowerPoint overview of the proposed Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, including recommendations from the Affordable Housing Subcommittee members Vice Mayor Gee and Councilmember Malkani. She reviewed the ordinance development timeline, Housing Element policies, and key policy considerations, including project size thresholds, affordable housing percentages, design and timing requirements, in-lieu fees, developer incentives, and affordability administration.
Ms. Cross summarized prior Planning Commission and City Council study sessions, which identified four primary focus areas for further review: maintaining affordable housing quality while increasing unit production, reducing the affordability requirement from 15% to 10%, evaluating whether single-family developments should remain exempt, and revising the in-lieu fee structure to a flat fee per required affordable unit with consideration of partial build-out alternatives.
She outlined staff and subcommittee recommendations to: reduce the affordable housing requirement from 15% to 10%; continue exempting single-family residential developments; replace the in-lieu fee calculation based on net residential square footage with a flat fee per required affordable unit; and update ordinance definitions while removing State density bonus law references from the exemption section. She asked whether the Council generally supported these proposed changes before the item returns to the Planning Commission and later to the City Council.
Councilmember Hoxie questioned the proposed exemption for single-family developments, citing Orinda Grove as an example of a project that appeared capable of incorporating affordable units. Ms. Cross responded that feasibility analyses conducted by Lisa Wise Consulting found inclusionary requirements generally infeasible for singlefamily projects due to development costs, particularly in Orinda’s topographic conditions.
Councilmember Hoxie suggested including single-family projects in the ordinance and allowing applicants to seek exemptions based on demonstrated hardship rather than exempting them categorically. Ms. Cross noted that policy determination rests with the Council.
Vice Mayor Gee stated she would not characterize Orinda Grove as a typical single-family development, while City Attorney Osa Wolff agreed further analysis may be needed to determine how such projects would be classified under the ordinance based on subdivision maps and housing configurations.
Councilmember Riley sought clarification regarding waiver and modification provisions.
Ms. Cross explained developers could request exemptions or modifications to affordability requirements based on financial hardship, including requests to reduce or eliminate affordable housing obligations.
Councilmember Riley also confirmed that discussions did not involve TOC regulations, which remain under revision and are not yet applicable.
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Mayor Iverson asked for clarification regarding affordability categories within the proposed 10% requirement. City Manager Smith explained the baseline requirement is set at low-income housing, with conversion formulas allowing developers to substitute moderate- or very low-income units at adjusted percentages. City Attorney Wolff noted the ordinance packet includes detailed conversion formulas for different affordability levels.
Mayor Iverson concluded by observing that the ordinance tables distinguish between apartments and condominiums, with moderate-income requirements translating to approximately 15% moderate-income units compared to 10% low-income units.
Mayor Iverson opened the Public Forum, and there were no speakers.
Vice Mayor Gee explained that the Affordable Housing Subcommittee sought to balance the City’s housing obligations with economic feasibility for developers. She noted the recommendations were intended to acknowledge Orinda’s housing needs, maintain competitiveness with neighboring jurisdictions, and provide enough flexibility for projects to remain viable. She added that developers would likely continue using State density bonus provisions and that the proposed 10% inclusionary requirement reflected a goodfaith effort to address housing concerns while preserving negotiation flexibility.
Councilmember Hoxie expressed support for the proposed 10% requirement, citing the success of the Orinda Grove project. However, she remained concerned about exempting single-family developments, suggesting future projects such as those comparable to Wilder might have been capable of accommodating affordable housing requirements. She encouraged continued discussion regarding whether the exemption remains appropriate.
Councilmember Riley supported all four recommendations and thanked the subcommittee for its work. While acknowledging limited opportunities for large singlefamily developments in Orinda, she noted the ordinance could be revisited in the future if additional development opportunities arise.
Mayor Iverson praised the subcommittee’s thoughtful work and acknowledged the effort to strike balance, but stated she remained opposed to adopting the ordinance at this time.
She argued Orinda’s primary housing issue is a lack of overall production rather than an imbalance between market-rate and affordable housing. She noted recent affordable housing production has largely occurred through State density bonus incentives and fully affordable projects, questioning whether additional local requirements would unnecessarily burden development.
Mayor Iverson also expressed concern that inclusionary requirements and in-lieu fees could discourage housing production in a city already challenged by topography, wildfire constraints, and a difficult development environment. She referenced past projects such as Wilder, which experienced significant financial challenges, and argued that layering additional regulations could further discourage investment in Orinda. While supportive of the ordinance framework itself, she suggested preparing the ordinance but delaying adoption until a clearer need arises.
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Councilmember Hoxie asked whether adoption of an inclusionary ordinance was required under the Housing Element. City Manager Smith clarified that the City was required to evaluate and consider inclusionary zoning but was not obligated to adopt an ordinance.
She added that HCD had not specifically required implementation at this time.
Discussion then shifted to the proposed comparability provisions for affordable units developed under State density bonus law. City Manager Smith explained that without an inclusionary ordinance, the City has limited authority to require affordable units to be comparable in quality, size, or integration with market-rate units. She noted staff has observed projects proposing smaller or lower-quality affordable units and viewed the ordinance as an important tool to establish minimum comparability standards.
City Attorney Wolff added that staff currently relies primarily on persuasion and fair housing principles when negotiating for comparable units, but an inclusionary ordinance would provide stronger legal support for requiring integration and consistency between affordable and market-rate units.
Councilmember Riley expressed concern about the City’s limited leverage without such standards in place. City Manager Smith responded that while many local developers have been cooperative, the City would otherwise rely largely on relationships and voluntary compliance.
Mayor Iverson acknowledged the importance of comparability goals but questioned whether duplicating regulations already addressed under fair housing laws could further complicate housing development. She emphasized her broader concern about increasing regulatory layers contributing to California’s housing challenges.
Councilmember Hoxie stated she appreciated retaining some local control over affordable housing quality and remained generally supportive of moving forward, though she also did not want the ordinance to discourage development opportunities.
Vice Mayor Gee emphasized that the proposed ordinance was not intended to prevent housing projects but rather to provide reasonable standards while preserving flexibility for developers. She also noted the broader political environment surrounding housing policy, observing that neighboring jurisdictions such as Lafayette and Moraga already have inclusionary ordinances in place. She expressed concern that Orinda could become a target for criticism or increased state scrutiny if it failed to demonstrate good-faith compliance efforts.
City Manager Smith suggested that if the Council wished to preserve flexibility, a frontend waiver process could be incorporated into the ordinance, allowing developers to seek early relief from affordability requirements before investing substantial time and resources into project planning. Mayor Iverson responded positively to that concept, noting it could provide both greater certainty for developers and maintain an element of local control.
Councilmember Riley supported the idea of including strong introductory policy language emphasizing comparability goals, flexibility, and the availability of waivers, describing it as a potentially business-friendly compromise that could help guide future discussions with developers.
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City Manager Smith summarized the Council’s direction to staff, identifying two primary areas for further analysis: whether affordable housing comparability requirements could be implemented outside of an inclusionary zoning ordinance, and whether developers could receive earlier certainty regarding affordability requirements before investing significant time and resources into formal applications. She noted the number of projects potentially affected would likely remain small, as most multifamily developments would continue to utilize State density bonus law due to its broader developer protections. Staff will further investigate these issues and return to the Council and Affordable Housing Subcommittee with additional information.
Mayor Iverson requested that the Affordable Housing Subcommittee also review how other jurisdictions have addressed comparability standards within State density bonus projects, particularly in cities with larger-scale developments. Vice Mayor Gee agreed with that additional direction and supported the broader follow-up analysis.
Councilmember Hoxie requested further clarification regarding whether Orinda Grove would be classified as a single-family or multifamily development under the proposed ordinance framework. While City Manager Smith noted the project was approved under significantly different economic conditions in 2008, Councilmember Hoxie reiterated her interest in continuing discussion regarding the proposed single-family exemption. Smith responded that the issue largely remains a policy decision, as current feasibility analyses suggest inclusionary requirements for single-family projects may not be financially viable, and many such developments would likely rely on State density bonus protections regardless.
K. MATTERS INITIATED – None.
L. ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:51 p.m. to the next Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 09, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
______________________________
Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk