City Council Regular - July 21, 2026
A.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Public Comments:
Councilmembers: Cara Hoxie, Latika Malkani, Janet Riley Vice Mayor Darlene Gee, Mayor Brandyn Iverson
B.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Public Comments:
C.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT (when applicable)
Public Comments:
D.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Public Comments:
The City Council may take action on any item listed on the agenda.
E.
ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CITY
Public Comments:
E.1
Introduction of Officer Taliaferro
Public Comments:
E.2
Recognition of Aiden Meng, National Spelling Bee Finalist Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Proclamation Recognizing Aiden Meng for Outstanding Academic Achievement.pdf
F.
PUBLIC FORUM
Public Comments:
The public forum provides an opportunity for members of the public to speak on any item within the jurisdiction of the City Council that is not on the agenda. Additionally, a speaker has the option of addressing the Council on an item listed on the agenda, if the speaker will not be present when that agenda item is taken up. When an item is not listed on the agenda, State law prohibits Council discussion or action. Councilmembers may only “briefly respond” to statements made and questions posed. For example, State law allows Councilmembers to ask questions for clarification and provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information. Additionally, consistent with the “Matters Initiated” rule contained in its Policies and Procedures Manual, the Council may also direct staff to report back and/or place a matter on a future agenda for discussion.
G.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Public Comments:
H.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Public Comments:
I.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Public Comments:
I.1
Approval of City Council Minutes
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - City Council Minutes for Approval 072126 Meeting.pdf
2. City Counci Closed Session Minutes of July 7, 2026.pdf
3. City Council Minutes of July 7, 2026.pdf
The City Council will consider approval of the Meeting Minutes of:
1. July 7, 2026, Closed Session
2. July 7, 2026, Regular Meeting
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve City Council Minutes of
July 7, 2026, Closed Session
July 7, 2026, Regular Meeting
I.2
Ordinance Establishing State-authorized limitations on Parcels Created Pursuant to the Starter Home Revitalization Act Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Adoption of Ordinance 26-05.pdf
2. Proposed Ordinance 26-05 Amending Title 16 (Subdivisions) and Title 17 (Zoning) of the Orinda Municipal Code to Establish Limitations on Parcels Created Pursuant to California Government Code Section 66499.4.pdf The City Council will consider adoption of Ordinance 26-05, which was introduced at the City Council Meeting of July 7, 2026. This Ordinance would amend Title 16 (Subdivisions) and Title 17 (Zoning) of the Orinda Municipal Code to establish State-authorized limitations on parcels created pursuant to the Starter Home Revitalization Act, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Ordinance 26-05, waiving full reading, amending Title 16 (Subdivisions) and Title 17 (Zoning) of the Orinda Municipal Code to establish State-authorized limitations on parcels created pursuant to the Starter Home Revitalization Act (California Government Code Section 66499.41).
I.3
Investment Report for the Quarter Ending June 30, 2026
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Investment Report for Quarter Ending June 30, 2026.pdf
2. Attachment A- Reserve Portfolio Report for Apr 2026- Jun 2026.pdf
3. Attachment B- LAIF Statements Apr 2026- Jun 2026.pdf
4. Attachment C- Money Market Account Statements Apr 2026- Jun 2026.pdf The City Council will receive the quarterly report on the City’s investments, consistent with California Government Code Section 53646(b) and the City's Investment Policy. This report covers the period of April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION:
A
ccept the
Investment Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2026.
I.4
Ladris Contract Amendment No. 1 for Wildfire and Evacuation Planning Services Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Ladris Contract Amendment No. 1.pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution No. 56-26 .pdf
The City Council will consider approving Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Ladris Technologies, Inc., extending the City's wildfire scenario and evacuation planning services for an additional two-year term, from August 30, 2026, through August 29, 2028, at a fixed annual cost of $252,700, for a total contract amount not to exceed $505,400.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 56-26 Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Ladris Technologies, Inc. for the continued provision of wildfire scenario and evacuation planning services to the City of Orinda.
I.5
Authorize an Exception to Competitive Bidding Per Orinda Municipal Code (OMC) Section 2.55.100, Purchase Two Replacement Police Patrol Vehicles, Including Equipment Outfitting and Installation, and Approve Budget Change Form #001-27 Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Purchase Two Replacement Police Patrol Vehicles.pdf
2. Attachment A - Elk Grove Auto Quote for Two Replacement Police Patrol Vehicles.pdf
3. Attachment B - Budget Change Form 001-27.pdf
The City
is responsible for
providing the fleet of vehicles used by Police personnel under the contract with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff .
Two existing Police Patrol Vehicles have reached the end of their useful life and need to be replaced .
Per Orinda Municipal Code Section 2.55.100, when another public agency has administered a competitive bidding process and has a current valid agreement for the same or substantially similar
equipment, an exception to the competitive bidding requirement may be requested.
In addition, Staff is requesting a budget adjustment of $179,500 originally appropriated in Fiscal Year 2025-26 which went unspent and remains
available for this use.
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize an exception to the competitive bidding process per OMC 2.55.100, approve the replacement of two existing police patrol vehicles at a total cost of $179,500 ($125,000 for the vehicles and approximately $54,500 for equipment and outfitting); and approve Budget Change Form #001-27 in the amount of $179,500
from the Fleet Replacement Fund (Fund 605).
J.
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Comments:
J.1
Introducing Ordinance No. 26-07 Pilot Facade Improvement Program Streamlining Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Ordinance No. 26-07 - Pilot Facade Improvement Program Streamlining.pdf
2. Attachment A - Ordinance No. 26-07.pdf
3. Attachment B - Resolution No. PC 2026-05.pdf
4. Attachment C - July 14, 2026, Planning Commission Minutes.pdf On June 9, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 35-26 establishing a one-year Pilot Façade Improvement Program to encourage investment in exterior improvements to commercial properties. As part of that action, the City Council directed staff to prepare any necessary amendments to the Orinda Municipal Code to streamline review procedures for approved Façade Improvement Program projects.
Ordinance No. 26-07 implements that direction by exempting approved Façade Improvement Program projects from Planning Commission design review, sign permit requirements, tree removal permit requirements, and outdoor dining permit requirements while maintaining compliance with applicable building, fire, accessibility, and encroachment requirements.
As required for all amendments to Title 17 (Zoning Code), the Planning Commission considered the proposed ordinance on July 14, 2026, and recommended that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 26-07. The Planning Commission's recommendation is advisory, and the City Council retains full authority to approve, modify, or deny the proposed ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION:
Waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 26-07, amending Chapters 17.8.5 (I-Downtown Commercial District), 17.18.5 (Exempt Signs), 17.21.3 (Permit Required for Removal or Destruction of a Protected Tree), and 17.30.3 (Design Review Requirement) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Orinda Municipal Code to streamline permitting requirements for approved Façade Improvement Program projects; and find that Ordinance No. 26-07 is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption.
K.
POLICY MATTERS
Public Comments:
K.1
Adopting the 2026 Emergency Operations Plan
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Adopting the 2026 Emergency Operations Plan .pdf
2. Attachment A - Resolution No. 58-26 Adopting the Emergency Operations Plan.pdf
3. Attachment B - Exhibit A to Resolution No. 58-26 - 2026 Emergency Operations Plan.pdf The proposed 2026 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
establishes
the City’s framework for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. The EOP is designed as an all-hazards plan and provides
scalable guidance that may be applied to wildfires, earthquakes, severe weather, utility disruptions, hazardous materials incidents, public safety emergencies, and other events affecting the community.
The EOP
identifies
the City’s emergency organization,
establishes
procedures for activating and
operating
the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), describes the roles of City departments and partner agencies, and provides functional and hazard-specific annexes, operational checklists, and supporting forms. The plan is intended to improve coordination, clarify responsibilities, and provide City staff with practical guidance during an emergency.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No.
58-26 Adopting the 2026 Emergency Operations Plan.
K.2
Strategic Plan Progress Report
Attachments
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Public Comments
1. Staff Report - Strategic Plan Progress Report.pdf
2. Attachment A - Strategic Plan Reporting Matrix.pdf
3. Attachment B - Strategic Plan Report - Council Items.pdf
4. Attachment C - Strategic Plan Report - Work Items Report .pdf In July 2025, the City Council adopted the Fiscal Years 2025/26–2026/27 Strategic Plan to establish the City's organizational priorities and guide policy development, budgeting, and staff work over the two-year planning period. The Strategic Plan identifies four strategic priorities and a series of implementation objectives intended to improve wildfire resilience, infrastructure, downtown vitality, and community engagement.
This report provides the City Council with its first comprehensive implementation update. Attachment A summarizes the implementation status of every Strategic Plan objective, while Attachments B and C document the policy actions, projects, and initiatives undertaken by the City that support implementation of the Strategic Plan. Together, these documents provide a comprehensive overview of the City's progress toward accomplishing the Council's adopted priorities.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the Strategic Plan Progress Report and provide direction to Staff on further implementation.
L.
MATTERS INITIATED
Public Comments:
M.
ADJOURNMENT
Public Comments:
Please visit the City's website at www.cityoforinda.gov to view the City Council Meeting Calendar.
I, Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that this special meeting agenda has been posted at least 24 hours in advance at the Orinda City Hall, 22 Orinda Way and the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way. Additional copies are available at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, and at the City's website at www.cityoforinda.org. At Least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, this agenda was also delivered to and received by each member of the City Council as well as each local newspaper, radio station and television station requesting written notice of special meetings.
I, Sheri Marie Smith, City Clerk, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that this regular meeting agenda has been posted at least 72 hours in advance at the Orinda City Hall, 22 Orinda Way and the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way. Additional copies are available at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, and at the City's website at www.cityoforinda.gov. ~Notices~
There is a 90-day limit for the filing of a challenge in Court to certain City decisions that require a hearing by law, the receipt of evidence, and the exercise of discretion. The 90-day limit begins on the date the decision is final (Code of Civil Procedure 1094.6). Further, if you file a challenge in Court, you may be limited by California law, including but not limited to Government Code 65009, to those issues raised in connection with the public hearing. The City Council may be requested to reconsider a decision if the request is made prior to the next City Council meeting. For information on the next City Council meeting, please call 925.253.4221 or visit the website at www.cityoforinda.org. Unless otherwise noted, City Council actions include a determination that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) does not apply. ~Accessible Public Meetings~
The City of Orinda will provide special assistance for disabled citizens to participate in public meetings upon advance notice. If you need auxiliary hearing aid or sign language assistance at least two (2) working days advanced notice is necessary. Please contact the City Clerk's Office, 22 Orinda way, Orinda, CA 94563 or 925.253.4221 or [email protected]
with the following information: name, mailing address, phone number and type of assistance requested.