City Council Special Meeting (Closed and Open Sessions) 4pm/ Regular Meeting at 6 pm Tuesday, December 16, 2025
CITY HALL
1666 N. MAIN STREET, WALNUT CREEK
CouncilMembers:
Darling
DeVinney
Silva
mAYOR pRO tEM Francois
mayor Wilk
Meeting minutes were approved by the City Council on January 20, 2026.
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AT 4:00 PM
Council Chamber, 1st Floor
1. OPENING
Consider and take action on any request from a Councilmember to participate in a meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(f)(1). Receive notice that a Councilmember is participating in the meeting due to just cause circumstances pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(f)(1) - none.
All Councilmembers were in attendance.
2. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Wilk reported that under California law, public comments at special meetings are limited to subjects on the agenda only; therefore, public comments would be received at this time. Public comments were received from Scott Rafferty regarding the Closed Session - Anticipated Litigation item (Item 4a).
3. INTERVIEW COMMISSION CANDIDATES AND ACTION ON APPOINTMENTS The City Council interviewed candidate Trent Neuhausel at this meeting for one of two alternate openings on the Board of Appeals.
Motion by Darling, second by Mayor Pro Tem Francois,
carried unanimously
, to APPOINT Trent Neuhausel as an Alternate Member to the Board of Appeals for a term through March 5, 2030.
YEAS:
Darling, DeVinney, Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Francois, Mayor Wilk.
4. CLOSED SESSION
a.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
(Pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9) Significant exposure to litigation: 1 potential case
b.
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1))
Wobleski et. Al. v. City of Walnut Creek, Case No. C24-02339 City Attorney Steve Mattas reported that there was no reportable action as a result of the closed session items. He noted that for the lawsuit related to the pickleball courts at Rudgear Park, the City has filed a demurrer and the City is waiting on a final ruling.
5. ADJOURNMENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING at 5:13 p.m. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AT 6:00 PM
Council Chamber, 1st Floor
1. OPENING
Consider and take action on any request from a Councilmember to participate in a meeting remotely due to emergency circumstances pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(f)(1). Receive notice that a Councilmember is participating in the meeting due to just cause circumstances pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(f)(1) - none. a.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
b.
ROLL CALL - all Councilmembers were in attendance.
c.
PRESENTATION: John Muir Health & Kaiser Permanente
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
Jan Warren provided comments for Consent Calendar Item 2d. Consent Calendar Items 2e, 2h, 2n and 2o were pulled by Councilmembers to ask questions of staff and/or to provide comments. In regards to Consent Calendar Item 2f, Mayor Wilk highlighted that the Downtown Permitted Outdoor Dining Structures (PODS) Incentive Program has been extended to March 31, 2026.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Francois, second by Darling,
carried unanimously
, to APPROVE Consent Calendar Items 2a-2d, 2f, 2g and 2i-2m.
YEAS:
Darling, DeVinney, Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Francois, Mayor Wilk. a.
APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES dated November 18, 2025 and December 2, 2025.
11.18.25 Minutes
12.2.25 Minutes
b.
ACCEPTED WARRANT REGISTERS dated November 7, 2025 (2), November 14, 2025, November 21, 2025(2), November 26, 2025 (3), December 5, 2025 (2); and DIRECT PAYROLL TRANSFERS dated November 14, 2025(2) and November 26, 2025(2).
Warrant Registers 1
Warrant Registers 2
c.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-59 approving the Salary and Wage Plan dated and effective as of December 21, 2025 to reflect a change in California minimum wage. 2c Agenda Report
Attachment Resolution with Exhibit A
d.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-60 accepting the report of Development Impact Fees and Expenditures for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025 and making certain findings regarding unexpended funds. 2d Agenda Report
Attachment 1 Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 Summary of Developer Fee Fund Balances
Attachment 3 Active Developer Fee Funded Projects
Attachment 4 2026-2035 Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan f.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-61 extending the Downtown Permitted Outdoor Dining Structures (PODS) Incentive Program to March 31, 2026. 2f Agenda Report
Attachment Draft Resolution
g.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-62 approving the Final Map and Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Subdivision 9441 for the one-lot subdivision for residential condominiums purposes at 1524 Oakland Boulevard. 2g Agenda Report
Attachment 1 Draft Resolution with Exhibit A
Attachment 2 Vicinity Map
Attachment 3 Final Map
i.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-63 amending Resolution No. 25-27 adopting an Operating Budget of Expenditures for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 to correct a minor typographic error. 2i Agenda Report
Attachment 1 Resolution 25-27
Attachment 2 Draft Resolution Redline
Attachment 3 Draft Resolution
j.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-64 approving an amendment to the salaries and benefits and other terms and conditions of employment for unrepresented Department Directors. 2j Agenda Report
Attachment Draft Resolution with Exhibit A
k.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-65 amending the Master Fee Schedule to revise the fee range for synthetic turf field rentals from $60-$95 per hour for non-profit organizations and public/private schools to $20-$95 per hour, and from $100-$170 per hour for private/commercial groups to $40-$170 per hour for FY26 2k Agenda Report
Attachment Draft Resolution with Exhibit A
l.
ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 25-66 authorizing allocation of Year-End Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund and Measure O unassigned fund balances. 2l Agenda Report
Attachment 1 Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 Policy 302
Attachment 3 Resolution 12-36
m.
ACCEPTED the Fiscal Year 2025 4th Quarter Budget Update report, as recommended by the Finance Committee. 2m Agenda Report
Attachment 1 FY 25 General Fund Summary
Attachment 2 Measure O FY25 Year End Audit
e.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION approving the City of Walnut Creek Curbside Management Plan.
Councilmember Silva pulled Consent Calendar Item 2e to provide comments.
Motion by Silva, second by Mayor Wilk,
carried unanimously
, to ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-67 approving the City of Walnut Creek Curbside Management Plan with the three minor amendments as noted: (1) integrate into the narrative better marketing of the parking garages; (2); for recommendations Nos. 9 and 10 regarding e-bikes, add a footnote stating that the City is working to address the issue of usage and ensuring the safety of riders and users; and (3) regarding recommendation No. 15, add to the narrative the encouragement of more downtown events.
YEAS:
Darling, DeVinney, Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Francois, Mayor Wilk. 2e Agenda Report
Attachment 1 Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 Curbside Management Plan
h.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION extending the 2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey and retaining existing speed limits on various streets within the City for an additional two years.
Councilmember Silva pulled Consent Calendar Item 2e to ask questions of staff.
Motion by Silva, second by Darling,
carried unanimously
, to ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-68 extending the 2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey and retaining existing speed limits on various streets within the City for an additional two years.
YEAS:
Darling, DeVinney, Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Francois, Mayor Wilk. 2h Agenda Report
Attachment 1 Draft Resolution
Attachment 2 Engineering and Traffic Survey Report
n.
AUTHORIZATION OF THE CITY MANAGER to enter into a Master Consultant Services Agreement for engineering design services for the Homestead Avenue and Walker Avenue Stormwater Detention Vault Project in the amount of $1.1 million and; AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSFER of the remaining budget from CP009980 - Walker Homestead Drainage Project, approximately $496,972, to CP009727 - Walker Homestead Drainage Project within the Capital Fund.
Councilmember Silva pulled Consent Calendar Item 2n to ask questions of staff.
Motion by Silva, second by DeVinney,
carried unanimously
, to AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER to enter into a Master Consultant Services Agreement for engineering design services for the Homestead Avenue and Walker Avenue Stormwater Detention Vault Project in the amount of $1.1 million and; AUTHORIZATION OF TRANSFER of the remaining budget from CP009980 - Walker Homestead Drainage Project, approximately $496,972, to CP009727 - Walker Homestead Drainage Project within the Capital Fund.
YEAS:
Darling, DeVinney, Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Francois, Mayor Wilk. 2n Agenda Report
Attachment 1 Proposed Vicinity Map
Attachment 2 Wood Rodgers Scope and Budget
Attachment 3 Proposed Master Consultant Services Agreement Attachment 4 Task Order 1
o.
APPROVAL OF 2026 Councilmember Assignments and Appointments as submitted by Mayor Wilk.
Councilmember DeVinney pulled Consent Calendar Item 2o to provide comments and to request a change to the proposed assignments.
Motion by DeVinney, to replace Councilmember Silva as the liaison to the Diablo Regional Arts Association. The motion died due to lack of a second.
Motion by Darling, second by DeVinney,
carried unanimously
, to APPROVE THE 2026 Councilmember Assignments and Appointments as submitted by Mayor Wilk, with the following changes: (1) split the Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau appointment into two appointments - Chamber of Commerce and Visit Walnut Creek (Councilmember Darling to be the liaison for Chamber of Commerce and Councilmember DeVinney to be the liaison for Visit Walnut Creek); and (2) Councilmember DeVinney to be the alternate liaison for the Chamber of Commerce.
YEAS:
Darling, DeVinney, Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Francois, Mayor Wilk.
Councilmember Assignments List
3. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
City Attorney Steve Mattas reported that there was no reportable action as a result of the closed session items. He noted that for the lawsuit related to the pickleball courts at Rudgear Park, the City has filed a demurrer and the City is waiting on a final ruling.
Public comments were received from Eric Egland; Rohan Roy; Derric Haynie; Kris Hunter; Kristin Lanhan (provided handout); Luis Moura; Kevin Moura; Mark Nollsch; April; Sylvia Chen; Jill Shinkle; Jeff Elfont; Don Means; Thomas Mackinson; Julie S.; David Johnson; and Steve Martin. Written public comments were received, provided to the City Council and posted online as part of the meeting record.
Public Comments
Public Comment Handout
4. COUNCILMEMBER AND STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS, REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES OR REQUESTS a.
Closed Session announcement - City Attorney Steve Mattas reported that there was no reportable action as a result of the closed session items. He noted that for the lawsuit related to the pickleball courts at Rudgear Park, the City has filed a demurrer and the City is waiting on a final ruling. b.
City Manager reports - City Manager Dan Buckshi introduced new Arts and Recreation Director Kris Farro; and recognized Chief of Police Jamie Knox on the occasion of his retirement.
Community member Mary Taylor acknowledged Chief Knox on his retirement. c.
City Councilmember reports on AB1234 Activities, Councilmember assignments and various activities and upcoming events.
Councilmembers announced upcoming events, reported on meetings and other local events attended since the last meeting; and made comments on issues of concern.
The meeting was recessed from 7:56 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.
5. CONSIDERATION
a.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT (ACFR) Administrative Services Director Kirsten LaCasse provided the staff presentation. She reported that City staff prepared the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for review by the City Council. The Certified Public Accounting firm Maze & Associates has audited the financial statements in the report. The auditors have issued an opinion that the financial statements represent the position of the City fairly, in all material respects. The draft ACFR was presented to the Council Finance Committee on December 9, 2025. The Finance Committee reviewed the report and recommended that City Council accept the ACFR for FY 2025.
Public comments were received in person from Jan Warren.
Motion by Darling, second by Silva,
carried unanimously
, to ACCEPT the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.
YEAS:
Darling, DeVinney, Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Francois, Mayor Wilk. 5a Agenda Report
Attachment 1 FY 2025 ACFR
Attachment 2 FY 2025 Appropriations Limit Calculation (Gann Limit) Attachment 3 FY 2025 Change in Fund Balance (General Fund) Attachment 4 FY 2025 Auditors Required Communications
Attachment 5 FY 2025 Draft Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards b.
PRESENTATION OF NEW 2025-2026 STATE HOUSING LAWS
Assistant City Attorney Claire Lai provided a brief overview of new housing laws that went into effect this year and those that go into effect on January 1, 2026..
No public comments were received.
The City Council asked questions of staff; no formal action was taken. 5b Agenda Report
6. ADJOURNMENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING at 9:03 p.m. ________________________________________
Suzie Martinez, MMC
City Clerk of the City of Walnut Creek
Approved:
_______________________________________
Kevin Wilk
2025-26 Mayor of the City of Walnut Creek