Walnut Creek City Council Regular Meeting and Joint Powers Financing Authority Special Meeting - November 18, 2025

The Walnut Creek City Council held a regular meeting concurrently with a special meeting of the Walnut Creek Joint Powers Financing Authority (JPA) on November 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting followed a closed session at 3:30 PM. Key actions included awarding a $51.6 million construction contract for the new Aquatic and Community Center at Heather Farm Park, authorizing $55 million in lease revenue bonds to fund the project, adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code, and approving several consent calendar items. The meeting adjourned in memory of former Mayor Gwen Regalia.

Presentation: Contra Costa Community College District – State of the District

• Chancellor Mojda Merizada and Diablo Valley College President Monica Shahal presented an overview of the district, which serves approximately 50,000 students across three colleges and two centers. They highlighted that 51% of CSU graduates and 29% of UC graduates began at community colleges. The district has an annual budget of $267 million and an economic impact of $2.3 billion annually in Contra Costa County. They noted that Measure E (2014) is 90% spent and that the board is seeking community input on a potential future bond for facilities improvements. Councilmembers shared personal connections to DVC and expressed support for the district's work.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved items A through D, F, G, H, J, K, and M unanimously (5-0) after pulling items E, I, and L for separate discussion.
• Item 2E (CCW Permit Fee): Councilmember DeVinney asked about the number and demographics of concealed carry weapon permit applicants. Lieutenant Olson reported that the sheriff's office previously handled about 100 applications per year (new, renewals, modifications) for Walnut Creek residents. The council discussed the permitting process and firearm storage requirements. The item was approved unanimously (5-0).
• Item 2I (Aquatic Center Contract Award): Councilmember Darling praised staff for the bidding process. The contract was awarded to Lathrop Construction for $51,578,000, with a contingency not to exceed $5,150,000, for a total authorized amount of $56,728,000. The council also directed that all money received from the Walnut Aquatic Foundation for the project be designated to the General Fund Facilities Reserve. Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Item 2L (Lesher and Hofmann Stage Replacement): Councilmember Silva noted the project came in on time and under budget while productions continued. The council accepted the work as complete and authorized filing a Notice of Completion. Approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sushay Nandrike, a sophomore at Northgate High School, presented survey results from over 200 students: 9 out of 10 students arrive by car, 63% take more than 10 minutes to get to school, and over 90% said traffic is their biggest challenge. Over 60% expressed interest in a bus or shuttle system. He asked the city to work with the school district and transportation providers to explore feasibility. Councilmembers commended his presentation and referred him to the city engineer for follow-up.

Discussion Items

• Lease Revenue Bonds for Aquatic and Community Center (Public Hearing): Administrative Services Director Kirsten LeCath, along with bond advisors, presented the financing plan. The total project cost is $75.8 million, with $55 million to be financed through lease revenue bonds with a 7.5-year term (aligned with Measure O expiration in 2033), an estimated interest rate of 2.59%, and annual debt service of $7.7 million. The city received a AA+ rating from S&P for the transaction and an indicative AAA rating for potential future GO bonds. The initial leased properties are the Lesher Center, City Hall, and the Corporation Yard. Councilmembers discussed the rationale for bonding versus pay-as-you-go, noting favorable bid climate and the need to deliver the project sooner. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment. The council adopted three resolutions: (1) approving the issuance and sale of lease revenue bonds (not to exceed $60 million), (2) creating the Heather Farm Aquatic and Community Center Bond Fund and appropriating $55 million plus $9,877,000 from Measure O reserves, and (3) as the JPA board, authorizing the bond issuance and adopting a debt management policy. All votes were unanimous (5-0).
• Adoption of 2025 California Building Standards Code (Public Hearing): Chief Building Official Frank Kong presented the ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code with local amendments, including three structural and six floodplain amendments substantially similar to current codes. The council also ratified Contra Costa County Fire Protection District ordinances 2025-14 and 2025-15 to adopt the 2025 Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The public hearing was opened and closed with no comment. The ordinance was adopted unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved items A-D, F-H, J, K, M (unanimous). Items E, I, L approved separately (unanimous).
• Aquatic Center Bond Financing: Three resolutions adopted unanimously, authorizing up to $60 million in lease revenue bonds, creating the bond fund, and appropriating funds. Competitive sale scheduled for December 3, 2025, with closing on December 17, 2025.
• Building Code Adoption: Ordinance adopted unanimously, including ratification of fire district codes.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM in memory of former Mayor Gwen Regalia, who served 30 years on the school board and city council, including five terms as mayor. A ceremonial celebration will be held in December.