OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Walnut Creek City Council Regular Meeting – December 16, 2025

City Council — Tuesday, December 16, 2025
BodyWalnut Creek, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 16, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:57:08
Transcript — Verbatim
0:01

Good afternoon.

0:02

I'm Kevin Wilk, Mayor of the City of Walnut Creek, and welcome to the Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 special meeting of the Walnut Creek City Council.

0:10

This special meeting is called for the purpose of interviewing commission candidates and potential action on appointment and holding a closed session related to the following conference with legal council anticipated litigation and conference with legal counsel existing litigation.

0:27

Under California law, public comments at special meetings are limited to subjects on the agenda only.

0:33

Therefore, public comments will be received at this time for the items previously mentioned.

0:38

After an opportunity for public comment, the city council will conduct the commission interview and hold closed session.

0:44

Commission interviews will not be video recorded, but can be viewed in person.

0:50

And at this time, we'd like to open public communications.

0:56

Yes, for the items on closed session.

1:13

And would you please state your name for the record?

1:15

I'm sorry.

1:16

I'm Scott Rafferty.

1:19

And you know, it's it's been a long time coming.

1:24

Uh Tom Bud, I think it's been six years since he said he was going to sue Walnut Creek, and I explained he had to move here and change his genetics, but that seemed to have uh put that off.

1:37

Uh, I mean, I think I've said this to some of you privately.

1:41

Uh we live in the most integrated part of uh probably the state of California between Martinez and here.

1:49

Uh there is a little more disparity than there used to be uh in the Latino population, and between their precincts that are 3%, and there's some that are 11%.

1:59

Uh so it's it's possible that there might be a claim.

2:04

But this one is based on 30-year-old data, 30-year-old uh ballot questions, uh, and uh I I it breaks my heart because I think it creates a lot of cynicism.

2:16

Uh, and uh, so frankly though, keep in mind there are alternatives, there's possibly uh you know ranked choice voting.

2:27

Uh and districts, most cities Walnut Creek size across the country are in districts.

2:32

Uh, it's a little bit different here in California, but not much.

2:36

So it's not it's not a complete uh disaster.

2:40

Uh you know, I I know where you live, obviously all of you do.

2:44

I'm not gonna talk about that right now.

2:47

Uh you can decide whether it would be in the city's interest to be more representative.

2:51

That was a big issue in Martinez, and it has nothing to do with race, it's just in that case, uh so I think it's an abuse of the law.

3:00

I'm unhappy about it.

3:01

I'm sorry.

3:02

Uh, and I I will help you in any way I can.

3:06

I'll do whatever analysis you'd like.

3:08

Uh and uh I can I did mention I think privately to your attorney, there's I think you should let the public speak on who the demographer's gonna be.

3:21

And uh there's a couple that are not, would be controversial.

3:25

Thank you, Mr.

3:26

Rafferty.

3:27

Thank you.

3:27

Thank you for coming.

3:29

Right.

3:29

Uh I don't see anybody else here for public comments.

3:31

So we're going to close public communications and we will now move upstairs to interview commission candidates and action appointments.

4:19

I'm Kevin Wilk, Mayor of the City of Walnut Creek, and welcome to the regular meeting of the Walnut Creek City Council.

4:26

The City Council is conducting this meeting from the City Council Chamber.

4:30

This meeting is being video streamed and can be viewed live or later on the city's website.

4:37

As some attendees may be participating in their first Walnut Creek City Council meeting, I wanted to welcome everyone and talk briefly about the public comment process.

4:46

For each agenda item, there will be an opportunity for public comment on the item.

4:52

Thus, if you desire to speak to an item on the agenda this evening, please hold your comments until the city council considers that item.

4:59

Additionally, we have a section on the agenda titled Public Communications, which is for public comments for items not on the agenda.

5:07

Any comments during public communication should not relate to an item that is on the agenda this evening.

5:13

Consistent with section 9.5 of the City Council handbook, 30 minutes will be initially allocated for public communications for items not on the agenda.

5:22

Additional time for public communications for items not on the agenda will be provided at the end of the open session portion of the meeting if necessary.

5:32

If you desire to provide a public comment, please complete a speaker identification card and line up behind the lectern at the appropriate time.

5:40

Wait your turn, and then when you approach the lector, please state your name and city of residence for the record.

5:46

You will have two minutes to address the city council.

5:49

Please keep in mind that this is a city business meeting.

5:53

The city council has adopted rules of decorum to ensure that meetings are conducted efficiently and effectively, and that all members of the public have a full, fair and equal opportunity to be heard.

6:05

The City Council handbook outlines decorum expected in the council chamber and can be found on our website.

6:12

All remarks should be addressed to the city council.

6:15

Please do not use threatening, profane, or abusive language, which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the council meeting.

6:25

Again, each speaker will have two minutes to make your remarks.

6:29

Written comments submitted and received up to two hours before the meeting have been posted to the city's website for public review and are included in the meeting record, but will not be separately read into the record.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Fiscal Sustainability███████████████████████████27%
Parks and Recreation████████████████████20%
Zoning and Planning███████████11%
Community Engagement███████7%
Pending Litigation█████5%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Procedural████4%
Affordable Housing████4%
Water And Wastewater Management███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Walnut Creek City Council Regular Meeting – December 16, 2025

The Walnut Creek City Council held a special meeting at 4:00 PM for closed session and commission interviews, followed by a regular meeting at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The regular meeting included a presentation from John Muir Health, approval of a large consent calendar, extensive public comment on pickleball court hours at Rudgear Park, recognition of retiring Police Chief Jamie Knox, acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and a presentation on new 2025-2026 state housing laws.

Closed Session (Special Meeting, 4:00 PM – 5:13 PM)

  • The council conducted commission interviews and held closed session regarding anticipated litigation (1 potential case) and existing litigation (Wobleski et al. v. City of Walnut Creek, Case No. C24-02339, related to pickleball courts at Rudgear Park).
  • City Attorney Steve Mattas reported no reportable action from closed session; a demurrer has been filed in the pickleball lawsuit and a ruling is pending.

Consent Calendar

  • The council approved, by a single roll call vote (5-0), consent items A through D, F, G, I, J through M, and then separately discussed and approved items E, H, N, and O.
  • Items approved without discussion included: approval of minutes, warrant registers, a resolution updating the salary/wage plan for minimum wage, acceptance of Development Impact Fees report, extension of the Downtown Permitted Outdoor Dining Structures (PODS) Incentive Program to March 31, 2026, approval of a final map for a condominium subdivision at 1524 Oakland Boulevard, a budget correction resolution, amendment to department director compensation, revision of synthetic turf field rental fees (lowering non-profit minimum from $60 to $20 per hour, private/commercial from $100 to $40 per hour), allocation of Year-End FY25 unassigned fund balances, and acceptance of the FY25 4th Quarter Budget Update.
  • Item 2E – Curbside Management Plan: After discussion, the council approved the plan with three minor narrative recommendations (improve garage marketing, add footnote on e-bike usage concerns, acknowledge partnerships for events). Motion carried 5-0.
  • Item 2H – Speed Limit Extension: The council approved extending the 2019 Engineering and Traffic Survey for two years, retaining existing speed limits. Staff explained that speed limits are based on the 85th percentile of traffic speeds per state law. Motion carried 5-0.
  • Item 2N – Stormwater Detention Vault Project: Authorized a $1.1 million master consultant services agreement with Wood Rodgers for engineering design of a stormwater detention vault at Homestead and Walker Avenues, and transferred approximately $496,972 from a prior project account. The vault will capture runoff from a 10-year storm event. Motion carried 5-0.
  • Item 2O – 2026 Council Liaison Assignments: Councilmember DeVinney raised concern about receiving no liaison appointments for the second year. After discussion, the council amended the assignments to appoint DeVinney as liaison to Visit Walnut Creek and make him alternate for the Chamber of Commerce. Motion carried 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Pickleball Court Hours (Rudgear Park): Fifteen speakers, nearly all supporting restoration of full court hours, addressed the council during public communications (items not on the agenda). Speakers included residents, college students, children, and members of the Walnut Creek Pickleball Club. Key points:
    • Current hours (8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekdays, closed Tuesdays) prevent students and working adults from playing after school/work; the park is a community resource with playgrounds, baseball, etc.
    • The pickleball club has existed since 2012; permanent courts opened in 2015; nine years of no complaints prior to recent restrictions.
    • Several speakers challenged noise claims in the lawsuit, citing lack of evidence and noting that buyers purchased homes near an active park.
    • Speakers requested restoration of original hours (8 AM to sunset daily) and additional courts; some suggested relocating courts or installing sound walls.
    • One speaker, a national champion, proposed moving courts to the southwest corner of Tice Valley Road and Rossmoor Parkway, funded by 1% of the Heather Farms Aquatic Center budget ($770,000).
  • No public comments on other agenda items during the designated period.

Discussion Items

John Muir Health Presentation (6:00 PM start)

  • Paul Derringer, Chief Strategy Officer, presented challenges facing the health system: $2 billion in seismic compliance costs, chronic underfunding of Medicare/Medi-Cal, and potential impacts from federal HR1 cuts (estimated $300 million revenue loss for John Muir, 15% premium increases for working families). John Muir serves 1 in 4 Contra Costa residents, is the second-largest private employer in the county, and provided over $200 million in community benefits in FY25. The health system is locally governed, not-for-profit, and committed to staying in Walnut Creek.
  • Councilmembers expressed appreciation and concern; questions addressed the premium impact, rural hospital closures, and seismic standards.

Councilmember and Staff Announcements

  • City Manager Dan Buckshi introduced new Arts and Recreation Director Kris Farro and recognized retiring Police Chief Jamie Knox. Several councilmembers and a community board member spoke in appreciation of Chief Knox's leadership in rebuilding trust and professionalism. Senator Tim Grayson and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan presented a joint resolution honoring Chief Knox.
  • Mayor Wilk reported on attending the U.S. Mayors Summit on Combating Anti-Semitism, noting recent anti-Semitic incidents and a unified mayoral letter to Sydney, Australia.
  • Councilmember Silva reported on the National League of Cities summit (AI in permitting, housing crisis) and League of California Cities advocacy priorities (revenue protection, public safety, homelessness/housing, climate resilience).
  • Councilmember DeVinney reported on MCE energy rates, finance committee actions, and community events.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Francois reported on RecycleSmart board actions (clean audit, playground resurfacing, reserve balances) and community events.

Consideration 5A – Acceptance of FY25 ACFR

  • Administrative Services Director Kirsten Lacasse presented the audit results. The city received a clean opinion. Key highlights:
    • Government-wide net position increased by $5.1 million to $336.3 million.
    • General Fund revenues exceeded expenditures by $1.59 million before adjustments; unassigned fund balance was $310,000 after accounting for carryovers, reserves, and accounting adjustments.
    • Sales tax revenue declined 2.3% due to online sales reporting changes; property tax slightly below budget.
    • Measure O revenues ($13 million) exceeded budget by $610,000; expenditures were $4.86 million (under budget). The Measure O audit found no exceptions; Citizens Oversight Committee concurred.
    • Enterprise funds (Parking and Boundary Oak Golf Course) showed small surpluses.
  • Council discussed tight budget outlook for FY26-27, increased utility and insurance costs, and the importance of distinguishing one-time vs. ongoing Measure O spending.
  • Motion to accept the ACFR carried 5-0.

Consideration 5B – Presentation on 2025-2026 State Housing Laws

  • Assistant City Attorney Claire Ly presented key new laws, including:
    • AB 130: New CEQA infill exemption and permit streamlining amendments.
    • SB 131: Near-miss CEQA streamlining and new statutory exemptions.
    • AB 507: Ministerial approval for adaptive reuse of commercial buildings into housing.
    • SB 79: Transit-oriented upzoning (not applicable to Contra Costa County).
    • Various bills on building permit timelines, housing element enforcement (AB 712, SB 408, SB 786), and ADU/JADU clarifications.
  • Council noted Walnut Creek has generally updated ordinances to comply; emphasized staying on track with housing element timelines to avoid decertification.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved with amendments per item discussions (listed above).
  • John Muir Health Presentation: Received and filed; council expressed support for the health system.
  • FY25 ACFR: Accepted unanimously (5-0).
  • State Housing Laws: Presentation received; staff will continue to monitor and implement as needed.
  • Council Liaison Assignments: Amended; DeVinney appointed to Visit Walnut Creek and alternate for Chamber of Commerce.
  • Public Comments on Pickleball: No immediate action taken due to pending litigation; city attorney noted the demurrer awaiting court ruling.
  • Meeting Adjourned: 9:03 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Good afternoon. I'm Kevin Wilk, Mayor of the City of Walnut Creek, and welcome to the Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 special meeting of the Walnut Creek City Council. This special meeting is called for the purpose of interviewing commission candidates and potential action on appointment and holding a closed session related to the following conference with legal council anticipated litigation and conference with legal counsel existing litigation. Under California law, public comments at special meetings are limited to subjects on the agenda only. Therefore, public comments will be received at this time for the items previously mentioned. After an opportunity for public comment, the city council will conduct the commission interview and hold closed session. Commission interviews will not be video recorded, but can be viewed in person. And at this time, we'd like to open public communications. Yes, for the items on closed session. And would you please state your name for the record? I'm sorry. I'm Scott Rafferty. And you know, it's it's been a long time coming. Uh Tom Bud, I think it's been six years since he said he was going to sue Walnut Creek, and I explained he had to move here and change his genetics, but that seemed to have uh put that off. Uh, I mean, I think I've said this to some of you privately. Uh we live in the most integrated part of uh probably the state of California between Martinez and here. Uh there is a little more disparity than there used to be uh in the Latino population, and between their precincts that are 3%, and there's some that are 11%. Uh so it's it's possible that there might be a claim. But this one is based on 30-year-old data, 30-year-old uh ballot questions, uh, and uh I I it breaks my heart because I think it creates a lot of cynicism. Uh, and uh, so frankly though, keep in mind there are alternatives, there's possibly uh you know ranked choice voting. Uh and districts, most cities Walnut Creek size across the country are in districts. Uh, it's a little bit different here in California, but not much. So it's not it's not a complete uh disaster. Uh you know, I I know where you live, obviously all of you do. I'm not gonna talk about that right now. Uh you can decide whether it would be in the city's interest to be more representative. That was a big issue in Martinez, and it has nothing to do with race, it's just in that case, uh so I think it's an abuse of the law. I'm unhappy about it. I'm sorry. Uh, and I I will help you in any way I can. I'll do whatever analysis you'd like. Uh and uh I can I did mention I think privately to your attorney, there's I think you should let the public speak on who the demographer's gonna be. And uh there's a couple that are not, would be controversial. Thank you, Mr. Rafferty. Thank you. Thank you for coming. Right. Uh I don't see anybody else here for public comments. So we're going to close public communications and we will now move upstairs to interview commission candidates and action appointments. I'm Kevin Wilk, Mayor of the City of Walnut Creek, and welcome to the regular meeting of the Walnut Creek City Council. The City Council is conducting this meeting from the City Council Chamber. This meeting is being video streamed and can be viewed live or later on the city's website. As some attendees may be participating in their first Walnut Creek City Council meeting, I wanted to welcome everyone and talk briefly about the public comment process. For each agenda item, there will be an opportunity for public comment on the item. Thus, if you desire to speak to an item on the agenda this evening, please hold your comments until the city council considers that item. Additionally, we have a section on the agenda titled Public Communications, which is for public comments for items not on the agenda. Any comments during public communication should not relate to an item that is on the agenda this evening. Consistent with section 9.5 of the City Council handbook, 30 minutes will be initially allocated for public communications for items not on the agenda. Additional time for public communications for items not on the agenda will be provided at the end of the open session portion of the meeting if necessary.

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