Walnut Creek City Council Regular Meeting - August 18, 2026

The Walnut Creek City Council held a Special Meeting at 4:00 PM for closed session and a Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM on August 18, 2026. The Regular Meeting included recognition of the Diablo Vista Chorus, a presentation on Center Rep's upcoming season, approval of consent calendar items, public comments, a discussion and action on the Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan, a public hearing and adoption of the User Fee Cost Recovery Policy and FY27 Master Fee Schedule, and a public hearing on an appeal of a denied short-term rental conditional use permit. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of July 21, 2026.
• Accepted warrant registers and direct payroll transfers.
• Authorized a two-year Consultant Services Agreement with Folger Graphics for citywide printing services, not to exceed $60,000 per fiscal year ($120,000 total).
• Accepted work as complete for Contract 25-05 (2025 Trail Crossing Improvements) and Contract 25-04 (2025 Unsignalized Pedestrian Crossing Improvements) and authorized filing Notices of Completion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jan Warren (Woodlands) thanked the council for enabling remote participation via Zoom (per state law).
• Glenn McVee (Walnut Creek Racket Club) urged the city to prioritize upgrading outdated tennis court lights at Heather Farm, noting frequent outages and difficulty sourcing parts.
• Tristan Placone, Josh Otter, and William Painter (Walnut Creek residents) expressed concerns about the city's 37 Flock license plate reader cameras, citing privacy risks, potential for abuse, and lack of public oversight. They requested a future agenda item to discuss alternatives and a police department presentation.
• Angela Ashley (Chamber of Commerce Chair) introduced new Chamber CEO Katie Burroughs, who outlined priorities including improving local events, attracting businesses, and engaging young professionals.
• Ma Kistato (Manager, International Exchange Section, Kita City, Japan) spoke about the upcoming 10th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Walnut Creek.
• Lisa Blanco (Woodlands resident) spoke in opposition to the short-term rental appeal, representing neighbors who had submitted numerous letters and testimony against the rental at 635 Mandarin Lane. She asked what enforcement would follow if the appeal was denied.

Discussion Items

Presentation of the Draft Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan

• Sustainability Manager Candice Rankin Mumby, Public Works Manager Gina Eicher, and consultant Will Einstein (Black & Beach) presented the EV Strategic Plan. The plan analyzes the city's fleet (175 vehicles, 12 fully electric, 3 plug-in hybrids, 25 non-plug-in hybrids) and recommends electrification to meet state Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) rules, now requiring 100% zero-emission medium/heavy-duty vehicle purchases by 2030 (extended from 2026).
• Two charging locations proposed: Lawrence Way Corporate Yard (10 DC fast chargers, 24 Level 2) and Heather Farm (4 DC fast chargers, estimated $500,000). Total cost of ownership analysis shows modest premium for electrification but potential savings from lower fuel and maintenance costs, not including incentives.
• Public charging program: The city operates 40 public charging ports across 23 stations (mostly downtown garages), costing $250,000 annually (60% electricity). The program faces maintenance challenges, lack of data on usage, and no current fee. Staff recommended contracting with a third-party vendor for maintenance, operations, and customer service, and implementing a fee to support the program.
• Council discussion favored moving to third-party vendor, targeting 80-100% cost recovery, using revenue to expand public charging. ACF Plus scenario (opportunistically electrifying light-duty vehicles) was supported as a stretch goal.
• Motion: Authorize staff to seek third-party vendor proposals, target 80-100% cost recovery, and use revenue to expand public charging. Passed unanimously.

Public Hearing: Adoption of Resolution Approving User Fee Cost Recovery Policy and FY27 Master Fee Schedule

• Administrative Services Director Kirsten LaCasse presented the final policy and fee schedule. The policy establishes a framework for cost recovery based on community/individual benefit, resident discounts, phased-in increases, and annual adjustments. Key changes since July 21 include definition of "resident" as within incorporated city boundaries, consistent use of "resident discount", and an appendix for special event rental locations. An addendum restored two public works fees and corrected terminology.
• No public comments were offered. The council approved the resolution unanimously.

Public Hearing: Appeal of Planning Commission's Denial of Short-Term Rental Conditional Use Permit (635 Mandarin Lane)

• Assistant Planner Steven Cook presented the appeal de novo. The property operated as an unhosted short-term rental without a permit since August 2025. The Planning Commission denied the CUP on May 28, 2026, citing continued unpermitted operation despite notices, noise, and frequent guest turnover. The appellant, Hector Krauss (property manager), raised four arguments: state law (SB 60/345) not adopted, no specific short-term rental ordinance, inconsistency with other approved rentals, and inconsistent application. Staff recommended denial.
• Appellant Krauss argued the city lacks a short-term rental ordinance, that using bed-and-breakfast regulations is improper, and that there is no evidence of harm to public health/safety/welfare. He noted the property continued to operate because he believed the ordinance did not apply.
• Public testimony: Lisa Blanco (Woodlands resident) opposed the appeal, citing ongoing violations and neighborhood frustration.
• Council questioned staff and city attorney about enforcement. The city had refrained from aggressive enforcement (fines, court orders) while the CUP application and appeal were pending, but the property remained listed and rented even after the Planning Commission denial. Council members expressed concern about the applicant's willful disregard of the law.
• Motion: Deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's denial. Passed unanimously. The city attorney confirmed that if violations continue, the city will seek an injunction and impose fines.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously.
• Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan – Council directed staff to pursue a third-party vendor for public EV charger maintenance/operations, with a cost recovery goal of 80–100% and use of revenue to expand charging infrastructure. The motion passed unanimously.
• User Fee Cost Recovery Policy and FY27 Master Fee Schedule – Resolution adopted unanimously, effective January 1, 2027.
• Short-Term Rental Appeal – Denied unanimously. The council upheld the Planning Commission's denial of the Conditional Use Permit for 635 Mandarin Lane. Enforcement actions will follow if the property continues to operate illegally.
• The meeting was adjourned in memoriam of former Mayor Ed Skoog, who served in 1987–88 and was instrumental in the Measure A building height initiative.