David Aranda

The agenda details both a Special Meeting (Closed Session) and a Regular Meeting held concurrently. The Special Meeting included discussions regarding anticipated litigation in conference with legal counsel. The Regular Meeting agenda covered consent items such as approving the January 8, 2026 minutes, receiving January 2026 financial statements, and approving bills paid. Key discussion and action items included the presentation of the Kensington Fire Protection District 2025 audit, discussion regarding an Ordinance Code for KCSD, reviewing the potential cost of a new police station, approving the Emergency Preparedness Committee 2026 Work Plan and an appointment to that committee, and a future training discussion for Board members. The Regular Meeting concluded with the Board reconvening to Closed Session to discuss the appointment of the General Manager.

The document details a special meeting followed by a regular meeting. Key actions taken during the regular session included the approval of the Consent Calendar items, which involved receiving and filing financial statements and approving bills paid for December 2025, and receiving the Treasurer's Quarterly Report. Under discussion and action items, the Board approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Wildfire Prevention Activities, allocating $3,000 in annual dues, and appointing Directors Paul and Watt to the coordinating group. The Board also approved up to $65,000 for path repairs and improvements, adopted a resolution declaring a Police Trailer surplus property for disposal, and adopted a resolution establishing rates and charges for Fire Services. Funding of $15,000 was approved for the 2026-2027 Ember Exclusion Mesh Pilot Program. Discussion on the Public Safety Building led to a direction to pause related actions until a new general manager is hired. Protocols for the Emergency Preparedness Committee were approved, along with ratifying the appointment of three community members. Reports were received from the Police Chief and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, and the Interim General Manager reported on the general manager recruitment.

The special meeting convened after a closed session where direction was given to the District's attorneys regarding MOU negotiations and a settlement. During the public comment period, residents discussed prioritizing district resources, concerns about photography, the suggestion of planting native acorns on a vacant lot, and a $1,000 donation for Community Center renovations. Key discussion points included the importance of acquiring paths cited as evacuation routes, potential liabilities associated with path ownership, clarification on Bay View garbage rates, and notifications for future meetings. The Board also addressed major renovations for the Community Center, including seismic upgrades and ADA compliance, with estimated costs pending bid returns. Furthermore, the status of the Police Department evaluation by Matrix Consulting was reviewed, along with ongoing Memorandum of Understanding negotiations with the police due to difficulties in officer hiring and retention. The District is also updating its Policy and Procedure Manual, and needs exist in Kensington Park, such as resurfacing tennis courts. The necessity of a professional evacuation plan and budget format improvement were also noted. No action was taken during the open session.

The meeting commenced with President Spath calling the regular session to order. Key discussions included the Police Chief's Monthly Report for September 2024, highlighting participation in upcoming community events such as the KCC fall picnic and Halloween Harvest celebration. The General Manager reported on the organic waste recycling grant program giveaways, updates on infrastructure funding pursuits, discussions regarding Kensington paths with County Supervisor Gioia, clean-up tonnage comparisons, the availability of the OPEB plan and a geotechnical report. Director comments covered adjusting park light timers, establishing an earmark strategy for building maintenance funding, and clarifying plastic recycling guidelines. Director Duggan suggested updating the website to reflect Indigenous Peoples' Day and raised questions about touring the former Police Safety Building (PSB) and establishing a nonprofit for community donations. Discussions and direction were provided concerning a proposed community survey developed by the Ad Hoc Committee, with input received on distribution methods and content focus areas like police satisfaction and cultural diversity. The Board motioned to table the item to approve the Amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County of Contra Costa regarding the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 to allow the Interim General Manager to receive public clarification comments before resubmitting to the County.

The Board conducted a Special Meeting (Closed Session) to discuss existing litigation, labor negotiations, and public employee appointments, followed by a Regular Meeting. Key discussions during the regular session included public comments regarding the process for selecting the General Counsel and park improvement plans. The Consent Calendar items were approved, including the ratification of September 2023 bills paid. The Police Chief reported on September statistics, noting a focus on deterring auto burglaries and vandalism. The Interim General Manager reported on the success of the Kensington Cleanup event and the need to analyze solid waste franchise fee calculations. Updates were provided by the Ad Hoc Consolidation Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee on Permanent Location, focusing on reviewing potential real estate properties and the necessity of an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan to qualify for FEMA grants. In discussion and action items, the Board approved agreements for timekeeping-to-payroll services and psychological counseling services. A proposed update to the Lieutenant Salary Schedule was tabled for further review. The Board approved declaring two vehicles as surplus and authorized the purchase of a new administrative police vehicle not to exceed $50,000. Finally, Director Duggan was appointed to lead the development of a wellness survey for the community, and the Board approved accepting a proposal from Alan Kropp & Associates to perform a Geotechnical Engineering Study for the property south of the library.