CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting March 14, 2023
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
6:30 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M., and City Clerk Householder called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 2 Barbanica, District 3 Ogorchock, District 4 Wilson
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem/Agency Member (District 1) Torres-Walker and Mayor Thorpe
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(b): One case.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
Councilmember Wilson adjourned to Closed Session at 6:31 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Councilmember Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M., and City Clerk Householder called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 2 Barbanica, District 3 Ogorchock, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 1) Torres-Walker
Absent: Mayor Thorpe
Once a quorum was established, Councilmember Barbanica excused himself and left the meeting for health rea sons. At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Torres -Walker, Councilmember Wilson presided over the meeting.
CITY ATTORNEY TO REPORT OUT ON CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Smith reported the City Council had been in Closed Session and gave the following report: #1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Council voted to place City Manager Johnson on Administrative Leave effective immediately, by a 3 -0 vote (Councilmember Torres-Walker and Mayor Thorpe - absent).
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Regular Meeting
March 14, 2023 Page 2 of 14
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Wilson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting introduced Mitchell Loving, Junior Engineer and Jason Bonilla, Operation s Supervisor who thanked Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting for the introduction and stated they were looking forward to serving the citizens of Antioch.
Police Chief Ford introduced Tekari Kelley, Community Services Officer.
Finance Director Merchant introduced Monisha Mala, Payroll Specialist and Avangeline Balingit, Accounting Technician who thanked Finance Director Merchant for the introduction and stated they were looking forward to serving the citizens of Antioch.
Director of Community Development Ebbs intr oduced Danielle Wisniewski, Theodore Romano and Sequoia Taylor, Code Enforcement Officers , who thanked Director of Community Development Ebbs for the introduction and stated they were looking forward to serving the citizens of Antioch.
On behalf of Director of Economic Development Reed, Acting City Manager Cortez introduced Bret Sweet, Development Program Manager, who thanked Acting City Manager Cortez for the introduction and stated he looked forward to serving the citizens of Antioch.
City Attorney Smit h introduced Rachel Hundley, Assistant City Attorney, who stated it was an honor to work in Antioch.
On behalf of Director of Parks and Recreation Helfenberger, Acting City Manager Cortez introduced La’Nae Jackson, Recreation Programs Coordinator, who stated she looked forward to serving the citizens of Antioch.
Councilmember Wilson thanked the new employees for their public service.
2. PROCLAMATION
American Red Cross Month, March 2023
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Proclamation.
Reverend Will McGarvey, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, accepted the American Red Cross Month proclamation, thanked the City Council for the recognition and highlighted some of their activities.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS – None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Daniel Knight, Drama Factory, invited the community to attend a production of Death of Triboulet at the Nick Rodriguez Community Theatre.
Kathryn Wade announced she celebrated the anniversary of the death of her son and requested the Antioch Police Department release reports related to his case.
Lucas Stuart-Chilcote announced the El Campanil Theatre would host an Irish music concert on March 16, 2023.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ogorchock provided an overview of AB1078.
Councilmember Torres-Walker reported the CDBG committee would be meeting soon to review allocations for this year’s funding. She thanked Councilmember Wilson for presiding over the meeting and City Clerk Householder for managing public comments this evening because she was not feeling well. She thanked those who supported Proposition 47 and stated that it needed to be protected.
Councilmember Wilson reported on her attendance at a Policy Briefing Conference on behalf of Delta Diablo. She acknowledged Women’s History Month and the women serving on the Antioch’s City Council.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS – None
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
City Clerk Householder announced she had overlooked a public comment and asked Council if they wanted to give that audience member the opportunity to speak now.
Patricia Granados spoke in support of reparations and encouraged the Council to participate in conversations related to AB3121.
3. PRESENTATIONS
Economic Development Program Manager Sweet introduced Joseph Die guez, Senior Vice President, Kosmont Companies.
Due to technical difficulties, Council agreed to switch the order of the Presentations.
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Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee Member Williams and Vice Chairperson Mundhenk introduced their Committee Members and presented the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversig ht Committee Presentation - Measure W.
Mayor Thorpe arrived during the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Presentation at 7:46 P.M. and presided over the remainder of the City Council meeting.
Andrew Becker thanked the Committee for the presentation. He requested Council invest CDBG funds for unhoused residents and those in need.
Patricia G. expressed concern regarding the amount of money the City had invested in the Antioch Police Department.
Councilmember Ogorchock and Mayor Thorpe thanked the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee for the presentation. Mayor Thorpe commented that he supported prioritizing unhoused resident services. He discussed the decrease in violent crime and reported that with an increase in applicants and a si gnificant number of individuals sent to the academy, there should be an increase in APD staff over the summer. Additionally, he noted there were ten Code Enforcement Officers, and the City was on track to hire an additional four.
Joseph Dieguez, Senior Vice President, Kosmont Companies gave the KOSMONT Presentation on Economic Development Public Financing Mechanisms.
Mayor Thorpe thanked Economic Development Program Manager Sweet for the presentation and noted that follow up would occur around this topic.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
TORRES-WALKER, THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY SUSPENDED THE RULES AND MOVED MAYOR’S COMMENTS TO BE HEARD AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS – Continued
Dwayne Eubanks and Linda Wallgren, Antioch Historical Society, thanked the City for the Civic Enhancement Award to fund new signage at the Antioch Historical Society.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 24, 2023
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 14, 2023
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 23, 2023
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 28, 2023
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E. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
F. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
G. REJECTION OF CLAIMS: SUBMITTED BY JARROD GARNER, REAGAN
DEGUZMAN AND ERICA TIFFANY THOMAS ON BEHALF OF HONESTII LUMSEY
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/35 EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO THE DESIGN CONSULTANT
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SWATT MIERS ARCHITECTS FOR IMPROVEMENTS
TO CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS INTERIOR REMODEL/CITY HALL IMPROVEMENTS AND LEO FONTANA FOUNTAIN (P.W. 247 -P, P.W. 247 -S AND P.W. 247-R)
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/36 ACCEPTING COMPLETED IMPROVEMENTS FOR PARK RIDGE PHASE 2, TRACT NO. 9845 (P.W. 674-2)
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/37 ACCEPTING COMPLETED IMPROVEMENTS FOR PARK RIDGE PHASE 3, TRACT NO. 9517 (P.W. 674-3)
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/38 ACCEPTING COMPLETED IMPROVEMENTS FOR PARK RIDGE PHASE 4, TRACT NO. 9490 (P.W. 674-4)
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/3 9 CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FOR THE ANTIOCH CAPE SEAL 2023 PROJECT (P.W. 328-13)
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/ 40 SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
TJKM TRANSPORTATION CONSULTANTS FOR DESIGN CONSULTING SERVICES (P.W. 282-20)
N. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/41 DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED AGENTS OF THE CITY OF ANTIOCH FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES (CAL-OES) AND FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GRANTS AND APPROVING CAL OES FORM 130
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Items H, L, M and N which were removed for further discussion.
Item H – In response to Councilmember Ogorchock, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting explained that this item related to finalized payments for all of the projects listed.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously approved Item H.
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Item L – In response to Councilmember Ogorchock, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting explained that only one bid was submitted, and they were confident it was reasonable. He added that these streets were on the schedule to be done last year.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously approved Item L.
Item M – Andrew Becker recommended staff report out on agenda items removed from the Consent Calendar. He questioned what attributed to the additional cost requested.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council approved Item M. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Ogorchock, Wilson, Thorpe Noes: Torres-Walker Absent: Barbanica
Item N – Lucas Stuart-Chilcote recommended staff report out on agenda items when they were removed from the Consent Calendar. He requested staff provide a presentation on how property owners and renters could access grant funds.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously approved Item N.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF THE SOMERSVILLE
LIQUOR STORE USE PERMIT
Director of Community Development Ebbs presented the staff report dated March 14, 2023, recommending the City Council adopt the resolution: Denying the appeal and approving the use permit with Conditions of Approval; Or Granting the appeal and denying the use permit.
Director of Community Development Ebbs explained that this application could have been approved by the Zoning Administrator; however, he elected to defer to the Planning Commission, since they were better suited to address controversial items.
Mayor Thorpe opened the public hearing.
Kathryn Wade, Proponent representing District 4, reported the Somersville and Delta Fair communities were opposed to the development of a new liquor store at Somersville Plaza due to the oversaturation of these businesses in Antioch. She asked who would monitor the business to ensure they compl ied with their con ditions of approval. She suggested the City focus on family-oriented businesses.
A family member speaking on behalf of the Somerville Liquor Store , reported that they had a history of ru nning a clean, safe and well-served environment for the past 10 years . He
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commented that beer and wine would be sold self -serve and liquor would be kept behind the counter served by employees. He stated they understood the responsibility that came with selling alcoholic beverages and they took it seriou sly. They requested Council approve their project and grant them 35% of the floor space for alcoholic beverages. He noted they wanted to serve the needs of the community and attract more business to the shopping center. He agreed to change the name of the establishment to something more community friendly and reduce their hours.
Ralph Hernandez, Antioch resident, spoke in support of denying the appeal and granting the use permit. He noted this business was a convenience store that would fill an empty storefront. He noted the reasons for the denial applied greater to the nearby dispensary. He further noted convenience stores did not cause illegal problems and this Use Permit would be reviewed in two years for compliance.
Norma Hernandez spoke in support of the convenience store, noting it was an essential business for the community. She encouraged Council to welcome new businesses especially with an applicant that already ha d a good business reputation in the community and c ould bring in needed sales tax dollars.
Devin Williams opposed the approval of the Use Permit citing oversaturation of these businesses in the area.
Michelle Hasan discussed oversaturation of liquor businesses and the potential impact this business may have on police services. She urged Council to grant the appeal, denying the Use Permit. She supported Council moving forward with a moratorium on liquor stores so they could better understand their impacts on the community.
Dominique King , Antioch resident, discussed the impact of liquor stores on youth and the potential for increased criminal activity occurring near these types of businesses. She reported they had collected over 300 signatures of Antioch residents who were asking Council to grant the appeal to deny th e use permit. She discussed the oversaturation of liquor businesses in Antioch.
Nisha Toor, Business Owner, discussed oversaturation of liquor businesses in this area. She stated she had a competitive business in the area and had experienced illegal activity in their parking lot. She stated the y held their business to a high level of integrity and values. She reported they had collected the signatures of 300 residents. She noted that another liquor store would not benefit this community and she encouraged Council to help create a safer, healthier and family friendly environment. She encouraged Council to stand with the community and thanked them for their stewardship.
Savannah, Antioch Middle School, opposed another liquor store in Antioch noting the negative health issues related to drug and alcohol use.
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Nadia King, Antioch Middle School, opposed another liquor store in Antioch and discussed illegal activity associated with these types of businesses.
Andrew Becker encouraged the youth who spoke this evening to participate in the Antioch Council of Teens. He expressed concern that speakers were tying an entrepreneur to a lack of resources or support within this community. He spoke about opportunities to create successful economic communities.
Diego Irigoyen, Farmers Insurance, stated he was a current tenant in this shopping plaza and felt a liquor store would not attract new tenants. He discussed the inequality in the number of businesses selling alcohol and parks in Antioch. He expressed concern regarding illegal activity occurring around liquor stores.
Lucas Stuart -Chilcote stated this was a serious decision and recognized the speakers this evening. He commended the applicant for the ability to grow his business. He stated that he hoped Council was prepared to make their decision.
Mayor Thorpe closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked the public speakers. She noted it was unfortunate that someone who wanted to expand their business and create more fiscal sustainability for their family was placed in this position. She acknowledged issues surrounding violence in the community. She commented that challenges in the community as a result of substances had nothing to do with tobacco, liquor stores or dispensaries. She stated communities had been under resourced in Antioch , which could be attributed to former decisions. She noted empty storefronts and blighted properties were also issues for illegal activity.
Councilmember Wilson stated she appreciated those who spoke regarding this item. She agreed that a lot of these issues were a result of past decisions. She stated she was concerned regarding the healthy community’s index for Antioch and the oversaturation of liquor stores. She clarified that she was promoting a moratorium on future liquor stores and the Council needed to think about how to plan and zone to assure no oversaturation was occurring.
City Attorney Smith clarified that a rebuttal would be available for the proponent.
Councilmember Ogorchock expressed concern regarding the proximity of this business to an existing liquor store.
Mayor Thorpe stated that Council had the responsibility of making sure they were fair and equitable to all communities. He clarified that this appeal was based on location, not the applicant or business.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023/42
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March 14, 2023 Page 9 of 14
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Ogorchock, the City Council approved the resolution granting the appeal and denying the use permit. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Ogorchock, Wilson, Thorpe Abstain: Torres-Walker Absent: Barbanica
6. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF TREE REMOVAL PERMIT AT 411 WEST 5TH STREET
Director of Community Development Ebbs presented the staff report dated March 14, 2023, recommending the City Council take the following action: Deny the appeal and approve the Tree Removal Permit; Or Approve the appeal and deny the Tree Removal Permit.
Mayor Thorpe opened the public hearing.
Kerry Motts, Proponent, read into record written statement presented to the City Council along with photos, to support his appeal. Speaking as a Planning Commissioner, past president of the Rivertown Preservation Community Group, and a community member in his last semester of a graduate degree in Sustainable Communities, he asked Council to join him in saving the historic trees so that Antioch can live up to their designation as a Tree City.
Diane Gibson-Gray played audio recordings of comments made by herself, Kerry Motts, Director of Community Development Ebbs, and Joy Motts at Planning Commission meetings addressing the tree removal permits.
Rachel Motts, Antioch resident and Sheri Thompson spoke in support of a pproving the appeal and denying the Tree Removal Permit . They provided a history of their Planning Commission testimony and previous actions taken. They reported the trees were surviving and requested the Council allow them to remain.
Andrew Becker reported process and policies were followed and the Planning Commission responded that the tree removal permit should be granted. He questioned why this item was coming before the Council. He commented that Public Works was beyond capacity to address these issues. He felt it was inappropriate that a Planning Commissioner filed the appeal for this item.
Lucas Stuart -Chilcote discussed the benefits of street trees and suggested approved replacement trees be planted if the tree removal permit were approved. He reported that there were street trees throughout the City that were not properly maintained.
REBUTTAL
Kerry Motts stated as a Planning Commissioner, he did not give up his right to advocate for community issues. He reported he had recused himself from the items when they were before the Commission. He spoke to the environmental value of trees.
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Public comment submitted in writing was entered into the record from the following individual:
Joy Motts.
Councilmember Ogorchock thanked the speakers for their comments. She clarified that homeowners were responsible for maintaining the property from their home to the street; however, she did not believe they should have to repair the infrastructure multiple times in order to retain trees causing damage. She questioned who would be liable for tripping hazards and root damage if the City determined the trees could remain. She spoke in support of denying the appeal.
In response to Councilmember Torres -Walker, Director of Community Development Ebbs clarified a permit application was submitted, staff assembled the tree committee who reviewed the permit and compared it against criteria given and they found damage to property was a major concern and they approved the Tree Removal Permit. He noted that action was appealable to the Planning Commission. He explained they had followed all legal requirements for notification.
Councilmember Wilson spoke in support of updating the City’s tree policy. She supported preserving or replacing the existing trees.
In response to Councilmember Wilson, Director of Community Development Ebbs explained both trees were causing damage; however, tree “b” was in worse condition. He clarified the tree removal permit issued by the tree committee included a requirement for two replacement trees from the approved street tree list and the complete removal of the existing trees.
Mayor Thorpe reviewed the appeal process and spoke in support of allowing the trees to remain.
A motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, to deny the appeal and approve the Tree Removal Permit with replacement of both trees, failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Ogorchock, Torres-Walker Noes: Wilson, Thorpe Absent: Barbanica
Mayor Thorpe announced that a s the result of the previous vote, the Planning Commission’s decision approving the Tree Removal Permit stands.
7. ORDINANCE FORMING A NEW ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND MODIFYING
THE PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated March 14, 2023, recommending the City Council introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading of the ordinance amending and restating Articles 1, 2, and 9 and adding Article 10 to Chapter 3 Title 2 of the Antioch Municipal Code reorganizing the Public Works and Community Development Departments and creating a new Engineering Department.
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In response to Councilmember Torres -Walker, Acting Director of Public Works/Cit y Engineer Buenting clarified that the idea was to create a new engineering department that would include the engineering land development portion pulled out of Community Development.
City Attorney Smith explained City Manager Johnson’s proposal was to separate Public Works from the Engineering Division which would be under a new Department Head/City Engineer and engineering functions from Community Development would be transported to that division.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated she supported tabling this discussion, until Council began the process for hiring a new City Manager and Assistant City Manager.
Mayor Thorpe opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public requesting to speak.
Councilmember Ogorchock stated she did not believe this action would be organizational or cost efficient. She suggested the item be postponed indefinitely.
Councilmember Torres -Walker stated she believed the separation of Public Works and Engineering could help with efficiency; however, she did not feel the timing was appropriate.
Mayor Thorpe agreed with Councilmember Torres-Walker.
A motion by Councilmember Ogorchock to table this item indefinitely died for the lack of a second.
City Attorney Smith explained the process for tabling and postponing agenda items.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Wilson , the City Council members present unanimously postponed Public Hearing Item #7.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
ON MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
TORRES-WALKER THE CITY COUNCIL MOTIONED TO REMOVE THE NEXT ITEM FROM THE TABLE TO DISCUSS. THE MOTION CARRIED THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
Ayes: Torres-Walker, Wilson, Thorpe Noes: Ogorchock Absent: Barbanica
8. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2022/23 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET TO INCLUDE EXPENDITURES FOR THE JULY 4, 2023, CELEBRATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $110,000
Director of Parks and Recreation Helfenberger presented the staff report dated March 14, 2023, recommending the City Council adopt the resolution approving an amendment to the 2022/23
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Fiscal Year budget to include expenditures for the July 4, 2023, Celebration in the amount of $110,000.
In response to Council, Director of Parks and Recreation Helfenberger explained th at cost estimates were based on event costs for the past two years. He noted they had not explored expanding events outside of the Rivertown area; however, they could investigate that for future years.
Councilmember Ogorchock stated in speaking with Celebrate Antioch, the cost estimates were low. She stated she did not believe City staff had the capacity to assume responsibility for these events. She noted Celebrate Antioch Foundation had the experience and proven track record.
In response to Councilmember Torres -Walker, Director of Parks and Recreation Helfenberger stated expanding the parade to begin in Southeast Antioch and end in Rivertown could also be explored in future years.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023/43
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council adopted the resolution approving an amendment t o the 2022/23 Fiscal Year budget to include expenditures for the July 4, 2023, Celebration in the amount of $110,000. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Torres-Walker, Wilson, Thorpe Noes: Ogorchock Absent: Barbanica
9. FORMATION OF A HUMAN RIGHTS AND RACIAL EQUITY AD HOC COMMITTEE
City Attorney Smith presented the staff report dated March 14, 2023 recommending the City Council take the following actions: 1) Determine if the City Council wishes to form a Human Rights and Racial Equit y Ad Hoc Committee for the purposes described in the resolution; 2) Confirm the appointment of two (2) members for the Human Rights and Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee; 3) Confirm the duration of the Human Rights and Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee; and 4) Adopt the resolution forming the Human Rights and Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee.
Councilmember Torres -Walker stated that the Human Rights and Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee was unable to begin their meetings so this item was an extension so they could begin conversations on forming the Commission.
Ralph Hernandez, Antioch resident, spoke in support of postponing the formation of a Human Rights and Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee to a future date since he believed staff were currently being overworked. He stated the staff report should clarify the purpose of the committee. He discussed inequity as it related to the makeup of the City Council.
Public comment submitted in writing was entered into the record from the following individual:
Lucia Albers.
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Councilmember Ogorchock suggested the committee be made up of two representatives from each district.
Mayor Thorpe explained that historically the purpose of an Ad Hoc Committee was to gather information to bring forward when considering the f ormation of a Commission. He clarified that Council established Ad Hoc Committees so staff would not have to take on the responsibilities.
Councilmember Torres-Walker added that public participation was encouraged, and the Ad Hoc Committee was the opportunity for residents to provide their input.
Councilmember Torres-Walker, Mayor Thorpe, and Councilmember Ogorchock volunteered to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023/44
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Wilson , the City Council members present unanimously adopted the resolution forming the Human Rights and Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee appointing Councilmember Torres-Walker and Councilmember Ogorchock for a duration of 6-months.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew Becker expressed concern regarding comments made by a previous speaker. He discussed grant opportunities for affordable housing projects.
Lucas Stuart Chilcote also expressed concern regarding comments made by a previous speaker and thanked Council for the work they were doing to provide equity in the community.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Wilson requested the following items be brought back for consideration, a Tree Policy, a moratorium on fast food, and a Study Session on water quality.
Councilmember Torres -Walker expressed concern regarding insufficient lighting throughout District 1 and she requested an update as to how the City was addressing the matter . She requested Council c onsider sunsetting the Economic Development Commission and Police Crime Prevention Commission. She apologized to the public for not being in attendance for Closed Session and encouraged Council to appoint an Interim City Manager and begin a national search for a permanent City Manager, and Assistant City Manager as soon as possible.
Councilmember Ogorchock requested Council consider the formation of a Tree Committee and update the tree ordinance. She also requested an update on the Desalination project.
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In response to Mayor Thorpe, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting reported the City was underway with a survey with PG&E related to lighting.
Mayor Thorpe apologized for being late for the meeting. He stated he understood changes occurred during Closed Session and he trusted his colleagues for the action that was taken. He explained that changes would not distract Council from increasing the quality of life for the community.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, the City Council members present unanimously adjourned the meeting at 11:34 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk