CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Special/Regular Meeting April 11, 2023
5:30 P.M. Council Chambers
5:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Thorpe called Closed Session to order at 5:00 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 and Mayor Thorpe
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2):
One Case.
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIAT IONS – pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: East 18th Street and Wilson Street (APN 051-400-027), Antioch, CA; Agency Negotiation: City of Antioch Negotiators: Forrest Ebbs, Acting City Manager and Thomas Lloyd Smith, City Attorney; Negotiating Parties:
City of Antioch and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Negotiator Fire Chief Lewis Broschard; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Thorpe adjourned to Closed Session at 5:01 P.M.
5:30 P.M. STUDY SESSION
Mayor Thorpe called the meeting to order at 5:30 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 and Mayor Thorpe
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Thorpe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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SM-1. FISCAL YEAR 2023-25 BUDGET PRIORITIES
Acting City Manager Ebbs presented the staff report dated April 11, 2023, recommending the City Council provide feedback and direction regarding the budget policies for the fiscal year 2023-25 budget.
Councilmember Wilson suggested staff prepare different scenarios for capping use of the Budget Stabilization Fund.
In response to Councilmember Barbanica, Finance Director Merchant provided budget projections for the Budget Stabilization Fund and General Fund reserves . She reported each fiscal year since 2018 surpluses were added to the Budget Stabilization Fund balance . She noted those surpluses were mostly due to vacancy savings and uncompleted projects.
Councilmember Ogorchock suggested reducing the Budget Stabilization Fund request to $3M.
In response to Councilmember Barbanica, Finance Director Merchant stated there could be vacancy savings in FY23/24; however, using vacancy savings was not a continued budget strategy since the goal was to fill th e positions. She noted current budget numbers were a baseline to continue operations at current service levels. She commented that they could consider reducing the vehicle replacement fund; however, when those vehicles were replaced, they would have to come back to the General Fund to cover the shortfall. She also noted that in 2024 there would be another payment from the state settlement for the Brackish Water Project and they anticipated the money could offset FY24 by $1-2M. She stated she was unsure how to cover the deficit for FY24-25 without reducing funding for programs or leaving vacancies open.
Mayor Thorpe commented that some one-time expenditures could be supplemented by ARPA funding.
Finance Director Merchant stated that she did not believe t here were many one -time expenditures since staff was asked to go forward with a status quo budget; however, ARPA funding could be utilized for standard operating items.
PUBLIC COMMENTS for Study Session
Andrew Becker expressed his frustration at the lack of public participation in the Budget Study Sessions. He requested Homekey be included in budget discussions.
Following discussion, direction was provided to staff to provide scenarios for capping use of the Budget Stabilization Fund at $0, $3M and $4M.
Councilmember Barbanica supported remaining with a status quo budget and allowing department heads to move funds around within their own budgets to fund their budget requests.
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Councilmember Ogorchock supported remain ing with a status quo budget. She suggested pursuing grant opportunities and utilizing ARPA funding to support homelessness and housing services.
Finance Director Merchant cautioned that if ARPA funds were utilized for a grant there would be other annual costs to continue the program which were not part of budget scenarios.
Councilmember Ogorchock mentioned State funds could be funneled through the County to help with homeless services.
Acting City Manager Ebbs added that prioritizing a grant for housing and homeless services would also involve staff support.
Following discussion, Council allowed for flexibility under the department head’s discretion to move funding around within their existing budgets to fund their requests.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated departments with smaller overall budgets would not be able to locate funds to support their budget requests, so some money needed to be spent.
Mayor Thorpe commented that the budget scenarios requested would allow Council some flexibility to consider funding priorities.
MOTION TO ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING/STUDY SESSION
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker the City Council unanimously adjourned the Special Meeting/Study Session at 6:04 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Thorpe called the meeting to order at 7:0 2 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 and Mayor Thorpe
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Thorpe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 authorized a severance payment and general release with John Samuelson, former Public Works Director/City Engineer, consisting of severance pay for $144,714.44 and settlement of
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claims for $100,000, for a total of $244,714.44, by a 3-2 vote with Councilmember Torres-Walker and Mayor Thorpe voting no ; and, #2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATONS, direction was given to Acting City Manager Ebbs and City Attorney Smith.
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson introduced Jazmin Ridley, Unhoused Resident Coordinator who stated she was excited to return to the City and serve the residents of Antioch.
Police Chief Ford introduced Taylor Hubbard, Police Dispatcher.
Acting City Manager Ebbs introduced Hilary Brown, Administrative Analyst who stated it was an honor to serve the community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Director of Parks and Recreation Helfenberger announced Keep Antioch Beautiful Day Earth Day Event would be held 9:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. on April 22, 2023.
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson announced the relaunching of the Antioch Homeownership Program and a zoom workshop for first time homebuyers at 6:00 P.M. on April 26, 2023.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Erika Raulston, Kathryn Wade, Carolyn Simmons, Cassandra Quinto-Collins and Bella Quinto Collins expressed concern regarding a newspaper article that reported allegations of police misconduct and discussed their personal experiences with law enforcement.
Melissa Case, Michael Kerr, Oscar Grant Committee, Leslie May, expressed concern regarding a newspaper article that reported allegations of police misconduct.
Ralph Hernandez, Antioch resident, spoke in support of good police officers and commented that those responsib le for illegal behavior should be held accountable. He provided written comments regarding cases he had investigated.
Tami discussed an incident involving a family member and law enforcement.
Gigi Crowder, Antioch resident and Executive Director of NAMICC, discussed an incident involving a family member and law enforcement. She offered to assist the City with reparations work and spoke in support of Mental Health Services.
Andrew Becker announced the application period for Project Homekey would begi n April 24, 2023 and encouraged the City to be prepared to meet that opportunity.
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Teki Flow, Reimagine Antioch, expressed concern regarding a newspaper article that reported allegations of police misconduct. She requested an internal audit of the Antioch Police Department (APD) Internal Affairs process and a review of their cases.
John Lanter, Antioch resident, stated he wanted a professional police force and noted he opposed racism. He voiced his support for Police Chief Ford and requested the community give him their full support.
Francisco Torres, Reimagine Antioch, requested an independent review of cases the D istrict Attorney prosecuted that involved officers accused of misconduct.
Latrece Martin, Racial Equity and Social Justice and Reimag ine Ant ioch, requested officers accused of misconduct be held accountable.
Patricia Granados, Antioch resident, celebrated democracy in Antioch. She spoke in support of holding law enforcement and community members accountable.
Robert Collins expressed conc ern regarding a newspaper article that reported allegations of police misconduct and discussed his personal experiences with law enforcement. He requested the Department of Justice, State Attorney General and District Attorney investigate the APD.
Sal Sbranti stated Measure C and Measure W were promoted as efforts to increase safety and security by increasing the police force. He discussed allegations of misconduct against elected officials and requested an audit of their text messages as well as body cam footage related to those events. He also requested the separation agreement for a city official and the selection criteria for those evaluated for the ir position. He stated he believed Police Chief Ford was part of the process in making a positive cultural change in Antioch.
Mayor Thorpe expressed his frustration with previous public comment s and declared a recess at 7:55 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 7:57 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Continued
Mayor Thorpe apologized for expressing his frustrations.
Velma Wilson spoke in support of Chief Ford and local law enforcement officers that she had been in contact with. She commented that everyone at some point made racist and prejudicial comments; however, their messages had not been made public. She stated she would continue to serve the community.
Taunita Trotter, Antioch resident, representing Kultore Collective/Reimag ine Antioch, Rubicon Antioch, discussed personal experiences with racism and expressed conc ern regarding a newspaper article that reported allegations of police misconduct.
Mary Lutz read a letter submitted to Council from Frank Sterling.
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Shagoofa Khan, Antioch resident, stated she was a victim of alleged police misconduct and spoke in support of holding law enforcement officers accountable.
Edgar M. expressed concern regarding allegations of police misconduct.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Barbanica reported on his attendance at the CDBG Committee meeting with Councilmember Torres -Walker. He stated he was assured by staff that allegations of police misconduct would be investigated and if violations were found , Police C hief Ford would hold those responsible accountable.
Councilmember Ogorchock thanked the community for coming forward this evening. She stated she was unaware of the details alleging misconduct; however, she had spoken to staff and was informed that an audit would be conducted. She noted she would reserve her remarks until those results were available. She stated she believed Police Chief Ford would take the necessary actions against the individuals found to be responsible.
Councilmember Wilson reported Delta Diablo would meet on April 12, 2023. She thanked and acknowledged the public who spoke this evening.
Councilmember Torres-Walker reported on her attendance at the CDBG meeting and noted a Cannabis Standing Committee would be held soon. She discussed a family member’s personal experiences with law enforcement and allegations of police misconduct. She expressed concern that these issues had not been addressed in the past. She hoped Police Chief Ford would choose to remain in Antioch.
Mayor Thorpe stated as the mayor he took on all the concerns from residents. He reported that Council had made previous decisions to not address issues when they knew things were wrong.
He noted that some members of Council chose to call for police reform in 2020 after listening to the community . He noted allegations of misconduct would be dealt with and he hoped the community would embrace and advance the necessary changes. He thanked those who had offered their condolences for his father’s passing.
Mayor Thorpe led a moment of silence and reflection.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
2. PRESENTATION
Antioch Police Department – 2022 Annual Update
Police Chief Ford thanked Mayor Thorpe for leading a moment of silence and reflection. He also thanked the community and his family for their support. He gave an Antioch Police Department (APD) – 2022 Annual Update PowerPoint presentation.
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Stephanie requested speed bumps for East 13th and A Streets.
Leslie May encouraged the APD to focus on sexual assaults in schools and mental health.
Kathryn Wade discussed an incident involving a family member and law enforcement.
Carolyn Simmons sympathized with members of the community who were victims and stated she feared for family members.
Gigi Crowder thanked Police Chief Ford for the presentation. She spoke in support of preventative approaches and reducing racial disparity. She requested APD prioritize strategies for mental health challenges and collaborate with the faith-based community.
Andrew Becker reported on his attendance at a c ommunity forum for the APD and expressed interest in participating in a ride-along.
Robert Collins thanked Police Chief Ford for the presentation and spoke to the importance of the City having professional city employees and elected officials. He suggested APD provide translation services for the community.
Stephanie M. discussed an incident involving a family member and law enforcement.
Councilmember Wilson thanked Police Chief Ford for the presentation and expressed concern regarding reported allegations of police misconduct. She requested Police Chief Ford present a plan of action to the Council every 3 -6 months regarding the status of addressing areas of concern. She stated she was determined to hold people accountable.
Police Chief Ford agreed to come back with assessments. He reported the APD had solidified a deal with the Department of Justice (DOJ) who would serve as a sanctioning body and hold them accountable. He discussed his experience in dealing with this work and committed to making sure the organization was restructured and reframed. He offered to present the full public safety plan codified through the DOJ.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked Police Chief Ford for the presentation. She requested a breakdown of violent, nonviolent, and prior misdemeanor felony offenses. She commented that times of civil unrest and economic uncertainty had inc reased crime. She noted if history was provided for the data, it would be easier for the City to address increased crime during economic uncertainty and times of civil unrest . She noted that many of the calls for service could be addressed by the crisis response team and community engagement specialist.
Police Chief Ford responded that he supported Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson and worked closely with her to accomplish those goals. He commented that when the Crisis Response Te am was activated for a brief time, the positive impact was notable, and they served a vital purpose.
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Councilmember Torres-Walker requested data regarding use of force, in custody death s and complaints. She stated she appreciated the phone policy.
In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, Police Chief Ford clarified that in custody deaths fell under use of force criteria. He stated he could provide training around sexism to ensure safety for women coming into the profession as well as women being engaged by patrol officers.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated she understood changing the culture may take years and some serving now would not be here to see the change; however, hopefully it would not be because they were victims of police misconduct.
Mayor Thorpe thanked Police Chief Ford for the update. He discussed the importance of annual mental health evaluations for APD Office rs. He questioned the timeline for internal investigations.
Police Chief Ford responded that internal investigations were dictated by Government Code 3304.
City Attorney Smith explained that they were allotted a year by the Government Code and there could be an internal policy to get them completed faster; however, they would have the allotted amount of time statutorily.
Police Chief Ford commented that the key was to make sure the investigator overseeing the internal investigation process was diligent in making sure it remained on a certain pace. He stated he was unaware of any complaint s exceeding a year. He reported Captain Schnitzius oversees the internal affairs unit and the team consisted of Lieutenant Melone and Sergeant Bledsoe. He stated the Police Union addressed labor issues and served as a separate entity.
Mayor Thorpe expressed concern that Sergeant Bledsoe served as both the Vice President of the APOA and a member of the internal affairs unit.
In response to Mayor Thorpe, Captain Schnitzius reported annual employee evaluations for APD had not been done for a few years. He noted they had been trying to work with HR for a long time to get the evaluations sent to them so they could be completed, and they had recently worked with Director of Human Resources Cortez to get that rectified as well as revamp the categories of evaluation.
Mayor Thorpe discussed the importance of Council being aware of what was being investigated and that officers were being evaluated regularly. He questioned what steps would be taken to address issues of racial bias and discriminatory practices within the APD.
Police Chief Ford commented that he had been focused on the culture of the department since he became Chief. He reported they had several training courses and bias training would be forthcoming. He noted they had a 25 -course list that touched on heart and mindset to make sure they were calibrated in a certain way.
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Mayor Thorpe questioned how the department was collecting data for the Racial and Identity Profiling Act of California.
Police Chief Ford responded that he would find the information for Mayor Thorpe.
Mayor Thorpe discussed the importance of Council looking at the data behind the numbers. He noted many issues could have been avoided if they had had Early Intervention Systems to identify problems.
Police Chief Ford agreed with Mayor Thorpe and noted the EIS course was non -punitive. He offered to provide Council with an overview of how it was working within the department.
Mayor Thorpe stated transparency was important. He questioned if Police Chief Ford believed the police misconduct being reported was wrong.
City Attorney Smith cautioned Police Chief Ford about expressing an opinion on a matter that was currently under investigation.
Mayor Thorpe stated the City Council was responsible and had to account for everything that happened in the City. He stated Police Chief Ford’s decisions impacted the City Council and they needed to work with the administrative and legal departments in ord er for the City to function.
Mayor Thorpe thanked Police Chief Ford, Captain Morefield and Captain Schnitzius as well as the police staff present this evening.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 14, 2023
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING/CLOSED SESSION MINUTES FOR MARCH 17, 2023
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 28, 2023
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
E. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
F. REJECTION OF CLAIM: VICTORIA COLLINS
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/52 APPROVING THE CLASS SPECIFICATION UPDATES FOR THE CONFIDENTIAL UNIT AND OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL UNION NO. 3 BARGAINING UNITS WITH NO SALARY CHANGES
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H. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/5 3 AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE OF THE LOAN
APPLICATION WITH THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR A DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN UP TO $60,000,000 FOR THE BRACKISH WATER DESALINATION PROJECT (P.W. 694)
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/5 4 SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE HONEYWELL BUILDING SOLUTIONS AGREEMENT FOR HVAC MAINTENANCE SERVICES NO. 400984420 FOR EXTRA WORK TO HVAC EQUIPMENT AT CITY FACILITIES
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/5 5 AUTHORIZING TO PURCHASE UP TO THREE (3) 2024 NEW-TO-FLEET VEHICLES AND UP TO TWENTY (20) 2024 REPLACEMENT
VEHICLES UTILIZING COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/5 6 INCREASE TO THE PURCHASE ORDER WITH
CHEMTRADE CHEMICALS US LLC, FOR THE PURCHASE OF ALUMINUM SULFATE
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/5 7 INCREASE OF PURCHASE ORDER WITH
CENTRALSQUARE FOR FINANCE ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE UPGRADE
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/58 AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT DEED
CONVEYING TO THE CITY OF ANTIOCH PROPERTY LOCATED AT DELTA FAIR BOULEVARD ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER 074-080-034-7
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of items J and M which were removed for further discussion.
Item J – Mayor Thorpe reported that Council previously provided direction to replace the City’s current fleet with electric/hybrid cars. He suggested this item be referred back to staff and return reflecting Council’s values.
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting stated that he understood Council’s priorities; however, he was requesting flexibility to replace vehicles with gas cars if electric/hybrid vehicles remained unavailable. He stated it was critical to replace critical infrastructure so staff could continue providing services.
Councilmember Ogorchock stated she agreed with moving toward electric/hybrid vehicles; however, she was concerned with the condition of the current fleet and cost s associated with maintaining those vehicles. She stated the City would also need the infrastructure in place to support electric vehicles.
City Attorney Smith stated he had met with the consultant who was providing an electric vehicle study who had indicated there were intermediate options for charging electric vehicles that could be implemented in a short amount of time.
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In response to Councilmember Ogorchock, City Attorney Smith stated he could bring a n electric/hybrid vehicle policy resolution to the next meeting if that was the direction of Council.
Mayor Thorpe stated if they wanted to codify a policy, staff could bring forward a resolution.
Andrew Becker questioned the condition of the vehicles needing replacement.
Mayor Thorpe reviewed the list of vehicles to be replaced.
In response to Councilmember Wilson, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting commented there was a small window of opportunity to purchase through an order bank and if they had authorization now, they would be prepared to move forward. He noted if they were able to purchase electric vehicles, they would expedite charging stations.
In response to Councilmember Barbanica , Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting confirmed that $1.8M for replacement vehicles was included in this year’s fiscal budget.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock , seconded by Councilmember Barbanica the City Council approved Item J. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Barbanica, Ogorchock, Torres-Walker Noes: Wilson, Thorpe
Item M – Mary Lutz expressed concern the County failed to bring forward a project for the unhoused on this land and spoke in support of a Homekey Project for this parcel.
Councilmember Ogorchock requested Council reconsider this item and work with the County to build transitional housing on the property.
Mayor Thorpe clarified there would be opportunities for the City to continue working with the County.
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker the City Council approved Item M. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Barbanica, Wilson, Torres-Walker, Thorpe Noes: Ogorchock
Mayor Thorpe declared a recess at 9:58 P.M. The meeting was reconvened at 10:05 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
4. POLICE CRIME PREVENTION COMMISSION REVIEW OF PAST PURPOSE AND
FUTURE VALUE
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Captain Morefield presented the staff report dated April 11, 2023, recommending the City Council discuss the future relevance of the Police Crime Prevention Commission.
Leslie May spoke in support of disbanding the Police Crime Prevention Commission.
Matt Dawson , Chair of Police Crime Prevention Commission, reported they met regularly through October 2021 at which time various members termed out, moved, or resigned. He stated they were then informed they had no quorum and unable to hold meetings until vacancies were filled. He reported they had revised their bylaws and mission statement which had received the approval of the APD leadership; however, when it was forwarded to the City , they failed to respond. He stated vacancies were posted and they had applicants; however, when interviews were requested, no action was taken. He reported there were three members on the Commission who were very active serving the community.
Ronald Muhammed and Ralph Hernandez spoke in support of the Police Crime Prevention Commission.
Patricia Granados spoke in support of disbanding and defunding the Police Crime Prevention Commission and the APOA.
Mayor Thorpe commented that when they started the police reform process and formation of the Police Oversight Commission, there was discussion regarding the role of the Police Crime Prevention Commission. He noted he chose to stop filling vacancies for the Police Crime Prevention Commission and Economic Development Commission at that time. He reminded the public that Commissions served at the pleasure of the Council and noted he was dismayed when the Police Crime Prevention Commission became political.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated documentation showed the role of the Commission being ambiguous. She noted the Commission was coordinating Neighborhood Watch groups, National Night Out and the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) program, which did not appear to be serving at the will of the Council. She noted it was also staffed by the APD and the Cit y may need to rethink th e Commission since they had a new department of Public Safety and Community Resources and focus on serving that department.
Captain Morefield explained the VIPS were non-sworn and served APD in the clerical capacity as well as performing vacation/security checks and abandoned vehicle abatement. He noted the connection to the Police Crime Prevention Commission sometimes overlapped since Hans Ho was a VIP and oversaw the Commission. He noted if Council did not want to continue with t he Commission, APD may be able to continue to support National Night Out and the Neighborhood Watch Programs. He confirmed National Night Out was organized by VIPS and Neighborhood Watch was organized by the community.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated Neighborhood Watch should be community driven and under the new department of Public Safety and Community Resources. She spoke in support of revising and renaming the Police Crime Prevention Commission.
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Mayor Thorpe commented that the P olice Crime Prevention Commission served as the assembly gathering place for all Block Captains and National Night Out was part of the Neighborhood Watch program.
In response to Councilmember Barbanica , Police Chief Ford commented that if structured correctly, he believed there could be utility in the P olice Crime Prevention Commission. He noted defining the purpose would dictate whether this entity continued to exist.
In response to Councilmember Torres -Walker, Police Chief Ford stated the Commission could have utility for the APD and Public Safety and Community Resources departments. He noted he saw some nexus between what the Public Safety and Community Resources Department and APD were trying to accomplish.
Councilmember Ogorchock reported the Police Crime Prevention Commission had a purpose and meetings were well attended and conversations were robust . She stated she believed it could be reorganized and spoke to the value of the Commission organizing National Night Out and the Neighborhood Watch Block Captains.
Councilmember Wilson commented that the Commission needed structure and guidelines.
Following discussion, Councilmember Torres -Walker volunteered to work with Police Staff, Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson and the Police Crime Prevention Commission Chair to define the purpose and structure of the Commission . The information would be brought back to the City Council for consideration.
5. CONSIDERATION OF A CHANGE TO THE CITY ADMINISTRATION’S
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE BY TRANSFERRING, FROM THE CITY MANAGER
TO THE CITY COUNCIL, THE AUTHORITY TO APPOINT, SUPERVISE, AND
REMOVE THE CHIEF OF POLICE
City Attorney Smith presented the staff report dated April 11, 2023, recommending the City Council provide direction to staff regarding whether to prepare an ordinance changing the organizational structure of the City’s administration by transferring, from the City Manager to the City Council, the authority to appoint, supervise, and remove the Chief of Police.
Leslie May and Patricia Granados spoke in support of changing the organizational structure of the City’s administration by transferring, from the City Manager to the City Council, the authority to appoint, supervise, and remove the Chief of Police.
Melissa Case stated that because of allegations of police misconduct, she was unsure who should have the authority to appoint, supervise and remove the P olice Chief . She spoke in support of separation with accountability.
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Sandy Hartrick and Ralph Hernandez opposed changing the organizational structure of the City’s administration by transferring the authority to appoint, supervise, and remove the Chief of Police.
Ron Mohammad stated he believed it was wrong that Police Chief Ford had to take the blame for the allegations of police misconduct. He stated he was unclear of what the changes would be and noted policing needed to remain with the APD.
Mayor Thorpe clarified that Council agreed to change the hiring practice for the Chief of Police in 2020 and Police Chief Ford understood that they were restricting the hiring process. He noted this matter was about accountability and not personal. He explained that the Council would be directly managing the person who was running the APD for transparency and accountability purposes. He noted that other decisions would also need to be made and he hoped Police Chief Ford would agree to stay.
Councilmember Barbanica opposed the change in the organizational structure because the APD was not an extension of a political arm. He stated there needed to be a buffer between politicians and those tasked with enforcing laws.
Councilmember Wilson stated in light of p ast events there needed to be a direct line between the Council and APD. She noted past practices had been unsuccessful.
In response to Councilmember Ogorchock, City Attorney Smith stated if the Ordinance was approved, an analysis would take place regarding how the Police Chief’s contract interacted with the Ordinance and then Council would be informed of that result.
Councilmember Ogorchock stated she did not support the ordinance; however, she did support regular updates from Police Chief Ford for accountability purposes.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated reports would not give the Council any authority and with every good policy, everything had to come into compliance.
Mayor Thorpe spoke in support of the ordinance.
Following discussion, Council consensus directed staff to prepare the ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Debra Vinson reported that she received charges from the City for false alarm calls even though her property had been burglarized and fines had negatively impacted her credit report.
Patricia Granados apologized to those in the community who were victimized. Sh e spoke in support of reparations for the black community, defunding the APOA and national reforms.
Kathryn Wade discussed the need for change in the community.
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STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested the Council discuss the false alarm policy and thanked those who attended the City Council meeting. She discussed the importance of acknowledging the facts. She stated as Councilmembers who worked full-time, they deserved help.
Mayor Thorpe announced he would be calling a Special Meeting on April 18, 2023 so the Council could set direction on audits of internal affairs , hiring and promotions and equity for APD. He thanked the public for attending this evening and apologized again for his earlier conduct.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 11:07 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk