CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting September 26, 2023
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
6:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Thorpe called the Closed Session to order at 6:00 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Rosales 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.
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS – pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: 800 W. 2nd Street, Antioch, CA; Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Kwame P. Reed, Acting City Manager and Thomas Lloyd Smith, City Attorney; Negotiating Parties: Chris Burns, Broker/Owner Representative; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(b): One Case.
3, CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2):
Antioch Police Officers Association v. City of Antioch et al., Superior Court of the State of California, Contra Costa County, Case No. N23-1629.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ralph Hernandez suggested Council provide the public with additional information regarding Closed Session Item #3.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Thorpe adjourned to Closed Session at 6:06 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
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September 26, 2023 Page 2 of 10
Mayor Thorpe 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 and Mayor Thorpe
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF ERIC PETERSON
Mayor Thorpe opened the meeting in honor of Eric Peterson and led a Moment of Silence in memory of him.
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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS, direction given to Acting City Manager and City Attorney, #2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, direction given to Acting City Manager and City Attorney; and, #3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, no reportable action.
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting introduced Justin Burror, Water Distribution Operator I and Santiago Moreno, Water Treatment Plant Operator who thanked Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting for the introduction. He also introduced Anthony Gibbs, Water Distribution Operator I, who was not in attendance.
Finance Director Merchant introduced Michael Combs and Jessica George, Accountant I, who thanked Finance Director Merchant for the introduction.
Mayor Thorpe welcomed the new City Employees.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Members of the Antioch Council of Teens (ACT) announced the following civic and community events:
➢ ACT Meeting – September 27, 2023
➢ Teen Skate Night – September 29, 2023
➢ Food and Coat Drive – September thru November 6, 2023
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Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson announced the following civic and community event:
➢ Raise Awareness Against Domestic Violence – October 15, 2023
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Householder announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Board of Administrative Appeals
➢ Park and Recreation Commission
➢ Planning Commission
➢ Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee
For more information and to apply, visit the City’s website . Applications were also available in the lobby of City Hall.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ralph Hernandez discussed City employees who had been convicted of crimes and urged Council to look at recovery based on the first crime they committed.
Shamawn Wright, Bridge Builders to the New Generation, discussed his efforts to advocate for youth in the community.
Christian Gutierrez discussed incidents he was involved in with the government and the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD).
Rosalba Zendejas discussed incidents her sons were involved in with law enforcement.
Frank Sterling and Francisco Torres , Reimagine Antioch, suggested the City seek financial reimbursement from police officers charged with misconduct. They requested staff investigate utilizing the Babe Ruth fields for emergency shelter housing opportunities.
Teki Flow, Reimagine Antioch, requested staff investigate utilizing the Babe Ruth fields for emergency shelter housing opportunities. She discussed their organization’s efforts to work with the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources to address violence in the community.
Andrew Becker discussed violence occurring in Antioch and spoke in support of utilizing the former Babe Ruth fields for emergency shelter housing opportunities.
T. Garrett, ACCE, reported on their efforts to improve living conditions at the Delta Pines Apartments and invited Council to attend a meeting with stakeholders at 6:30 P.M. on October 23, 2023.
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Sabrina Pedrotte encouraged community members contribute to improving the City.
Public comment submitted in writing was entered into the record from the following individual:
Jackie Hooke, Pastoral Associate / Holy Rosary Church.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Barbanica reported on a meeting with Andrew Becker to discuss the potential future use for the Babe Ruth fields and noted a follow-up meeting would be held this week with Councilmember Torres-Walker.
Councilmember Ogorchock announced the Racial Equity Ad Hoc meeting would be held on September 27, 2023. She expressed concern regarding sideshow activities occurring in Antioch and spoke in support of citing participants and spectators. She reported there had been another trespass incident at Heritage Baptist School and suggested the City move forward with the implementation of a buffer zone around schools. She reported on her attendance at Cal Cities conferences and requested staff bring back an ACA13 resolution, for Council consideration.
Councilmember Wilson reported on her attendance at Delta Diablo and announced Tri Delta Transit would meet on September 27, 2023.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked everyone for their public comments. She discussed the status of the School/City Standing Committee, Cannabis Standing Committee, Police Oversight Committee and CDBG Standing Committee . She announced the Human Rights and Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee would be meeting on September 27, 2023. She reported she had met with City Attorney Smith who explained the Antioch Police Department (APD) termination process. She congratulated those advocating for change at the Delta Pines Apartments. She reported on a meeting she attended with Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson and Contra Costa County Health, to discuss potential funding to address violence in Antioch. She congratulated those who supported AB28 and announced it had been signed by the governor.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Thorpe announced he would be attending Tri Delta Transit on September 27, 2023, and the Mayor’s Conference on September 28, 2023 . He reported on a roundtable discussion he hosted with local businesses to discuss public safety and thanked those who participated. He also reported on attending the Contra Costa Medical College Health Fair and the SEIU strike.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson introduced Sarah Morgan, Victoria Ezeibe, Laylanie Richardson and Joy Ezeibe who gave the Antioch Youth Civic Leadership Society Youth Hub Project presentation.
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Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson acknowledged youth who were doing amazing things in the community.
Andrew Becker discussed potential funding sources for the project and suggested the City consider the former Sears property as a location.
Crystal Harding, All Children Thrive, acknowledged the Antioch Youth Civic Leadership Society for their work in the community and urged Council to invest in youth activities.
The City Council thanked Antioch Youth Civic Leadership Society for the presentation and spoke to the benefits of the project and potential future funding opportunities.
Mayor Thorpe declared a recess at 8:24 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 8:28 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
Acting Chief Vigil gave an APD Presentation that included Police Department - Sworn, Police Department - Non-Sworn and Crime Comparison 2022 vs 2023.
Frank Sterling requested an update on the current APD investigations. He suggested lateral hires be investigated thoroughly . He also suggested officers who were aware of misconduct and did not report it, be held accountable.
Julia Emego Kwue stated she did not support APD interacting with AUSD students unless they were involved in violent acts. She suggested eliminating the use of canines and disarming police.
She requested calls for service and investigation updates be placed on the City’s website. She spoke in support of businesses hiring their own security and reducing APD staff.
Andrew Becker requested an update on equipment utilized by Community Service Officers (CSO).
Ms.Quinto-Collins discussed the importance of training dispatchers in de-escalation techniques.
Councilmember Barbanica thanked Acting Chief Vigil for the presentation.
In response to Councilmember Barbanica, Acting Chief Vigil provided an update on staffing , response times and calls for service. He reported that he had conversations with CHP and the Sheriff’s department who indicated that they could provide no assistance to Antioch outside of their mutual aid agreement.
Councilmember Barbanica expressed concern the City was understaffed which could cause fatigue and a loss of officers. He c ommented that the Sheriff ’s Department informed him that they were prepared to offer personnel for emergencies and overtime reimbursement. He noted he had also spoke with Assemblyman Grayson who indicated that the State was willing to assist.
He commented that he would reach out to them and set up a meeting with staff to further discuss the issue.
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Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked Acting Chief Vigil for the presentation.
In response to Councilmember Torres -Walker, Acting Chief Vigil explained the traffic unit had been reassigned to patrol. He gave an overview of the CSO training program and the process for employee evaluations.
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested future updates include shooting injuries that had not resulted in death, shot spotter data, calls for service (year to date), crisis response team data and an open-source data portal.
Acting Chief Vigil reported they were working with the webmaster to incorporate a real time tracker for complaints.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated she supported mutual aid in emergency in stances. She noted that she hoped to get clarity from the sheriff’s office and highway patrol on how they could move forward based on the needs of the City.
Councilmember Ogorchock requested future reports include response times.
In response to Councilmember Ogorchock, Acting Chief Vigil reported they were currently working on the 30 by 30 initiative; however, Antioch’s maternity leave/compensation was behind competitors. He suggested the City give consideration to this matter.
Councilmember Ogorchock thanked Acting Chief Vigil for the report.
Councilmember Wilson requested future reports include crime data and staffing comparable with cities of similar sizes as well as crime data per district.
In response to Councilmember Barbanica, Acting Chief Vigil stated he was unaware of any CSOs violating public policy with regards to how they drove their vehicles . He encouraged community members witnessing violations to file a complaint, since all vehicles ha d audio and video cameras, they could remote in to determine if a policy violation had occurred.
Councilmember Barbanica reiterated that he would reach out to the Sheriff’s Department and Assemblyman Grayson.
Mayor Thorpe thanked Acting Chief Vigil for the presentation. He reiterated that the categories of robbery , burglary and theft had been consolidated and based on that information a 31% increase in crime was inaccurate.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 8, 2023
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 22, 2023
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C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
E. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR JUNE 2023
F. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR JULY 2023
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2023/152 REJECTION OF BIDS FOR THE ANTIOCH WATER
PARK MAIN BUILDING SIDING REPAIRS
H. REJECTION OF CLAIMS: DANNY RAY WEATHERBY AND MARIA IMMACULADA
VELASQUEZ HERNANDEZ
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARING / CITY OF ANTIOCH COUNCIL MEMBERS ACTING AS HOUSING
SUCCESSOR TO THE ANTIOCH DEVLOPMENT AGENCY
6. PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 -23
CDBG AND HOUSING SUCCESSOR FUNDS REPORTED IN THE CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER); AND REVIEW OF PRIORITY NEEDS AND STRATEGIES FOR THE 2024-25 CDBG ACTION PLAN
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson introduced CDBG/Housing Assistant Mateo who presented the staff report dated September 26, 2023, recommending the City Council receive public comment on the Fiscal Year 2022 -23 CAPER year-end report and the previously approved Priority Needs and Strategies for the 2024-25 Action Plan.
Mayor Thorpe opened the public hearing.
Andrew Becker requested a more detailed staff report presentation. He expressed concern that developers would be unable to capitalize on density bonus law without a major transit route downtown. He also expressed concern for the lack of affordable housing and infrastructure. He discussed state funding opportunities and potential use of the City’s surplus properties.
Julia Emego Kwue requested more detailed staff report presentation s and spoke in opposition to funding non-profits and private organizations. She suggested the City fund government run programs and services.
Mayor Thorpe closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked staff for the detailed report.
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In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, CDBG/Housing Assistant Mateo clarified that the numbers reported in the staff report were Antioch residents and confirmed that in the future they would have organizations present their accomplishments.
Councilmember Barbanica thanked staff for the presentation and their hard work.
In response to Councilmember Ogorchock, CDBG/Housing Consultant House explained funding allocations and provide an overview of the affordable housing home ownership program.
Councilmember Torres-Walker discussed the importance of reporting on who was being served and the rate of success.
The City Council received and filed the report.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
7. CONSIDERATION OF WHETHER TO PROVIDE TELECONFERENCE MEETING
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR BROWN ACT MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND
CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
City Attorney Smith presented the staff report dated September 26, 2023 recommending the City Council consider whether to: 1) Continue to conduct meetings of the City Council and City boards, commissions, and committees in person and without teleconferencing; or 2) Make a motion to implement teleconference meeting accommodations for members of the public to make public comments, but require members of the City Council and City boards, commissions, and committees to participate in perso n and without teleconferencing; or 3) Make a motion to implement teleconference meeting accommodations, as permitted by AB 2449, for Brown Act meetings of the City Council and City boards, commissions, and committees.
Frank Sterling, Reimagine Antioch, Teki Flow and Francisco Torres spoke in support of option #3 implementing teleconference meeting accommodations for Brown Act meetings of the City Council and City boards, commissions, and committees.
Julia Emego Kwue opposed Council conducting teleconference meetings.
Andrew Becker supported option #2 implementing teleconference meeting accommodations for members of the public but require members of the City Council and City Boards, Commissions, and Committees to participate in person . He suggested Council discuss how to balance public speaker times with City business.
Councilmember Torres -Walker stated she had requested this item and supported the teleconferencing option for the public.
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Ogorchock the City Council approved option 1 to continue to conduct meetings of the City Council and City boards,
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commissions, and committees in person and without teleconferencing . The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Barbanica, Ogorchock, Thorpe Noes: Torres-Walker Abstain: Wilson
8. CITY COUNCIL 90 -DAY REQUEST LIST - DISCUSSION ON CITY DESIGNATION
WITH STATE PARKS SYSTEM
Councilmember Ogorchock commented that she was unaware that this item had been placed on the agenda and in the future, she would like advanced notice when her requests were being brought forward for discussion.
With consensus of Council, Councilmember Ogorchock w ill provide Council members with information on the State Park Pass Program available through the Antioch library.
Mayor Thorpe requested that in the future staff confirm with Councilmembers whether there was continued interest in bringing their agenda requests forward.
9. CITY COUNCIL 90 -DAY REQUEST LIST - DISCUSSION ON CLARYSSA WILSON –
JUNETEENTH PRESENTATION
Councilmember Barbanica requested that this item come back to Council with a presentation from Ms. Wilson explaining the history relative to funds she had expended for the event.
Following discussion, Council directed staff to speak with Ms. Wilson and report back to Council.
10. CITY COUNCIL 90-DAY REQUEST LIST - DISCUSSION ON FRIENDLY SENIOR CITY
DESIGNATION
Councilmember Ogorchock requested the City create an Ad Hoc Committee to develop an action plan to create a Friendly Senior City Designation.
Following discussion, Council directed staff to provide information on the requirements and grant opportunities for a Friendly Senior City Designation.
Julia Emego Kw ue requested the City be fiscally responsible and s uggested they develop a multistory housing facility for seniors.
Andrew Becker spoke in support of the City pursuing the Friendly Senior City Designation.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
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Acting City Manager Reed reported on his attendance at the Cal Cities Conference and the Police Academy Graduation.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Barbanica request ed the following items be agendized for discussion/consideration: Smoke Shop Ordinance amendment to allow owners to be able to sell or will their businesses, Side Show Spectator Ordinance, potential round-about locations and an Antioch Alert System.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked the public who participated in the meeting this evening.
She reiterated her request to discuss hiring a grant writer to seek funding to address public safety. She reminded the public that the Mayor’s conference was October 15, 2023 in Pleasant Hill. She discussed her opposition to end ing the teleconferencing of Council meetings and requested the item come back to Council for reconsideration.
Councilmember Wilson reported on the kick-off event for the Midnight Basketball Program.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Continued
Julia Emego Kwu e suggested the City lower speed limits throughout Antioch to prevent accidents and requested private security be removed from public schools.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Mayor Thorpe, seconded by Councilmember Ogorchock, the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting in honor of Eric Peterson at 10:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk