CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting November 14, 2023
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
5:45 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Thorpe called Closed Session to order at 5:45 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Rosales called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 2 Barbanica, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 1) Torres-Walker and Mayor Thorpe
Absent: Council/Agency Member District 3 Ogorchock
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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS – pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: Approximately 2,540 square feet of APN 066-010-017, Antioch, CA; Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Kwame P.
Reed, Acting City Manager and Thomas Lloyd Smith, City Attorney; Negotiating Parties:
Sean McCauley, Owner of Adjacent Property; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – Recruitment of City Manager – This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b).
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Thorpe called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M., and City Clerk Householder called the roll.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
November 14, 2023 Page 2 of 9
Present: Council/Agency Members District 2 Barbanica, District 4 Wilson, and Mayor Thorpe
Absent: Council/Agency Member District 3 Ogorchock and Mayor Pro Tem (District 1) Torres-Walker (arrived at 7:01 P.M.)
PRESENTATION OF COLORS
Mayor Thorpe led the audience in 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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS, direction given to Acting City Manager and City Attorney ; and, #3 PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – Recruitment of City Manager, direction given to Director of Human Resources and City Attorney.
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES
Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting introduced: Ming Rong, GIS Technician , David Wilson, Water Treatment Maintenance Worker I , David Davi, Water Treatment Maintenance Worker I , Victor Loza, Water Treatment Plant Operator w/D3 -D5, Gary Skym, Water Distribution Operator and Alex Saad, Junior Engineer.
Acting Police Chief Vigil introduce d: Scott Marshall, Police Dispatcher , Sarah Dotson, Police Dispatcher and Jefferson Vega, Police Officer.
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson introduced: America Velasco, Public Safety Manager and Maelvy Saucedo, Youth Services Network Coordinator.
Acting Assistant City Manager H elfenberger introduce d: Frida Ortiz, Recreation Programs Coordinator.
Mayor Thorpe welcomed the new City employees.
2. PROCLAMATIONS
Recognizing Native American Heritage Month, November 2023 Homeless Awareness Month, November 2023
On motion by Councilmember Wilson , seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Recognizing Native American Heritage Month, November 2023 and Homeless Awareness Month, November 2023 proclamations.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
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November 14, 2023 Page 3 of 9
In Memory of the City of Antioch’s first female Mayor Louise Giersch, September 23, 1925 – September 4, 2023
In Memory of Former Council Member Frank L. Stone, April 29, 1927 – October 25, 2023
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously postponed the In Memory of the City of Antioch’s first female Mayor Louise Giersch and In Memory of Former Council Member Frank L. Stone proclamations to the next meeting.
Frank Sterling Jr. and members of his family accepted the Recognizing Native American Heritage Month, November 2023 proclamation.
Unhoused Resident Coordinator Ridley introduced Carmella Kowall and representatives from Winter Nights Family Shelter who accepted the Homeless Awareness Month, November 2023 proclamation.
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson introduced representatives from Antioch Council of Teens (ACT) who announced the following event and reported on the success of their Coat Drive.
➢ ACT Meetings – 2nd and 4 th Wednesdays of the month , for more information, email:
Dwayne Eubanks announced the following event:
➢ The unveiling of the Vintage 1929 Red Caboose on November 18, 2023, at the Antioch Historical Museum
Mayor Thorpe announced the following events:
➢ Thanksgiving Turkey Give -away on November 21, 2023, at the Antioch Community Center
➢ Unity and Healing Event / Key to the City Presentations on November 30, 2023, at the Antioch Community Center
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Leslie May, Reimagine Antioch, spoke in support of forming an oversight body for the Antioch Police Department (APD) and discussed allegations of police misconduct.
Kathryn Wade, REA, discussed incidents involving her son and APD and allegations of police misconduct.
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Rena Moore, Reimagine Antioch, requested greater transparency from the APD.
Ralph Hernandez, Antioch resident, commented that public servants and private citizens were entitled to due process.
Patricia Granados, Antioch resident, discussed domestic terrorism. She spoke in support of rebranding, defunding, and greater transparency for APD.
Francisco Torres, Reimagine Antioch, discussed allegations of police misconduct. He called for greater transparency, decertifying APD and creating a Civilian Police Oversight body.
Frank Sterling, Reimagine Antioch, called for greater transparency from APD and the formation of a Civilian Police Oversight Committee. He requested Council fund public safety items.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Barbanica reported on the success of the Trunk or Treat event at Delta Bowl.
Councilmember Wilson reported on her attendance at the Cannabis Standing Committee meeting with Councilmember Torres -Walker. She expressed her frustration regarding recent news articles discussing police misconduct and sympathize with residents.
Councilmember Torres-Walker reported on her attendance at the Cannabis Standing Committee meeting. She commented that public safety along Wilbur Avenue had been discussed and they were looking at ways to address the situation. She reported on a meeting she had with the Mayor of Rohnert Park. She explained that she had been unable to attend a meeting regarding the Sycamore corridor due to a previous commitment and she looked forward to receiving an update.
She discussed the formation of the Police Oversight Committee and her efforts to receive data from the City with regards to the diversity of applicants. She explained that the power of the Commission was outlined in the City’s ordinance. She discussed allegations of police misconduct and urged the community to give those currently serving grace. She stated she believed in those committed to making change and commented that releasing additional text messages was under the authority of the District Attorney and Federal Investigators.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Thorpe reported he would be attending the California T ransportation Association Conference. He thanked Councilmembers Wilson and Ogorchock for participating in the process of identifying candidates for the Police Oversight Commission.
Councilmember Torres-Walker responded that she would engage in the selection process once she received the data requested.
Mayor Thorpe clarified that the City had not collected demographic information.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
November 14, 2023 Page 5 of 9
4. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 10, 2023
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 24, 2023
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
D. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
E. REJECTION OF CLAIMS: NICHOLAS WARNER, MANDINGO CAIN, AMADEO GARCIA, JR., KAYCEE SUITTER. WILLIAM BUTCHER
F. ORDINANCE NO. 2233-C-S SECOND READING – EAST 18TH STREET – EAST WAREHOUSE PROJECT (Introduced on October 24, 2023)
G. ORDINANCE NO. 2234-C-S SECOND READING – EAST 18TH STREET – WEST WAREHOUSE PROJECT (Introduced on October 24, 2023)
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Barbanica, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. INNOVATIVE HOUSING (IH) OVERLAY DISTRICT AND ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (LA2023-0003)
Acting Director of Community Development Scudero introduced Acting Planning Manager Merideth who introduced Meredith Rupp, Partnership for the Bay’s Future Fellow who presented the staff report dated November 14, 2023 recommending the City Council take the following actions: 1) Introduce by title only and waive the further reading of the ordinance to amend Title 9 Chapter 5 of the Antioch Municipal Code to implement State legislation regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and to permit multiple Accessory Dwelli ng Units in the Innovative Housing (IH) Overlay District. 2) Introduce by title only and waive the further reading of the ordinance rezoning either 31 or 33 parcels to include an IH Overlay District.
Mayor Thorpe opened the public hearing.
William Goodwin, Hope Solutions, Jasmine Tarkoff, Multifaith Action Coalition / Hope Solutions, Deborah Carney, Housing Police Consultant / Hope Solutions and Antioch resident , Francisco Torres, Reimagine Antioch and Andrew Becker spoke in support of the City Council adopting the ordinance.
Mayor Thorpe closed the public hearing.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
November 14, 2023 Page 6 of 9
In response to Councilmember Wilson, Acting Planning Manager Merideth explained that the Planning Commission majority felt Cornerstone Christian Center lacked capacity for accessory dwelling units since most of their parking lot was utilized for modular classrooms.
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Barbanica, the City Council unanimously introduced by title only and waive the further reading of the ordinance to amend Title 9 Chapter 5 of the Antioch Municipal Code to implement State legislation regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and to permit multiple Accessory Dwelling Units in the Innovative Housing (IH) Overlay District.
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Barbanica, the City Council unanimously introduced by title only and waive the further reading of the ordinance rezoning 33 parcels to include an IH Overlay District.
6. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS (LA2023-0004)
Acting Planning Manager Merideth introduced Meredith Rupp, Partnership for the Bay’s Future Fellow who presented the staff report dated November 14, 2023, recommending the City Council introduce by title only and waive the further reading of the ordinance to make zoning text amendments to Title 9 Chapter 5 of the Antioch Municipal Code to implement Housing Element programs, codify legislation, and clarify existing regulations.
Mayor Thorpe opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public requesting to speak.
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Barbanica, the City Council unanimously introduced by title only and waive the further reading of the ordinance to make zoning text amendments to Title 9 Chapter 5 of the Antioch Municipal Code to implement Housing Element programs, codify legislation, and clarify existing regulations.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
7. DISCUSSION OF MAINTENANCE NEEDS AND CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING AT
THE ANTIOCH WATER PARK
Acting Assistant City Manager Helfenberger introduced and thanked staff for their assistance in identifying the Antioch Water Park’s needs. He presented the staff report dated November 14, 2023, recommending the City Council receive the presentation on the current maintenance needs and capital project funding of the Antioch Water Park and provide direction on next steps.
Andrew Becker spoke in opposition to allocating funds for Water Park Capital Projects.
Councilmember Barbanica requested the Finance Department provide information regarding the source of funding for these projects.
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November 14, 2023 Page 7 of 9
Acting Assistant City Manager Helfenberger responded that Finance Director Merchant had indicated there were one time salary savings available and additional funds would be rolled over from the previous budget year.
Councilmember Wilson reiterated her request for an overview of the goals for the Water Park.
Following discussion, Council consensus directed staff to bring this item back at midyear budget review.
8. PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT FOR ONE FULL -TERM VACANCY EXPIRING OCTOBER 2027
City Clerk Householder announced Mayor Thorpe nominated Cortney L. Jones to the Planning Commission to fill one full-term vacancy expiring October 2027, and read Ms. Jones’ biography.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023/163
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving the appointment of Cortney L.
Jones to the Planning Commission to fill one full-term vacancy expiring October 2027.
9. PARKS AND RECREATION APPOINTMENTS FOR ONE VACANCY EXPIRING MARCH 2024 AND ONE VACANCY EXPIRING APRIL 2026
City Clerk Householder announced that Mayor Thorpe nominated Lemuel del Castillo to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one partial-term vacancy expiring April 2026, and read his biography.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023/164
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving the appointment of Lemuel del Castillo to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one partial-term vacancy expiring April 2026.
City Clerk Householder announced that Mayor Thorpe nominated Daynon Matthews to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one partial -term vacancy expiring March 2024, and read his biography.
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving the appointment of Daynon Matthews to the Parks and Recreation Commission to fill one partial-term vacanc y expiring March 2024.
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Regular Meeting
November 14, 2023 Page 8 of 9
City Clerk Householder administered the Oath of Office to Cortney L. Jones, Lemuel del Castillo and Daynon Matthews.
Mayor Thorpe thanked the newly appointed Commissioners for their willingness to serve.
10. NEW CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR ASSISTANT CITY CLERK, ASSIGNMENT OF A
SALARY RANGE, AND ASSIGNMENT OF THE CLASSIFICATION TO THE
MANAGEMENT UNIT
Director of Human Resources Cortez presented the staff report dated November 14, 2023 recommending the City Council adopt the resolution (1) approving a new class specification for Assistant City Clerk, (2) assigning a salary range, (3) assigning the classification to the Management Bargaining Unit, and (4) authorizing the Acting City Manager or designee to make the necessary adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 budget to fund the position.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023/165
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, the City Council members present unanimously adopted the resolution (1) approving a new class specification for Assistant City Clerk, (2) assigning a salary range, (3) assigning the classification to the Management Bargaining Unit, and (4) authorizing the Acting City Manager or designee to make the necessary adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 budget to fund the position.
11. FUNDING REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC CALMING IMPROVEMENTS ON JAMES DONLON BOULEVARD AND WEST 10TH STREET
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated November 14, 2023, recommending the City Council adopt the resolution approving reallocating funding in the amount of $1,085,000 from the Streetlight Improvements Project in the Gas Tax Fund for traffic calming improvements on James Donlon Boulevard and West 10th Street.
Lemuel offered suggestions for additional public safety measures along James Donlon Boulevard.
Andrew Becker suggested the City seek development funds for capital projects.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023/166
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, the City Council members present adopted the resolution approving reallocating funding in the amount of $1,085,000 from the Streetlight Improvements Project in the Gas Tax Fund for traffic calming improvements on James Donlon Boulevard and West 10th Street.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
November 14, 2023 Page 9 of 9
12. DISCUSSION ITEM: REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF CITY ORDINANCE
PROHIBITING SPECTATORS AT ILLEGAL MOTOR VEHICLE SPEED CONTESTS,
EXHIBITIONS OF SPEED, AND SIDESHOWS
City Attorney Smith presented the staff report dated November 14, 2023, recommending the City Council provide direction to staff to 1) Prepare a sideshow and street racing organizer and by - stander ordinance for the City of Antioch; or 2) Take no further action.
Lindsay Amezcua reported these ordinances had been ineffective in other jurisdictions and asking staff to identify spectators would be profiling. She offered suggestions for deterring sideshow activities and urged Council to take no further action on this item.
Andrew Becker suggested focusing on a col laborative effort with other municipalities . He expressed concern that innocent bystanders could be identified as spectators.
Following discussion, Council consensus directed staff to prepare a sideshow and street racing organizer ordinance for the City of Antioch.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew Becker expressed concern regarding the Planning Commission’s recent approval of a rental housing project and discussed the need for extremely low-income housing in Antioch.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – None
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Barbanica, the City Council members present unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:04 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk