CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Special/Regular Meeting January 9, 2024
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
5:30 P.M. – SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Thorpe called the Special Meeting to order at 5:30 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Garcia called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 1 Torres-Walker, District 2 Barbanica, District 3 Ogorchock, Mayor Pro Tem (District 4) Wilson and Mayor Thorpe
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Thorpe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
SM-1. DISCUSSION ITEM: TOOLS FOR ADDRESSING SUBSTANDARD
PROPERTIES
City Attorney Smith introduced Charisse L. Smith, Outside Legal Counsel , who gave a PowerPoint Presentation of Tools for Addressing Substandard Properties , recommending the City Council discuss, receive public comments, and provide direction to staff.
Andrew Becker discussed blighted commercial properties and economic conditions that prevented tenants and owners from bringing their properties into compliance.
Leslie May expressed concern for blighted commercial properties and questioned if there was a difference in receivership and imminent domain . She also questioned if non -profits would get preference into acquiring properties. She suggested Council consider the impacts of health and safety violations.
Mayor Thorpe explained the goal of this i nformational workshop was to consider older blighted commercial properties. He clarified that there was a difference in receivership and eminent domain and eminent domain would be discussed at a future meeting.
Councilmember Ogorchock reported she received a call from a citizen who suggested the City consider building senior housing at Buchanan Rd. and Delta Fair Blvd. She questioned if the City could exercise eminent domain on certain properties.
Mayor Thorpe stated Council would be discussing the Buchanan Rd. and Delta Fair Blvd. property in Closed Session and the city’s focus would be commercial properties.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
January 9, 2024 Page 2 of 7
Ms. Smith clarified that receivership could be used for commercial properties when utilized as housing.
MOTION TO ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING/WORK SESSION
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously adjourned the Special Meeting/Work Session at 6:06 P.M.
6:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Thorpe called the Closed Session to order at 6:07 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Garcia called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 1 Torres-Walker, District 2 Barbanica, District 3 Ogorchock, Mayor Pro Tem (District 4) Wilson and Mayor Thorpe
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – RECRUITMENT OF CITY MANAGER. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b).
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Initiation of litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(c): Nine Cases.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Thorpe adjourned to Closed Session at 6:08 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Thorpe called the meeting to order at 7: 11 P.M., and City Clerk Householder called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 1 Torres-Walker, District 2 Barbanica, District 3 Ogorchock, Mayor Pro Tem (District 4) Wilson 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 PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – RECRUITMENT OF CITY MANAGER, gave direction to
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
January 9, 2024 Page 3 of 7
City Attorney and Director of Human Resources ; and, #2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, gave direction to City Attorney.
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Acting Assistant City Manager Helfenberger announced the following civic and community event:
➢ Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service – January 15, 2024
Erika Raulston announced the following civic and community event:
➢ African American Holistic Wellness Hub Steering Committee Meeting – February 12, 2024
Michelle Kuslits on behalf of Barbara Sobalvarro and Antioch Friends of Animal Services announced the following civic and community event:
➢ Antioch Animal Shelter Reduced Adoption Fees for January 2024
Gavin Payton representing the Youth NAACP thanked Council for attending their event and announced the following civic and community events:
➢ MLK Breakfast on January 15, 2024
➢ Know Your Rights Community Forum
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Householder announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee
For more information and to apply, visit the City’s website.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
David Amezcua expressed concern regarding the prolonged timeframe for placing the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance on the agenda.
Leslie May discussed the need for improving streetlights in downtown Antioch. She expressed concern that she was unable to contact a Councilmember when she had an issue in his district.
She encouraged Councilmembers to be more approachable and look forward to change.
Stacey Wright, Antioch resident, expressed concern regarding traffic issues in her neighborhood and requested the City address these matters.
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Leidy Gomes reported that her family had been negatively impacted by pollution in her neighborhood.
Andrew Becker discussed an interaction he had with a community member who was having financial difficulties.
Public comments submitted in writing were entered into the record from the following individuals:
Tesa Camus, Irma Chavez, Jackie Byrne and Anonymous Citizens.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Torres-Walker wished everyone a Happy New Year. She reported on meetings she attended with several staff members and philanthropic partners . She discussed a conversation she had with her granddaughter and encouraged everyone to work collaboratively.
Councilmember Barbanica provided contact information and encouraged residents to call or text him so he could respond to their concerns.
Councilmember Wilson wished everyone a H appy Holiday and announced she would be attending the Delta Diablo meeting on January 10, 2024. She reported on a conversation she had had with Acting Chief Vigil regarding recent sideshow activities.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Thorpe wished everyone a Hap py New Year and stated he was excited to get back to work. He announced he would be attending Tri Delta Transit, CCTA and the U.S. Conference of Mayors this month.
3. PRESENTATION
Friends of the Library, presented by Walter Ruehlig
Mr. Ruehlig was not present at the meeting and the presentation was not received.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 28, 2023
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 12, 2023
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
D. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
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E. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/01 LEASE AGREEMENT FOR REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1915 D STREET (APN 067-264-009)
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/0 2 OF SUPPORT FOR A TRANSPORTATION
DEVELOPMENT ACT GRANT FOR SCHOOL ZONE IMPROVEMENTS AT MARSH ELEMENTARY AND JOHN MUIR ELEMENTARY (P.W. 124-3)
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/03 FORMATION OF A COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT FOR THE DECA EAST 18TH STREET COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/0 4 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
TERRACARE ASSOCIATES FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/0 5 CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FOR VARIOUS ASPHALT
SERVICE CUT REPAIRS
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock , seconded by Councilmember Barbanica , the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Item E, which was removed for further discussion.
Item E – Andrew Becker suggested the City sell this property to REACH and questioned why they were not present for the discussion of this item.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock , seconded by Councilmember Barbanica , the City Council unanimously approved Item E.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
5. ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACTING CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SHIELD PROTECTION & PUBLIC SAFETY, INC., DBA SPEARHEAD PROTECTION FOR PRIVATE SECURITY
SERVICES OF CITY -OWNED ASSETS AND PARKING LOTS IN THE
RIVERTOWN/DOWNTOWN AREA, FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 IN FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 AND $100,000 IN FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
Acting City Manager Reed presented the staff report dated January 9, 2024 recommending the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Acting City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Shield Protection & Public Safety, Inc., DBA Spearhead Protection, for private security services of City-owned assets and parking lots in the Rivertown/Downtown area for an amount not to exceed $50,000 in Fiscal Year 2023-24 and $100,000 in Fiscal Year 2024-
25. Melissa Case spoke in support of the resolution and questioned why Antioch was not utilizing the police force to provide security. She suggested police officers become more active with the community within their beats.
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January 9, 2024 Page 6 of 7
Andrew Becker requested the City provide details of all bid responses and suggested the City address resources for the transient community.
In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, Acting City Manager Reed clarified approximately nine city-owned assets and parking lots in the Rivertown/ Downtown area were identified in the RFQ. He noted that focus came from previous City Managers; however, if Council wanted staff to look at other city-owned assets they could do so.
Councilmember Ogorchock stated private security was requested for all city-owned assets and parking lots.
Mayor Thorpe commented that this contract could expand in the future to include other city - owned assets and parking lots. He noted this item originated from downtown merchants who were concerned with patrons loitering in the area.
Councilmember Barbanica stated he participated in a meeting with the downtown merchant when this item was discussed, and it was s pecifically for properties north of 1 0th Street. He agreed that the contract could expand in the future.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated she felt concerns in other areas of the city needed to be addressed with extension of the contract as well as other strategies.
Councilmember Barbanica stated this contract was a starting point in providing a safe place for residents while building up activity downtown.
My Du’bois requested an explanation of the security company’s responsibilities and stated she felt it would be financially feasible for the city to hire private security.
A motion was made by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, to adopt a resolution authorizing the Acting City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Shield Protection & Public Safety, Inc., DBA Spearhead Protection, for private security services of City-owned assets and parking lots in the Rivertown/Downtown area for an amount not to exceed $50,000 in Fiscal Year 2023-24 and $100,000 in Fiscal Year 2024-25.
Councilmember Ogorchock requested all other city assets and parking lots be added to this agreement. She asked what duties would be performed by the security company.
Acting City Manager Reed responded that the security guards would be unarmed, and would patrol all city assets/parking lots downtown from 5:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024/06
A vote taken on the previous motion to adopt the resolution was unanimously approved.
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January 9, 2024 Page 7 of 7
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gavin Payton announced the Know Your Rights Forum would be held at 1:00 P.M. on January 27, 2024, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast would begin at 8:00 A.M. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Junior High School in Pittsburg.
Melissa Case suggested Mayor Thorpe increase public speaker time when there were shorter agendas.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Acting City Manager Reed announced the Mayor’s Conference would be held at 6:30 P.M. on January 11, 2024, at Smith’s Landing and a Special Council meeting would be held on January 30, 2024, at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center. He also announced that the City would be hiring various positions in the near future.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested Acting Chief Vigil provide an update on the following:
➢ Traffic enforcement
➢ Regional efforts to address sideshows
➢ Utilization of Antioch Police Department technology
Councilmember Barbanica requested staff agendize a Sideshow Spectator Ordinance.
Councilmember Wilson requested staff agendize a moratorium on new gas stations.
Mayor Thorpe announced the Special Workshop at 6:30 P.M. on January 30, 2024, would not be televised and he encouraged everyone to attend.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 8:17 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk