CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting April 23, 2024
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
5:45 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe called the Closed Session to order at 5:46 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Rosales called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres-Walker, District 2 Barbanica, District 3 Ogorchock, Mayor Pro Tem (District 4) Wilson and Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
With consensus of the City Council, Councilmember Ogorchock displayed a sign on the dais urging voters to vote no on The Taxpayer Deception Act.
1. 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
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe adjourned to Closed Session at 5:48 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Hernandez-Thorpe
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe declared a recess at 7:01 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 7:03 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
April 23, 2024 Page 2 of 7
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe opened the meeting In Memory of David Vasquez and led a moment of silence.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BARBANICA, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
WILSON THE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUSPENDED THE RULES AND MOVED AGENDA ITEM #4 AND REGULAR AGENDA ITEM #6 TO BE HEARD AFTER AGENDA ITEM #2.
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, direction given to Director of Human Resources and City Attorney.
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting introduced Nathan Jovillete, Water Treatment Maintenance Worker II and Jose Cabeza, Landscape Maintenance Worker I who thanked the City for giving them the opportunity to work in Antioch.
Planning Manager Merideth introduced Monet Boyd, Assistant Planner who thanked the City for giving her the opportunity to work in Antioch.
Finance Director Merchant introduced Lysette Reyes and Norby Acevedo, Accounting Technicians who thanked the City for giving them the opportunity to work in Antioch.
City Attorney Smith introduced Brittany Brace, Assistant City Attorney who thanked the City for giving her the opportunity to work in Antioch.
Interim Police Chief Addington introduced Marcos Molina, Travis Donaldson, Justin Talavera, Police Officers and Brittany DeJose, Records Technician who thanked the City for giving them the opportunity to work in Antioch.
2. PROCLAMATIONS
Fair Housing Month, April 2024
Arab America Heritage Month, April 2024
Autism Acceptance Month, April 2024
Proclamation Encouraging Youth to Vote
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously approved the Proclamations.
Housing Specialist Pedroza accepted the Fair Housing Month proclamation.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
April 23, 2024 Page 3 of 7
The City Council received public comments from the following individuals who commented on the language proposed for the Arab America Heritage Month proclamation: Farid, Ahmad and Frank Sterling,
Representatives from Antioch Council of Teen (ACT) accepted the Autism Acceptance Month proclamation and announced ACT meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 4:30 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
They also announced ACT was hosting an Autism Awareness Campaign and Teen Skate Night.
Gavin Payton and others representing the NAACP Youth Council, accepted the Proclamation Encouraging Youth to Vote.
4. PRESENTATION
Mahasin Abuwi Aleem, Senior Library Manager for Prewett and Antioch Libraries, Gia Paolini, East County Library Services Manager and David Marsh, Adult and Teen Services Librarian introduced themselves. Ms. Aleem announced she had accepted a promotion to be Library Services Manager for South and Central County.
Ms. Aleem and Ms. Paolini provided a National Library Week – Antioch Library Updates presentation.
Councilmember Ogorchock thanked the library staff.
Councilmember Barbanica congratulated Ms. Aleem on her promotion.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe thanked the library staff for the presentation and congratulated Ms.
Aleem on her promotion.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
6. DISCUSSION ITEM: JUST CAUSE DRAFT ORDINANCE
Assistant City Attorney Kundinger presented the staff report dated April 23, 2024 recommending the City Council: 1) Review, discuss, and provide feedback to staff on the staff report; and 2) Direct staff to: a) Add, delete, modify or retain provisions of the draft Just Cause Eviction Ordinance and return to the City Council for further review; b) Prepare a final version of the Just Cause Eviction Ordinance and introduce it at an upcoming city council meeting; or c) Take no further action.
City Clerk Householder announced translation services were available.
Betra Beltran, Gabi Rivas, Brendon O’Laskey, Deborah Polk, and Silvia A., representing Rising Juntos, Rev. Millie Phillips, Faith Alliance for Moral Economy, Patricia Granados and Shagoofa Khan, representing Monument Impact, Tachina Garrett, Eddie Gums and Ethan Silverstein, representing ACCE, Gavin Payton, NAACP, Devin, Debra Vinson, Sara B., Nicole Arrington, and
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
April 23, 2024 Page 4 of 7
unidentified speakers spoke in support of a Just Cause Evictions Ordinance. Several speakers made recommendations for items to be included in the ordinance.
Greg,Tezzakis California Apartment Association, stated those responsible for taking advantage of the system and illegal evictions should be punished. He spoke in opposition to the Just Cause Eviction Ordinance and requested staff conduct community outreach prior to approval.
Following discussion, Council consensus directed staff to bring back the draft ordinance and include the following items:
Substantial Renovation Evictions - Tenant has the right to return at the same rent after the landlord makes the repairs.
Ellis Act Protections - Include reference to the Ellis Act Start of Protections - Protections start on day one of tenancy No-Fault Relocation Payments – 2 months of tenant’s actual rent, moving stipend, and payment for elderly, disabled and low-income tenants
Right to Replace Roommate - Right to replace a departing roommate Draft Ordinance Page 5 #8 Possible additional terms – Include defined protected classes Bring back the City of Concord’s Ordinance
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe declared a recess at 10:22 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 10:27 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Councilmember Torres-Walker announced a youth listening session to stop violence would be held on April 25, 2024, at the East Family Justice Center.
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Householder announced the following Board and Commission openings.
Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control Board
Economic Development Commission
For more information and to apply, visit the City’s website.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER BARBANICA, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
OGORCHOCK THE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUSPENDED THE RULES TO MOVE ITEM #5 TO BE HEARD AS NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 12, 2024
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
April 23, 2024 Page 5 of 7
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 26, 2024
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 9, 2024
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
E. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/55 INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE CONSULTANT
CONTRACT
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/56 INCREASE OF PURCHASE ORDER WITH AMAZON
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Councilmember Ogorchock initially made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar; however, upon discovering that an unidentified speaker wished to comment on Item F, she subsequently proposed the following substitute motion.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Item F, which was removed for further discussion.
Item F – An unidentified speaker discussed the terms of the consultant contract.
Planning Manager Merideth explained that staff had built in a buffer in the event the project required additional time.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council approved Item F. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Barbanica, Ogorchock, Wilson, Hernandez-Thorpe Abstain: Torres-Walker
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Frank Sterling and Nicole Arrington discussed the outcomes of a recent APD investigation.
Lisa Kirk discussed animal advocacy in Antioch and grant opportunities for the non-profits.
An unidentified speaker discussed the encampment abatement process and expressed concern that he had a public comment for an agenda item, and he was not recognized.
An unidentified speaker led the audience in prayer.
Public comment submitted in writing was entered into the record from the following individual:
Consuelo Jackson
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
April 23, 2024 Page 6 of 7
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Torres-Walker reported on a community meeting she attended at the Public Defender’s office. She announced that she did not support the Arab American proclamation brought forward this evening and supported bringing forward a ceasefire proclamation. She discussed advocating for accountability for the APD.
Councilmember Barbanica reported on his attendance at the Green Empowerment Zone meeting with Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe and gave an update on the CDBG Standing Committee.
Councilmember Ogorchock reported on her attendance at the City Leader Summit and announced that she would provide a more detailed report in the future.
Councilmember Wilson announced she would be attending a Tri Delta Transit meeting on April 24, 2024.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe announced he would be attending a Tri Delta Transit meeting on April 24, 2024, and he would provide a report on the CCTA meeting he attended at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:58 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk
[THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS WILL BE MOVED TO THE 05/14/2024 COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HEARD]
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
7. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM – DISCUSSION ON A FUTURE
PRESENTATION FROM THE ANTIOCH POLICE DEPARTMENT ON THE TOOLS AND
EQUIPMENT UTILIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
April 23, 2024 Page 7 of 7
8. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM – DISCUSSION ON THE
CREATION OF A CITY COMMISSION FOR SENIORS
9. FUTURE PLANS FOR THE ANTIOCH POLICE CRIME PREVENTION COMMISSION
PUBLIC COMMENT
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – Council Members report out various activities and any Council Member may place an item for discussion and direction on a future agenda. Timing determined by Mayor and Acting City Manager – no longer than 90 days.