CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Special/Regular Meeting May 28, 2024
5:00 P.M. Council Chambers
5:00 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING/STUDY SESSION
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe called the Special Meeting to order at 5:00 P.M., and Assistant City Attorney/Acting City Clerk Brace 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.
STUDY SESSION
SM-1. PRESENTATION OF THE DRAFT 5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2024-2029 (P.W. 150-24)
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting acknowledged his staff for assisting in the program and presented the staff report dated May 28, 2024, recommending the City Council review and provide feedback to staff regarding the draft 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2024-2029.
Councilmember Wilson requested staff consider adding a signal for the trail crossing over Bluerock Drive.
Councilmember Ogorchock requested staff prioritize sidewalk and gutters as well as the remaining sewer and water hookups in the northeast annexation area. She also requested the CDBG Standing Committee consider recommending funding for these improvements.
Councilmember Barbanica thanked staff for the crosswalks on James Donlon Blvd and for their hard work in putting together the CIP.
MOTION TO ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING/STUDY SESSION
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council adjourned the Special meeting at 5:29 P.M.
6:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 2 of 11
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe called the Closed Session to order at 6:01 P.M., and Assistant City Attorney/Acting City Clerk Brace 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.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION – pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9: Felecia Sonnier v. City of Antioch, Superior Court of California Contra Costa County (Case No. C21-01165).
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS – pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: East 18th Street and Wilson Street (APN 051-400-027), Antioch, CA; Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Brad Helfenberger, Acting Assistant City Manager and Thomas Lloyd Smith, City Attorney; Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Negotiator: Aaron J. McAlister, Deputy Fire Chief; 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)(1).
PUBLIC COMMENTS
An unidentified speaker spoke to Closed Session Item #2 encouraging the City to work with the fire department to maximize the property’s potential.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe adjourned to Closed Session at 6:05 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe called the meeting to order at 7:15 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
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF WILLIE MIMS
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe led a moment of silence in memory of Willie Mims.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 3 of 11
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
With consensus of Council, Councilmember Torres-Walker displayed the Palestinian flag on the dais.
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 – EXISTING LITIGATION, City Council approved a settlement in the amount of $225,000 by a 5-0 vote, #2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS, direction given to City Attorney; and, #3 PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – RECRUITMENT OF CITY MANAGER, no reportable action.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA – Continued from May 14, 2024, Council Meeting
1. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM – DISCUSSION ON A FUTURE
PRESENTATION FROM THE ANTIOCH POLICE DEPARTMENT ON THE TOOLS AND
EQUIPMENT UTILIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT
Council directed the Antioch Police Department (APD) to bring back a presentation on the tools and equipment utilized by the department.
2. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM – DISCUSSION ON THE
CREATION OF A CITY COMMISSION FOR SENIORS/MATURE ADULTS
Councilmember Ogorchock will bring back ad hoc committee information from the City of Brentwood for discussion.
3. FUTURE PLANS FOR THE ANTIOCH POLICE CRIME PREVENTION COMMISSION
City Attorney Smith presented the staff report dated May 28, 2024, recommending the City Council direct staff to take one of the following actions: 1) Initiate the candidate application process to fill the vacancies on the Police Crime Prevention Commission; 2) Prepare an ordinance to dissolve the Police Crime Prevention Commission; 3) Prepare a resolution for an ad hoc committee to propose the future mission and purpose of the Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission or 4) Take no action.
Harry Thurston, Antioch resident, spoke in support of a resolution to establish an ad hoc committee to propose the future mission and purpose of the Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission.
Leslie May spoke in support of dissolving the Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 4 of 11
Rachel Mendoza expressed concern for quality of life and safety issues negatively impacting their senior community.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe stated he would follow up with this speaker regarding her concerns.
Following discussion, Council consensus directed staff to prepare a resolution for the formation of an ad hoc committee to propose the future mission and purpose of a Public Safety and Community Resource Commission.
4. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting introduced Brian Valadez, Street Maintenance Worker I (not in attendance) and Toby Beach, Collection Systems Superintendent who stated he was grateful for the opportunity to work in Antioch.
Interim Police Chief Addington recognized Field Training Officers Downey and London, and introduced David Church, Trayjen Jones, Alejandro Loroño, and Placido Serna III, Police Officers who stated they were honored to serve the community.
Kathryn Wade, Sara B., Nicole and several unidentified speakers welcomed the employees and encouraged the new police officers to remain professional.
An unidentified speaker spoke in support of creating an incentive program for other City positions.
Councilmember Torres-Walker welcomed the new city employees and spoke about the responsibilities of Field Training Officers. She announced the badge numbers of the new police officers.
Debra Vinson welcomed the new police officers and encouraged anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to call 988. She thanked Interim Police Chief Addington and acknowledged police officers who responded to her calls for service.
5. PROCLAMATION
Recognizing June 2024 as Pride Month in the City of Antioch
A motion was made by Councilmember Ogorchock and seconded by Councilmember Wilson, to approve the proclamation.
Mary Lutz commented that the City needed to update the Pride flag and suggested including a Trans flag.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe responded that the city’s flag policy required organizations to provide their flags to be flown at City Hall.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 5 of 11
A vote taken on the previous motion to approve the proclamation unanimously passed.
Mary Lutz accepted the Recognizing June 2024 as Pride Month in the City of Antioch proclamation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson introduced Amadeus Castillo, Antioch Council of Teens (ACT) announced the following civic and community events:
ACT meetings - 4:30 P.M.– 6:00 P.M. every second and fourth Wednesday Teen Block Party – 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. on June 14, 2024, at Waldie Plaza Fame Junior Performance – 7:00 P.M. on June 7, 2024, and 2:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. on June 8, 2024
Leslie May announced Reimagine Antioch and Safe Return Project, were hosting a Community Healing Session from 1:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. on June 1, 2024, at 1358 Sunset Drive, Antioch.
Dr. Wright announced a Founder’s Dinner/Scholarship Fundraiser would be held on June 29, 2024.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe announced that he would be hosting an Antioch Salutes event to recognize graduates joining Armed Forces at 12:00 P.M. on June 8, 2024, at Waldie Plaza.
6. 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.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rosalba Zendejas expressed concern regarding the results of her sons’ internal investigation.
Philip J. Weber encouraged the City to schedule a community bicycle riding event.
Bruce “Ole” Ohlsen, Mister Bicycle / Delta Pedalers Bicycle Club, discussed the pedestrian and bicycle improvements planned for “L” Street and offered his suggested revisions for the project.
Leslie May and Kathryn Wade expressed concern regarding a recent news article related to the Pittsburg Police Department.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 6 of 11
Lemuel del Castillo, Parks and Recreation Commission, encouraged the City Council to address safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Antioch.
Kerry Hillis, BART Government and Community Relations Representative, provided their future construction schedule.
Krystle Law spoke regarding the need for unhoused resident services in Antioch.
Nicole Arrington expressed concern regarding the removal of the Amtrak station in Antioch. She also expressed concern regarding a recent news article related to the Pittsburg Police Department.
Erika Raulston commended Antioch Police Department for their response to her call for service.
She expressed concern regarding public safety related to the traffic division and lack of lighting in the community.
An unidentified speaker discussed the need for traffic calming measures in his neighborhood off Deer Valley Road.
Sara B. expressed concern regarding the lack of access to a water fountain and bathrooms at City Park. She spoke in support of keeping the Amtrak Station in Antioch and Palestine. She questioned what services were available for community members impacted by crime.
Devin W. led a moment of silence in memory of a community member and discussed the need for resources for the unhoused who were being displaced during encampment cleanups.
An unidentified speaker discussed services for the unhoused and the potential use of ARPA funds for projects to address their needs.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Torres-Walker discussed a recent encampment cleanup and expressed concern that Sargeant Green had been pulled off traffic enforcement to oversee this event. She also expressed concern for the lack of a coordinated response from the CORE team, Crisis Response Team and the Unhoused Resident Coordinator. She thanked Sargeant Green for his compassionate response. She recognized the loss of an unhoused resident in Antioch. She spoke to a recent news article regarding the Pittsburg Police Department and encouraged the community to allow Antioch to continue to rebuild.
Councilmember Barbanica reported the CDBG Standing Committee would be meeting on June 5, 2024, and they would be considering funding for two housing projects for the unhoused. He commented that Council wanted a strong Police Department and workforce serving the community. He encouraged everyone to know the facts prior to making conclusions when referencing lawsuits involving city officials and voiced his support for Interim Police Chief Addington.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 7 of 11
Councilmember Wilson reported on her attendance at the Tri Delta Transit meetings.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe thanked everyone for their comments and stated he was proud of the recent cohorts of academy graduates. He reported on a community meeting he attended and his trip to China on behalf of the City. He stated he was proud to represent a great City.
An unidentified speaker expressed concern regarding the lack of resources for the unhoused.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 14, 2024
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING/CLOSED SESSION MINUTES FOR MAY 15, 2024
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
D. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/65 ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE 2024-25 FISCAL YEAR
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/66 ARCTIC WOLF NETWORK AGREEMENT FOR
CYBERSECURITY SERVICES
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/67 AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT NO. 3 WITH CONTRA
COSTA COUNTY FOR LIBRARY MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 IN THE AMOUNT OF $180,259
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/68 AWARD OF A MULTI-YEAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH KARLA’S JANITORIAL & SUPPLIERS, LLC FOR JANITORIAL
MAINTENANCE SERVICES
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/69 AWARD OF A MULTI-YEAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALTA FENCE CO. FOR FENCING PARTS & INSTALLATION
SERVICES
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/70 DISPLAY OF THE PRIDE PROGRESS FLAG AT CITY HALL
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/71 ANNUAL WATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL
PURCHASES
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 8 of 11
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/72 ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT DEED TO THE CITY OF ANTIOCH CONVEYING LOTS “B,” “C,” AND “D” FOR THE MIRA VISTA HILLS UNIT 7 SUBDIVISION (TRACT # 5547)
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/73 APPROVING CONSOLIDATED ENGINEER’S REPORT
AND DECLARING INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
HILLCREST, CITYWIDE, DOWNTOWN, ALMONDRIDGE, LONE TREE, AND EAST
LONE TREE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS, AND SETTING PUBLIC HEARING (P.W. 500)
N. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/74 AWARD OF A MULTI-YEAR SUPPLY PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH AMAYA SOLUTIONS INC. FOR THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY
OF ANTI-SCALANT MEGAFLUX FOR WATER TREATMENT
O. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/75 ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDING AWARD FROM #CALIFORNIANSFORALL YOUTH JOB CORPS
P. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/76 APPROVAL OF AWARDS FOR THE 2024-2025 YOUTH
SERVICES NETWORK GRANTS
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Items G, I, J, O and P, which were removed for further discussion.
Item G – In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, Acting City Manager Helfenberger explained this item was an ongoing agreement between the City and the library.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, the City Council unanimously approved Item G.
Item I – In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting explained that this was a new contract and Alta Fence was the only company that had responded to the RFP.
An unidentified speaker referencing a previous contract extension questioned what justified an emergency order.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council approved Item I. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Barbanica, Ogorchock, Wilson, Hernandez-Thorpe Abstain: Torres-Walker
Item J – Councilmember Torres-Walker suggested the City consider hosting a Pride Celebration.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 9 of 11
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously approved Item J.
Item O – Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson presented the staff report dated May 28, 2024.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe requested that future efforts such as these be communicated to Council.
An unidentified speaker questioned who was responsible for giving direction with regards to grant priorities for the Public Safety and Community Resources Department.
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested staff provide Council with data and outcomes for the Mayor’s Apprenticeship Program.
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Ogorchock, the City Council unanimously approved Item O.
Item P – In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson provided an overview of their outreach efforts, application process, and the organizations chosen to receive funding.
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested staff provide Council with data and outcomes for the programs that were renewed.
An unidentified speaker requested applications and the data for renewed programs be included in future staff reports.
Public comment submitted in writing was entered into the record from the following individual:
Katherine Ingalls, Antioch Unified School District.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker, the City Council unanimously approved Item P.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. PROPOSED UPDATES TO THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2024
Finance Director Merchant presented the staff report dated May 28, 2024, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution updating and approving the Master Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2024.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public requesting to speak.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024/77
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 10 of 11
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously adopted the resolution updating and approving the Master Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2024.
City Clerk Householder announced that Councilmember Torres-Walker had left the meeting at 9:53 P.M.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
9. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF OPTIONS
FOR A BAN OR MORATORIUM ON NEW GAS STATIONS AND THE EXPANSION OF
FUEL DISPENSERS AT EXISTING GAS STATIONS
City Attorney Smith presented the staff report dated May 28, 2024, recommending the City Council provide direction to staff to initiate the policy process to prepare a: 1) ban or temporary moratorium on the development of new gas stations and 2) ban or temporary moratorium on the expansion of fossil fuel dispensers (pumps) at existing gas stations.
O.G. Strogatz 350 Contra Costa, Devin W., Louis “Lou” Flores, 350 Contra Costa Action, and several unidentified speakers spoke in support of a ban on the development of new gas stations and the expansion of fossil fuel dispensers at existing gas stations.
Public comments submitted in writing were entered into the record from the following individuals:
Kristel Rietesel, Kensington (Contra Costa County) Admin / Bay Area Clean Air Coalition. Woody Hastings, Co-coordinator / Coalition Opposing New Gas Stations, Shoshana Wechsler, Co- Coordinator / Sunflower Alliance, Alvaro Ramos and David Pedersen, British Columbia, Canada.
Councilmember Wilson and Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe spoke in support of a ban on new gas stations and expansion of fossil fuel dispensers.
Councilmembers Barbanica and Ogorchock spoke in opposition of a ban on new gas stations and expansion of fossil fuel dispensers.
With no consensus of Council, no action was taken on this item.
10. FUTURE PLANS FOR THE POLICE OVERSIGHT STANDING COMMITTEE
City Attorney Smith presented the staff report dated May 28, 2024, recommending the City Council dissolve the Police Oversight Standing Committee.
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously dissolved the Police Oversight Standing Committee.
PUBLIC COMMENT
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
May 28, 2024 Page 11 of 11
Frank Sterling encouraged the City Council to agendized a resolution in support of a ceasefire in Gaza and divestment from the businesses.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Barbanica reiterated a previous request for staff to agendize an amendment to the smoke shop ordinance to address owners who wanted to will or sell their properties.
Acting Director of Community Development Scudero responded that staff was working on drafting that ordinance amendment, and it would be coming back to Council soon.
Councilmember Wilson questioned when the City would update their climate and sustainability action plan. She also spoke in support of the city holding a bicycling community event.
Acting Director of Community Development Scudero responded that the climate and sustainability plan was a standalone plan and staff was currently working on an update. He noted it would be tied into the General Plan.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:21 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk