CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting July 23, 2024
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
6:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Hernandez -Thorpe called the Closed Session to order at 6:0 1 P.M., and City Clerk Householder called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 2 Barbanica, District 3 Ogorchock and Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Wilson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION – pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9: William Butcher v. City of Antioch, et al. United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No.: 3:23-cv-04328).
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIAT IONS pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: 275 W. Tregallas Road, Antioch, CA; Agency Negotiation: City of Antioch Negotiators: Kwame P. Reed, Acting City Manager and Thomas Lloyd Smith, City Attorney; Negotiating Parties: Richard Hobin, Esq.; 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 – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe adjourned to Closed Session at 6:03 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe called the meeting to order at 7:0 1 P.M. in honor of Volunteer Police Reserve Officer and Volunteer in Police Service (VIP) Frank Rupani, and City Clerk Householder called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 1 Torres-Walker, District 2 Barbanica, District 3 Ogorchock and Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem (District 4) Wilson
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
July 23, 2024 Page 2 of 10
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe led a moment of silence for Frank Rupani.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Interim Police Chief Addington recognized Frank Rupani’s volunteer, professional and military service.
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 authorized a settlement in the amount of $99,000, by a 4-0 vote, #2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS, Direction given to Acting City Manager and City Attorney ; and, #3 PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – RECRUITMENT OF CITY MANAGER, no reportable action.
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe recognized the Springboard Interns in attendance this evening.
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting introduced Dylan DeOliveira, General Laborer and Zachary Lang, Collection Systems Worker I who stated they looked forward to serving the citizens of Antioch.
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson introduced Joshua Harrison, Community Engagement Coordinator who was not in attendance this evening.
Finance Director Merchant introduced Shameka Shavies, Accountant I, who stated she looked forward to serving the citizens of Antioch.
Interim Police Chief Addington introduced Hunter Whitson, Ryan Tryner, Richardo Mayorga Esquivez and Pedro Morales-Diaz Police Officers and Sara Martin, Police Dispatcher who stated they looked forward to serving the citizens of Antioch.
Interim Police Chief Addington administered the Oath of Honor to the new Antioch Police Department (APD) employees.
2. PROCLAMATION
In Honor of Welcoming the Visiting Delegation from Antioch’s Sister City of Chichibu, Saitama, Japan
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock , seconded by Councilmember Barbanica the City Council members present unanimously approved the proclamation.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
July 23, 2024 Page 3 of 10
Acting Assistant City Manager/Director of Parks and Recreation Helfenberger gave a history of the Sister City Program and thanked the host families. He introduced members of the Sister City Delegation from Chichibu, Japan, who gave introductory comments.
The Sister City Delegation presented gifts to the City Council and staff.
Mayor Hernandez -Thorpe thanked the host families for accommodating the Sister City Delegation.
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Members of the Antioch Springboard Internship Project thanked Council for the creation of their program and announced the following civic and community events:
ANTIOCH YOUTH SERVICES – SPECIAL EVENTS
➢ Back 2 School Bowling – August 6, 2024, at Delta Bowl ➢ Tutoring Program - August 19 – December 18, 2024
➢ Sustainable Leaders in Action Presents: Green Dreams: Imagining a Sustainable Tomorrow – Summer Art Contest – Now through July 31, 2024
Acting Assistant City Manager/ Director of Parks and Recreation Helfenberger announced the following civic and community events:
ANTIOCH RECREATION CENTER – SPECIAL EVENTS
➢ Multicultural Festival – August 10, 2024 - Williamson Ranch Park ➢ Summer Concert Series – August 8, 15, and 22, 2024 - Prewett Family Park Hillside
Councilmember Ogorchock announced the Rotary Cornhole Tournament would be held on July 27, 2024, at Prewett Park.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe highlighted the value of the Springboard Internship Program.
4. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Householder announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Economic Development Commission
➢ Parks and Recreation Commission
➢ Contra Costa County Mosquito & Vector Control Board
For more information and to apply, visit the City’s website.
Councilmember Ogorchock requested the Clerk’s office advertise for the open positions on the Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission.
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Acting City Manager Reed responded that at a previous meeting Council had 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, in lieu of the Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Madison Fordyce - Silva, Dozier Libby Medical High School Student/Springboard Intern and Leslie May discussed the importance of addressing long-term solutions for the unhoused.
Dominic Washington, Antioch High School Student/ Springboard Intern, discussed environmental issues in Antioch.
Ralph Hernandez, Antioch resident, announced the passing of former City employee William B.
Davis and requested Council agendize recognition of Mr. Davis.
Patricia Granados requested Council provide a zoom option for public participation at Council meetings. She questioned what was delaying the investigation of the APD.
Krystle Law Brooks discussed her outreach efforts and the needs of the unhoused community.
Tachina Garrett expressed concern regarding the actions of a homeless individual in downtown Antioch and discussed the needs of the unhoused community.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Torres -Walker reported on her attendance at the C ommunity Development Block Grant (CDBG) Standing Committee meeting and announced a Cannabis Standing Committee w ould be held soon. She thanked Interim Police Chief Addington, City Attorney Smith and Acting Assistant City Manager Helfenberger for assisting her with the civil standby policy. She discussed services the City provided unhoused residents and spoke in support of Antioch taking additional actions to assist the unhoused.
Councilmember Barbanica discussed the importance of improving customer service in Antioch.
Councilmember Ogorchock announced SB-1 funds had been released and encouraged the City advocate for those funds.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe announced he would be attending a Tri Delta Transit meeting on July 24, 2024, and the Mayor’s conference next week.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
July 23, 2024 Page 5 of 10
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 25, 2024
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
C. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
D. REJECTION OF CLAIM: A.J. JACKSON
E. ORDINANCE NO. 2239-C-S SECOND READING – ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 4 TO TITLE 4 (PUBLIC SAFETY) OF THE ANTIOCH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO: ORGANIZING, ADVERTISING, AND BEING A SPECTATOR AT STREET RACING, SIDESHOWS, AND RECKLESS DRIVING EXHIBITIONS (Introduced on June 25, 2024)
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/97 AWARD OF A WEBMASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH DIGITAL SERVICES
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/9 8 AWARD OF A WEBSITE CONTENT MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM AGREEMENT WITH CIVICPLUS FOR WEB CENTRAL
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/9 9 SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KLEINFELDER, INC. FOR MATERIAL TESTING AND
SPECIAL INSPECTION SERVICES RELATED TO THE CONTRA LOMA ESTATES PARK RENOVATION (P.W. 298-P3)
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/ 100 ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATION ACCOUNT (P.W. 707)
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/101 PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/ 102 MAYOR’S APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM (MAP) -
SELECTION OF RUBICON PROGRAMS AS THE THIRD -PARTY PROVIDER FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE MAP AND AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR UP TO $340,000
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2024/ 103 APPROVAL REAPPROPRIATING UNSPENT FISCAL YEAR 2024 YOUTH NETWORK SERVICES CONTRACTUAL SERVICES TO FISCAL YEAR 2025
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock , seconded by Mayor Hernandez -Thorpe, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Item E, which was removed for further discussion.
Item E – Ralph Hernandez spoke in support of Council approving the ordinance and offered suggestions for strengthening penalties.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
July 23, 2024 Page 6 of 10
Alexander Broom spoke in support of Council approving the ordinance and suggest ed defining spectators/participants.
Councilmember Ogorchock requested staff determine if the following items could be added to the ordinance at a later date : impounding vehicle s until court date , i ncreasing fines and establishing fines for the use of City resources.
In response to Councilmember Torres -Walker, Interim Police Chief Addington provided an overview of sideshow activities in APD’s response to those events.
City Attorney Smith commented that the fines collected would not be delivered to the City.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated the City would not be receiving any physical benefits by passing this ordinance.
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica, seconded by Councilmember Ogorchock the City Council approved Item E. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Barbanica, Ogorchock, Thorpe Abstain: Torres-Walker Absent: Wilson
PUBLIC HEARING
6. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONFIRM AND LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR STREET LIGHT AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS 1 - HILLCREST; 2A -ANTIOCH/CITY WIDE; 4 - DOWNTOWN; 5 - ALMONDRIDGE; 9 - LONE TREE WAY; AND 10 - EAST LONE TREE WAY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 (P.W. 500)
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated July 23, 2024, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution ordering improvements and levying annual assessments for Street Light and Landscape Maintenance Districts 1 - Hillcrest; 2A - Antioch/City Wide; 4 - Downtown; 5 - Almondridge; 9 - Lone Tree Way; and 10 - East Lone Tree Way for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe opened the Public Hearing.
Ralph Hernandez opposed the levy of annual assessments for the Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance Districts. He questioned where the funds would be allocated.
Leslie May discussed safety concerns related to the lack of sufficient lighting and landscaping in downtown Antioch.
An unidentified speaker discussed safety concerns related to the lack of sufficient lighting and landscaping throughout Antioch.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe closed the Public Hearing.
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July 23, 2024 Page 7 of 10
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting explained the revenues from these assessments went towards maintenance in the Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance Districts and the General Fund also subsidized these districts. He commented that only four districts changed with three ha ving slight increases to cover costs . He noted this was a necessary levy and fell in line with past practice.
Councilmember Torres-Walker explained that lighting and landscaping improvements could be addressed through the CIP or budget process.
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting stated there was a streetlight replacement project within the CIP and they addressed any reported issues whenever possible.
Mayor Hernandez -Thorpe commented that the City had invested in improving landscaping throughout Antioch.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024/104
On motion by Councilmember Barbanica , seconded by Councilmember Ogorchock the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution ordering improvements and levying annual assessments for Street Light and Landscape Maintenance Districts 1 - Hillcrest; 2A - Antioch/City Wide; 4 - Downtown; 5 - Almondridge; 9 - Lone Tree Way; and 10 - East Lone Tree Way for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
7. CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 844: GREEN EMPOWERMENT ZONE
Acting City Manager Reed introduced Economic Development Program Manager Sweet who presented the staff report dated July 23, 2024, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution continuing the City of Antioch’s participation in the Green Empowerment Zone and renewing the representative who shall serve a two (2) year term.
An unidentified speaker questioned why the City’s current representative had not pursued an affordable housing project and stated he did not recommend Mayor Hernandez -Thorpe be nominated for this committee.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe clarified that this body was in the initial research phase of exploring job opportunities in the green industry.
Councilmember Ogorchock suggested appointing a representative who was not up for election this year.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024/105
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
July 23, 2024 Page 8 of 10
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Mayor Hernandez -Thorpe the City Council adopted a resolution continuing the City of Antioch’s participation in the Green Empowerment Zone and appointed Councilmember Torres -Walker as the representative who shall serve a two (2) year term. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Barbanica, Ogorchock, Thorpe Abstain: Torres-Walker Absent: Wilson
8. KWMA COLLECTIVE: REVIEW AND POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING
PROPOSED CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP
Assistant City Attorney Kundinger presented the staff report dated July 23, 2024, recommending the City Council consider adopting a resolution to approve KWMA Collective’s proposed change in ownership.
In response to Councilmember Ogorchock, City Attorney Smith explained the delay in bringing this item to Council was attributed to staff waiting for supporting documents.
A motion was made to by Councilmember Ogorchock and seconded by Councilmember Torres- Walker to consider adopting the resolution.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024/106
A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Ogorchock , seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker to adopt a resolution to approve KWMA Collective’s proposed change in ownership. The motion passed unanimously by the Councilmembers present.
9. RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE DECOMMISSIONING OF THE ANTIOCH-PITTSBURG
SAN JOAQUINS PASSENGER STOP (AMTRAK STATION)
Acting City Manager Reed presented the staff report dated July 23, 2024, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution opposing the decommissioning of the Antioch -Pittsburg San Joaquins Passenger Stop (Amtrak Station) in Antioch.
Leslie May, Eddie Gums ACCE Antioch and an unidentified speaker spoke in support of the resolution opposing decommissioning of the Antioch Amtrak Station.
An unidentified speaker gave a history of rail service to Antioch and discussed the negative impacts of decommissioning the Antioch Amtrak Station.
In response to Councilmember Ogorchock, Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting explained that the 2nd Street improvements within the CIP had been reassigned to Amtrak Station I mprovements. He clarified that he had made the original change since the Amtrak Station was going to be decommissioned so the improvements could remain in the area.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024/107
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
July 23, 2024 Page 9 of 10
On motion by Councilmember Ogorchock, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the decommissioning of the Antioch-Pittsburg San Joaquins Passenger Stop (Amtrak Station) in Antioch.
10. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM: POTENTIAL OF CREATION OF
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING (DEIB) OFFICER POSITION
Chima Luo, Springboard Intern, spoke in support of the creation of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer position.
Councilmember Torres -Walker explained that she had brought this item forward for Council consideration at the request of an employee who had expressed a need for this position. She also requested Council consider establishing an Ad Hoc Committee to create policies around human rights and racial equity. Lastly, she requested an update from staff regarding this position.
Acting City Manager Reed reported that he had been working with staff to develop an RFP for an assessment on how to formulate policies that could be implemented by the City.
Following discussion, Council consensus directed staff to continue to pursue an assessment with the creation of this position.
11. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM: POTENTIAL OF CREATION OF
HEALTH AND SAFETY ANALYST POSITION FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT
Councilmember Torres -Walker explained that she had brought this item forward for Council consideration at the request of a staff member who had expressed a need for this position. She requested this item be tabled to allow time for additional conversations with Acting City Manager Reed.
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Ogorchock the City Council members present unanimously tabled the item.
PUBLIC COMMENT
An unidentified speaker expressed concern about limited hours and capacity issues at the Antioch Animal Shelter. He urged Council to reach out to him to discuss housing developments for the unsheltered.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Acting City Manager Reed thanked Acting Assistant City Manager Helfenberger and the Park and Recreation staff for their work on City events during the month of July.
City Attorney Smith thanked the Springboard Interns for their attendance this evening.
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COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Torres -Walker thank ed the public for their comments this evening. She requested an update on the Tobacco Ordinance. She discussed accusations against Councilmembers and encouraged everyone to think critically.
Councilmember Barbanica commented that the Tobacco Ordinance would be coming back to Council in the future.
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe stated it was good seeing everyone this evening and wished everyone a good night.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker to adjourn the meeting in honor of Frank Rupani.
A substitute motion was made by Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 P.M. in honor of Frank Rupani and Sonya Massey.
The motion passed unanimously by the Councilmembers present.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk