CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting January 28, 2025
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
6:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 6:00 P.M., and City Clerk Rhodes called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal (Council Member District 3 Freitas arrived at 6:02 P.M.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property 809 -815 1st Street, Antioch, CA 94509 (APN: 066-091-015), Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager and Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Lynn House Gallery Negotiator: Jody Mattison; Under Negotiation: Rent and terms of payment.
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property 5 Marina Plaza, Antioch, CA 94509 (APN:
066-010-017); Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager and Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Marina Negotiator: Anthem Marine, LLC.
Negotiator: Tony Khanzada and Mark Overbye; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of contract.
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: 75 Walton Lane, Antioch, CA; Agency Negotiation: City of Antioch Negotiators: Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager and Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Negotiating Parties : East Bay Regional Communication Systems Authority (EBRCSA); Under Negotiation: Price and terms of contract.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 6:03 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M., and City Clerk Rhodes called the roll.
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Present: Council/Agency Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 3 Freitas, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITY ATTORNEY TO REPORT OUT ON CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Cole reported the City Council had been in Closed Session and gave the following report: #1 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, direction given to the City Negotiators, #2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, direction given to the City Negotiators; and, #3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, direction given to the City Negotiators.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Melissa Case thanked the City Council for the comprehensive Budget Study Session . She encouraged the City to seek funding solutions to continue the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team (AQCRT) and unhoused resident services. She reported that the community gathered to support a resident who was having difficulty paying a water bill.
Jim Lanter, Antioch resident, expressed concern regarding public comments made at a previous Council meeting. He spoke to the City Manager’s and Mayor’s professionalism.
Kathryn R eza, Asset Manager of Raley’s Shopping Center, spoke in support of the City increasing funding for public safety in Antioch.
Derrick O’N eal, Training XAI Beat the Streets discussed the future of Artificial Intelligence programming and encouraged the City to participate in their job summits.
Debbie Blaisure, Rivertown Treasurer Chest/Downtown Business Association, reported on her attendance at their Mix and Mingle Event and thanked those who participated. She announced the Downtown Business Merchant Group was opened to all downtown businesses.
Ray Rodrigues advocated for an Antioch Police Department (APD) substation in the Sycamore Corridor.
Amadeus Castillo, Antioch Council of Teens (ACT), announced their meetings take place from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Antioch Water Park. He discussed the success of their B ack to School Bowling and job fair events. He announced a Teen Pottery Event would take place from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on February 6, 2025, at the Antioch Water Park. Contact information was provided.
Mayra advocated for protecting youth in the community.
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Frank Sterling, Antioch resident, suggested the City update the community on the Department of Justice settlement, immigration and the impacts of diverting water to Southern California. He encouraged the City to seek alternative funding for the A QCRT Program, Opportunity Village and the Mayor’s Apprenticeship Program.
Devin Williams encouraged the City to seek alternative funding for the AQCRT, Opportunity Village and gun violence prevention programs . He expressed concern regarding immigration and encouraged the City to provide community outreach for those who were vulnerable. He announced Lift Up Contra Costa was hosting a Community Café from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
February 14, 2025, at Delta Bay Community Church.
Gavin Payton, NAACP Youth Council, announced they had issued a public statement on racism.
He invited the community to their Black History Month program and discussed their advocacy on behalf of youth.
Velma Wilson thank ed everyone who attended the Rev erend Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Celebration at Deer Valley High School and recognized former Councilmember Moore for creating the program. She encouraged the City to collaborate with Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) on future MLK events.
Nancy spoke in support of Antioch establishing their own CORE Team and offered to assist the City with those efforts . She expressed concern that encampment sweeps were unproductive and homeless services were insufficient.
Nichole Gardner spoke in support of revitalization efforts in downtown Antioch. She discussed the needs of the unhoused and suggested the City seek grant funding for their resources.
1. PROCLAMATIONS
• In Honor of Black History Month, February 2025
• In Honor of Diane Ferguson, Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year 2023-2024 • In Honor of Brenda Cato, Antioch Veteran of the Year 2023-2024
Eddie Gums requested the City Council consider extending recognition of Black History Month until Juneteenth.
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Freitas, the City Council unanimously approved the Proclamations.
Odessa Lafrancois, President of the East County Branch of the NAACP and members of the East County NAACP accepted the In Honor of Black History Month proclamation and thanked the City Council for the recognition.
Velma Wilson spoke in support of the In Honor of Black History Month proclamation.
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J.R. Wilson introduced Diane Ferguson, who accepted the In Honor of Diane Ferguson, Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year 2023 -2024 proclamation and thanked the City Council for the recognition.
J.R. Wilson recognized the efforts of the East County NAACP advocating for the exoneration of the Port Chicago 50. He introduced Brenda Cato, who accepted the In Honor of Brenda Cato, Antioch Veteran of the Year 2023 -2024 proclamation and thanked the City Council for the recognition.
Velma Wilson announced Stand Down on the Delta would be held at the Contra Costa County Event Park and encouraged everyone to participate.
Councilmember Freitas requested Council suspend the rules and move Public Hearing Item #5 as the next order of business.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
FREITAS, THE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUSPENDED THE RULES AND MOVED PUBLIC HEARING ITEM #5 AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. ALBERS RANCH PROJECT (GP-19-04, MDP-19-01)
City Manager Scott introduced Public Hearing Item #5.
Contract Planner Gnos presented the staff report dated January 28, 2025 recommending the City Council take the following actions: 1) Adopt a resolution certifying the Albers Ranch Project EIR, adopting findings of fact and statement of overriding considerations, and adopting the mitigation monitoring and reporting program; 2) Adopt a resol ution approving a General Plan Amendment to amend the City of Antioch General Plan (GP-19-04); 3) Introduce and waive the first reading of the ordinance rezoning the property to Hillside Planned Development (HPD); and 4) Adopt a resolution approving a Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map, Master Development Plan and a Resource Management Plan.
Mayor Bernal opened the public hearing.
Joel Keller, Project Applicant, read a letter submitted to Council from Lucia Albers which gave a history of the project and included requests to waive certain project specific conditions that she felt were unnecessary and burdensome. He requested the City Council approve the recommendations of staff and the Planning Commission.
Jim Lanter, Antioch resident, Ray Delvin, Colliers, Eric Haynes, representing Local 104, Manuel Soliz, Antioch resident, Richard Solak, IBEW, Antioch resident, Dale Paris, IBEW 302, Antioch resident, Mary Rocha, Johnny Unpingco, IBEW 302, Julian Vinatieri, representing IBEW 302 and members of the skilled trades, Lori Ogorchock, Velma Wilson, Mary Chapman and Nora von Ubin, An Elderly Wish Foundation and Debbie Toth and Lorna Van Ackeren, Choice in Aging
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(Bedford Center), spoke in support of the project. Several speakers suggested Council consider waiving the conditions of approval previously discussed by the applicant . Some speakers suggested future projects provide assisted/senior living components in their developments.
Lucia Albers, Project Applicant, gave a history of her project and stated she was appealing eight project specific conditions that were costly, unnecessary and had no nexus to her project.
Andrew Becker stated he supported housing with an affordability component and felt the developer should be responsible for all project specific conditions.
Debbie Blaisure, Rivertown Treasure Chest, Phyllis Gordon, Sandy Hartrick, Tom Hartrick, Virginia Viera Mitchell, Delta Association of Realtors, Ranae Callaway, Delta Association Realtors, Jody Drewry Drewry Real Estate, Laura Agdandwski, Kay Dean, Jackie Smith, Parwin, Jim Dean, Mary Fran Johnson, Antioch resident, Martha Goralka, Cara Grahmo ur, Jackie Hooke, Lauri Ratterree, Kay Porter, Audra Ogorchock, Kristen Vistalli, Gary Vistalli, DJ Ogorchock and Joseph Goralka, submitted written public comment in support of the project.
Public comments submitted in writing via email from the following individuals were entered into the record: Lucia Albers and Tony Tiscareno.
Mayor Bernal closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Freitas stated he supported the project; however, due to fairness and equitability he could not support the applicant’s request for exemptions.
Councilmember Wilson stated she supported the project and the request from the applicant to waive certain project specific conditions.
Councilmember Rocha stated he supported the project and hoped staff could resolve some issues by mitigating certain project specific conditions.
In response to Councilmember Freitas, Interim City Attorney Cole clarified if the conditions were waived the City would be responsible for the money owed to Aviano. He noted the conditions being required were standard for developers and if waived it may impact future projects.
Councilmember Freitas stated he believed there was Council consensus to move forward with the project with the various conditions. He noted that that action would not preclude the applicant coming back to discuss her requests and if it came back, it would be staff’s responsibility to explain why they did not support any exceptions.
In response to Mayor Bernal, Contract Engineer, Kevin Van Katwyk, clarified that the applicant had proposed the curb and gutter on the EVA road to control drainage, so it was added to the conditions of approval.
Jason Vogan, Project Engineer, stated there were several ways to accommodate drainage.
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Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting stated staff would work with developer and engineer to find suitable drainage for the EVA road.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously moved approval of Public Hearing Item #5, modifying Project Specific Condition Q- 3 to handle drainage without requiring curbs to the extent possible.
Mayor Bernal declared a recess at 9:23 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 9:40 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
Interim City Attorney Cole advised Council separate motions were required for each of the recommended actions for Public Hearing Item #5. He added the requested amendment to Project Specific Condition Q -3 could be addressed in the resolution approving the Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map. He stated staff recommended the motion to give staff the authority to work with the applicant to develop a modified cross-section for the EVA.
5. ALBERS RANCH PROJECT (GP-19-04, MDP-19-01) – Continued
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/10
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution certifying the Albers Ranch Project EIR, adopting findings of fact and statement of overriding considerations, and adopting the mitigation monitoring and reporting program.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/11
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution approving a General Plan Amendment to amend the City of Antioch General Plan (GP-19-04).
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously introduced and waive d the first reading of the ordinance rezoning the property to Hillside Planned Development (HPD).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/12
On motion by Councilmember Wilson seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously a dopted a resolution approving a Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map, Master Development Plan and a Resource Management Plan. With the following:
➢ Directed staff to modify project specific condition Q-3 to work with the applicant to develop a modified cross-section for the EVA.
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2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Planning Manager Merideth announced the following civic and community event:
➢ Inclusionary Housing Project Update – Virtual Community Workshop
Devin Williams announced the following civic and community event:
➢ Lift up Contra Costa – Ready Rep Summit 10:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. on February 22, 2025, Delta Bay Community Church
Velma Wilson announced the following civic and community events:
➢ AUSD Black History Celebration - February 21, 2025, Antioch High School ➢ African American Heritage Night with the Golden State Warriors - February 25, 2025, Chase Center
Gavin Payton announced the following civic and community event:
➢ Black History Program – February 22, 2025, True Light Missionary Baptist Church, Pittsburg
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Wilson reported on her attendance at the D elta Diablo meeting and reminded staff to schedule a Lone Tree Golf Course Standing Committee meeting.
Councilmember Rocha reported on his attendance at a T ri Delta meeting, Antioch Community Foundation Celebration, Chamber of Commerce Mixer and Antioch Downtown Association Mixer.
Councilmember Torres -Walker announced a CDBG meeting would be held at 9:30 A.M. on January 29, 2025, and they were working to schedule future meetings at a more convenient time. She reported the AUSD had appointed members to the City/School Standing Committee and they would be announcing a date for that meeting in the future. She thanked everyone who reached out during her recent illness. She thanked the community who helped a resident pay down their water bill. She discussed the importance of ensuring everyone had equal access to the same opportunities and resources.
Councilmember Freitas requested staff agendize a presentation on the settlement with the Department of Justice. He expressed concern regarding public comments made at a previous City Council meeting and recommended Council approve a Code of Conduct for Council, Commission and Board members. He stated the individual responsible for the comments owed everyone an apology a nd recommended they resign from the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC). He reported on his attendance at the New Mayors and Councilmembers
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Academy. He requested staff update Council on the required forms and training for Councilmembers.
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at the New Mayors and Councilmembers Academy.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal stated he a ppreciated the productive discussion among Councilmembers. He announced the City was moving forward on recruitment of key positions and congratulated Assistant City Manager Reed on his promotion. He reported that he had been in discussion s with APD to reestablish the Neighborhood Watch and Neighborhood Cleanup Program. He encouraged the community to participate in Budget Study Sessions and announced the next one would be held at 6:00 P.M. on March 4, 2025, and would include a discussion on the APD and Public Safety and Community Resources budgets. He stated the Point In Time Count would begin at 5:30 A.M. on January 30, 2025.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 14, 2025
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING/CLOSED SESSION MINUTES FOR JANUARY 17, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 27, 2025
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
E. REJECTION OF CLAIM: NAKEISHA WARDLAW
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/13 DISPLAY OF THE PAN-AFRICAN FLAG AT CITY HALL
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/14 AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND OPERATING BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $325,000 FROM
THE PARK-IN-LIEU FUND FOR THE PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PURCHASE AT
MARCHETTI PARK
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/1 5 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK AND NOTICE OF
COMPLETION FOR THE ANTIOCH WATER PARK PERIMETER FENCE REPAIR PROJECT (P.W. 567-11)
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/1 6 APPROVING A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH B AND D EXCAVATION AND
CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,255.58 FOR THE COUNTRY HILLS SOUNDWALL REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING A $5,000 FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT (P.W. 561-3)
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J. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/1 7 APPROVING THE CONSULTING SERVICES
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AND TOWNSEND PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $62,500, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE CONSULTANT SERVICES
AGREEMENT AND MAKE THE NECESSARY BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
On motion by Councilmember Wilson , seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Item F, which was removed for further discussion.
Item F – Eddie Gums, Tachina Garrett, Devin Williams and Gavin Payton requested the Pan - African Flag be flown through Juneteenth.
Stephanie stated only the American Flag represented all citizens.
Andrew Becker suggested the Pan-African Flag as well as flags representing other heritages be permanently displayed on the eleven flagpoles along the waterfront.
Following discussion, Council directed staff to bring back a discussion on developing a policy for displaying flags on the flag poles along the waterfront.
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously adopted the resolution with the amendment to display the Pan-African Flag through Juneteenth 2025.
3. PRESENTATION
City Manager Scott introduced Agenda Item #3.
Planning Manager Merideth gave a Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Transit- Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy PowerPoint Presentation.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously extended the meeting to 11:30 P.M.
Tachina Garrett advocated for keeping the Pittsburg/Antioch AMTRAK station open.
Mark Foley President of BART Board of Directors, offered to provide Council with an update on BART.
Andrew Becker stated if Antioch received grant funding for Transit Oriented Development, he would suggest community engagement occur with all stakeholders.
Councilmember Wilson suggested future discussions include BART.
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Councilmember Freitas thank ed Mr. Foley for his comments and supported a detailed presentation from BART on planning and their financial commitments to extend transportation.
Mayor Bernal requested staff investigate a grade separation for the railroad right of way to connect Slatten Ranch Road with the north side of the tracks.
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued
6. AMPORTS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (UP-20-14, AR-20-18, V-21-04)
City Manager Scott introduced Public Hearing Item #6.
Planning Manager Merideth presented the staff report dated January 28, 2025, recommending the City Council introduce, read by title only and waive further reading of an ordinance approving the proposed Development Agreement between the City of Antioch and APS West Coast, Inc. for the AMPORTS project.
Mayor Bernal opened the public hearing.
Jake Brown, Chief Financial Officer for AMPORTS , discussed their efforts to develop an automotive terminal and he provided a summary of their business.
Andrew Becker expressed concern that AMPORT was proposing to postpone much needed road improvements along Wilbur Avenue. He questioned if rail service would also be provided and asked for details of their future improvement plans.
Mayor Bernal closed the public hearing.
Assistant City Manager Reed discussed AMPORTS business model and the request to delay the upland improvements.
Mr. Brown reviewed their business model and financials. He noted their goal was to go beyond their current limit of eight vessels . He noted the proposed per truck fee was a result of negotiations between the City and AMPORTS and it was the highest they could go and still have a viable project.
Planning Manager Merideth confirmed that increasing vessels per year would require an EIR.
Matthew Visick stated the goal was to build the business to rationalize investing in an EIR so they could substantially increase the number of vessels. He confirmed that the volume of traffic associated with the number of vessels currently allowed was analyzed i n the 2021 mitigated negative declaration.
In response to Councilmember Wilson, Planning Manager Merideth reviewed the Initial Improvements included in the Development Agreement.
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On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously extended the meeting to 12:00 A.M.
Assistant City Manager Reed stated ultimate improvements would include a sidewalk curb and gutter; however, at this time it was not a requirement. He explained that many improvements had not been made in the area because the property was not incorporated until 2012/2013. He noted the fee per truck would include vehicles brought to the site not on vessels.
In response to Mayor Bernal, Assistant City Manager Reed stated that section 1.2 Term of the Development Agreement referencing section 2.6.1 would be corrected to 2.5.2.
Councilmember Freitas stated he did not like the Development A greement; however, if denied he did not know how likely something would develop afterward.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council unanimously introduced, read by title only and waived further reading of an ordinance approving the proposed Development Agreement between the City of Antioch and APS West Coast, Inc. for the AMPORTS project.
Interim City Attorney Cole recused himself and left the dais prior to the discussion on Council Regular Agenda Item #7.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
7. CONTRACT WITH COLE HUBER LLP FOR INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY DUTIES FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $400,000
City Manager Scott introduced Council Regular Agenda Item #7.
Director of Human Resources Cortez presented the staff report dated January 28, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving the agreement with Cole and Huber LLP to provide Interim City Attorney Services for an amount up to $400,000 and authorize the Mayor to sign the Agreement.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/18
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution approving the agreement with Cole and Huber LLP to provide Interim City Attorney Services for an amount up to $400,000 and authorize the Mayor to sign the Agreement.
Interim City Attorney Cole returned to the dais following the discussion for Council Regular Agenda Item #7.
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8. RESCISSION OF RESOLUTION NO. 2021/26 IMPLEMENTING A POLICY FOR THE
CITY, INCLUDING ALL OF ITS DEPARTMENTS, REGARDING THE SELECTION OF
ATTORNEYS PROVIDING CONTRACT SERVICES, AND THE REVIEW,
AUTHORIZATION AND EXECUTION OF ALL AGREEMENTS FOR LEGAL SERVICES
AND SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY ATTORNEYS TO THE CITY
Interim City Attorney Cole presented the staff report dated January 28, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt the resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2021/26, which implemented a policy for selecting attorneys providing legal services and managing related agreements and invoices.
In response to Councilmember Freitas, City Manager Scott confirmed that action to rescind this resolution would shift the responsibility for budgeting, processing, and evaluating legal services invoices to the City Manager.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha , the City Council unanimously adopted the resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2021/26, which implemented a policy for selecting attorneys providing legal services and managing related agreements and invoices.
9. CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
City Manager Scott presented the staff report dated January 28, 2025, recommending the City Council appoint the following nominees as Standby City Council Members:
• Mayor Bernal - 1) Robin K. Agopian; 2) Manuel Louis Soliz Jr.; 3) Sandra Gail White • Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha - 1) Mike Barbanica; 2) Tony G. Tiscareno ; 3) Mary Helen Rocha
• Council Member District 1Torres -Walker - 1) Leslie May ; 2) Raymond Rodriguez ; 3) Antoine Watt
• Council Member District 4 Wilson - 1) Harry Thurston; 2) Devin Williams; 3) Porshe Taylor
Councilmember Freitas will provide his Standby Council Members at a future meeting.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha , seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council unanimously appointed the following nominees as Standby City Council Members:
• Mayor Bernal - 1) Robin K. Agopian; 2) Manuel Louis Soliz Jr.; 3) Sandra Gail White • Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha - 1) Mike Barbanica; 2) Tony G. Tiscareno; 3) Mary Helen Rocha
• Council Member District 1 Torres-Walker - 1) Leslie May; 2) Raymond Rodriguez; 3) Antoine Watt
• Council Member District 4 Wilson - 1) Harry Thurston; 2) Devin Williams; 3) Porshe Taylor
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew Becker requested the City consider increasing the volume of the live feeds and recordings on the C ity’s website . He expressed concern that public comments were not accepted during the Budget Study Session and suggested staff ask for public comments for every agenda item. He requested a meeting with staff to discuss Encampment Resolution funding.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott acknowledged Assistant City Manager Reed for negotiating the agreement with AMPORTS. She announced that the Police Chief Survey would be available on January 29, 2025, on the city’s website and a Community Forum for the Police Chief search would be held from 11:00 A.M – 1:00 P.M. February 8, 2025, at the Community Center.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Wilson requested staff agendize a discussion on updating the City’s message business ordinance.
Councilmember Rocha requested the City provide the community with information on how the City would address immigration issues and the rights of those affected. He suggested this effort occur at a school or church.
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested staff agendize a discussion or provide Council with the 90-day list of future agenda items. She also requested fully funded vacant positions as well as the reclassifications return to Council for consideration. She announced she had been communicating with stakeholders about providing the community with information forums on immigration.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 12:00 A.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk