CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting February 11, 2025
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
6:30 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 6:30 P.M., and City Clerk Rhodes called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 3 Freitas, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal (Council Member District 1 Torres-Walker arrived at 6:31 P.M.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(b): One Case.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 6:32 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M., and City Clerk Rhodes called the roll.
Present: Council 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 LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, no reportable action.
Mayor Bernal announced that Regular Agenda item #7 would no longer be heard since a letter of resignation from Commissioner Leslie May was received. He stated any public comments on that item could be given during General Public Comments.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal announced that moving forward Council would follow the Public Speaker rules as outlined on the agenda.
Mark Jordan, Antioch resident, encouraged Council to work together to address the needs of the community.
Tam Goo ch presented Council with a petition to install cameras in their neighborhood, highlighting concerns about public safety within their housing development.
Allison Norris, Snug as a Bug Bags/Antioch Women’s Club, announced they had successfully provided comfort bags to ill and at -risk youth, and she emphasized their commitment to promoting public service among young people . She expressed interest in renewing their partnership with the Antioch Police Department (APD) and Sutter Delta Hospital.
Maliyah Cooper, Antioch Council of Teens (ACT) announced their meetings took place from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Antioch Water Park.
She reported on the success of their job fair and teen pottery night. She announced the teen movie night would be on March 26, 2025, at Maya Cinemas. Contact information was provided.
Warren Mitchell, New Beginnings Research /Simply Southern BBQ, announced they t aught community members about farming. He expressed interest in partnering with Antioch to establish an organic community farm. Contact information was provided.
Joshua Price, El Campanil Theater, announced the following events:
➢ Forejour Concert at 7:00 P.M. on February 15, 2025
➢ Classic Film Series - Funny Face at 2:00 P.M. on February 16, 2025 ➢ Benefit Gala and Pride Programming – June 2025
Pastor Eli Herrerra, Legendary Church, invited the community to attend the I Love My City event from 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. on February 20, 2025, at 2511 Delta Fair Blvd.
Melissa Case thanked the City for hosting a community meeting and suggested City events be posted on digital bulletin board s. She expressed concern regarding the reliability of the live stream for a recent City meeting, noting that technical issues had impacted accessibility for viewers. To address this, she proposed future City meetings be live streamed on YouTube. She recognized City Manager Scott for her efforts in acknowledging the hard work of staff.
Mrs. Kidd-Bailey defined racism and discussed a court case involving her niece.
Frank Sterling thanked the City for its transparency throughout the process of selecting a new Police Chief and offered several suggestions to enhance the process. He advocated for funding several key community programs including the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team (ACQRT), Opportunity Village and the Mayor’s Apprenticeship Program.
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Nichole Gardner memorialized the unhoused individuals who had lost their lives while living on the streets and advocated for the establishment of a warming center in Antioch. She encouraged Council to prioritize addressing services for the unhoused population.
City Clerk Rhodes announced that translation services were available for Agenda Item #2.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Michelle Kuslits, Friends of Antioch Animal Services, announced a Pizza Pawty would be held from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on February 14, 2025, at Antioch Animal Services.
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson , on behalf of Velma Wilson, announced an African American Holistic and Wellness Hub event would be held at 6:00 P.M. on February 13, 2025, at Genesis Baptist Church.
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Rhodes announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Parks and Recreation Commission
➢ Board of Administrative Appeals
For more information and to apply, visit the City’s website or Antioch City Hall.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Wilson announced Delta Diablo would be meeting on February 12, 2025.
Councilmember Rocha reported on his attendance at both the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the City/School Standing Committee meetings alongside Councilmember Torres-Walker. He announced the next CDBG meeting would be held at 9:30 A.M. on March 12, 2025. He also reported on his attendance at a Tri Delta Transit meeting.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked Councilmember Rocha for reporting on their committee meetings and encouraged residents to participate in community meetings. She reported on her attendance at the Green Empowerment Zone meeting. She commented that she was awaiting availability of Councilmember Freitas for a Cannabis Standing Committee meeting. She reported she had met with community members to discuss their safety concerns. She encouraged the City to fill vacancies on the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC). She acknowledged Black History Month.
Councilmember Freitas thanked Councilmember Rocha for the report on T ri Delta Transit and announced that he was available for a Cannabis Standing Committee meeting.
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Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at a TRANSPLAN meeting. Additionally, he reported on a meeting with Father Robert to discuss an opportunity for developing small housing units on the property of St. Ignatius Church. Lastly, he mentioned his attendance at the Sand Creek Road ribbon cutting ceremony.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal announced he would be proposing a pause of APOC meetings until June while recruitment for members, a comprehensive review of the ordinance and rules of decorum and training were developed. He clarified that he had no intention of making recommendations about the current members as far as removing them and thanked them for their service. He noted during a pause, Commissioners would continue work through their Ad Hoc committees.
Councilmember Torres-Walker questioned if there was a penalty for being out of compliance if the APOC did not meet until June.
Mayor Bernal responded that there had been discussion s with the Department of Justice, and they were open to the idea of making sure the Commission was fully staffed and functioning. He stated they would confirm that they were in support of this recommendation.
2. PRESENTATIONS
City Manager Scott introduced the Briefing on Homelessness in Contra Costa County Presentation and thanked the County for partnering with the City.
The Briefing on Homelessness in Contra Costa County Presentation was presented by Jamie Schecter.
Nichole thanked Ms. Schecter for the presentation.
Ashly Mahan thanked Ms. Schecter for the presentation and requested the County provide current statistics.
Michelle Rand discussed her experience of homelessness and encouraged the City to provide services for the unhoused.
Stephanie Lopez discussed her experiences with the unhoused.
City Manager Scott introduced the Antioch Police Department Policy – “Protecting All Members of Our Community” Presentation.
The Antioch Police Department Policy – “Protecting All Members of Our Community” Presentation, was presented by Acting Police Chief Joseph Vigil.
Frank Sterling thanked Acting Police Chief Vigil for the presentation.
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Councilmember Rocha thanked the City and Acting Police Chief Vigil for their community outreach efforts. He reported there was a lot of fear in the community and in the past students created a forum to educate students and families about their rights. He announced he was working with Contra Costa County United Latino Voices Association to provide free services and there would be a forum on March 3, 2025.
Councilmember Torres -Walker thank ed Acting Police Chief Vigil for the presentation. She announced there were organizations that provided free resources to the community regarding immigration action, and they would be working with stakeholders who want ed to provide resources for families. She noted events would not be published to protect participants.
Mayor Bernal thanked Councilmembers Rocha and Torres-Walker for their advocacy work. He also thanked Pastor Ruben Herrera for his work in the community.
Devin Williams suggested the City release a formal statement with regards to immigration.
3. 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 MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 28, 2025
E. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
F. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2024
G. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2024
H. REJECTION OF CLAIMS: BRITTANY HOPPER, MARSHAE PETER AND ANGELIA BAXTER
I. ORDINANCE NO. 2244-C-S SECOND READING – ALBERS RANCH PROJECT (GP- 19-04, MDP-19-01) (Introduced on January 28, 2025)
J. ORDINANCE NO. 2245-C-S SECOND READING – AMPORTS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (UP-20-14, AR-20-18, V-21-04) (Introduced on January 28, 2025)
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 20 APPROVING THE CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AND TM CONSULTING INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $75,000, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT
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L. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/2 1 AGREEMENT WITH PETERSON CAT FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 2025 CATERPILLAR 275XE COMPACT TRACK LOADER AND A 2025 CATERPILLAR 415IL SKIP LOADER IN THE AMOUNT OF $339,458
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/22 CONTRACT EXTENSION IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000
FOR THE CURB, GUTTER, AND SIDEWALK REPAIR INCLUDING TREE REMOVAL
AND STUMP GRINDING AND INSTALLATION OF CONCRETE CURB RAMPS AT MISCELLANEOUS LOCATIONS (2024) (P.W. 507-20)
N. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/2 3 APPROVAL OF THE SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AND THE ANTIOCH POLICE OFFICERS’
ASSOCIATION
O. CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF STANDBY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR
COUNCIL MEMBER FREITAS
A motion was made by Councilmember Freitas and seconded by Councilmember Rocha to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of items F, G, L and O.
A resident requested Item M also be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion.
Councilmember Freitas amended his previous motion.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items F, G, L and O, which were removed for further discussion.
Items F & G– City Manager Scott introduced Consent Calendar Item F and G.
Councilmember Freitas explained that he pulled the Treasurer’s Reports since he felt it was important for the community to hear from the Treasurer. He requested City Treasurer Rojas be agendized in the future to discuss his reports in depth.
City Treasurer Rojas introduced himself to Council and the community.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously approved Items F and G.
Item L – City Manager Scott introduced Consent Calendar Item L.
Councilmember Freitas expressed concern that the vehicle replacement fund did not cover the cost of this vehicle and requested this item be discussed during Budget Study Sessions. He also requested staff provide details of the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreements.
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Frank Sterling and Kady Garcia urged Council to reconsider the approval of this purchase, advocating instead for more ethical alternatives . They also called for the establishment of an ethical investment policy.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked the public speakers and spoke in support of their requests.
Councilmember Freitas thanked the public speakers and suggested City Treasurer Rojas focus part of his presentation on social investment policies.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council approved Item L. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Rocha, Freitas, Bernal Noes: Torres-Walker, Wilson
Item M – City Manager Scott introduced Consent Calendar Item M.
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated February 11, 2025, recommending the City Council approve Item M.
Andrew Becker requested staff prepare more comprehensive reports outlining all relevant information.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha , seconded by Councilmember Freitas the City Council unanimously approved Item M.
Item O – City Manager Scott introduced Consent Calendar Item O.
Councilmember Freitas apologized for misspelling Mr. Hartrick’s name and requested that it be corrected.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously approved Item O.
Mayor Bernal declared a recess at 8:47 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 8:59 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
4. APPROVAL OF A $4,058,439 SUBCONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH
AND CONTRA COSTA COUNTY FOR ENCAMPMENT RESOLUTION FUND (ERF)
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
City Manager Scott introduced Regular Agenda Item #4.
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Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson presented the staff report dated February 11, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the approval of a $4,058,439 contract to subcontract the administration for the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) program of the overall $6,812,686.
City Manager Scott stated she fe lt the City would benefit from working in partnership with the County who had experience with this issue.
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson added that the City would gain access to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), which would effectively track and manage data.
Andrew Becker thanked the City for bringing this item forward . He encouraged Council to consider enacting an emergency ordinance that would allow the City to bypass the competitive bidding requirement when negotiating the lease.
Councilmember Wilson thank ed the team for their efforts in securing funding and fostering a strong relationship with the County.
Councilmember Freitas supported the collaborative approach and encouraged the City to reach out to neighboring jurisdictions.
In response to Councilmember Freitas, Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson confirmed that the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) would be limited to offerings within Antioch, adding that two local motels had already expressed interest in participating in the project. She elaborated that the grant funds allocated for this initiative could only be utilized for a specific encampment designed to assist 35 -40 individuals. She anticipated 100% of the individuals identified in the program would successfully transition to permanent housing.
Councilmember Freitas stated community expectations were high and e mphasized the importance of the City moving forward with a comprehensive program to address the needs in Antioch. He highlighted the necessity for a long-term funding strategy that included measurable outcomes. Additionally, he requested that staff provide the Council with reportable data regarding homeless services from the past two years.
Councilmember Torres -Walker expressed her support for the program and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with the County, suggesting that working together would help secure funding for its sustainability. She also encouraged the City to actively seek external funding sources. She voiced concern about the impending closure of Opportunity Village and requested data on the number of people served, as well as annual expenditures for encampment abatement. She thanked Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson and the County for their efforts.
Mayor Bernal thanked the County for their cooperation. He suggested fixed administration costs to allow more funds to be allocated towards programming.
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In response to Mayor Bernal, a representative from the County explained that CORE was currently conducting outreach and intake assessments for everyone at the encampment to ensure they were placed in a separate program within the HMIS.
City Manager Scott recognized Supervisor Burgis for coordinating these efforts.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/24
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the approval of a $4,058,439 contract to subcontract the administration for the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) program of the overall $6,812,686.
5. APPROVAL OF A $629,836 CONTRACT FOR A CITY FUNDED COORDINATED OUTREACH REFERRAL ENGAGEMENT (C.O.R.E.) TEAM
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson presented the staff report dated February 11, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee, to execute an agreement with Contra Costa County to provide homeless outreach services for the period of March 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, for an amount not to exceed $629,836.
Devin Williams suggested CORE collaborate with the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team during encampment sweeps.
Melissa Case proposed revising the job descriptions for the Unhoused Resident Coordinator to improve service coordination for the unhoused. Additionally, she recommended that the City explore housing options for individuals displaced from Opportunity Village and sugges ted providing a report on the success stories from the program.
Andrew Becker expressed support for establishing a dedicated CORE team in Antioch, emphasizing the need to streamline the network by integrating the team into Antioch dispatch.
He also recommended branding the CORE team to demonstrate to the community that their tax dollars are specifically funding this initiative.
A representative from the County described their housing -focused street outreach model . She also mentioned that they could look at dispatching through the APD.
Councilmember Torres -Walker highlighted the Council's initiatives to keep tenants in their homes and combat homelessness. She expressed her support for the CORE team and emphasized the need for innovative approaches to homelessness in Antioch.
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Johnson explained 20 hours a week was not considered oversaturation, as outreach efforts would continue during the transition from encampments to interim and permanent housing.
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A representative from the County mentioned that providing transportation and services for individuals entering the program was time-consuming. She also confirmed that the County would maintain its support for CORE team services.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/25
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee, to execute an agreement with Contra Costa County to provide homeless outreach services for the period of March 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 for an amount not to exceed $629,836.
6. NATIONAL AUTO FLEET GROUP COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT FOR
THE PURCHASE OF TWENTY -FOUR POLICE VEHICLES, FOUR CODE
ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES, AND TWO PARKS AND RECREATION VEHICLES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,794,975
City Manager Scott presented Regular Agenda Item #6.
Captain Bittner presented the staff report dated February 11, 2025 , recommending the City Council adopt the resolution approving the Cooperative Purchase Agreement with National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of twenty -four (24) police vehicles, four (4) code enforcement vehicles and two (2) Parks and Recreation vehicles for an amou nt not to exceed $1,794,975; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement No. 091521- NAF in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Melissa Case discussed alternative uses for the patrol vehicles being taken out of service.
Andrew Becker congratulated Captain Bittner on his promotion and discussed alternative uses for the patrol vehicles being taken out of service.
Councilmember Freitas congratulat ed Captain Bittner on his promotion and appreciated the comprehensive staff report . He stated he was pleased the vehicle replacement fund covered the cost of the replacements.
Captain Bittner commented that APD recently had a vehicle totaled and suggested that its replacement be included in the current purchase.
Mayor Bernal congratulated Captain Bittner on his promotion.
Captain Bittner and Deputy Public Works Director Zepeda discussed the infrastructure capacity needed to charge hybrid and electric vehicles.
Captain Bittner explained that vehicle purchases were delayed due to unavailability, and in 2021- 22, purchases were put on hold. He noted next year there should only be 8-10 vehicles needing to be replaced.
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Mayor Bernal commented that in the future the purchase of electric vehicles must align with the development of the infrastructure needed to support them.
Following discussion, Council directed staff to review the vehicle replacement policy and return with recommendations, which should include a strategy for charging infrastructure.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/26
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously adopted the resolution approving the Cooperative Purchase Agreement with National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of twenty -four (24) police vehicles, four (4) code enforcement vehicles and two (2) Parks and Recreation vehicles for an amount not to exceed $1,794,975; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement No. 091521 - NAF in a form approved by the City Attor ney with amendment to add one additional police vehicle.
7. REMOVAL OF COMMISSIONER LESLIE MAY FROM THE ANTIOCH POLICE
OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
Mayor Bernal announced that due to the resignation of Commissioner May this item would be tabled.
PUBLIC COMMENT
APOC Commissioner Lacey-Oha, Antioch resident, expressed concern regarding comments made at an APOC meeting by a Councilmember.
Devin Williams, Vice Chairperson of the APOC, speaking on behalf of Chairperson Taylor stated he supported a temporary pause in the APOC as proposed by Mayor Bernal.
Andrew Becker stated that speakers whose public comments were limited to two and a half minutes at the beginning of the meeting should be granted an additional 30 seconds to complete their remarks. He discussed various funding opportunities the City could explore to meet the community's needs.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott announced that a Community Forum regarding the Police Chief search would take place at 6:30 P.M. on February 20, 2025, in the APD Community Room. Additionally, she noted that an online survey related to the search had been posted on the city's website.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Torres-Walker in response to previous public comments, asserted her right as a private citizen to express her opinions at public meetings. She expressed gratitude to the APOC, as well as those who advocated for its establishment, and specifically thanked
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Commissioner May for her service. Additionally, she announced that Tachina Garrett was ill and encouraged everyone to send prayers to her and her family.
In response to a previous public comment, Councilmember Wilson stated that the Council had previously discussed the idea of placing a bulletin board at the community center; however, East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) held the right of way in that area, which made the installation cost prohibitive.
Mayor Bernal announced that policies and decorum as well as an onboarding process would be developed for all Boards and Commissions.
Councilmember Rocha requested a status update on the Amtrak station.
Councilmember Freitas suggested that staff meet with Mr. Becker to explore potential funding opportunities for various programs and report back to Council.
City Manager Scott responded that she had already met with Mr. Becker and they were actively working on identifying funding opportunities.
Mayor Bernal announced that an Amtrak meeting would be held next week and that he would provide a report at the next Council meeting. Additionally, he shared that a City Council workshop and team-building session would take place on February 19, 2025. He requested that the Council consider establishing a Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee. He also offered prayers for healing for Ms. Garrett and indicated that he would close the meeting in her honor.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting in honor of Ms. Tachina Garrett at 10:46 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk