CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting July 8, 2025
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
6:15 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 6:15 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Morritt called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Member District 3 Freitas
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS – pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: Approximately 1,275 square feet of property adjacent to 113 G Street (APN 066-051-012), Antioch, CA; Negotiating Parties:
City of Antioch Negotiators: Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager, Brad Helfenberger, Assistant City Manager, Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Negotiating Parties: Sean McCauley, Owner of Adjacent Property; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council adjourned to Closed Session at 6:17 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Morritt called the roll.
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.
Mayor Bernal introduced Acting City Clerk Morritt.
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CITY ATTORNEY TO REPORT OUT ON CLOSED SESSION
Special Counsel David Ritchie reported the City Council had been in Closed Session and gave the following report: #1 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS, no reportable action with direction given to staff.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Acting City Clerk Morritt announced the Speaker Rules for the Council meeting.
Josh Renwick reviewed the current vessel policy at the AMPORT facility and suggested Council consider implementing an increase in vessel capacity to en hance economic development in Antioch.
Ralph Hernandez commended the Antioch Police Department (APD) for the work they had done in the community and encouraged the Council to consider budgeting up to 144 sworn officers to enhance public safety in Antioch.
Frank Sterling encouraged the City to be transparent in reporting details about an officer involved shooting. He voiced concerns about the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and questioned how the City would respond to similar instances.
Krystle Law expressed concern regarding the Council's limitation on time allocated for public comments and encouraged Council to extend the public comment period. She also thanked the City for their efforts in improving her neighborhood park.
Andrew Becker requested an update on previously funded Redevelopment Agency projects.
Mary Lutz inquired whether the City had an emergency plan in the event of a conflict.
1. PROCLAMATION
• Port Chicago Remembrance Day, July 17, 2025
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously approved the Proclamation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS – None
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Torres-Walker reported on her attendance at the Green Empowerment Zone Marketing Subcommittee meeting and Congressman DeSaulnier’s Town Hall meeting. She expressed concern for vulnerable communities and emphasized the importance of addressing the root cause of violence. She highlighted the positive impact of investing in community
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resources and voiced her support for conducting a forensic audit. Additionally, she recommended reconsidering the public speakers rules for Council meetings.
Councilmember Wilson reported on her attendance at a Delta Diablo meeting.
Councilmember Rocha reported on his attendance at the League of California Cities meeting.
He also commended the first responders for their effective response to recent fires in Antioch.
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at Congressman DeSaulnier’s Town Hall . He also reported on his attendance at the 4th of July celebration, expressing gratitude to attendees and the staff who organized the events.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal reported on the City’s budget process and announced a decrease in violent crime and the homeless population in Antioch. He praised Council, staff, and the County for their efforts that had a positive impact on the homeless community. Lastly, he mentioned that the Council would be working on a Strategic Plan soon.
An unidentified speaker expressed concern about the lack of services for the homeless community.
Andrew Becker requested an update on the Park and Ride facility on West 6th Street. He also reported on his attendance at Congressman DeSaulnier’s Town Hall meeting and offered to assist a prior public speaker with her housing needs.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 27, 2025
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 28, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 9, 2025
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 10, 2025
E. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 24, 2025
F. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
G. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
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H. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/125 AWARD OF A MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT TO CON -QUEST CONTRACTORS, INC. FOR ON -CALL UNDERGROUND WATER,
SEWER, OR STORM REPAIR SERVICES
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 126 APPROVING THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AND TM CONSULTING INC., IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,000, FOR A TOTAL AGREEMENT AMOUNT OF $173,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/127 AUTHORIZATION OF PAYMENT TO DTA TOTALING $65,920 FOR CONSULTING SERVICES IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE CITY OF ANTIOCH COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS (P.W. 706)
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 128 APPROVING LOT LEASE AGREEMENT WITH SEAN MCCAULEY INVESTMENTS, INC. FOR APPROXIMATELY 2,540 SQUARE FEET OF LAND ADJACENT TO 1 MARINA PLAZA (APN 066 -010-017-3) FOR A PERIOD OF TEN (10) YEARS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO
EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Items I, J, and K which were removed for further discussion.
Item I – City Manager Scott introduced Consent Calendar Item I.
In response to Councilmember Freitas, Special Counsel Ritchie clarified that there had been an amendment to the terms of the scope of work to 6 months.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously approved Item I.
Item J – City Manager Scott introduced Consent Calendar Item J. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated July 8, 2025, recommending City Council adopt a resolution approving and authorizing a payment in the amount of $65,920 to DTA for work performed in calendar year 2023 for consulting services in association with the City of Antioch Community Facilities Districts.
In response to Councilmember Freitas , Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting explained that although the contract was not officially executed, DTA had performed the invoiced services. He noted there had been improvements in contract oversight, as they are now managed electronically, enabling staff to track them more efficiently.
Councilmember Torres -Walker thanked City Manager Scott for identifying this matter and implementing new procedures.
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On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council approved item J. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Torres-Walker, Rocha, Wilson, Bernal Noes: Freitas
Item K – City Manager Scott introduced Consent Calendar Item K. Assistant City Manager Helfenberger presented the staff report dated July 8, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving a Lot Lease Agreement with Sean McCauley Investments, Inc. for approximately 2,540 square feet of land adjacent to 1 Marina Plaza (APN 066 -010-017-3) for a period of ten (10) years and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement in a form approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.
Andrew Becker suggested the City partner with developers to redevelop the downtown marina.
Krystle Law questioned what the terms of the agreement were and inquired about the benefits to the City.
Assistant City Manager Helfenberger explained the project location and the financial benefit to the community.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item K.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
3. PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT FOR ONE PARTIAL -TERM VACANCY EXPIRING OCTOBER 2025
Mayor Bernal nominated William Spijker for appointment to the Planning Commission for the partial-term vacancy, expiring October 2025.
Mr. Spi jker expressed that he was honored by the nomination and shared his personal and professional background.
Mayor Bernal stated he appreciated Mr. Spijker’s efforts in preparing for his interview.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/129
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Wilson , the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution approving the Mayor’s appointment of William Spijker to the Planning Commission for the partial-term vacancy, expiring October 2025.
4. ALLUVIUM, LLC (“LEMONNADE”): REVIEW AND POSSIBLE ADOPTION OF
RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP
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Special Counsel Ritchie presented the staff report dated July 8, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving Alluvium, LLC dba Lemonnade’s change of ownership; and authorizing the City Manager to sign an amended operating agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to incorporate Lemonnade’s change of ownership. He outlined the following recommended amendments to the resolution:
➢ Clarify that Catalyst Antioch LLC would be acquiring the assets ➢ Clarify the acquisition would be made of the assets and not a stock transfer
Kevin Singer of Receivership Specialists thanked staff for the comprehensive report and stated that they had identified the most reputable operator to partner with the community. He emphasized approving this item would protect the business and jobs and ens ure continued revenue for the City. On behalf of himself and Judge Mockler, he expressed gratitude to the Council for considering the agreement.
Andrew Becker asked if the business complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and if there was a new use permit required for the change in ownership.
Special Counsel David Ritchie clarified that the original operating agreement did not mandate a review of conditions of approval or permit issuance. However, it allowed the City to assess the new operator’s experience, knowledge, expertise, and financial stability. He also noted that the conditions previously established would need to be followed by the new operator.
Councilmember Freitas reported that the Cannabis Standing Committee was currently reviewing all aspects of cannabis business es in Antioch and planned to visit each business to assess compliance. He mentioned that the Committee would be returning to the Council with several recommendations and expressed their intention to engage with operators at a public meeting, with APD involved in the process.
In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, Assistant City Manager Helfenberger confirmed that Opportunity Junction was the Equity Partner, and he understood that, under receivership, the new operator plan ned to continue making the required fees and payments to the City and the Equity Partner.
Mr. Singer added that he ha d overseen operations since February 2025 . He noted APD had visited the property and there had been no citations or incidents at the business. He stated that the receivership and Judge would continue to oversee the business to ensure ongoing compliance until a new state license was obtained.
In response to Mayor Bernal, Mr. Singer confirmed that all fees had been paid, and Special Counsel Ritchie verified that the financial information was consistent with the name change.
In response to Mayor Bernal, Councilmember Freitas confirmed that the Cannabis Standing Committee would be discussing over saturation of cannabis businesses and the overlay boundaries.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025/130
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution approving Alluvium, LLC dba Lemonnade’s change of ownership; and authorizing the City Manager to sign an amended operating agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to incorporate Lemonnade’s change of ownership, with the following amendments:
➢ Change South Cord management, LLC to Catalyst Antioch LLC ➢ Change 100% of shares to 100% of assets
5. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONSOLIDATED ENGINEER’S REPORT AND
DECLARING INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
HILLCREST, CITYWIDE, DOWNTOWN, ALMONDRIDGE, LONE TREE, AND EAST
LONE TREE STREET LIGHT AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS, AND SETTING PUBLIC HEARING (P.W. 500)
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated July 8, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt the resolution approving the Consolidated Engineer’s Report and setting July 22, 2025, as the date for the Public Hearing.
Andrew Becker questioned why the City continued to approve new housing development without resources to support infrastructure.
Krystle Law discussed the need for lighting improvements and landscape maintenance in District
1. An unidentified speaker discussed the need for landscape maintenance and weed abatement in her neighborhood.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting reported that the Lighting and Landscaping Districts were currently funded at the maximum assessment level. He noted that any future funding increases would require voter-approval. He also mentioned that Terracare handled work within the City’s right of way and that lighting improvements were not covered by these funds, but they were close to finalizing a separate package for that work.
Deputy Public Works Director Zepeda reported that the assessment applied to specific zones outlined in the staff report. He believed a property mentioned by a community member, in need of weed abatement, was part of a Homeowners Association (HOA). He clarified that increasing assessments would require a Prop 218 vote. He also noted that under the current assessment levels, they could not afford to maintain certain districts, necessitating c ontributions from the General Fund.
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Mayor Bernal stated District 10 had capacity built in to it and noted there had been complaints about the level of maintenance in the area . He questioned whether those assessment rates could be increased to allow for a better level of maintenance.
Deputy Public Works Director Zepeda responded there had been significant improvements in the zones that had escalators.
Councilmember Freitas suggested Council hold a Study Session on Prop 218 votes.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/131
On motion by Councilmember Rocha , seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council unanimously adopted the resolution approving the Consolidated Engineer’s Report and setting July 22, 2025, as the date for the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC COMMENT
An unidentified speaker requested the City address weed abatement and landscaping strategies to reduce the risk of fires.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Torres-Walker spoke in support of bringing back zoom for Council meetings.
She recognized those who supported projects, services and resources for the unhoused. She reported on a meeting she attended with Councilmember Wilson to discuss school site safety and human trafficking.
In response to Council, City Manager Scott announced that, along with Police Chief Vigil and the monitor, she would be providing monthly reports to Council regarding the police department, the budget, and the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) settlement agreement.
Councilmember Wilson reported she visited Planned Parenthood with members of staff and she requested staff agendize a discussion on buffer zones for sensitive uses.
Councilmember Rocha supported bringing back a zoom option for Council meetings. He also requested the City update the community on their response to immigration enforcement actions.
Mayor Bernal thanked Acting City Clerk Morritt for clerking the meeting this evening and Special Counsel David Ritchie.
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ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk