CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting August 12, 2025
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
5:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 5:00 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Garcia 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 LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2): One potential case
2. 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, Bra d Helfenberger, Assistant City Manager, and Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Negotiating Parties: Sean McCauley, Owner of Adjacent Property; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS – pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: 301 W. 10th Street (APN 067 -080-038), Antioch, CA; Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager, Brad Helfenberger, Assistant City Manager, and Derek Co le, Interim City Attorney; Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Negotiator: Aaron J. McAlister, Deputy Fire Chief; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS – pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.6; City designated representatives: Jason Ewert, Ana Cortez, and Bessie M. Scott; Employee organizations: Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association, and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.
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ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
August 12, 2025 Page 2 of 11
5. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT - Recruitment of City Attorney. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b).
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 5:03 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:0 4 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Cabrera -Brown 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.
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, direction given to City Attorney , #2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS, direction given to Negotiators, #3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS, direction given to Negotiators, #4 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, no reportable action, direction given to Labor Negotiators; and, #5 PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT - Recruitment of City Attorney, no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Acting City Clerk Cabrera-Brown read the speaker rules.
Due to the amount of speaker requests, Mayor Bernal reduced speaker times to two minutes.
Erika Raulston , Leslie May, Reimagine Antioch, Rene Moore, Reimagine Antioch and Devin Williams, Reimagine Antioch spoke in support of prioritizing funding for youth programming through the Public Safety and Community Resources Department.
Nicole Gardner , Reimagine Antioch, expressed concern about the lack of resources for the unhoused. She recognized Councilmember Wilson’s outreach efforts.
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Mary Lutz stated that she believed the Point -in-Time count was inaccurate and several individuals were uncounted, which had led to reduced resources for the unhoused population.
Ralph Hernandez, Antioch resident, stated he believed the Antioch Police Department (APD) was understaffed, and Council should prioritize funding additional sworn officers.
Margie Carrell expressed concern regarding former Antioch residents and requested a meeting with city officials to review her complaint.
Audrey Campbell discussed her complaints against APD and Contra Costa Medical Paramedics.
Jose Cordon announced Youth Workshops would take place at the Antioch Library in September.
Frank Sterling , Reimagine Antioch, supported prioritizing funding for youth programs via the Public Safety and Community Resources Department, requested the Council to develop a plan to respond to ICE, and urged them to voice support for Palestine.
Gavin Payton , NAACP, discussed the Champions for Youth Banquet fundraiser and their advocacy efforts within the community. Additionally, he recognized youth in attendance this evening.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Melissa Case invited the community to attend a Town Hall Meeting at 6:00 P.M. on August 13, 2025, at Mira Vista Hills Park.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Freitas thanked everyone who participated in National Night Out.
Councilmember Torres-Walker announced a Cannabis Standing Committee meeting would be scheduled soon, a City/School Standing Committee meeting would be held on August 18, 2025, and a CDBG Standing Committee meeting would be held on August 20, 2025. She recognized stakeholders and Council for supporting African American Wellness in Contra Costa County .
She reported on her attendance at a ribbon -cutting of the African American Wellness Hub in Antioch, National NAACP Convention and Sister City Program in Chichibu Japan. She thanked Council for their service and discussed their efforts to address public safety.
Councilmember Wilson reported on her past participation in the Sister City Program. She announced she would be attending the Wastewater Conference this month and reported on her attendance at the National Committee meetings for City Council Members and Board of Supervisors. She thanked a community member for recognizing her donations to the unhoused and explained that those donations had come from the Love Never Fails organization.
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Councilmember Rocha reported on his past participation in the Sister City Program and his attendance at a Tri De lta meeting and a Springboard Celebration . He announced SOAR Program would be holding a celebration at 10:00 A.M. on August 14, 2025, at Waldie Plaza.
Councilmember Freitas noted that Chichibu had 19 individuals serving on their governing board.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal expressed encouragement f or the positive comments from Council and emphasized their goal to continue improving and addressing residents' needs. He reported on his attendance at National Night Out, the Sister City Program in Chichibu, Japan, and the Mayor’s Conference, thanking staff for organizing the latter. Additionally, he attended the Antioch Unified School District Teacher Kick-off event and the Farmer’s Market.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 8, 2025
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 22, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
D. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 133 APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER
LEASE AGREEMENT WITH RUDRAM LLC FOR THE ENCAMPMENT RESOLUTION
FUND INTERIM HOUSING PROGRAM
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/134 FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE DESIGN CONSULTANT
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BKF ENGINEERS FOR THE L STREET
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (P.W. 234-15)
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 135 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KARL NEEDHAM ENTERPRISES FOR SOLIDS
HANDLING EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2025136 FORMATION OF A COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT
FOR THE CREEKSIDE SAND CREEK RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 137 EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PURCHASE OF AQUATIC WEED HARVESTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $116,925
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 138 AGREEMENT WITH SAFESTORE INC. FOR THE CONTINUED STORAGE OF EVIDENCE FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED $75,000
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Regular Meeting
August 12, 2025 Page 5 of 11
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/139 AGREEMENT WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS FOR THE
PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL HENDHELD TWO -WAY RADIOS FOR EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 140 APPROVING A CANNABIS TAX GRANT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL IN THE AMOUNT OF $192,000
TO ASSIST IN REDUCING AND MITIGATING THE IMPACTS OF IMPAIRED DRIVING
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Freitas, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Items C, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K, which were removed for further discussion.
Item C – Andrew Becker requested clarification on Police Community Policing Warrants #00420627, 00420628, 00420765, 00420766 and Housing and Homelessness. Warrants #00420525, 00420645.
Councilmember Freitas requested staff respond to the issues raised by Mr.Becker.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item C.
Item E – Ralph Hernandez questioned how the current facility would accommodate the additional unhoused residents and inquired about any requirements for the participants.
Nicole Gardner and Leslie May spoke in support of the Interim Housing Program.
Andrew Becker provided details of the Interim Housing Program and encouraged the City leverage dollars for additional opportunities at the Executive Inn and Economy Inn.
Don Freez, Base Camps Founder, reported they had the 5-year lease to house the homeless at the campground on the fairgrounds property and stated it would be advantageous for City to support their program.
An unidentified individual read a letter and spoke in support of Base Camps Program.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked community members for their comments, emphasized the importance of providing resources to those in encampments to ensure community safety, and supported seeking additional Homekey funding as well as funding assistance for Base Camps.
City Manager Scott reported on the outcomes for the Opportunity Village program and explained that this item was a new funding source for an empty hotel using Emergency Resolution funds .
She provided details on the process for housing those from the Devpar Court area. She stated the matter before Council was a technical fix to cover facilitation of the facility fee.
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Regular Meeting
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On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item E.
Item F – City Manager Scott introduced Consent Calendar Item F.
In response to Councilmember Freitas , Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting provided a timeline for project phases 1 and 2.
Following discussion, Council asked staff to give an update on the "L" Street Improvement Project timeline in a few months.
Andrew Becker stated the consultant should have been aware of the grant requirements. He suggested seeking an alternative consulting firm to complete the project and railbanking the unused railroad property.
Leslie May suggested involving residents in District 1 in community outreach efforts and she also supported railbanking the unused railroad property.
Councilmember Freitas recommended staff advertise as widely as possible in future public outreach meetings.
In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Buenting discussed the community engagement process for the first phase of the project.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item F.
Item G – Councilmember Freitas thanked staff for the comprehensive report.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Freitas the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item G.
Item H – Councilmember Freitas requested information on the settlement agreement.
Andrew Becker questioned if the facilities and assessment districts would be able to sustain maintenance within these districts
Mayor Bernal explained that the construction CFD for Hillcrest Avenue involved minor grading and noted the existence of a maintenance CFD that allow ed the CPI to increase and maintain higher service levels for newer developments.
In response to Council, City Manager Scott responded that an Assessment District Presentation would be coming to Council in the fall.
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On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item H.
Item I – Councilmember Freitas requested when funds were being appropriated, that staff provide Council with the amount remaining in the funds.
In response to Mayor Bernal, Deputy Public Works Director Zepeda reported that funds were initially allocated to the Marina Operating budget for the previous fiscal year, but the purchase was not completed, so they are requesting to roll over those funds. He noted that the cost was proportionate to the work being done.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item I.
Item J – Leslie May questioned the timeline for the evidence storage facility funded in the last budget. She noted she believed containers could be a cost -effective way to store evidence in the interim.
City Manager Scott reported evidence storage needed to be climate controlled.
Captain Vigil emphasized the need for the facility to be secure, climate-controlled, alarmed, and monitored 24/7. He mentioned that the vendor was accredited by the State and Department of Justice, and that the funds were already allocated in this fiscal year's budget. Additionally, he noted that the new storage building was included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the project was in its early planning stages.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas , seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item J.
Item K – On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item K.
Councilmember Freitas requested everyone participating in the meeting to refrain from using profanity.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
2. NAMING OF THE NEW BRIDGE HOUSING PROGRAM AT THE EXECUTIVE INN
City Manager Scott introduced Council Regular Agenda Item #2.
Assistant City Manager Helfenberger presented the staff report dated August 12, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution naming the City’s new bridge housing program located at the Executive Inn and reaffirming the City’s commitment to compassionate, coordinated, and evidence-based approaches to addressing homelessness.
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Melissa Case proposed either retaining the current name, Opportunity Village, or updating it to Opportunity Crossings.
Andrew Becker suggested the City leverage Encampment Resolution Funds with the County and apply for Homekey to purchase the Executive Inn and Economy Inn properties. He noted that once that was accomplished, they could consider changing the name to O pportunity Crossings.
Nicole Gardner support ed Mr. Becker’s comments and suggested until that occurred to retain the current name for continuity.
Councilmember Torres-Walker spoke in support of pursuing Homekey funding to expand the bridge housing program.
Following discussion, Council consensus supported retaining the current name, Opportunity Village.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/141
On motion by Councilmember Rocha , seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution keeping the name Opportunity Village for the new bridge housing program located at the Executive Inn and reaffirming the City’s commitment to compassionate, coordinated, and evidence-based approaches to addressing homelessness.
3. OPTIONS FOR RESPONDING TO RESIGNATION OF THE CITY CLERK
Interim City Attorney Cole presented the staff report dated August 12, 2025, recommending the City Council provide direction to Staff on whether to (1) appoint the now vacant City Clerk position, or (2) call a special election to fill the vacant position.
Melissa Case , Ralph Hernandez, Devin Williams and Andrew Becker spoke in support of appointing the City Clerk position. Several speakers supported the community being involved in the process.
Nicole Gardner spoke in support of calling a special election to fill the vacant position unless the current Assistant City Clerk could fill the vacancy.
Leslie May supported calling a special election to fill the vacant position and stated that if the Council approved the appointment process, the community should be involved in selecting the City Clerk.
Gavin Payton, NAACP, suggested the community, specifically youth be involved in the selection process.
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Following discussion, Council consensus supported an open and transparent appointment process and requested that it be defined by staff and brought back to the next City Council meeting for consideration.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously approved the appointment of the vacant City Clerk position by appointment of the City Council with a public process with interviews in Council Chambers for all those qualified to apply.
Mayor Bernal declared a recess at 9:44 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 9:55 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
4. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM – COUNCIL REVIEW OF COUNCIL 90-DAY REQUEST LIST ITEMS
City Manager Scott presented the staff report dated August 12, 2025, recommending the City Council discuss and provide direction to City staff.
Andrew Becker requested agenda items including a discussion on the disposition of the Carnegie Library and a partnership with Tri Delta Transit to explore affordable housing development opportunities.
Melissa Case requested the zoom option for Council meetings be removed from the 90 -day agenda item list.
In response to Council, Interim City Attorney Cole responded that there was authority for just cause and emergency appearances using audio/visual means.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated she would continue to support reinstating Zoom for the public for those who were unable to attend Council meetings.
Mayor Bernal requested future list of agenda items be numbered and that the entire Council be informed of all updates on agenda item requests.
City Manager Scott explained that the new dates and timelines for the DOJ agreement would be available on August 13, 2025. She noted the monitor, police chief and Director of Finance would be reporting back to Council within the next month.
Councilmember Freitas requested Interim City Attorney Cole review the Settlement Agreement to determine if the City was in compliance.
Councilmember Torres-Walker recommended that the Council review the 90 -day request list items for which staff had not yet provided updates. Following discussion, Council provided staff with guidance regarding the items outlined in the 90-day request list. Additionally, they requested the following items be added to the 90-day request list:
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Future agenda Item Requests
➢ Carnigie Library Rehabilitation
➢ Buffer Zones for Planned Parenthood
➢ New Homekey Application
➢ Base Camp funding opportunities
➢ Presentation from the National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform or Advanced Peace ➢ Discussion on p otential Senator/Congressman/Assemblymember office location in Antioch
➢ Presentation from the Antioch Community Foundation
➢ Process for Civic Enhancement Grants
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew Becker stated he believed Council had acted outside Robert’s Rules of Order since they had discussed Future Agenda Items out of order without suspending the rules . Additionally, he expressed a desire to respond to previously discussed future agenda items prior to Public Comment.
Interim City Attorney Cole suggested that the speaker provide his general public comments at this time and, if he wishes to address future agenda items, he may do so during the designated agenda item for that purpose.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER TORRES-WALKER, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, THE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUSPENDED THE
RULES AND MOVED COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS AS
THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Andrew Becker suggested that, moving forward, the Council follow the order of the agenda unless there was a motion to suspend the rules. He urged the City to leverage Encampment Resolution Funds against future Homekey funding. Additionally, he expressed concern that he had been collaborating with a developer at the City’s request, only to learn that staff had informed the developer not to communicate with them. He questioned if he was part of the process.
PUBLIC COMMENT – Continued
Andrew Becker spoke in support of a financial audit for Antioch specifically as it related to redevelopment agency funds.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott announced that the ribbon -cutting ceremony for Opportunity Village would take place at 1:00 P.M. on August 13, 2025. She provided an update on the Sycamore Square
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substation project. She also announced that an Executive Leadership Retreat would be held on August 27, 2025. Additionally, she welcomed new staff in the City Clerk’s office, including Stephanie Cabrera Brown, and thanked staff who participated in organizi ng the Mayor’s Conference. She further announced that Antioch was placed on the Contra Costa County 2026 Point-in-Time Subcommittee. In response to Council, she clarified that the Inclusionary Housing Presentation would be given at 6:00 P.M. on August 26, 2025 prior to the Regular City Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 11:08 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk