CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Special/Regular Meeting August 26, 2025
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
4:30 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor
Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 4:30 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Cabrera- Brown called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres-Walker, District 3 Freitas (arrived at 4:33 P.M.), Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Member District 4 Wilson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. CO NFE
RENCE 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.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 4:33
P.M.
6:03 P.M.
SPECIAL MEETING/STUDY SESSION
Mayor
Bernal called the Special Meeting/Study Session to order at 6: 03 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Cabrera-Brown called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 3 Freitas, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Member District 4 Wilson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
STUDY SESSION
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 2 of 12
SM-1. PROPOSED INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE (IHO) FOLLOW UP
DISCUSSION
C
ity Manager Scott introduced Study Session SM-1.
I
nterim Director of Community Development Storer introduced Planning Manager Merideth who presented the staff report and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance PowerPoint presentation dated August 26, 2025, recommending the City Council provide feedback on the possible adoption of an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO). Interim Director of Community Development Storer emphasized the benefit of onsite construction.
M
ark Jordan discussed a filing in United States District Court challenging the foundation of IHOs on grounds of violations of the United States Constitution. He urged Council to table this matter until the case has been fully resolved.
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rendon O’Laskey, Rising Juntos, Deborah Polk, Rising Juntos, Jasmine Tarkoff, Multi-Faith Action Coalition and Hope Solutions , Khayla DiGeorgio, Hope Solutions , Greg Col ley, Multi- Faith Action Coalition, Joey Flegal Mis hlove, East Bay Housing Organizations, T ahirah Dean, Public Advocates, Rev Millie Phillips, Faith Alliance for a Moral Economy and Shagoofa Khan, Monument Impact, spoke in support of an IHO. Recommendations from the speakers included establishing a minimum total inclusionary requirement at or exceeding 20%, prioritizing housing for extremely low, very low -income, and low-income residents, prioritizing onsite production of affordable homes, implementing an in- lieu fee housing trust fund option with fees set to cover real costs, offering incentives for deeper affordability or additional units, ensuring affordability through deed restrictions and considering alternative compliance options.
A
ndrew Becker provided a history of the IHO and noted that there had been many missed opportunities to discuss this item and encouraged Council to hold a more comprehensive discussion on this agenda item.
Les
lie May spoke in support of the IHO and opposed the use of in-lieu fees. She discussed an affordable container housing project in Oakland and urged Council to hold a more thorough discussion on this matter.
I
nterim Director of Community Development Storer suggested Council discuss whether they wanted to proceed with an ordinance and if so, they could then inform staff of what components to include.
F
ollowing discussion, Council agreed that this important subject should be discussed in more detail and with all Councilmembers present . They supported continuing the item to a future meeting.
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ayor Bernal requested that staff provide detailed questions so they could gather the necessary information to proceed, should that be the direction of the Council.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 3 of 12
Mayor Bernal adjourned the Study Session at 6:58 P.M.
7 :00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
M
ayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:06 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Cabrera -Brown called the roll.
P
resent: Council/Agency Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 3 Freitas, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council/Agency Member District 4 Wilson
P
LEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
M
ayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CI
TY ATTORNEY TO REPORT OUT ON CLOSED SESSION
I
nterim City Attorney Cole reported the City Council had been in Closed Session and gave the following report: #1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, Council received update and direction was given to Labor Negotiators.
P
UBLIC COMMENTS
A
cting City Clerk Cabrera-Brown read the speaker rules.
Ja
imie San-Nicolas, Antioch resident, expressed concern regarding safety on the BART system, stating that as a disabled individual, he encountered blocked access points, which put people at risk. He requested staff contact BART and monitor the situation.
R
osemarie Laguna, Antioch resident, provided Council with photos illustrating her concerns related to homelessness and loose dogs, which we re causing health and safety issues in her neighborhood. She requested the City's support in helping to resolve this situation.
M
ark Jordan stated that he felt pulling money out of the City’s reserves was inappropriate. He suggested implementing vehicle crushing for those pulled over for reckless driving and recommended stopping the warning process for unregistered vehicles more than six months out of date, instead proposing the enforcement of specific fines. He noted that these measures would likely lead to an increase in property values and the City’s tax base.
P
hillip Weber requested the City focus on street cleaning in bike lanes and bike paths. He discussed water issues that had caused the apron of his driveway to settle and asked the Council to direct the Water Department to inspect this area. Additionally, he advocated for the installation of speed bumps in his neighborhood.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 4 of 12
Paul Ramirez thanked first responders who responded to his neighborhood during a recent fire.
He commended the City’s new administration and Council for revitalizing Antioch, and he encouraged the City to support Jose Cordone’s efforts to advocate for youth.
J
ose Cardon a nnounced he wa s developing a community garden. He spoke in support of Townsend Public Affairs grant opportunities for arts and humanities. Additionally, he announced Youth Art Workshops would be held at the Pittsburg, Antioch, and Brentwood Libraries from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He also requested an update on the RFP for Lynn House.
N
ichole Gardner addressed a previous comment by an elected official, stating that the speaker rules did not prohibit profanity and noted Council would not restrict their right to free speech.
Je
remy Philips announced Youth Art Workshops would be held at the Antioch Library from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning September 9, 2025.
J
ohn Trizuto, Antioch resident, expressed concern that an elected official had left the dais during a previous Council meeting without calling for a recess and requested Council follow Robert’s Rules of Order. He discussed laws and employment strategies in Japan. He also requested Council not hold votes until after public comment had been called for.
1. I
NTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES, PROMOTIONS AND RETIREMENTS C
ity Manager Scott introduced Human Resources Director Cortez who introduced Nitesh Singh, Risk and Safety Specialist, who thanked the City for the introduction.
C
ity Manager Scott introduced Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting who introduced Paul Fuentes, Associate Engineering Technician and Stephen Carter, Facility Maintenance Worker II, who thanked the City Council for the introduction.
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ity Manager Scott introduced Interim Community and Economic Director Storer who introduced Brittany Wulfert, Code Enforcement Officer, who thanked the City Council for the introduction. 2, ANNO
UNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
M
ichelle Kuslits, Antioch Friends of Animal Services, announced that Clear the Shelter would be held throughout the remainder of August, with all adoption fees waived. Additionally, she shared that starting September 2, 2025, and continuing throughout September, Antioch Friends of Animal Services would be sponsoring adoption fees, allowing adopters to choose their own donation amount. She also recognized the Antioch Animal Shelter Volunteers and Interns through the SOAR Program and encouraged residents to follow Antioch Animal Services and Friends of Animal Services on social media.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 5 of 12
Andrew Becker on behalf of JR Wilson, Delta Veteran’s Group, announced Stand Down on the Delta would be held September 12 – 15, 2025, at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds. Contact information was provided.
Nichol
e Gardner announced the following civic and community events:
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AACP General Membership Meeting - August 28, 2025, at Delta Bay Community Church
Homeless 101 Community Awareness Session - September 13, 2025 Boots on the Bay Event - September 6, 2025, on “I” Street De
vin Williams invited the community to the NAACP Youth Gala on September 13, 2025, in Concord.
A
n unidentified individual announced Joybound People and Pets were offering a free vaccination and microchip clinic on September 13, 2025, at Antioch Animal Services.
Amad
eus Castillo representing Antioch Council of Teens (ACT) announced the following civic and community events:
A
CT meetings - every second and 4th Wednesday of the month at the Antioch Community Center
Youth Services Skate Night – September 11, 2025, at Paradise Skate Job Fair (youth ages 16-26) at Bidwell High School
Homelessness 101 Community Awareness Session - September 13, 2025, at the Antioch Library
A
cting Parks and Recreation Director/ Recreation Services Manager Wright announced the following civic and community events:
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ig Truck Day – September 18, 2025, at the Antioch Community Center California Coastal Cleanup Day – September 20, 2025, at the Antioch Water Park Ch
ief Vigil announced the Police Activities League Golf Tournament would be held on September 19, 2025.
CI
TY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
C
ouncilmember Freitas reported on his attendance at the Cannabis Standing Committee meeting and announced Tri Delta would be meeting on August 27, 2025.
C
ouncilmember Torres-Walker reported on her attendance at the Cannabis Standing Committee and City/School Standing Committee meetings as well as a meeting with staff and stakeholders on efforts to rebuild the Antioch Police Department (APD).
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 6 of 12
Andrew Becker expressed concern that the City/School Standing Committee meeting was not posted by the City of Antioch and other Standing Committees were being scheduled as Special meetings limiting the noticing time for the public.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at the Bowl for Change Midnight Basketball Fundraiser, 100th Birthday Party for Merle Wilson at the Antioch Senior Center and a meet and greet with Professional Boxer Julian Bridges, who would be representing Antioch at a boxing event in Las Vegas.
3. PRESENTATIONS
California Association for Local Economic Development Award of Merit: Presented to the City of Antioch Economic Development Department for the Antioch Business Collaborative
Economic Development Program Manager Sweet and Economic Development Fellow Selzer accepted the Award of Merit.
Townsend Public Affairs Report – Summary of Efforts on behalf of the City of Antioch, presented by Niccolo De Luca, Vice President, Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.
In response to Council, Mr. De Luca discussed the City’s advocacy efforts at the state and federal level. He urged Council to continue to reach out to elected and appointed officials and gave a personal and professional history. He also discussed their experience with federal agencies through the application process. He stated they would be happy to work with City Manager Scott and Council on a strategy to advocate for funding on the County level.
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested updates on regional efforts moving forward.
Councilmember Freitas suggested reaching out to the County Board of Supervisors to discuss how they could spend ARPA money locally. He discussed the States redistricting efforts and noted if successful, he would recommend forming a relationship with the new Congressman as soon as possible.
Mr. De Luca responded that they already had an established relationship with Congressman Harder’s office.
Councilmember Rocha encouraged local officials to participate in regional activities.
Andrew Becker requested detailed information regarding the programs identified in the memorandum and requested a meeting with the City to discuss his efforts to develop a property in Antioch.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 7 of 12
City Manager Scott thanked Townsend Public Affairs and Mr. De Luca for conducting the final review of applications.
4. 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 MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 12, 2025
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
E. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 142 INSTALLATION OF HAWK SIGNALS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS PROJECT (P.W. 282-25)
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/143 OPERATING BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE COUNTYWIDE SMART SIGNALS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 (P.W. 636- 10)
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/144 SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE OF A NEW TO FLEET MRL MINI MAC 400 SELF -PROPELLED THERMO PLASTIC STRIPING MACHINE FROM MARK RITE LINES EQUIPMENT CO. INC., IN THE AMOUNT OF $106,749.97
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 145 AMENDMENT TO THE OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND (DISTRIBUTOR FUND) FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 BUDGET
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/146 APPROVING THE CONSULTING SERVICES
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AND QUALITY SOUND IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $249,250 TO REPLACE THE ANTIOCH WATER PARK
PUBLIC ADDRESS (PA) SYSTEM, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Items D, E, F and J, which were removed for further discussion.
Item D – Councilmember Freitas thanked staff for responding to previous questions raised and requested clarification on CDBG Fund Warrants #00952040.
City Manager Scott clarified those invoices represented legitimate grant funded work that w as documented and reconciled in accordance with federal audit standards. She added it was a full-
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 8 of 12
time director level position, and they were bringing this position inhouse as a Housing Manager in December.
Councilmember Freitas moved to approve Item D.
Andrew Becker reviewed the consultant’s current contract and previous warrants. He requested Council continue this item and it be brought back with billable hours and annual disbursements.
Councilmember Freitas withdrew his motion to approve Item D and stated he wanted to see the background information prior to moving forward.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated this p osition should have been an inhouse position and she appreciated that moving forward this issue would be addressed.
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Freitas the City Council members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item D except for CDBG Fund Warrants #00952040 Teri House.
Item E – Councilmember Torres-Walker stated this item was related to Item D.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item E except for CDBG Fund Warrants #00952040 Teri House.
Item F – Councilmember Freitas thank ed Administrative Analy st II Medeiros for the comprehensive staff repor t.
On motion by C ouncilmember Freitas, se conded by C ouncilmember Rocha the City C ouncil members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item F.
Item J – Andrew Becker questioned if the Public Address System for Prewett Park was a project identified in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and requested a financial plan for the Water Park.
Acting Parks and Recreation Director/Recreation Services Manager Wright explained that the PA system was currently inoperable, which posed a safety concern for communicating with park attendees. He noted that this issue was not included in the CIP because it arose after the CIP was finalized by Council. He also mentioned that the funds allocated for emergency situations were available for such unforeseen issues and were brought before the Council for approval.
On motion by Councilmember F reitas, seconded by Councilmember T orres-Walker the Cit y Council members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item J.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 9 of 12
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
5. 2024 ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT REPORT
Captain Koch presented the staff report dated August 26, 2025, recommending the City Council review and approve the 2024 Annual Military Equipment Report.
Following discussion, Councilmember Torres-Walker requested the next Public Hearing for this item take place at a joint City Council/Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) meeting.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously approved the 2024 Annual Military Equipment Report.
6. FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR POLICE
DEPARTMENT TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SERVICES
Chief Vigil presented the staff report dated August 26, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprises Inc. to purchase Axon Enterprise, Inc. hardware and operating system software from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2030, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchasing agreement with Axon Enterprises Inc. not to exceed $2,908,607.30 over the five-year period.
In response to Council, Chief Vigil reviewed the hardware and software services that would be provided by Axon.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/147
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving a five- year agreement with Axon Enterprises Inc. to purchase Axon Enterprise, Inc. hardware and operating system software from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2030, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchasing agreement with Axon Enterprises Inc. not to exceed $2,908,607.30 over the five-year period.
7. COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE CONSULTANT CONTRACT
City Manager Scott introduced Regular Agenda Item #7.
Principal Planner Scudero presented the staff report dated August 26, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with De Novo Planning Group for a period of three years, for an amount not to exceed $1,278,174 to assist the City in preparing a comprehensive update to the General Plan in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
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Ben Richie, De Novo Planning Group, introduced himself and stated he was available to answer any questions.
Andrew Becker spoke in support of De Novo Planning Group and the process presented.
Councilmember Freitas spoke in support of the De Novo Planning Group and suggested a focus on midtown Antioch. He announced he would begin meeting with the Northern Waterfront Standing Committee to provide input.
In response to Council, Mr. Richie provided details about their public outreach process, highlighting the inclusion of an implementation component designed to help prioritize the action items developed. He mentioned that there are state mandates related to environmental justice, and when addressed properly, these are integrated throughout the General Plan. Additionally, he reviewed the project's budget and timeline, along with their ongoing efforts to stay informed about legislative changes.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/148
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with De Novo Planning Group for a period of three years, for an amount not to exceed $1,278,174 to assist the City in preparing a comprehensive update to the General Plan in a form approved by the City Attorney.
8. PROCESS FOR APPOINTMENT TO FILL THE CITY CLERK VACANCY
Interim City Attorney Cole presented the staff report dated August 26, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution inviting letters of interest/applications for appointment to fill the City Clerk vacancy and establishing dates and rules for the application process. He clarified that because this was not an election activity, they could not verify nomination papers signed by registered voters with the County Elections Office.
Councilmember Rocha recommended removing Item (b) Nomination Paper requirement from the resolution.
Councilmember Freitas suggested nomination papers include the Antioch Municipal Code and California Constitution outlining the duties and responsibilities of the City Clerk as well as the City’s organization chart.
In response to Councilmember Torres -Walker, Interim City Attorney Cole explained Council would receive a packet with the candidate’s statements and staff report summarizing the qualifications of each person. He noted they could then convene in a public open session to consider the applicants.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
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Councilmember Torres -Walker expressed concern that this was not a community inclusive process.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/149
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council adopted a resolution inviting letters of interest/applications for appointment to fill the City Clerk vacancy and establishing dates and rules for the application process with an amendment to remove, (b) Nomination Paper requirement and direction to staff to provide applicants with Antioch Municipal Code and California Government Code outlining the duties and responsibilities and City’s Organization Chart: The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Rocha, Freitas, Bernal Abstain: Torres-Walker Absent: Wilson
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew Becker stated he had explored opportunities for a youth center in Antioch; however, the Board of Supervisors voted to place the youth center in Brentwood. He reported that Mr. Herrera purchased a property and offered to rent it to Meals on Wheels, Boys and Girls Club and Antioch for a youth/community gathering space. He requested the City assist Mr. Herrera on these efforts.
Gavin Payton, NAACP Youth Council, reported they had advocated for a youth development center off Buchanan and Somersville roads. He recognized advocates who advanced the African American Wellness Hub in Antioch. He encouraged youth to register to vote.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS - None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Torres-Walker announced a backpack giveaway would be held at S ycamore and L Streets this weekend and encouraged the community to bring donations. She requested the following future agenda items: Consideration of support for Base Camp and an Update from One Day at a Time.
Councilmember Freitas expressed concern that he had received mail from a private business using the City of Antioch logo and he requested staff investigate the matter. He also requested the following future agenda item: Presentation from Chief Vigil, the monitor and the APOC on the Department of Justice Report.
Councilmember Rocha requested the following future agenda items: p rivate security in parking lots and parking lot ordinances as well as a Know Your Rights community meeting.
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HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
August 26, 2025 Page 12 of 12
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Mayor Bernal the City Council members present unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:14 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk