CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Regular Meeting October 28, 2025
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 3 Freitas, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council/Agency Member District 1 Torres-Walker
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ralph Hernandez emphasized the need to increase staffing levels to improve police response and public safety. He shared that he personally apprehended the suspect involved in a home invasion at his residence. He also mentioned his connections with clans.
Sharon Sobel Idul, Black Diamond Ballet, invited the community to attend their production of the Nutcracker on December 5 - 14, 2025, at the El Campanil Theatre.
Melissa Case reported on her attendance at a Homeless Workshop and acknowledged staff for hosting the event. She wished a community member a Happy Birthday.
Debbie Blaisure, Downtown Antioch Association, invited the community to a Neighborhood Cleanup event in downtown Antioch on November 8, 2025. She also announced plans to establish a schedule for future cleanup events, along with signups for Business Watch and a beautification project.
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Captain Bittner, Director of Parks and Recreation Wright and JR Wilson announced the following civic and community events:
➢ Antioch Police Department Halloween – October 31, 2025, at 300 L Street ➢ Dia de Los Muertos – November 1, 2025 at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center ➢ Veteran’s Day Ceremony and Parade – November 11, 2025, at the Antioch Veterans Memorial, Antioch Marina
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➢ Contra Loma Estates Park Ribbon Cutting – November 15, 2025, at the Corner of Mahogany Way & Manzanita Way
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Mandy announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Antioch Police Oversight Commission
➢ Board of Administrative Appeals
➢ Parks and Recreation Commission
➢ Contra Costa County Library Commission
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Wilson announced Delta Diablo would be meeting on October 29, 2025.
Councilmember Rocha reported on his attendance at the City/School Standing Committee meeting and encouraged the public to participate in their community survey.
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at the C ontra Costa County Transportation Authority Board meeting and TRANSPLAN Committee meeting.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at several events. He recognized various agencies and non-profit organizations for the work they were doing in the community.
3. PRESENTATIONS
Mark Foley, District 2, President, gave the BART Role in the Region Presentation.
Councilmember Freitas encouraged Mr. Foley to participate in the General Plan update discussions. He mentioned to increase ridership; BART needed to communicate to the community that they were addressing public safety.
Councilmember Wilson suggested BART work with the community colleges on specialized fares for students and requested express service to San Francisco Airport. .
Councilmember Rocha spoke in support of the summer BART pass program for students.
In response to Mayor Bernal, Mr. Foley announced BART would be holding a budget workshop on November 13, 2025, and emphasized that failure to pass SB63 could result in layoffs, station closures, elimination of certain lines, and a reduction of hours of operation.
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Councilmember Freitas reported that Assemblywoman Wilson gave a presentation to the BART Board of Directors, and currently, there were no plans in place to address budget shortfalls if SB63 did not pass.
Mayor Bernal requested Mr. Foley provide an update on CORE services for BART riders and a BART update in early 2026.
Lieutenant Whitaker gave the Public Safety Cameras Update.
In response to Mayor Bernal, Lieutenant Whitaker stated that they planned to expand the video camera program and replace non-working cameras. He also confirmed that requiring developers to install security cameras at points of ingress and egress in new developments would benefit the community.
Mayor Bernal requested staff investigate the possibility of requiring new developments to install cameras at appropriate locations and ensure accessibility for the Antioch Police Department.
Councilmember Rocha requested a future presentation on red light/speed cameras.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING/CLOSED SESSION MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 14, 2025
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
E. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
F. REJECTION OF CLAIM: DANIEL PAUL
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 176 TO SUMMARILY VACATE SURPLUS PORTIONS OF
PARK TRAIL EASEMENT AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO QUITCLAIM TO THE UNDERLYING FEE OWNER, FOR THE HILLCREST SUMMIT APARTMENTS (P.W. 731)
H. PURCHASE OF TWENTY -THREE 2026 REPLACEMENT VEHICLES AND SIX NEW - TO-FLEET 2026 VEHICLES UTILIZING COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,034,000
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I. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 177 TO SUMMARILY VACATE THE 10 FOOT PUBLIC
UTILITY EASEMENT AREA AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
ANY ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO QUITCLAIM TO THE UNDERLYING FEE
OWNER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT BY MARTIN DEER VALLEY LLC, APARTMENTS
AT LONE TREE WAY, COUNTRY HI LLS DRIVE, AND DEER VALLEY ROAD PROJECT (P.W. 730)
J. ASSOCIATION OF INSPECTORS (AIG) ANNUAL TRAINING CONFERENCE – COUNCIL OVERNIGHT TRAVEL TO SAN DIEGO, CA ON NOVEMBER 11-13, 2025
K. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT (NACOLE) – CITY COUNCIL OVERNIGHT TRAVEL TO MINNEAPOLIS, MN ON OCTOBER 26-30, 2025
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Freitas, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Item H, which was removed for further discussion.
Item H – Acting City Manager Merchant announced staff was recommending Consent Calendar Item H be continued to allow staff to provide an updated staff report.
Councilmember Freitas requested that the remaining balance be reported when money was withdrawn from a particular fund.
In response to Councilmember Freitas, Acting City Manager Merchant confirmed that the new purchases were an allowable use of development impact fee funds.
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously continued Consent Calendar Item H.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. SLATTEN RANCH TOWNHOMES PROJECT (TM-01 AND AR-23-01) (Continued from September 23, 2025, Council Meeting)
Assistant City Attorney Kundinger clarified that the public hearing was opened and closed at the September 23, 2025, City Council meeting, so there w ould be three minutes allocated for all public comments this evening.
Acting City Manager Merchant introduced Public Hearing Item #5.
Planning Manager Merideth presented the staff report dated October 28, 2025. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map and Design Review for the Slatten Ranch Townhomes Project.
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Ralph Hernandez spoke in opposition to the Slatten Ranch Project due to its negative impact on police services.
Jesse Lester, U.A. Local 159 Plumbers and Steam Fitters, representing members of unions and Contra Costa Residents for Reasonable Development reiterated his previous concerns related to this project.
Alaura McGuire, Contra Costa Residents for Responsible Development, explained that their comments on this project demonstrated that it may result in health impacts from construction and operational activities. She reported they had responded to a letter from the applicant’s counsel regarding their concerns.
Daniel Golub, Legal Counsel representing the project applicant, reported that they had submitted a letter outlining the merits of the project. He emphasized that as a housing element site, disapproving the project or imposing impermissible conditions, including disapproving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption, would be unlawful. Additionally, he stated there were no legitimate issues concerning the environmental review, as city experts confirmed there were no unaddressed impacts in the EIR. He also noted that challenges from project opponents did not demonstrate any peculiar environmental impacts.
Melissa Case questioned the legitimacy of this developer.
Executive Consultant Storer commented that the Planning Commission and staff concurred with the applicant’s comments related to CEQA disposition. He reported that the Council adopted nexus fees in 2014 based on service standards from the General Plan, so their actions were consistent with the General Plan.
In response to Councilmember Freitas, Planning Manager Merideth explained that the traffic analysis was based on the current CEQA standard of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), which had also been included in the consistency memo. She noted that the General Plan included level of service standards, which was why a transportation impact analysis was conducted separately from CEQA. She noted that analysis led to the addition of conditions of approval related to traffic signal and turn pocket improvements.
Councilmember Freitas responded that even with the proposed conditions, there would still be gridlock on Empire Road. He also expressed concern for children's safety regarding egress and ingress points located immediately adjacent to the children's playground.
Councilmember Rocha expressed concern that SB330 requirements had invalidated Council’s concerns and requested the applicants show consideration for these items.
In response to Councilmember Wilson, Mr. Golub stated that state law require d opponents to demonstrate that there were specific impacts peculiar to the project and there was no evidence indicating that this project would pose any such impacts. He further emphasized that this was a standard residential subdivision on a site zoned for this type of development, and the project
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had been established as consistent with all the standards set forth by the City’s General Plan and zoning regulations.
Councilmember Wilson stated it was unfortunate that the applicant had not addressed the concerns raised by the community.
Mr. Golub responded that several conditions of approval for this project went beyond compliance with existing standards. He stated that all objective standards had been addressed. He also noted that they were open to continuing to work with the City moving forward.
Executive Consultant Storer agreed that the objective design standards had been met; however, they had not discussed whether there were other matters that the applicant could assist with.
Dana Tsubota, DeNova Homes, noted that the project was submitted over two years ago, and during that time, they had undergone detailed analysis with staff, incorporating the plans, engineering details, and comments received. She further stated that if there were any other concerns, they were open to further discussions; however, their work was limited by the City’s objective standards.
Executive Consultant Storer suggested there would be an opportunity to work with the applicant on the improvement plans to address any design features and potentially lessen the impacts identified, after the project was approved and before a building permit was requested.
Mayor Bernal commented that although this item underwent a two -year process, it had only recently been brought to the City Council for consideration. He questioned why this developer was not required to provide the center median along Empire Avenue since all the other projects in the area had been required to do so. He requested adding a condition of approval requiring the project to pay their proportionate share of roadway improvements on Empire Avenue from Wicklow Way to their northern frontage.
Mr. Golub acknowledged the proposal but expressed concerns regarding its cost and questioned whether there is a clear connection or proportionality between the project’s impacts.
Mayor Bernal declared a recess at 8:42 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 9:07 P.M. with all Councilmembers present with the exception of Councilmember Torres -Walker who was previously noted as absent.
Interim City Attorney Cole reported that Council could consider adding a general condition requiring road and median improvements, subject to approval by the City Engineer in consultation with the City Attorney. He noted they would then work with the applicant to minimize impacts and address nexus concerns. He further noted that as a general matter, requiring a median to be improved as a condition for development would be within nexus requirements.
Mayor Bernal stated that the developer should either construct or pay their proportionate share of one half of an arterial standard.
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Mr. Golub stated they were committed in good faith to work with Council and staff. He commented that the time for informing them that there was an objective standard related to this issue had passed.
Executive Consultant Storer responded that he had mentioned there was an arterial design standard.
Mr. Golub stated that they would object if the requirement did not meet nexus and proportionality standards, and if it lacked fairness compared to other similarly situated properties. He also raised concerns related to the Mitigation Fee Act, Housing Accountability Act, and Housing Element Law. However, he reiterated their willingness to work with staff.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/178
On motion by Mayor Bernal, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council adopted the resolution approving Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map and Design Review for the Slatten Ranch Townhomes Project with the addition of the following condition of approval:
➢ That the developer is required to improve Empire Avenue to one half of an arterial standard for the length of the frontage on Empire Avenue from Wicklow Way to the northern property line of the project, as approved by the City Engineer in consultation with the City Attorney.
The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Rocha, Wilson, Bernal Noes: Freitas Absent: Torres-Walker
6. WILDFLOWER STATION TOWNHOMES 2 MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROJECT (TM-02 AND AR-23-05) (Continued from September 23, 2025, Council Meeting)
Acting City Manager Merchant introduced Public Hearing Item #6.
Planning Manager Merideth presented the staff report dated October 28, 2025. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving a Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map and Design Review. She announced they had sent out a supplemental attachment (attachment A, exhibit C) for the project on October 27, 2025, and it had been posted online.
Ralph Hernandez expressed opposition to the Wildflower Station Townhomes Project, citing concerns about its negative impact on police services.
Alaura McGuire, Contra Costa Residents for Responsible Development, explained that their comments indicated the project could lead to health impacts during construction and operations.
She reported they had responded to a letter from the applicant’s counsel regarding their concerns.
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Jesse Lester, U.A. Local 159 Plumbers and Steam Fitters, representing members of unions and Contra Costa Residents for Reasonable Development, reiterated his previous concerns related to this project.
Daniel Golub, Legal Counsel representing the project applicant, stated that the same issues related to the Housing Element Law, Housing Accountability Act, and other state laws applied to this project as with the previous one. He affirmed that the existing analysis by the City’s experts was sufficient and that a new EIR was not necessary. Additionally, he noted that the project was fully exempt from CEQA under AB 130. In response to community comments, he mentioned that they were willing to fence and gate the property.
Councilmember Wilson expressed concern that the commercial portion of the project had been removed from this plan.
Planning Manager Merideth responded that this site was rezoned to housing as part of the Housing Element Update in January 2023.
A motion made by Councilmember Rocha and seconded by Mayor Bernal to adopt a resolution approving a Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map and Design Review failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Rocha, Bernal Noes: Wilson, Freitas Absent: Torres-Walker
Interim City Attorney Cole reported that the motion did not carry; however, it did not preclude Council from continuing the item until a full Council was present.
On motion by Mayor Bernal, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously continued the Public Hearing to November 4, 2025.
7. DEVELOPER INCENTIVES FOR ACCESSIBLE UNITS (LA2025-0001)
City Clerk Mandy read the speaker rules for the Public Hearing.
Acting City Manager Merchant introduced Public Hearing Item 7.
Assistant Planner Boyd presented the staff report dated October 28, 2025, recommending the City Council introduce by title only and waive further reading of the ordinance to adopt text amendments adding Title 9, Chapter 5, Article 43 to the Antioch Municipal Code, Developer Incentives for Accessible Units.
Mayor Bernal opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public requesting to speak.
In response to Council, Planning Manager Merideth and Assistant Planner Boyd explained the tiered incentives.
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Councilmember Freitas expressed that there was no nexus between the revised front setback requirements and an increase in interior spaces. He also voiced concerns about the modified requirements for common open space and covered parking. Additionally, he was concerned that a developer might build the project to receive incentives and then sell it, resulting in the benefits not being realized . He stated that he would support an agreement to maintain the units in perpetuity and commended Assistant Planner Boyd on the comprehensive report.
Mayor Bernal expressed concern that the incentives might lead to a reduction in amenities for a population that could benefit from more of them. He also expressed concern regarding the cumulative nature of imposing incentives in addition to those already being imposed by state density bonus laws.
Assistant Planner Boyd explained that this item presented a menu of options that could be modified, and that application s would be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, and/or City Council, giving them discretion over the incentives selected.
Following discussion, Council consensus supported bringing this item back to a Joint Study Session of the City Council and Planning Commission. They also requested the Housing Element be incorporated into the discussion.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council members present unanimously directed staff to bring this item back for a Study Session along with a Housing Element discussion during the first quarter of 2026 at a Joint City Council / Planning Commission meeting on the third Tuesday of the month.
Mayor Bernal thanked staff for the presentation.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
8. PARCEL MAP FOR LONE TREE RETAIL AND APARTMENTS (P.W. 327-301-25)
Acting City Manager Merchant introduced Council Regular Agenda Item #8.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated October 28, 2025, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving a Final Map for the Lone Tree Retail and Apartments Project.
In response to Councilmember Freitas, Andrew Little explained the second parcel map showed the easements and if approved, those easements would no longer exist.
Councilmember Wilson expressed concern that the multi-family housing project would add extensive congestion in this neighborhood.
The Project Engineer confirmed that reciprocal access easements were in place.
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RESOLUTION NO. 2025/179
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council adopted a resolution approving a Final Map for the Lone Tree Retail and Apartments Project.
The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Rocha, Freitas, Bernal Noes: Wilson Absent: Torres-Walker
9. FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. BUILDING PERFORMANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $356,749 (Continued from October 14, 2025, Council Meeting)
Acting City Manager Merchant introduced Regular Agenda Item #9.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated October 28, 2025 recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving the first amendment to the Building Performance Service Agreement with Honeywell International Inc. for the installation of eighteen new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and ductwork as part of the Nick Rodrigue z Community/Senior Center Roof Replacement Project in the amount of $356,749 and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execut e the first amendment in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting explained the City utilized the Project Stabilization Agreement which signified that the contractors needed to be signatures to the agreement for projects exceeding $1M.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/180
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving the first amendment to the Building Performance Service Agreement with Honeywell International Inc. for the installation of eighteen new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units and ductwork as part of the Nick Rodriguez Community/Senior Center Roof Replacement Project in the amount of $356,749 and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the first amendment in a form approved by the City Attorney.
10. PURCHASE ORDER WITH THE GARLAND COMPANY, INC. UTILIZING CALIFORNIA MULTIPLE AWARD SCHEDULES COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT #4 -01- 56-006A FOR ROOFING MATERIALS IN THE AMOUNT OF $473,916.96 FOR THE
NICK RODRIGUEZ COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT (P.W. 397-13) (Continued from October 14, 2025, Council Meeting)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/181
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On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving a purchase order with The Garland Company Inc. utilizing California Multiple Award Schedules cooperative purchase agreement #4 -01-56-006A for the purchase of roofing materials for the Nick Rodriguez Community/Senior Center Roof Replacement in the amount of $473,916.96 and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the purchase order in a form approved by the City Attorney.
11. PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PURCHASE OF EIGHTEEN HEATING, VENTILATION,
AND AIR CONDITIONING UNITS FOR THE NICK RODRIGUEZ COMMUNITY/SENIOR
CENTER ROOFING PROJECT WITH SIGLER COMMERCIAL UTILIZING A
SOURCEWELL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $208,251 (Continued from October 14, 2025, Council Meeting)
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/182
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving a purchase order for eighteen heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units from Sigler Commercial utilizing a Sourcewell cooperative agreement in the amount of $208,251 for the Nick Rodriguez Community/Senior Center Roof Replacement Project and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the purchase order in a form approved by the City Attorney.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Sydney discussed the importance of accessibility to public transit and requested the City and Tri Delta Transit supply benches and improve signage at each bus stop.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Acting City Manager Merchant announced that Council had rescheduled the November 11, 2025, City Council meeting for a Special Meeting on November 4, 2025.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Wilson suggested Council discuss their meeting schedule for December.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:28 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk