CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SPECIAL MEETING/CLOSED SESSION
Special Meeting November 4, 2025
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
4:00 P.M. – SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 4:01 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 3 Freitas, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Member District 1 Torres-Walker (arrived at 4:07 P.M.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION – pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1)): Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court Northern District of California, (Case No. 3:23 -cv- 01895-TSH).
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 a nd Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Negotiating Parties: Sean McCauley, Owner of Adjacent Property; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2):
One potential case.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 4:02 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:11 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy 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
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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 – EXISTING LITIGATION, no reportable action, #2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS, no reportable action, #3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Clerk Mandy read the speaker rules.
Roderick Coleman discussed his experience s with homelessness and suggested the City request the National Guard set up tents for the unhoused so they could be processed out of their dependencies.
Melissa expressed concern regarding recent criminal activity associated with the Tower Zone Smoke Shop in Antioch. She reported that this business had historically facilitated sales to minors and requested the City open an investigation regarding these matters.
Krystle Law reported she had witnessed an Antioch Police Officer participating in an encampment sweep and did not feel this should be a priority for an understaffed police department. She discussed alternative ways to address homelessness.
Leslie May expressed concern that the Council was about to approve a Homeless Awareness Month Proclamation despite her belief that the y had not adequately addressed homelessness.
She opposed APD’s involvement in homeless encampment sweeps and recommended that the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources oversee th ese efforts. She also questioned whether the City would provide resources to those impacted by the government shutdown.
Nichole Gardner expressed concern regarding the APD’s involvement in encampment sweeps and suggested the City develop new policies when dealing with the unhoused.
Andrew Becker reported that he had worked with the City Manager to put together a grant application for housing solutions for the unhoused.
1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES, PROMOTIONS AND RETIREMENTS
City Manager Scott introduced Monica Gomez, Administrative Analyst (City Clerk’s Office) , Zachary Seal, Community and Economic Development Director and Shahad Wright, Parks and Recreation Director (Promotion).
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Chief Vigil introduced Amanda Young, Crime Analyst , America Estupinan Gaytan, Community Services Officer , Bryan Diaz Alvarado, Police Officer , Adrian Rivera -Pelayo, Police Officer , Jordan Morrow, Police Officer , Nicholas Kegle, Police Officer , Matthew Koch, Police Captain (Promotion), Shane Bower, Police Captain, William Whitaker, Police Lieutenant (Promotion) and Franco Cesar, Police Lieutenant.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting recognized the HR Department for the effort they put into the hiring process and introduced Austin Antoniazzi, Water Treatment Plant Trainee (Promotion).
Leslie May, Nichole Gardner, Velma Wilson, Krystle Law and Devin Williams welcomed the new Antioch Police Department ( APD) officers and congratulated the City on hiring exceptional employees.
2. PROCLAMATION
• Homeless Awareness Month, November 2025
Lenita Wheeler, Executive Director of Winter Nights Family Shelter , accepted the Homeless Awareness Month proclamation.
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously approved the Proclamation.
Velma Wilson reported on her attendance at the California/Hawaii NAACP Convention Veteran’s Breakfast and discussed the importance of supporting unhoused Veterans. She encouraged the community to join the NAACP.
Leslie May discussed her efforts to assist her unhoused family members who are Veterans and reported that she was working to secure housing and services for the homeless.
Nicole Gardner discussed her homeless outreach efforts and thanked the City for the services they provide to the unhoused community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Velma Wilson announced the following civic and community event:
➢ Veteran’s Day Pancake Breakfast, Program and Parade on November 11, 2025 ➢ Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on November 14, 2025
➢ Celebrate Antioch Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6, 2025 ➢ Kwanzaa Celebration – January 2026
➢ MLK Day Celebration - January 19, 2026
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
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City Clerk Mandy announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Board of Administrative Appeals
➢ Parks and Recreation Commission
➢ Contra Costa County Library Commission
For more information and to apply, visit the City’s website.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Freitas reported on his attendance at the Antioch Historical Society Bell Dedication Ceremony. He recognized staff and Mayor Bernal for supporting the program.
Councilmember Torres-Walker announced the Green Empowerment Zone meeting would be held on November 2 2, 2025, and the Cannabis Standing Committee would be touring dispensaries soon. She thanked Supervisors Scales-Preston and Burgis for hosting a Town Hall meeting in Antioch. She reported on her attendance at the City/School Standing Committee meeting, California League of Cities Workshops and NACOLE Conference. She discussed community violence and the importance of addressing youth access to firearms. She reported on her attendance at a regional discussion on community-based violence intervention strategies and encouraged the City to provide resources to address violence in the community. She suggested Council discuss establishing a warming center. She reported on her visit to Basecamp and noted she had talked to the state about land that could be used for tiny home villages. She reported that the County B oard of Supervisors voted to fund food assistance for residents and suggested the City also address food insecurities in Antioch. She reported that current numbers showed that Proposition 50 was passing in Contra Costa County.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal thank ed the community stakeholders for providing opportunities in Antioch . He reported on his attendance at the APD Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos event s. He also reported he had visited the Share Shower Program and met with an individual named Kenny who was losing his housing. He stated there was a real crisis in the community regarding homelessness and he appreciated those who advocated for the unhoused. He noted they would be discussing this matter in detail and developing solutions. He stated he would be praying for Kenny and wished him a happy birthday.
4. PRESENTATION
Fire Chief Lewis Broschard gave the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District – Quarterly Report PowerPoint Presentation.
Mayor Bernal thanked Chief Broschard for his leadership.
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Chief Broschard announced the Health Care Literacy Coun cil Media Event would be held on November 5, 2025, at Kaiser in Antioch . He also reported the district had met with Richland Communities, and they had preliminary site plans for a station in the southern portion of Antioch.
Melissa requested a report out on the cause of the fire in the Black Diamond Mines area.
Chief Broschard reported the fire started in an unincorporated area and CALFIRE had the jurisdiction for that investigation. He noted there was no cause determined or party identified.
Mayor Bernal commended Contra Costa Fire for their excellent response to that event.
Councilmember Torres -Walker expressed concern for the lack of fuel abatement along the railroads throughout Antioch. She questioned if there would be strategies to foster relationships between the railroads and the City to ensure fuel abatement takes place along the railway.
Chief Broschard indicated that there might be a need to re -engage with the railroad authorities to ensure enforcement of abatement measures. He stated he would talk with community risk reduction regarding this issue.
Velma Wilson thanked Chief Broschard for announcing the Health Care Literacy Council Media Event with Kaiser and she discussed the importance of community outreach.
Andrew Becker reported Contra Costa Fire owned a property in Antioch that was undeveloped and zoned for residential housing and the City had placed an emergency shelter overlay on that parcel. He announced that there were grant programs to build permanent supportive housing to assist individuals with low area median income (AMI) and behavior/mental health diagnosis.
He suggested advancing that discussion and offered to be part of that conversation.
Chief Broschard expressed his gratitude for the support of both the Council and the community and extended his best wishes for a happy holiday.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 14, 2025
B. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL JOINT MEETING MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR OCTOBER 21, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 28, 2025
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/ 183 APPROVING THE CONVERSION OF AN
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO A COMPUTER TECHNICIAN IN THE
INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT
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F. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/184 REQUEST TO OVERHIRE ONE PUBLIC SAFETY AND
COMMUNITY RESOURCES DIRECTOR
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Item F, which was removed for further discussion.
Item F – Leslie May spoke in support of overhiring one public safety and community resources director to help address violence in the community.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item F.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. WILDFLOWER STATION TOWNHOMES 2 MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROJECT (TM-02 AND AR-23-05) (Continued from October 28, 2025, Council Meeting)
Planning Manager Merideth presented the staff report dated November 4, 2025. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution approving a Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map and Design Review.
Leslie May questioned the legitimacy of this developer. She reported that she had been advised the citizens could pursue a class action lawsuit, and that they are prepared to proceed with this legal action to halt the development.
Melissa Case provided a historical overview of the Yellow Roof Foundation and requested an update on their previous project in Antioch. She expressed concern regarding private conversations that took place between the developer and city officials during a break in a Council meeting. She stated her intention to submit a public records request to obtain records of conversations that occurred prior to rezoning developments. She questioned the legitimacy of the development and acknowledged the legal complexities involved. Additionally, she offered to represent Antioch if the developer pursued litigation.
Andrew Becker pointed out that a Councilmember's lack of support for the project was inconsistent, considering their involvement in the rezoning process that facilitated it. He emphasized his community outreach efforts during the Housing Element Update and noted a disconnect between the proposal and community desires. He also stated that the project complied with SB 330 requirements and aligned with the directives provided to the developer by the City.
Councilmember Rocha discussed the limitations of the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) and emphasized that the Council must remain objective in their decision -making and adhere to SB 330 legislation. He stated that he would be voting to approve this project.
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Councilmember Torres -Walker commented that, instead of the mixed -use development intended for this property, the developer had proposed a different project. She acknowledged that the previous City Council did not fully understand the impacts of the Housing Element Update process and noted that some zoning issues could be addressed during the General Plan update. She also stated that she would be abstaining from the vote on this item.
Councilmember Freitas stated he was concerned that SB 330 had taken away local government control, and he felt the City was failing the community because of that. He believed there should not be residential development at this location, as the area was meant to be a regional economic hub. While he underst ood the law, he noted that he would vote no on the project because it would not support Antioch's economic growth.
Councilmember Wilson was concerned that the original mixed-use project had been changed to this new proposal. She acknowledged the limitations of SB 330 and felt they would have to accept the current project.
Mayor Bernal stated that the property was zoned residential and the City must comply with state laws, or they could face litigation. He stated he would not vote to put the City in that situation. expressed concern regarding the lack of local control and the imposition of housing developments in cities like Antioch to support urban areas. He emphasized that this issue should be addressed in future discussions.
Councilmember Rocha stated he was concerned that denying the project could lead to litigation and major financial costs for the City, and he believed it would be difficult for the City to defend its position.
Councilmember Torres-Walker stated that the risks of not approving the project were clear and she believed it was necessary to move forward.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/185
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Mayor Bernal the City Council adopted a resolution approving a Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map and Design Review. The motion carried the following vote:
Ayes: Rocha, Wilson, Bernal Abstain: Torres-Walker Noes: Freitas
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gavin Payton thanked everyone who attended the NAACP Champions for Youth Banquet. He discussed violence occurring in the country and encouraged the community to become involved in solutions.
Devin Williams questioned how the City and County would be responding to the loss of services that would be occurring in 2026 and encouraged the city to build coalitions to respond to these concerns. He spoke in support of Proposition 50 and a New York Mayoral Candidate.
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STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Scott acknowledged Townsend Public Affairs and Director Cabral for submitting three grant applications. She reported that Housing Consultant House was working on records management. She announced the following civic and community events: a Community Cleanup and Business Watch meeting on November 8, 2025, and the Contra Loma Estates Park Ribbon- Cutting on November 15, 2025. She also praised staff for publishing the Community Development dashboards online.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
In response to Councilmember Freitas, City Manager Scott announced the following December City Council meeting schedule: Special City Council meeting on Priority Setting on December 2, 2025, and a Regular City Council meeting on December 9, 2025.
Councilmember Freitas reported Council had received letters from the Antioch Police Oversight Commission ( APOC) requesting a joint meeting with the City Council and he requested that meeting be scheduled.
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested an update on filling the APOC vacancy. She looked forward to the reopening of Contra Loma Estates Park. She expressed concern about the quality of City meeting broadcasts on YouTube and suggested they be live-streamed and recorded for better public access on the city's website. She also emphasized the importance of supporting people facing homelessness, food insecurity, and limited access to affordable healthcare.
Councilmember Wilson requested an update on designating the Carnegie Library as a Historic Landmark. She mentioned that with Proposition 50 potentially passing, Antioch’s new Congressman Josh Harder had shown interest in hosting an event in the city.
Councilmember Rocha announced he would be meeting with Congressman Harder on November 10, 2025. He requested City Manager Scott to meet with the AUSD Superintendent to schedule a joint AUSD/City Council meeting. He also requested an update on traffic calming improvements.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 9:58 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk