CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Special Meeting November 20, 2025
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
3:00 P.M. – SPECIAL MEETING/CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 3:00 P.M., and Acting City Clerk Cabrera - Brown called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres-Walker, District 3 Freitas, and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Members District 4 Wilson and Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dr. Jag Lathan A ntioch resident, A ntioch Unified School District Board Member, Jorge Rojas, City Treasurer, Anthony A. Gonzales -Boudon, Opportunity Village, Sequoia Taylor, Code Enforcement Officer , Nichole Gardner , Devon Williams and Christina Garcia, Assistant City Clerk, speaking on Closed Session Item #3 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: CITY MANAGER, shared their positive experiences collaborating with City Manager Scott and highlighted the significant positive impact she has had on both the community and City employees. A few speakers expressed the opinion that her evaluations had been overly critical.
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – Recruitment of City Attorney. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b).
2. 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).
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: CITY MANAGER. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b)(1).
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property : 809 West 1st Street, Antioch, CA 94509 (APN: 066-091-015), Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager and Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Lynn House Gallery Negotiator: Jose Cordon; Under Negotiation: Rent and terms of payment.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special Meeting
November 20, 2025 Page 2 of 9
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 3:19 P.M.
7:00 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council/Agency Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 3 Freitas and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council/Agency Member Wilson and Mayor Pro Tem (District 2) Rocha
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 PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, no reportable action, #2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION, no reportable action, #3 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: CITY MANAGER , no reportable action; and, #4 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Clerk Mandy read the speaker rules.
Cindy Harrington, Antioch resident, requested that the City establish a specific due date for water bills to ensure the public is informed and able to make timely payments.
Janette Kennedy, Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, requested the City Council agend ize a discussion regarding the waiver of city permit fees for the ir central kitchen to facilitate their outreach efforts.
Kellie Case, Contra Costa County Children & Family Services, offered to collaborate with the City and the Antioch Police Department (APD) to explore potential opportunities related to the Families First Prevention Services Act.
Jose Cordon reported the Youth Arts Connection Workshops had been highly successful and encouraged youth to participate in upcoming events. He announced that a youth poetry event would be held on December 6, 2025. He mentioned that they were seeking donations for their community garden and that a blessing ceremony would be hosted. He also expressed his gratitude to Council for considering their proposal for the Lynn House property.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special Meeting
November 20, 2025 Page 3 of 9
1. PROCLAMATIONS
• In Honor of Bob Franchetto, Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year 2025-2026 • In Honor of Ricky Diaz, Antioch Veteran of the Year 2025-2026
Bob Franchetto accepted and thanked the City Council for the In Honor of Bob Franchetto, Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year 2025-2026 proclamation.
Ricky Diaz accepted and thanked the City Council for the In Honor of Ricky Diaz, Antioch Veteran of the Year 2025-2026 proclamation.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council members present unanimously approved the Proclamations.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Director of Parks and Recreation Wright announced the following civic and community event:
➢ Holiday Delites Celebration – December 6, 2025, Waldie Plaza
Debbie Blaisure, President of the D owntown Antioch Association, expressed her gratitude to those who participated in the Neighborhood Cleanup Day. She announced in celebration of Small Business Saturday, the downtown area would be hosting a Bingo Card event on November 29, 2025.
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Mandy announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Board of Administrative Appeals
➢ Parks and Recreation Commission
➢ Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee
➢ Contra Costa County Library Commission
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at the Inspector General Training Conference, Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board Meeting and CCTA Workshop.
Councilmember Torres -Walker reported on her attendance at the City/School Standing Committee meeting and announced their next meeting would be held on December 15, 2025.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special Meeting
November 20, 2025 Page 4 of 9
Mayor Bernal commended staff on their involvement in the Contra Loma Estate Park Ribbon Cutting event. He reported on his attendance at a ribbon cutting of the Lighthouse Ministries Commercial Kitchen and recognized their outreach efforts.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Successor Agency/Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
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 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING/CLOSED SESSION MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 4, 2025
E. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 4, 2025
F. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
G. APPROVAL OF SUCCESSOR AGENCY WARRANTS
H. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
I. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR AUGUST 2025
J. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 2025
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/186 COMMUNICATIONS SITE GROUND LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH EAST BAY REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
AUTHORITY AT 75 WALTON LANE (P.W. 590-R1)
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/18 7 APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH M. FERNANDES TOW FOR TOWING SERVICES FOR CITY
VEHICLES AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES WHEN REQUIRED IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $345,000 FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/18 8 CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FOR THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT AND ANIMAL SERVICES INTERIOR WALL PAINTING AND LIMITED EXTERIOR PAINTING, BID NO. 968-1023-25A
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special Meeting
November 20, 2025 Page 5 of 9
N. RESOLUTION NO. 2025/18 9 CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ANIMAL SERVICES FLOORING REPLACEMENT, BID NO. 968- 1023-25B
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Freitas, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 4-5.1204 AND SECTION 4-5.1222 OF TITLE 4 OF
THE ANTIOCH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO PARKING ON CITY PROPERTY
AND MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS
Interim City Attorney Cole and Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated November 20, 2025, recommending the City Council waive the first reading and introduce the ordinance amending sections 4 -5.1204 and 4 -5.1222 of the Antioch Municipal Code relating to parking on City property and municipal parking lots. He noted for the record that if there is a motion this evening to introduce this Ordinance, there was a correction to 4 -5.1204 and 4-5.1222 where “non-business hour” should read “business hour”.
City Clerk Mandy read the speaker rules for the Public Hearing.
Mayor Bernal opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public requesting to speak.
Councilmember Torres-Walker proposed the implementation of parking permits and fees that were renewable and set at an amount higher than minimal charges.
Councilmember Freitas stated after posting the signage, he wanted staff to bring back a report evaluating the success of the program.
Following discussion, Council consensus directed staff to bring back the Ordinance, including specified fees, waiver provisions, and a defined permit process.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
6. RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING EXPENDITURES FOR ENCUMBRANCES AND PROJECT BUDGETS OUTSTANDING TO THE 2025/26 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET AND APPROVING OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025/26 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
Finance Director Merchant presented the staff report dated November 20. 2025 recommending the City Council adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Antioch appropriating expenditures for encumbrances and project budgets outstanding to the 2025/26 fiscal year budget and approving other amendments to the 2025/26 fiscal year budget.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special Meeting
November 20, 2025 Page 6 of 9
Councilmember Freitas discussed that salary savings could function as a hidden budget reserve and recommended that next year's budget incorporate a policy regarding funded vacant positions. He also requested s taff provide a comprehensive analysis on strategies to mitigate the forthcoming decline in sales tax revenue. Additionally, it was requested that a formal letter of appreciation be sent to the family of the individual responsible for the donation to Antioch Animal Services. He requested that future budget study sessions include reports on the following items:
➢ Travel expenses for City Council, Boards, Commissions, and staff ➢ Overtime costs by department
➢ Review of all consulting services agreements
➢ Approval process for warrants
➢ Spending authority delegated to the City Manager
➢ Process for community engagement grants
➢ Fiscal analysis of grants awarded by the Antioch Community Foundation ➢ Reconsideration of centralizing purchasing
➢ Grant writing capabilities
➢ Evaluation of revenue generation proposals from the Parks and Recreation Department
Following discussion, the Council consensus was to postpone the consideration of the $1.7 million salary savings and one-time revenue allocations until January.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/190
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Freitas. the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution of the City Council of the City of Antioch appropriating expenditures for encumbrances and project budgets outstanding to the 2025/26 fiscal year budget and approving other amendments to the 2025/26 fiscal year budget.
7. PURCHASE OF TWENTY -THREE 2026 REPLACEMENT VEHICLES AND SIX NEW - TO-FLEET 2026 VEHICLES UTILIZING COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,466,000
City Manager Scott introduced Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting who presented the staff report dated November 20, 2025 recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving the purchase of twenty -three (23) replacement vehicles, and six (6) new -to-fleet vehicles in an amount not to exceed $2,466,000, utilizing Cooperative Purchase Agreements and existing contracts for upfitting, and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the purchase orders.
Councilmember Freitas requested that staff provide the ending balance when funds were paid out from the Vehicle Replacement Internal Service Fund . Additionally, he expressed concerns that the information included in the Development Impact Fee Study was outdated.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special Meeting
November 20, 2025 Page 7 of 9
Executive Consultant Storer gave a history of the development impact fees and announced staff would be coming back to Council on December 9, 2025, with the AB1600 Development Impact Fees (DIFs) report, for the prior fiscal year. He noted the City had also contracted for an update of the Nexus study.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025/191
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving the purchase of twenty- three (23) replacement vehicles, and six (6) new -to-fleet vehicles in an amount not to exceed $2,466,000, utilizing Cooperative Purchase Agreements and existing contracts for upfitting, and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute the purchase orders.
8. MAYOR REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM – 2025 CITYWIDE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE GRANT AWARDS
City Manager Scott presented the staff report dated November 20, 2025. The Mayor instructed the City Manager to bring for discussion the 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Citywide Economic Development and associated Grants which were awarded on Sep tember 12, 2025, outside of the 90-Day City Council Request List.
Debbie Blaisure, President of the Downtown Antioch Association, stated they felt fortunate to be able to receive this award and noted it was essential for the work developed to meet the requirements of the RFP. She thanked City Manager Scott for opportunity and hoped Council would consider approving their award.
Joy Motts, Celebrate Antioch Foundation, reported on the events and activities their organization had participated in to support economic development in Antioch. She also shared her perspectives on the grant award process and her view that there may have been an intention to influence the process. She expressed concern that two applicants were allowed to revise their proposals after the deadline, which she believed affected the opportunity for all applicants to be evaluated equally. Additionally, she noted that the RFP may not have aligned with the City Manager’s signing authority and emphasized that grants to community organizations were within the purview of the City Council. She concluded by expressing her concerns regarding the level of support from the City Manager to their organization.
Tamika Di xon and Frank McDowell representing Prison from the Inside Out expressed their appreciation to Council and City Manager Scott for cultivating a process that was inclusive and intentional. They advocated for the RFP process to continue as awarded and noted they were prepared to begin work immediately.
Nichole Gardner discussed the financial challenges faced by non -profit organizations and the competitive landscape for securing grant funding.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special Meeting
November 20, 2025 Page 8 of 9
Devin Williams stated he believed this agenda item was selected scrutiny aimed at the City Manager.
Porsha Taylor offered to work with other organizations to achieve the goals of the RFP.
Yvette Williams , Back on Track Community, commented that there had been non -biased professionalism with decision making and encouraged the City Council to trust the committee’s process.
Bob Mankin, Delta Business Group, stated he appreciated the committee granting them a portion of the RFP and noted they were proud of the plans they had for the City.
Dr. Kimberly Payton, Contra Costa County NAACP , stated she believed the City Manager had been unfairly targeted and suggested working together for the benefit of the community.
Earlene Lanter representing Celebrate Antioch Foundation, supported Ms. Motts noting that she was speaking on behalf of their organization.
Councilmember Torres-Walker discussed her involvement in this matter as a member of the Economic Development Review Panel. She reported that they had chosen two applicants and even though Celebrate Antioch was not going to be funded , she made a proposal through the City Manager that they consider a small grant to support the ir efforts on the Farmer’s Market.
She commented that she had consulted with Interim City Attorney Cole and confirmed that the process had been legal and within the City Manager’s authority, and she was made aware that the Mayor was considering a resolution to limit the City Manager’s powers. She expressed concern over the entitlement displayed by Celebrate Antioch, noti ng the City’s longstanding partnership and resource investment in the organization. She announced she had submitted a letter to Human Resources and Interim City Attorney Cole, requesting an investigation into City Manager Scott’s treatment. She urged that the grant process proceed as originally planned, expressing appreciation for Celebrate Antioch’s contributions. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of establishing a future process that preserves the authority of the City Manager and maintains procedural integrity. She stated she would not be coerced into voting this evening and intended to excuse herself from the meeting.
Councilmember Torres-Walker left the meeting at 9:43 P.M. resulting in no quorum. No further action was taken.
Interim City Attorney Cole confirmed that Council could not take action on this agenda item or consider any additional items due to the lack of a quorum. He advised that the opportunity for public comment should be allowed for Regular Agenda Item #9 and General Public Comment.
9. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM – COUNCIL REVIEW OF COUNCIL 90-DAY REQUEST LIST ITEMS
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
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Special Meeting
November 20, 2025 Page 9 of 9
Mayor Bernal called for public comments. City Clerk Mandy announced that there were no speakers for Regular Agenda Item #9.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Walter Batholomew III advocated for more services for the unhoused.
Sequioa Taylor, Code Enforcement Officer, thanked City Manager Scott for serving the residents of Antioch.
Alicia Lacey Oha, Antioch resident, spoke in support of City Manager Scott and questioned why she had been subjected to so many employee evaluations.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – No quorum
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – No quorum
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bernal adjourned the meeting at 9:52 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk