CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS THE ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting January 27, 2026
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
6:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas called the Closed Session to order at 6:0 1 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 2 Rocha and Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas
Absent: Council Member District 4 Wilson and Mayor Bernal
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS – pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.6; City designated representatives: Jason Ewert, Ana Cortez, Human Resources Director, and Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager; Employee organizations: Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Assoc iation, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association, and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas adjourned to Closed Session at 6:03 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 2 Rocha and Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas
Absent: Council Member District 4 Wilson and Mayor Bernal
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 2 of 11
Assistant City Attorney Kundinger clarified that, in the absence of Mayor Bernal and Councilmember Wilson, a unanimous vote of three members was required for all agenda items that necessitated a decision this evening.
CITY ATTORNEY TO REPORT OUT ON CLOSED SESSION
Assistant City Attorney Kundinger reported the City Council had been in Closed Session and gave the following report: #1 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS, direction given to staff.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, Antioch resident, provided a summary of her employment history with the City of Antioch and outlined her continued efforts in environmental advocacy.
Ashly Mahan expressed concerns regarding public safety and urged the City Council to address these issues by investing in youth programs as a means of crime prevention.
Debbie Blaisure, Downtown Antioch Association, announced that their monthly meeting was scheduled for tomorrow night, and a customer appreciation event would take place downtown this weekend.
1. PROCLAMATIONS
• Human Trafficking Prevention Month, January 2026
• In Honor of Black History Month, February 2026
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Proclamations.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas announced the Human Trafficking Prevention Month proclamation would be given to the appropriate representative.
Dr. Payton, representing East County NAACP, thanked the City Council for the In Honor of Black History Month proclamation.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Director of Parks and Recreation Wright, Blane Zewdie, Antioch Council of Teens (ACT) and Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Cabral announced the following civic and community events:
➢ Food Trucks - February 5, 2026 – October 29, 2026, at the Antioch Community Center & Water Park
➢ Housing Think Tank – February 11, 2026, at the Antioch Community Center & Water Park
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 3 of 11
➢ Informational Immigration Event – February 4, 2026, at Antioch High School
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Mandy announced the following updated Board and Commission openings.
➢ Board of Administrative Appeals
➢ Parks and Recreation Commission
➢ Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee
➢ Antioch Police Oversight Commission
➢ General Plan Advisory Committee
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Torres -Walker reported on her attendance at the City/School Standing Committee meeting and invited community members to attend future meetings. She announced that the Community Development Block Grant Committee and the Cannabis Standing Committee had not met. Additional ly, she reported that she would be attending the Green Empowerment Zone meeting on February 13, 2026. Regarding public requests for the Council to address community violence, she noted that she had scheduled a meeting with staff to receive an update on the city’s traffic calming measures. Concerning issues related to gun violence, she stated that she ha d contacted the District Attorney’s Victim Support Services Department to ensure that assistance was provided to the affected family. She asked for understanding and patience, noting that the lack of public activity d id not indicate inaction by the Council . She encouraged community members to reach out directly to the Council for updates on their efforts to address these issues.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas announced that he had requested a Water Treatment video produced by staff be displayed during this time.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting recognized Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Woodland and staff for putting together the video presentation. Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Woodland introduced the Inside Antioch’s Water Treatment video.
The City Council thanked staff for the presentation and recognized their professionalism.
4. PRESENTATIONS
City Manager Scott and Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Cabral introduced the Presentations.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 4 of 11
Refujio Rodriguez Chief Strategist & Equity Officer and Saul Serrano Program Officer gave a PowerPoint p resentation on the City of Antioch Gun Violence Prevention Framework by the Hope and Heal Fund.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked the presenters for the information and commented that the City was currently addressing several of the recommendations made in the report. She noted she was very interested in the recommendations pertaining to the city’s health and safety index, weekly reviews of shooting data, banning the possession of ghost guns and informing the public on safe gun storage strategies.
Mr. Rodriguez announced that they had access to gun locks for distribution to health centers in Antioch. He stated data collection and analysis were the most important aspects in developing strategies to identify those most likely to be involved in gun violence.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas stated he was interested in identifying the recommendations that could be financially supported long term.
Captain Bittner stated the next steps would be to meet with the Hope and Heal Fund and staff to review their program. He reported that ghost guns were banned in California and possession was a felony.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas suggested future discussions involve the Community Development and Economic Development Department.
Councilmember Rocha recommended that an analysis be conducted to compare and distinguish the differences between the years 2024 and 2025.
Mr. Rodriguez explained the aftereffects of covid on firearm purchases and noted that half of the deaths related to firearms were suicides. He also discussed the lack of mental health care and services in Antioch.
Councilmember Rocha discussed the benefits of Antioch High School’s onsite mental health program. He stated he appreciated the data analysis identifying the location of events and the services that were being provided.
Mr. Serrano stated that providing data with clear analysis would assist current and future Councilmembers in making informed decisions for the betterment of Antioch.
Councilmember Torres-Walker recommended the next phase of this work include conversations with the County Health Department.
Caroline Glesman n, Senior Researcher , gave a PowerPoint Presentation on Community Feedback and Findings from Community Violence Forums by Evident Change.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 5 of 11
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Freitas , Ms. Glesmann explained that they had not received a recommendation from the community for the placement of School Resource Officers (SROs) on campuses; however, it may benefit to have additional discussions on the matter.
Councilmember Rocha thanked Ms. Glesmann for the comprehensive report and noted that many of the recommendations were goals established for the APD and the City/School Standing Committee. He stated they had discussions with school officials regarding the potential for additional APD outreach at school sites.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked Ms. Glesmann for the presentation, and she requested that Council be provided with the detailed notes from the recommendations. She stated she did not support SROs in schools ; however, she supported more mental health and counseling services as well as APD support for after school activities when the District lacked security.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas thanked Ms. Glesmann for the comprehensive report.
Sarai Espino za gave a PowerPoint p resentation on Outcomes & Deliverables on California Violence Intervention & Prevention (CalVIP) by One Day at a Time.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Freitas, Ms. Espinoza clarified that due to delays with the CalVIP program, they did not wish to proceed with recruiting additional staff until the status of the program’s continuation was determined. She reported that there are currently sixteen active participants, and as participants graduate, new individuals will be brought into the program. She emphasized that their goal was to remain actively engaged in the community across all aspects, ensuring that when participants were ready, they c ould be integrated into the process.
Additionally, she stated that resources continue d to be provided to community members even when they are not active fellows.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked Ms. Espinoza for the report.
Ms. Espinoza stated she wanted to continue conversations with staff to determine if they could meet their engagement target by the end of 2026.
Councilmember Torres -Walker explained that these grant funds were disbursed through the Board of Community Corrections to communities identified as facing challenges related to gun violence. She noted that the funding had the potential to be sustained and increased at the state level with the passage of AB28, which impose d a tax on firearms and ammunition sales and provided stable funding for up to 10 years. She further clarified that this was not federal funding and, therefore, should not have delayed any processes related to the continued rollout of the program.
In response to Councilmember Rocha, Ms. Espinoza confirmed that they worked with John Muir Hospital and victims of violent crimes.
John Mixon, Program Coordinator, discussed his efforts to prevent gun violence.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 6 of 11
Councilmember Torres -Walker requested One Day at a Time collaborate regionally with the Departments of Public Safety, Neighborhood Change Agents and outreach workers to address gun violence.
Yvette Williams, Back on Track Community Services, stated that communication was vital when SROs interacted with children. She suggested recruiting parents to volunteer to work at school sites. She stated the community center in the Sycamore neighborhood would help build positive interactions between the community and APD.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas declared a recess at 8:53 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 9:04 P.M. with all Councilmembers present with the exception of Mayor Bernal and Councilmember Wilson who were previously noted as absent.
1. PROCLAMATIONS - Continued
Dr. Payton accepted the In Honor of Black History Month proclamation.
Yvette Williams, Back on Track, accepted and thanked the City Council for the “Human Trafficking Prevention Month proclamation.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER ROCHA, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
TORRES-WALKER, THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY SUSPENDED THE RULES AND MOVED COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA ITEM # 7 TO BE HEARD PRIOR TO COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA ITEM #6.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members / Antioch Public Financi ng Authority
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 13, 2026
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2025
D. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2025
E. REJECTION OF CLAIMS: GUADALUPE REYNA MARTINEZ, CARLOS NOSCUE,
AND KENNETH MAJOR
F. ORDINANCE NO. 2246 -C-S SECOND READING – ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AMENDING SECTIONS 3 -4.02, 3-4.03, 3-4.10, 3-4.11, 3 -4.22, 3 -4.24, AND 3 -4.25 OF THE ANTIOCH MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING PURCHASING (Introduced on January 13, 2026)
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 7 of 11
G. ORDINANCE NO. 2247-C-S SECOND READING – ORDINANCE CONCERNING THE CITY’S PROCESS FOR PAYMENT OF DEMANDS AGAINST THE CITY
(“WARRANTS”) (Introduced on January 13, 2026)
H. CITY OF ANTIOCH ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025, AND RELATED REPORTS
I. ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY BASIC FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/0 08 INCREASE TO CONTRACT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD
TRAFFIC CALMING
K. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 009 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALTAFENCE CO. FOR FENCING PARTS AND
INSTALLATION SERVICES
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 010 PURCHASE ORDER INCREASE FOR CHAPLIN AND HILL
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 011 AUTHORIZE AMENDMENT TO THE CALVIP GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNITY INITIATIVES ONE DAY AT A TIME (ODAT) TO EXTEND PROGRAM OPERATIONS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026, AND NO -COST EVALUATION EXTENSION THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2026
N. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 012 AUTHORIZE AGREEMENT WITH BRIDGE BUILDERS
TO THE NEW GENERATION FOR SUMMER YOUTH CAMP SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $150,000
O. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/013 AUTHORIZE AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH
FELTON INSTITUTE FOR THE ANGELO QUINTO COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAM
TO REALLOCATE UNUSED ARPA FUNDS
P. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/014 APPROVING TECHNICAL AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE
CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AND TM CONSULTING, INC.
Q. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 015 APPROVING AWARDS FOR THE 2025 -2026 CIVIC
ENHANCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha , the City Council members present unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Items F, J and O, which were removed for further discussion.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 8 of 11
Item F – Assistant City Attorney Kundinger presented the staff report dated January 27, 2026, recommending the City Council continue this item to allow staff to bring back the City Council’s recommended revisions.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas stated that Interim City Attorney Cole’s recommendation was to proceed with the adoption of the ordinance, with the understanding that additional items addressing monthly, quarterly or semi-annual reports, updated technology policies ; and the inclusion of verbiage for section 3-4.12, would be brought back to the Council for consideration.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item F.
Item J – Melissa Case requested that staff provide an update on the construction timeline for the James Donlon Boulevard traffic calming measures. She encouraged the City to expedite the project and, if necessary, allocate funds to enhance traffic enforcement efforts in the area.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting provided an update on the timelines for the traffic calming projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas requested staff provide the detailed project timeline to Ms. Case.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item J.
Item O – Melissa Case requested historical data comparisons for the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team and suggested if funds were to be reallocated, Council consider utilizing them for economic development and public safety efforts.
Mr. Becker commented that these funds could have been leveraged in conjunction with a Homekey project to provide onsite services for individuals with low-income housing needs.
City Manager Scott explained that the funds were restricted and if they did not go to a project already approved under the America Rescue Plan Act guidelines and in existence prior to 2024, the money would have to be returned to the federal government. She reported the City of Antioch was in a Continuum of Care as well as a Consortium under the County , so they did not have local control. She announced Director Saxton and her team would be providing an update to Council and a city team would be participating in the Point in Time Count this year.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked City Manager Scott for the clarification and reminded the community of the Council’s past and current efforts to submit Homekey applications.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha , the City Council members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item O.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 9 of 11
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
7. RESOLUTION ADOPTING NEW CITY RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE AND
DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN CITY DEPARTMENT RECORDS
City Manager Scott presented the staff report dated January 27, 2026, recommending the City Council approve a resolution adopting the updated Records Retention Policy for Citywide and Antioch Police Department records.
Diane Gladwell, Master Municipal Clerk, discussed the importance of adopting the new Records Retention Policy.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas suggested that staff meet with the Antioch Historical Society to discuss the preservation of records of historical significance.
Ms. Gladwell explained that the minutes of meetings were designated as permanent historical records and w ould be preserved accordingly. She reported that they had met with every department to assess their business needs and their preferences for preserving historical records. She also mentioned that a hybrid model was proposed, which outlined the specific role of each department in determining the records to be retained.
City Manager Scott added that the Council had appropriated funding for a records management coordinator position which would be the steward of record retention. She noted future phases of these efforts would include a process for the storage of these records.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas stated that he preferred a centralized process and, if a decentralized approach were to be adopted, he recommended the city establish an annual or semi -annual training program. Additionally, he suggested implementing a sign -off of procedures at each department to maintain consistency and ensure that records were properly protected.
Ms. Gladwell explained that every department would have an office of record responsible for retaining the original record for the retention period. She noted they would provide training and the records coordinator would assist the departments in preserving and/or destruction of records that were not valuable to the public.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/016
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council members present unanimously approved a resolution adopting the updated Records Retention Policy for Citywide and Antioch Police Department records.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 10 of 11
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
8. CITY COUNCIL REQUESTED DISCUSSION ITEM – WARMING CENTER OPTIONS
FOR COLD WEATHER ACTIVATION IN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH
City Manager Scott presented the staff report dated January 27, 2026, recommending the City Council discuss and provide direction to City staff . She explained that DJ Hospitality withdrew their offer, and since then, staff had been in discussions with another hotel in Antioch to develop an emergency lodging model. They had also continued to explore other options and provided updates as these discussions progressed. She noted that any potential costs involved remained within her signing authority. She recomm ended that the Council consider whether they wanted staff to continue moving forward in trying to identify a lodging model that worked for Antioch.
Melissa Case encouraged the City to continue exploring available options. Additionally, she provided a historical overview of recent local temperatures and discussed the health risks associated with exposure to adverse weather conditions. She recommended the City adopt a science-based humane approach to addressing these issues and expressed concern that her efforts to engage County officials on this matter had been unsuccessful.
Alexander Broom discussed the health risks associated with exposure to adverse weather conditions and highlighted the impact on city resources resulting from outside fires related to unhoused individuals attempting to stay warm. He proposed utilizing the city’s community centers and coordinating efforts with nonprofit organizations to effectively address this issue.
Dean Web ber provided an overview of his community outreach efforts for the unhoused population and indicated that he require d assistance in procuring supplies. He expressed interest in working with nonprofits to increase his efforts to assist the unhoused.
Council consensus supported staff moving forward as expeditiously as possible to explore and identify viable warming center options.
City Manager Scott explained that Executive Consultant Addington and Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Cabral were working on this matter diligently and as quickly as possible.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas thanked the volunteers who provided services and provisions to the unhoused.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew Becker reported that his attempts to contact Planning Department staff had been unsuccessful. He stated he had concerns related to properties that were operating non - conforming uses.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2026 Page 11 of 11
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas requested staff investigate Mr. Becker’s concerns and correct any violations.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas requested staff respond to Ralph Hern andez’s assertion that the civic enhancement grant for the crosswalk murals was illegal.
City Manager Scott responded that she would follow up on Mr. Hernandez’s concerns.
Mr. Webber stated he believed costs associated with the crosswalk murals were excessive.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Torres-Walker requested that staff agenda discussions regarding a vacancy tax, landscaping and lighting assessments, and the ballot designation of an elected City Clerk to an appointed City Clerk paid position under the authority of the City Manager’s office.
Mayor Pro Tem Freitas requested historical data be provided when the discussions on the lighting and landscaping assessments and the City Clerk position were agendized.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:07 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk
[COUNCILMEMBER TORRES -WALKER MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE REGULAR AGENDA ITEM #6 TO THE FEBRUARY 10, 2026, COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HEARD, COUNCILMEMBER ROCHA SECONDED THE MOTION; APPROVED 3/0]
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
6. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE
AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH LORI ASUNCION FOR CITY ATTORNEY
SERVICES
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an employment agreement with Lori Asuncion for City Attorney Services.