CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Regular Meeting February 24, 2026
7:00 P.M. Council Chambers
5:30 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 5:32 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 2 Rocha, Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Member District 4 Wilson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2):
One potential case.
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: 602 West Second Street, Antioch, CA, Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators: Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager and Derek Cole, Interim City Attorney; Negotiator: Tung Bui, Agent fo r BUI Theatres, LLC; Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 5:33 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 Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 2 Rocha, Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas and Mayor Bernal
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 2 of 10
Absent: Council Member District 4 Wilson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Scout Troop #153 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Scout Master Gamez introduced Troop #153.
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, #2 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION , direction given to staff ; and, #3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS , direction given to staff.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Debbie Blaisure, Downtown Antioch Association, gave an update on their community outreach and beautification projects . Contact information was provided. She announced Timeless Elegance Ribbon-Cutting event would be held at 11:00 A.M. on February 27, 2026.
Maria Terrones, Antioch resident, expressed concern that criminal activity was negatively affecting public safety and economic development in Antioch.
Theresa, Antioch resident, expressed concern that people were habitually dumping trash at 6 th and “A” Streets and she questioned if the City would be addressing this issue.
Mike Schatz, Public Works Employee, discussed his employment with the City of Antioch.
Jim Becker, Antioch Chamber of Commerce, thanked the City for responding to previous concerns raised regarding street vendors. He discussed Antioch businesses that were closing and urged Council to work with the Chamber to help relocate US Bank in Antioch.
Ben M iyaji and Jenny Balisle , Arts Contra Costa County, introduced their organization and discussed the value of arts programs.
Edgar Martinez discussed the importance of pedestrian safety and traffic enforcement in Antioch and suggested red light cameras/speeding cameras be utilized to address these concerns.
Devin Williams, Antioch resident, spoke in support of Arts Contra Costa County and the value of their program in the community. He urged Council to support Art programming.
Andrew Becker expressed concern that there w ere no comprehensive plan s between zoning, land use and those who own and develop properties.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 3 of 10
1. PROCLAMATIONS
• American Red Cross Month, March 2026
• Recognizing Foundation M.E.G.A. (Mind Elevated, Game Accelerated)
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously approved the Proclamations.
Mike Lance, Disaster Co-Chair and American Red Cross Community Partnership Coordinator, accepted and thanked the City Council for the American Red Cross Month proclamation. Contact information was provided.
Timarla Johnson, Head Coach M.E.G.A. Football and Cheer and Velma Wilson accepted and thanked the City Council for the Recognizing Foundation M.E.G.A. (Mind Elevated, Game Accelerated) proclamation. Contact information was provided.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Velma Wilson invited the community to attend the following events: Antioch Unified School District’s Black History Celebration at 6:00 P.M. on February 26, 2026, at Antioch High School Beede Auditorium and the Antioch Schools Education Foundation Teacher of the Year at 5:00 P.M. on April 23, 2026, at the Antioch Community Center. Contact information was provided.
Andrew Becker announced Julian Bridges would be representing Antioch boxing at 7:00 P.M. on March 7, 2026, at Thunder Valley Casino.
Devin Williams announced Lift up C ontra Costa and Safe Return Project was hosting the She Ready event from 10:00 A.M – 2:00 P.M. on March 14, 2026, at the Teamsters Local 315 building in Martinez.
Councilmember Torres -Walker added that City Manager Scott would be participating on the panel at the She Ready event.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Mandy announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Board of Administrative Appeals
➢ Parks and Recreation Commission
➢ Antioch Police Oversight Commission
➢ General Plan Advisory Committee
➢ Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER TORRES-WALKER, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ROCHA, THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 4 of 10
SUSPENDED THE RULES AND MOVED COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA ITEM S #7 AND 8 TO FOLLOW PRESENTATIONS.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Rocha reported on his attendance at the City/School Standing Committee and Tri Delta Transit meetings.
Councilmember Torres -Walker delivered a PowerPoint presentation summarizing her participation in the City/School Standing Committee, Cannabis Standing Committee, and Green Empowerment Zone meetings. Additionally, she reported on meetings held with department heads from Finance, City Attorney’s Office, Public Works, Public Safety and Community Resources, Community and Economic Development, and the City Clerk’s Department. She announced her next meeting would be with the City Manager’s office. She thanked all staff that participated. She explained that there were 51 new hires and 46 separations between 2025 and now, so all departments were assessing what was needed to meet the needs of all residents.
City Manager Scott thanked Councilmember Torres-Walker for meeting with the Directors and noted several Councilmembers would be meeting with the department heads soon. She reported staff was very resilient given the workload. She announced the City had received several awards and she recognized the dedication and professionalism of City staff.
Councilmember Freitas reported on his attendance at a Neighborhood Watch meeting and he thanked everyone who attended.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal reported he had participated in East Bay Leadership Council’s tour of the Brackish Water Desalination Plant, and he commended staff for successfully completing the project. He thanked the public speakers this evening for their comments and noted that many items discussed were agenda items this evening.
Andrew Becker inquired if the Green Empowerment Zone was engaging Antioch regarding the Solano Shipyard Project and Suisun expansion and due to its close proximity to the Antioch Waterfront.
Councilmember Freitas expressed concern regarding the effects of the project on water quality and requested staff inform Council on the potential impacts of the project on the City of Antioch.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER TORRES-WALKER, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FREITAS, THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY
RECINDED THE PREVIOUS MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND SUSPENDED THE RULES AND MOVED COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA ITEM S #7 AND 8 AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 5 of 10
7. ANTIOCH POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION APPOINTMENT FOR ONE FULL - TERM VACANCY EXPIRING NOVEMBER 2028
Mayor Bernal nominated Addison Peterson for one full-term vacancy expiring November 2028.
Mr. Peterson expressed interest in serving on the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) and thanked the City Council for considering his nomination.
Devin Williams, APOC Vice Chair, supported the appointment of Mr. Peterson.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/033
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving the Mayor’s appointment of Addison Peterson to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission for the one full-term vacancy, expiring November 2028.
8. PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT FOR ONE FULL -TERM VACANCY, 4 - YEAR TERM, EXPIRING OCTOBER 2029
Mayor Bernal nominated Don Aguillard for one full-term vacancy expiring October 2029.
Don Aguillard expressed interest in serving on the Planning Commission and thanked the City Council for considering his nomination.
Pastor Ed Haris spoke in support of appointing Mr. Aguillard to the Planning Commission.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/034
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving the Mayor’s appointment of Don Aguillard to the Planning Commission for the full-term vacancy expiring October 2029.
City Clerk Mandy administered the oath of Office to Mr. Addison and Mr. Aguillard.
Mayor Bernal declared a recess at 8:55 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 9:07 P.M. with all Councilmembers present with the exception of Councilmember Wilson who was previously noted as absent.
3. PRESENTATIONS
City Treasurer Rojas introduced Justin Resuello who presented the PFM Asset Management – Investment Performance Review PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Resuello responded to inquiries from Council regarding the presentation.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 6 of 10
Councilmember Freitas expressed concern that there were no investments beyond three years and requested additional information on investments with durations of four and five years.
Mr. Resuello responded that he would follow up with the information requested.
Frank Sterling, Reimagine Antioch, expressed concern that the City had not taken a position on an Ethical Investments Policy and he requested an opportunity to meet with Council to discuss its merits.
Councilmember Freitas responded that staff indicated that the City had not invested in any of the companies of concern; however, if there were differing opinions, he would be happy to meet to discuss them.
City Manager Scott introduced Chief Vigil who presented the 2026 First Quarter – Antioch Police Chief’s PowerPoint Presentation.
Chief Vigil responded to inquiries from the Council regarding the presentation.
Councilmember Torres -Walker requested a data sharing policy be included in the red -light camera information.
Chief Vigil confirmed that the City did not share data with any federal agencies and th at functionality had never been turned on for the City’s cameras.
City Manager Scott stated she would provide Council with an update on the substation at the Antioch Community Center.
An Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) video was presented.
Andrew Becker questioned if traffic incidents could be mitigated through adjusting light cycles at intersections during peak hours. He suggested APD develop the vacant industrial space adjacent to the Police Department as a regional training facility.
Frank Sterling discussed his past negative interactions with APD and stated he was inspired by the positive changes taking place and proud to be a part of that change.
Robert Collins thanked Chief Vigil for the positive changes in Antioch.
Policing Consultant Sappal gave the 2026 First Quarter – United States Department of Justice Settlement Agreement Update PowerPoint Presentation.
Devin Williams thanked Mr. Sappal for the presentation and updates. He reported APD in partnership with the USDOJ alongside the APOC had collaborated for reform in Antioch.
Robert Collins thanked the City for progressing forward toward a more inclusive community.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 7 of 10
Frank Sterling thanked the City for moving in a p ositive direction toward compliance. He suggested Council reach out to Brentwood to assist them with addressing an incident in their community.
Policing Consultant Sappal responded to inquiries from the Council regarding the presentation.
The City Council thanked Mr. Sappal for the update, and everyone involved in the culture of change taking place in the APD.
Councilmember Freitas reiterated a previous request for a joint meeting of the APOC and City Council.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA - Continued
10. CITY COUNCIL 6 -MONTH PRIORITIES ITEM – CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
UPDATES
Councilmember Freitas requested a special meeting be scheduled for this item.
City Manager Scott responded that in consultation with Council, she would schedule a special meeting for the Economic Development Plan and Code Enforcement Division Updates.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously held over Council Regular Agenda Item #10 to a Special Meeting.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously extended the meeting to 11:30 P.M.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 27, 2026
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2026
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
D. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2025
E. RESOLUTION NO. 2026 /027 AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES TO LANCE, SOLL & LUNGHARD (“LSL”), LLP CERTIFIED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
F. RESOLUTION NO. 2026 /028 OF SUPPORT FOR A TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 GRANT FOR SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 8 of 10
IMPROVEMENTS AT BLACK DIAMOND MIDDLE SCHOOL AND CARMEN DRAGON ELEMENTARY (P.W. 124-3)
G. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 029 ANNEXING CERTAIN PARCELS INTO CFD NO. 2018 - 02 CREEKSIDE (POLICE PROTECTION)
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 030 ANNEXING CERTAIN PARCELS INTO CFD NO. 2022 - 01 CREEKSIDE (PUBLIC SERVICES)
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/031 SEVENTH AMENDMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000
TO THE CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH THE GUALCO GROUP, INC.
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 032 AWARD OF MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT TO SUB ONE DIVING INC. FOR THE WATER TANK AND FISH SCREEN MAINTENANCE AND ASSESSMENT (P.W. 733)
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Items C, E, G and H, which were removed for further discussion.
Item C – Councilmember Freitas and Mayor Bernal stated they would provide staff with their questions regarding the warrants.
No action was taken.
Item E – Councilmember Freitas requested the terms of the contract be amended to reduce the 3-year extension to 2 years.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item E for a term of 3-years with a 2-year option.
Item G AND ITEM H – Councilmember Freitas requested staff provide Council with the details of the staff report’s attachment “C” exhibit “B” Rate and Method of Apportionment.
Planning Consultant Storer responded that he would send the information to the City Council.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker, the City Council members present unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item s G and H, including details of the staff report’s attachment “C” exhibit “B” Rate and Method of Apportionment.
PUBLIC HEARING
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 9 of 10
5. APPEAL OF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL REQUIRING THE LAKEVIEW CENTER CIH PROJECT TO ANNEX INTO CFD 2018 -01 (PUBLIC SERVICES) AND CFD 2018- 02 (POLICE SERVICES)
City Manager Scott announced that the applicant had requested this item be continued to the March 10, 2026, City Council meeting.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council members present unanimously continued the Public Hearing to the March 10, 2026, City Council meeting.
6. APPEAL OF CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL REQUIRING THE BUCHANAN CROSSINGS CIH PROJECT TO ANNEX INTO CFD 2018 -01 (PUBLIC SERVICES) AND CFD 2018-02 (POLICE SERVICES)
City Manager Scott announced that the applicant had requested this item be continued to the March 10, 2026, City Council meeting.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council members present unanimously continued the Public Hearing to the March 10, 2026, City Council meeting.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA – Continued
9. CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mayor Bernal nominate d Councilmember Freitas and himself to serve on the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC).
A motion was made by Councilmember Rocha and seconded by Councilmember Torres-Walker to appoint Mayor Bernal and Councilmember Freitas to the General Plan Advisory Committee.
A vote was not taken on the motion.
Andrew Becker suggested extending the application deadline for community members.
Following discussion Council agreed to extend the application deadline to broaden the pool of candidates for consideration.
Councilmember Freitas reiterated his previous request to directly contact groups and organizations within the community to seek applicants for the GPAC.
Interim City Attorney Cole confirmed that the application deadline could be extended once more.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Freitas the City Council members present extended the GPAC application deadline to March 20, 2026.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
February 24, 2026 Page 10 of 10
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Rocha requested staff provide Council with an update on the status of the Homekey application.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously adjourned the meeting at 11:22 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk
[COUNCILMEMBER FREITAS HAD MADE A MOTION TO HOLD OVER REGULAR AGENDA ITEM # 10 TO A SPECIAL MEETING TO BE HEARD, COUNCILMEMBER ROCHA SECONDED THE MOTION; APPROVED 4/0]
10. CITY COUNCIL 6 -MONTH PRIORITIES ITEM – CODE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
UPDATES
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council receive an update on the Code Enforcement Division's progress and
operations, provide policy direction as appropriate, and offer feedback to City staff on priorities, service delivery, and resource needs.