CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Special/Regular Meeting March 24, 2026
5:30 P.M. Council Chambers
4:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 4:00 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres-Walker, District 2 Rocha, District 4 Wilson, and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 LEGAL COUNSEL – SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff and that pertain to potential claims by the potential plaintiff against the City. This Closed Session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(2): Two Cases.
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to California Government Code section 54956.8; Property: 4800 Golf Course Rd West 1st Street, Antioch, CA 94509 (APN: 072-011-064), Negotiating Parties: City of Antioch Negotiators:
Bessie Marie Scott, City Manager and Lori M. Asuncion, City Attor ney; Golf Course Negotiator: Ron Parish; Under Negotiation: Rent and terms of payment.
City Attorney Asuncion reviewed the items listed on the Closed Session agenda and clarified that Agenda Item #3 pertains exclusively to the Golf Course and does not relate to West 1st Street. She also noted that the inclusion of West 1st Street was a clerical error.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 2 of 11
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 4:02 P.M.
5:30 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING/STUDY SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 1 Torres -Walker, District 2 Rocha, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas and Mayor Bernal
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
STUDY SESSION
SM-1. FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Acting City Manager/Finance Director Merchant presented the staff report dated March 24, 2026, recommending the City Council provide feedback and direction regarding the budget development information provided for the fiscal year 2026-27 budget.
Acting City Manager/Finance Director Merchant, Administrative Analyst Brown, Deputy Director of Public Works Zepeda , Public Works staff and Policing Consultant Addington responded to inquiries from the Council regarding the Budget development information.
Following discussion Council requested staff provide the following:
➢ List of ARPA obligations and interest earnings
➢ Analysis of Assessment District Funds, including the percentage of covered and uncovered assessment districts
➢ List of current vacancies, including those in the process of being filled and the associated dollar amounts
➢ List of consultant services agreements, including operational impacts after contract termination
➢ Total amount of the Vehicle Replacement Fund
➢ Update on the hiring of a grant writer
➢ List of departmental programs and their associated costs ➢ List of General Fund contributions to capital projects
Council reviewed the FY27 Proposed Budget Adjustments and concluded that it would be preferable to review the complete budget before deliberating on any mitigation measures.
Additionally, the Council requested that staff develop recommendations for additional mitigation measures aimed at reducing the budget deficit by $5 million.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 3 of 11
Councilmember Torres-Walker suggested that the Council discuss pay equity for dispatchers and acknowledged the departments that successfully secured grant funding to support the City.
MOTION TO ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING/BUDGET STUDY SESSION
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously adjourned the Study Session at 6:41 P.M.
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 2 Rocha, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas and Mayor Bernal
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITY ATTORNEY TO REPORT OUT ON CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Asuncion 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 LEGAL COUNSEL – SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION , no reportable action ; and, #3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS, no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sharon S obel Idul and Chelsea Nissinen , El Campanil Theatre, expressed gratitude to their donors, supporters, and community members who contributed to their fundraising efforts. They announced the schedule of their spring events. Contact information was provided.
Leslie May requested that the tax revenue generated from the sale of the mall property be allocated to youth programming initiatives.
Kathryn Wade discussed her son's negative experiences with the Antioch Police Department (APD) and her complaints against the department.
Melissa Case requested that the City prioritize establishing a cooling center for the unhoused population. She acknowledged the City Council for extending the deadline for the GPAC applications, which led to an increased applicant pool, and suggested implementing a sim ilar process for the City’s other Boards and Commissions. She also expressed appreciation to Mayor Bernal for following up with the public regarding their concerns. Additionally, she thanked the Council for recognizing Julian Bridges with a proclamation during the evening session.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 4 of 11
1. PROCLAMATIONS
• April 2026 Fair Housing Month
• April 2026 Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
• Recognizing Julian Bridges (9-0-0), Pro Boxer Out of Antioch, California • Recognizing Chief Brochard’s Retirement from Contra Costa Fire Protection District
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously approved the Proclamations.
Adam Poe, Managing Attorney Bay Area Legal Aid | Contra Costa County Office , thanked the City Council and accepted the April 2026 Fair Housing Month proclamation.
Councilmember Torres -Walker thanked Mr. Poe for his continued work on fair housing and housing rights in Contra Costa County.
A representative of the Antioch and Brentwood Region Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) thanked the City Council and accepted the Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month proclamation.
Julian Bridges thanked the City Council and accepted the Recognizing Julian Bridges (9 -0-0), Pro Boxer Out of Antioch, California proclamation.
A representative from Assemblymember Ávila Farías presented Mr. Bridges with a certificate of recognition.
Councilmember Torres -Walker recognized Mr. Bridges and encouraged him to continue his endeavors. She also recognized Pastor Rubin for continuing to make these critical connections and Assemblymember Avila Farias for acknowledging Mr. Bridges accomplishments.
Mr. Bridges recognized Mayor Bernal and Councilmember Torres-Walker for attending his fight and announced his next event would be June 27, 2026, at the Stockton Civic Center.
Councilmember Rocha congratulated Mr. Bridges.
Mayor Bernal stated he was proud of Mr. Bridges and enjoyed attending his event.
Chief Lewis Broschard thanked the City Council and accepted the Recognizing Chief Brochard’s Retirement from Contra Costa Fire Protection District proclamation.
Councilmember Torres-Walker thanked Chief Brochard for his comments and wished him well in his retirement. She discussed the importance of Autism Awareness.
Mayor Bernal thanked Chief Brochard for his service.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 5 of 11
Mayor Bernal declared a recess at 7:50 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 7:56 P.M. with all Council members present.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER WILSON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
FREITAS, THE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUSPENDED THE RULES AND MOVED COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA ITEM #6 TO BE HEARD AFTER AGENDA ITEM #3.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Director of Parks and Recreation Wright announced the following civic and community events.
➢ Eggstravaganza on March 28, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Contra Loma Estates Park and Gentrytown Park and from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Meadow Creek Park and Diablo West Park.
➢ Keep Antioch Beautiful , April 18, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Nick Rodriguez Community Center Antioch Skate Park
➢ Arbor Day
Velma Wilson announced the following civic and community events.
➢ East Bay Family Nights at Golden State Warriors
➢ Antioch Rivertown Jamboree Crab Feed at 4:00 P.M. on April 25, 2026, at the VFW ➢ East County NAACP Freedom Fund Gala at the Antioch Community Center ➢ Antioch Rotary Club Bunny Hop at Contra Loma Estates
➢ Annual Rotary Club Golf Tournament at Lone Tree Golf and Event Center
Debbie Blaisure announced the following civic and community events:
➢ Downtown Antioch Association meeting from 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. on March 26, 2026, at Four Seasoning Steak House
➢ Downtown Antioch Association, Jose Cordon and Chamber of Commerce Art and Culture meeting at 5:30 P.M. on March 31, 2026
➢ Open Mic Night on March 27, 2026, at 1023 West 2nd Street ➢ Silent City Series on March 28, 2026, at the Beer Garden ➢ Downtown Easter Egg Hunt from 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. on April 4, 2026, at Waldie Plaza ➢ Wine Festival and Kid Zone on May 9, 2026, in downtown Antioch ➢ Daily Bread Market Grand Opening at 7:00 P.M. on March 27, 2026
Andrew Becker announced the following civic and community events.
➢ Daily Bread Market Grand Opening on March 27, 2026
➢ Julian Bridges Fight Event in Stockton June 27, 2026, at Stockton Civic Center
Nikkiah Bradshaw , Antioch Council of Teens (ACT) announced the following civic and community events.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 6 of 11
➢ Black Diamond Mine Teen Hike Day from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on April 18, 2026 ➢ Autism Awareness Month Event from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on April 22, 2026, at the Antioch Waterpark
➢ Tenant’s Workshop on from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on March 31, 2026, at the Antioch Community Center and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on April 2, 2026, via zoom
Councilmember Wilson announced the following civic and community events.
➢ Shred Event on 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on March 28, 2026, at 2157 Country Hills Drive ➢ District 4 meeting on April 16, 2026, at the International Barber Shop on Lone Tree Way and Golf Course Road
Councilmember Rocha announced the following civic and community event.
➢ Chamber of Commerce Gala and A ward Ceremony at 5:00 P.M. at the L one Tree Golf Course on March 27, 2026
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
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
6. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGING FOR ONE VACANCY EXPIRING SEPTEMBER 2027 (ANTIOCH RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE)
City Clerk Mandy presented the staff report dated March 24, 2026, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving the appointment of Faith Gaither-Davis as a member to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging to represent the City of Antioch with a term expiring September 30, 2027.
Ms. Gaither -Davis expressed her interest in serving on the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/042
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution approving the appointment of Faith Gaither -Davis as a member to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging to represent the City of Antioch with a term expiring September 30, 2027.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 7 of 11
Rikka Davis She ard thanked the City Council for appointing Ms. Gaither -Davis to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Rocha reported on his attendance at the City/School Standing Committee meeting. He announced Tri Delta Transit would be meeting on March 25, 2026, and the CDBG Standing Committee meeting would be held on March 26, 2026. He also reported that he had met with several Department Heads.
Councilmember Torres-Walker reported on her attendance at the Cannabis Standing Committee meeting, and she invited the community to participate in future meetings. She stated they were also scheduling s ite visits to dispensaries . She reported on her attendance at the G reen Empowerment Zone meeting and announced she would not be able to attend the next meeting and requested Councilmember Wilson attend as a public participant in her absence. She proposed reaching out to UC Berk eley Labor Center for a present ation on the Green Empowerment Zone.
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at a TRANSPLAN Committee meeting, General Plan Advisory Committee ( GPAC) interviews and the Joint Planning Commission/City Council meeting.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS – None
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at a CalCities Webinar for the 2026 Legislative Briefing.
Andrew Becker stated that he wanted to attend committee meetings; however, he was not being noticed when meetings were scheduled. He also expressed concern that meetings were not noticed within the required timeframe.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Antonio Martinez, Vice President and Rachel Murphy, General Manager of Contra Costa Water District gave the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) - 2026 First Quarter Update PowerPoint presentation.
Ms. Murphy responded to inquiries from the City Council regarding the Presentation.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 10, 2026
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 8 of 11
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 24, 2026
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2026
D. INTRODUCTION OF NEW CITY EMPLOYEES, PROMOTIONS, AND RETIREMENTS
E. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
F. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
G. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR JANUARY 2026
H. REJECTION OF CLAIM: Lois Blair
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/043 INITIATION OF STREET LIGHTING AND
LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ENGINEER'S REPORT
J. APPROVING A SOLE SOURCE AGREEMENT WITH PREPARED FOR AN AI
ASSISTIVE CALL TAKING SYSTEM FOR THE POLICE DISPATCH CENTER
K. 2025 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT, HOUSING SUCCESSOR
ANNUAL REPORT AND PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE GENERAL PLAN
L. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/04 4 SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND
RESTATED AGREEMENT FOR COLLECTION SERVICES WITH ALLIED WASTE SYSTEMS, INC. DBA REPUBLIC SERVICES OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
M. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/04 5 ESTABLISHING RATE PER EQUIVALENT RUNOFF UNIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 -27 AND REQUEST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO ADOPT AN
ANNUAL PARCEL ASSESSMENT FOR DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE AND NATIONAL
POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PROGRAM
N. SALES TAX CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE FISCAL YEAR 2024 -25 ANNUAL REPORT ON MEASURE W (1% SALES TAX)
On motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Items D, I, J, K, L, M and N which were removed for further discussion.
Item D – Councilmember Freitas suggested the new employees be introduced to the Council and community.
Councilmembers Rocha and Torres -Walker agreed with Councilmember Freitas , and Councilmember Torres-Walker suggested that introductions take place early on the agenda.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 9 of 11
On motion by Councilmember Freitas , seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item D.
Item I – Councilmember Freitas reiterated a request during the budget discussion earlier this evening for information on the Lighting and Landscape Districts.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item I.
Item J – Acting City Manager/Finance Director Merchant announced that APD requested this item be pulled and moved to a future Council meeting as a regular agenda item.
Councilmember Freitas suggested that this item be discussed with the Antioch Police Oversight Commission. He expressed concern regarding the sole -source contract, which is for two years with a three -year option, noting that AI technology evolved rapidly. He inquired why local resources were not considered and stated that he would like to obtain input from the dispatchers on how this contract could impact their operations.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha , the City Council unanimously moved Consent Calendar Item J to a future agenda as a Regular Agenda item.
Item K – In response to Councilmember Freitas, Planning Manager Merideth stated she would provide Council with the original density designation for the property.
Joey Flegal Mishlove reported that the City permitted zero deed -restricted affordable homes in 2025. He noted that the City ha d achieved 70% of its above -moderate housing goals and was only approximately 5% of the way toward meeting its very low-income housing targets.
Melissa Case suggested Antioch integrate lower area median income ( AMI) residents with market rate housing. She spoke about the value of utilizing Antioch’s Downpayment Assistance Program.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item K.
Item L – In response to Councilmember Freitas, Acting City Manager/Finance Director Merchant and Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting stated that they would provide the history behind the $1 million Community Impact Fee and explain how the fee was utilized.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item L.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 10 of 11
Item M – In response to Councilmember Freitas , Acting City Manager/Finance Director Merchant explained that staff was currently engaged in the investigative process to determine the City's authority concerning the increase of the NPDES fee.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Wilson the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item M.
Item N – In response to Councilmember Freitas, Acting City Manager/Finance Director Merchant responded that, in general, the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee provided a presentation to the City Council; however, the established resolution permits an oral or written presentation each year by April 1st. She noted that there were constraints this year, and the Committee felt they did not have sufficient time to prepare a presentation, so they requested that it be submitted as a written report to the Council. She also stated that she consulted with City Attorney Asuncion, who agreed that this was an acceptable method of delivery.
Councilmember Freitas stated he believed the Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee should make a presentation to Council in the next couple of months as Council goes through the budget for FY-27.
On motion by Councilmember Torres -Walker, seconded by Councilmember Freitas the City Council unanimously approved Consent Calendar Item N.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA – Continued
7. FIRST QUARTER, 2026 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN (CITY COUNCIL 6-MONTH PRIORITY ITEM)
Acting City Manager/Finance Director Merchant introduced Council Regular Agenda Item #7.
Interim Community & Economic Development Director Storer and David Zehnder, Senior Principal and Peter Cheng Vice President, Economic & Planning Systems Inc . presented the PowerPoint presentation and staff report dated March 24, 2026, recommending the City Council receive an update on the City’s Economic Development activities and progress, provide policy direction as appropriate, and offer feedback to staff on priorities and the timing of subsequent updates to the City Council.
The City Council thanked Planning Consultant Storer and the consultants for the presentation.
Councilmember Freitas suggested that Mayor Bernal extend a direct invitation to individuals, including commercial brokers and developers, to visit the Council Chambers in order to gather their feedback.
Peter Cheng and David Zehnder responded to inquiries from Council regarding the presentation.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
HOUSING SUCCESSOR
Special/Regular Meeting
March 24, 2026 Page 11 of 11
Councilmember Freitas stated that economic development involves creating sustained, long - term, high -paying, career -oriented employment opportunities with benefits. He discussed potential development opportunities related to Antioch’s deep -water port and railroad.
Additionally, he noted the importance of improving Wilbur Avenue to support job creation.
Mayor Bernal requested a report on the Reinvest Antioch Economic Development Program Action Plan and Tool Kit Initiatives. He suggested staff look at the possibility of adjusting the transit occupancy tax.
Planning Consultant Storer stated that the next report to Council would include the following:
➢ Business-to-business outreach
➢ Meeting with brokers
➢ Point-in-sale capture
➢ One-stop-shop streamline process
➢ Follow up on the Natelson Dale 2023 Initiative
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Freitas stated that he was looking forward to receiving the pavement management study from the Public Works Department and requested an update on the status of the former PG&E building.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 11:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk