CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Special/Regular Meeting May 12, 2026
5:00 P.M. Council Chambers
4:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the Closed Session to order at 4: 13 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 2 Rocha, Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Members District 1 Torres-Walker and 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 and Ana Cortez, Acting City Manager; Employee organizations: Management Unit, Treatment Plant Employees’ Association, Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, Confidential Unit, Antioch Police Officers Association, and Antioch Police Sworn Management Association.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 4:15 P.M.
5:00 P.M. - SPECIAL MEETING/BUDGET STUDY SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 5:07 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 2 Rocha, Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Members District 1 Torres-Walker and District 4 Wilson,
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
BUDGET STUDY SESSION
SM-1. USER FEE STUDY
Acting City Manager Cortez introduced Budget Study Session SM-1.
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Finance Director Merchant introduced Priti Patel, Willdan Financial Services, who provided an introduction and the methodology used for the User Fee recommendations.
Finance Director Merchant presented the staff report dated May 12, 2026, recommending the City Council provide feedback and direction on the User Fee Study.
Councilmember Freitas suggested a User Fee Study be conducted every three years.
Council reviewed the Fee Study (attachment A) and provided the following feedback.
Police
Item 5 Bicycle Registration - direction was given to staff to adjust the fee to $10.00 Item 7 Card Room Permit (New) – direction was given to staff to remove this item Item 15 Video and Audio Redaction Fee – direction was given to staff to add that the fee will be charged in 15-minute increments
Item 20 - 24 Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) License Fees - New Permit Initial Fee (refundable), Application/Renewal/Amendment - Issuance Fee, Renewal Permit, Amended Permit and Duplicate – direction to staff to c larify differences in permit fees
Item 28 Parking Enforcement – direction was given to staff to identify the amount of the fee per resolution
Item 54 Special Event Regulation (group putting on Event) – direction was given to staff to clarify how the event charge is calculated
Item 58 Adult Business Permit – direction was given to staff to clarify how the fee is calculated
Item 59 Firearms Range – direction was given to staff to remove this item Item 64 & 65 False Alarm – Registered and False Alarm – Non Registered – direction was given to staff to clarify current and suggested fee language
Item 68 - 72 Failure to Report New Install, Failure to use Alarm Confirmation or Enhanced Call Confirmation Procedures , False Alarm Caused by Alarm Company , Calling on Suspended Alarm Site and A ll Late Charges - direction was given to staff to develop a process to Inform public of fee/alarm process
Community Development
Item 26 & 27 Pool, residential + plan check and Pool, commercial + plan check – direction was given to staff to clarify fee is calculated based on the valuation or contract value Item 36 - 38 Under 20 squares with tear off, Over 20 squares with tear off and Comp over Comp – direction was given to staff to c larify fee is calculated based on the valuation or contract value
Code Enforcement
Item 5 Shopping Cart Abatement or Impound Fee – direction was given to staff to verify how often this fee is charged
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Public Works
Item 24 - 29 Streets, Signs, Water (Distribution & Treatment) , Wastewater Collections, Storm Channels, Landscaping - direction was given to staff to define scope of work and who gets charged
Item 41 & 42 20ft/25ft spaces/month, 30 ft spaces/month - direction was given to staff to provide Council with the total number of RV spaces
Item 48 Wait List Fee for non -tenants (non-refundable) – direction was given to staff to clarify frequency
Item 62 Sidewalk Repair Inspection – direction was given to staff to clarify the breakdown of cost assumptions
Item 64 Lone Tree Way Bridge & Arterial Benefit District – direction was given to staff to list the fee per resolution 92/254
Item 67 PARK IN LIEU FEES (PER UNIT) (Ordinance #2080 -C-S) – direction was given to staff to provide the date of ordinance adoption
Item 79 TRAFFIC SIGNAL FEES: (Reso. No. 83/193) – direction was given to staff to look at origin to determine if an increase is appropriate
Marina
Item 24 The Public Works Director may offer discounted promotional fees of a limited duration depending on availability – direction was given to staff to clarify what types of specials are available
Recreation and Community Services
Item 7 Late fee for not picking up children at scheduled release time – direction was given to staff to consider changing to $10.00 per 10 minute interval per child / stipulate grace period
Item 102 Community Park – direction was given to staff to replace signage as Worth Shaw Park
Item 134 Antioch Water Park Fees – direction was given to staff to provide breakdown of water park usage
Public Works
Item 14 Government and Non Profit Uses - direction was given to staff to bring back a discussion on options for stage rental rates for non-profits
SM-2. FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Council consensus agreed to continue SM-2 Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Development to May 13, 2026.
Carolyn Steen, Roadies Rescue and Michelle Kuslits, Friends of Animal Services , Dr. Jeffrey Klinger, Holly Cuciz and Lisa Kirk, Fix Our Shelters, expressed opposition to the proposed freeze
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of the Antioch Animal Service Manager position and strongly urged the City Council to proceed with filling the vacancy.
Councilmember Freitas responded that the City Council had not authorized or approved the freezing of the Animal Services Manager position.
Mayor Bernal announced that this would conclude the public comment period for members of the public unable to attend the Special City Council meeting scheduled for 4:00 P.M. on May 13, 2026, to which this item would be considered.
MOTION TO ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING/BUDGET STUDY SESSION
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Mayor Bernal, the City Council members present adjourned the Study Session at 7:09 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:18 P.M., and City Clerk Mandy called the roll.
Present: Council Members District 2 Rocha, Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Members District 1 Torres-Walker and District 4 Wilson,
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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 was given to staff.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Carolyn Steen, Rhodies Rescue, emphasized the importance of maintaining local oversight of Antioch Animal Services, particularly concerning dangerous dogs and potentially dangerous animals.
Michelle Kuslits, Friends of Animal Services, expressed support for preserving local operations and opposed any plans to transition Antioch Animal Services to Contra Costa County Animal Services. She recommended that any discussions regarding this matter should involve public participation.
Kathy Cabrera , K911 Rescue , Karen Kopps, HARP, Nicole Martinez, EBARR , Tiffany Middleman and Mary Jo Bruce expressed their support for strengthening Antioch Animal
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Services and maintaining local operations, opposing the any plans to transition Antioch Animal Services to Contra Costa County Animal Services.
Rafael Trejo announced that he operated a food truck in Lowe’s parking lot and has submitted a new permit application to the City. However, he was informed that he must vacate the parking lot for 30 days. He requested the City’s assistance in resolving this matter.
John Victor and Liz Barajas expressed their gratitude to Councilmember Freitas, Captain Bittner, and staff for their assistance in addressing a noise nuisance in their neighborhood.
Julie Carlson reported that she had created a spreadsheet detailing funds owed to the City of Antioch that are currently being held by the State of California.
Patti Esposito, Scruffy to Fluffy Cat Rescue, encouraged the city to transition Antioch Animal Services to Contra Costa County Animal Services.
Miguel Mendoza expressed concern regarding the disproportionate enforcement activities conducted by Antioch’s Code Enforcement Department. He stated that he would like this issue to be addressed and resolved by the end of the month. Otherwise, he indicated that he would consider sharing his concerns via social media channels.
Queen Adu-Poku, Royal Emotional Care, announced a Mental Health Fair would be held at the Empire Business parking lot on September 19, 2026.
Krystle Law Brooks expressed concern regarding the recent appointment of a Commissioner to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission.
Andrew Becker spoke in opposition to transitioning Antioch Animal Services to Contra Costa County Animal Services. He announced the City of Antioch would be receiving $34.9M in Homekey awards.
1. PROCLAMATIONS
• National Police Week, May 10 - 16, 2026
• National Public Works Week, May 17 – 23, 2026
• Mental Health Awareness Month, May 2026
On motion by Councilmember Freitas , seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously approved the Proclamations.
Sargeant Fachner and several Antioch Police Officers thanked the City Council and accepted the National Police Week proclamation.
Justin Brower and several Public Works employees thanked the City Council and accepted the National Public Works Week proclamation.
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Alisea Wesley-Clark and representatives from the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team (AQCRT)/Felton Institute, Chad Pierce and Gigi R. Crowder CEO NAMI Contra Costa thanked the City Council and accepted the Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Director of Parks and Recreation Wright announced the following civic and community event.
➢ Farmer’s Market Sundays 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P .M. at “I” & W. 3rd Streets
Mayor Bernal announced he would be hosting Mayor at the Market from 10:00 A.M.– 12:00 P .M. on May 24, 2026.
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Mandy announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee
4. PRESENTATIONS
Antioch Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) Community & Workforce Partnership Presentation
Dylan Howell, Antioch High School BITA Construction Program Coordinator gave the Big Skills ADU Build PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Howell and the BITA Construction Program students responded to inquiries from the Council regarding the presentation.
Councilmember Rocha recognized Mr. Howell’s leadership in advanced construction.
An anonymous speaker and Andrew Becker spoke in support of the BITA Construction Program.
Mark Foley , BART District 2 Director, gave 2026: A Defining Year for BART PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Foley responded to inquiries from the Council regarding the presentation.
Mayor Bernal thanked Mr. Foley for the presentation.
ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER FREITAS, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER
ROCHA, THE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY SUSPENDED THE RULES AND MOVED COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA ITEM # 7 AS THE NEXT ORDER OF BUSINESS.
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COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
7. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS FOR ONE (1) PARTIAL TERM VACANCY EXPIRING MARCH 2028 AND THREE (3) FULL TERM VACANCIES EXPIRING APRIL 2030
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/067
Mayor Bernal nominated Nichole Gardner to fill one partial term vacancy expiring March 2028.
Nichole Gardner thanked the Council for the opportunity and discussed her interest in serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Melisa Case spoke in support of Nicole Gardner’s appointment to the APOC
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously approved the appointment of Nichole Gardner to the partial-term vacancy expiring March 2028, on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Mayor Bernal nominated Jim Thor to fill a full term vacancy expiring April 2030.
Jim Thor thanked the Council for the opportunity and discussed his interest in serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Freitas the City Council members present unanimously approved the appointment of Jim Thor to fill the full term vacancy expiring April 2030, on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Mayor Bernal nominated Ellen Griggs to fill a full term vacancy expiring April 2030.
Ellen Griggs thanked the Council for the opportunity and discussed her interest in serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously approved the appointment of Ellen Greggs to fill the full term vacancy expiring April 2030, on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Mayor Bernal nominated Dorothy Ellis to fill a full term vacancy expiring April 2030.
Dorothy Ellis thanked the Council for the opportunity and discussed her interest in serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Freitas the City Council members present unanimously approved the appointment of Dorothy Ellis to fill the full term vacancy expiring April 2030, on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
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City Clerk Mandy administered the Oath of Office to the newly appointed Commissioners.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Freitas announced that Tri Delta Transit would be offering a free fare program for youth 18 and younger from June 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026. He recognized Supervisor Burgis and Supervisor Scales-Preston for providing funding for the program.
Mayor Bernal reported on his attendance at the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) meeting, Mayor’s Conference and the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) meeting.
Councilmember Freitas recognized Principal Planner Scudero for his guidance through the General Plan Update process.
Mayor Bernal announced he would be attending the CCTA Board Workshop May 14 - 15, 2026.
He reported on his attendance at the Farmer’s Market, Antioch Wine Festival and Blues and Jazz Festival. He also announced that Councilmember s Rocha and Wilson, Chief Vigil, and himself would be traveling to Washington D.C. next week to advocate on behalf of the City of Antioch.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal commented that it was encouraging to see the Board and Commission vacancies being filled and he commended Mr. Howell for the success of the BITA Construction Program at Antioch High School.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING/WORKSHOP MINUTES FOR MARCH 25, 2026
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 14, 2026
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 21, 2026
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 28, 2026
E. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 5, 2026
F. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
G. REJECTION OF CLAIM: BRADLEY MADRID
H. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 068 REQUEST TO OVER -HIRE ONE ASSISTANT CITY
CLERK POSITION
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I. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 069 NEW CLASS SPECIFICATIONS, ASSIGNING SALARY
RANGES, ASSIGNING THE CLASSIFICATIONS TO THE OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL NO. 3 BARGAINING UNIT, AND AMENDING THE CODE ENFORCEMENT
MANAGER CLASS SPECIFICATION IN THE MANAGEMENT BARGAINING UNIT
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 070 APPROVING PUBLIC ACCESS EASEMENT
AGREEMENT AND PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT AGREEMENTS FOR THE LAUREL
RANCH TOWNHOMES PROJECT
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026–2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
Staff recommended the City Council continue the Public Hearing to May 26, 2026, City Council Meeting.
Andrew Becker inquired whether this item would be referred back to the CDBG Standing Committee for their recommendations prior to consideration by the City Council. He expressed concern that the City may be missing potential funding opportunities for low PSH AMI needs.
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Freitas, the City Council members present unanimously continued Public Hearing Agenda Item #6 to May 26, 2026.
Councilmember Rocha reported that the most recent CDBG meeting was canceled due to the lack of a quorum. He expressed his intention to convene a CDBG Standing Committee meeting to develop recommendations prior to the item returning to the City Council for consideration.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
8. AWARD OF A MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ELITE MAINTENANCE & TREE SERVICE FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,026,643
Director of Human Resources Cortez introduced Council Regular Agenda Item #8.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting presented the staff report dated May 12, 2026 recommending the City Council adopt a resolution awarding the Maintenance Service Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services throughout the City’s right -of-ways and medians, to Elite Maintenance & Tree Service for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029 in the amount of $4,176,983, with an option to extend an additional two fiscal years in the amount of $2,849,660, for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,026,643 over the five (5) year period and authorizing the Acting City Manager or designee to execute the agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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Andrew Becker questioned who would be responsible for Sparrow Court and who would monitor the work for completion. He also reported that debris from a homeless encampment behind his residence, along the sound barrier wall at Prewett Ranch Drive, remained unaddressed.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting responded that he would investigate who was responsible for maintaining the area along the sound barrier wall and explained staff would be overseeing the contract and the work done by the contractors.
Councilmember Freitas stated he believed it would be more appropriate to have 2 - or 3-year contracts and then go out to bid. He requested an item on the agenda to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 5-year contracts.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/071
On motion by Councilmember Rocha , seconded by Councilmember Freitas the City Council members present unanimously adopted a resolution awarding the Maintenance Service Agreement for Landscape Maintenance Services throughout the City’s right -of-ways and medians, to Elite Maintenance & Tree Service for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029 in the amount of $4,176,983, with an option to extend an additional two fiscal years in the amount of $2,849,660, for a total contract amount not to exceed $7,026,643 over the five (5) year period and authorizing the Acting City Manager or designee to execute the agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
9. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO
TECHNOLOGICAL DISRUPTIONS DURING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SENATE BILL 707
Director of Human Resources Cortez introduced Regular Agenda Item #9.
Special Counsel Cole presented the staff report dated May 12, 2026, recommending the City Council adopt a Resolution establishing the procedures for responding to technological disruptions during City Council Meetings in Accordance with Senate Bill 707. He noted there was a reference to the City of Banning in the draft that would need to be taken out of the resolution, if it was the pleasure of the Council to adopt the policy.
Councilmember Freitas suggested that the Council consider scheduling closed session immediately after meetings so that if there were disruptions, the Council could continue by adjourning to Closed Session.
Councilmember Rocha suggested Council consider a policy for addressing technical breakdowns and disruptions during meetings.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/072
On motion by Councilmember Freitas , seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council members present unanimously adopted a Resolution establishing the procedures for responding
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to technological disruptions during City Council Meetings in Accordance with Senate Bill 707.
Amending the resolution to state City of “Antioch” (deleting City of “Banning”).
10. REPORT REGARDING AB 130 AND SB 131, 2025 BILLS AMENDING THE
APPLICATION OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT TO CERTAIN
HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER PROJECTS
Interim City Attorney Cole presented the staff report dated May 12, 2026, recommending the City Council receive a report regarding 2025 Assembly Bill 130 (“AB 130”) and Senate Bill 131 (“SB 131”).
Councilmember Freitas stated he was concerned regarding the negative impacts that can only be determined by a CEQA review. Additionally, he was concerned regarding the discretion that was given to staff and the liability it may produce.
Special Counsel Cole responded that he did not see any basis for liability given the robust immunities that state law provided. He explained that staff could determine how to implement this type of expedited review and how to notify the City Council if a project would be receiving this type of assessment.
Mayor Bernal requested Community Development staff inform Council prior to t hese types of projects coming to Council for consideration.
Councilmember Freitas requested that the Community Development Department bring back to the Council a process for handling state mandates.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council members present unanimously received and filed the presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT - None
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS - None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Rocha reiterated his request to schedule a CDBG Standing Committee meeting prior to the next City Council meeting, potentially on May 22, 2026.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Mayor Bernal the City Council members present unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:26 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk