CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INCLUDING THE ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR
TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Special/Regular Meeting May 26, 2026
5:00 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 2 Rocha, District 4 Wilson, Mayor Pro Tem (District 3) Freitas and Mayor Bernal
Absent: Council Member District 1 Torres-Walker
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION – Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54957(b)(1) and 54954.5(e). Position to be Reviewed: City Attorney.
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION – Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54957(b)(1) and 54954.5(e). Position to be Reviewed: City Manager.
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2): (Number of potential cases: 9). 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 or plaintiffs pertaining to possible Equal Employment Opportunity, Labor Code Section 1102.5, and Fai r Employment and Housing Act violations.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned to Closed Session at 4:02 P.M.
5:00 P.M. - SPECIAL MEETING/STUDY SESSION
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 5:17 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
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 2 of 12
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Bernal led the Pledge of Allegiance.
STUDY SESSION
SM-1. FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Acting City Manager Cortez introduced Study Session SM-! and she thanked staff and the City Council for participating in the budget development process.
Finance Director Merchant presented the staff report dated May 26, 2026, recommending the City Council provide feedback and direction regarding the budget development information provided for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget.
Following discussion of the Business Expenses in the City Manager’s Budget, the City Council provided the following direction to staff.
➢ Separate the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) budget from the City Manager’s budget
➢ Bring back the City’s travel policy for Council review ➢ Provide an accounting for the APOC budget expenditures for FY26 YTD ➢ Provide an accounting for the Conferences and Dues expenditures for FY26 YTD ➢ Provide an accounting of the Media/Public Information expenditures for FY26 YTD
Following discussion of the Public Safety and Community Resources FY27 Contract Detail, the City Council provided the following direction to staff.
➢ Housing and Homelessness Division – FY27 Homeless Services Budget – Adjust for programs funded with successor and PLHA funding
Additional direction provided to staff included.
➢ Homekey+ project – reduce allocation from $1.2M to $400k in FY27
In response to Council, Chief Vigil reviewed the hiring process and timeline for new academy trainees, along with potential retirements within the Antioch Police Department (APD).
Councilmember Freitas commented that public safety, including Animal Services, comprises approximately 63 -65% of the city’s budget, highlighting APD as a top Council priority. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing economic development to generate revenue and address future budget shortfalls.
Mayor Bernal commended staff for their efforts in reducing the budget deficit.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 3 of 12
SM-2. PRESENTATION OF THE DRAFT 5 -YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2026-2031 (P.W. 150-26)
Acting City Manager Cortez introduced SM-2.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting thanked Capital Improvement team and staff who assisted in the preparation of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) . He presented the staff report dated May 26, 2026, recommending the City Council review and provide feedback to staff regarding the draft 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2026-2031.
Joy Motts , Rick Stadtlander, Kim Stad tlander, Connie Komar, Jennifer Hughes and Sheri Thompson spoke in support of developing the Beede Lumber Yard as a community space/town square and requested the project be returned to the CIP. Some speakers spoke in support of funding the project with the California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant.
Leslie May spoke in support of developing the Beede Lumber Yard parcel as a boutique hotel.
Andrew Becker commended staff for building a capital program around the City’s budgetary constraints.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting responded to inquiries from the City Council regarding the CIP.
Following discussion, Council directed staff to bring back a presentation on the City’s public engagement process for the Beede Lumber Yard property.
Director of Parks and Recreation Wright acknowledged the city’s fiscal needs and identified himself as a steward of parks. He suggested using the California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Grant to repair existing facilities and requested bringing this item back to Council for full discussion to enhance the likelihood of securing the grant. He noted that if the grant were to be allocated for a new park, additional background research and community outreach would be necessary. He also mentioned potential future oppo rtunities to seek funding for downtown green space development.
Councilmember Rocha and Councilmember Torres -Walker expressed support for future discussions on grant funding and the potential use of the Beede Lumber Yard parcel.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Buenting reviewed the pavement management system and Pavement Condition Index.
Councilmember Rocha suggested staff develop a publicly accessible status list for traffic calming projects.
Mayor Bernal suggested staff develop status reports for all CIP projects.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 4 of 12
Following discussion, Council directed staff to compile a prioritized list of facilities roof projects as well as a comprehensive list of the deferred maintenance projects for the next two years.
MOTION TO ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING/ STUDY SESSION
Mayor Bernal adjourned at 7:21 P.M.
7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Bernal called the meeting to order at 7:31 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 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION , no reportable action, #2 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, no reportable action; and, #3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL, no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Michele Kuslits, Antioch Friends of Animal Services , thanked City Council for unfreezing the Animal Services Manager position and expressed anticipation for the prompt filling of vacant positions. She requested a public statement regarding the potential takeover of Antioch Animal Services by Contra Costa County Animal Services. She reaffirmed a commitment to collaborate with the city and Antioch Animal Services to identify solutions for sustainable funding, enhanced services, and ongoing local animal care.
Devin Williams expressed concern regarding actions taken by an elected official that he believed had negatively impacted the City.
Miguel Medoza thanked Acting City Manager Cortez and Councilmember Torres-Walker for their assistance in addressing his previous concerns. He mentioned that he had to contact an Assemblywoman to have his issue heard and expressed concern that the Mayor had not responded to his concerns. Additionally, he offered to assist in a recall effort.
Jonisha Smith, Rebuilding Together East Bay Network, speaking on behalf of the Big Skills Program, introduced the program and requested the opportunity to deliver a presentation at a future Council meeting.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 5 of 12
Krystle Law Brooks expressed concern about the actions of former City Council members. She thanked City Manager Scott and Chief Vigil for their leadership. She called for the removal of a recently appointed member of the APOC and voiced support for developing community programs at the police substation.
Leslie May expressed concern regarding the actions of former City Council members. She spoke in support of City Manager Scott and discussed her resignation from the APOC.
Erika Raulston reported that she had contacted APD about a homeless encampment in her neighborhood and expressed concern that her complaints regarding the lack of public safety, youth services, and sufficient lighting had not been addressed.
Juan Rubio, Daniela Lopez, Jonny Hernandez, Denise Aburta Puente, Mareli Leal Moria, Kiley Johnson, Adrian diaz- posas, Janessa McGinnis, Sabree Musawwir and Bing Zhad, representing Earth Team, introduced the projects they had been working on throughout the year.
Gavin Payton, NAACP YC, stated that he did not believe African American residents were being treated equitably.
An unidentified speaker expressed concern that three members of the City Council traveled to Washington DC, which he believed to be a violation of the Brown Act. He also voiced concerns regarding the actions of former staff and Councilmembers.
PROCLAMATIONS
• Recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Antioch • Gun Violence Awareness Month, June 2026
On motion by Councilmember Wilson , seconded by Councilmember Torres -Walker the City Council unanimously approved the Proclamations.
Nicole LaPoint, Rainbow Community Center, thanked the City Council and accepted the Recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Antioch proclamation.
Hisham Alibob, Contra Costa County Violence Prevention Program Manager, thanked the City Council and accepted the Gun Violence Awareness Month proclamation.
Mary Lutz presented the City Council with a Pride flag.
Leslie May and Gavin Payton NAACP Youth Council, suggested the City seek Antioch residents and organizations to receive proclamations.
Andrew Becker suggested that the City Council call for public comments prior to taking proclamation photos. He also discussed his personal experience with gun violence and stated that he felt positive about the way the City was addressing gun violence.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 6 of 12
Councilmember Torres -Walker spoke in support of valuing the non -gender conforming community. She thanked Nicole LaPoint and Hisham Alibob for the resources they provide for residents. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of continuing to prioritize violence reduction in Antioch.
Mayor Bernal declared a recess at 8:34 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 8:39 P.M. with all Councilmembers present.
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Director of Parks and Recreation Wright announced the following civic and community event.
➢ Juneteenth – A Freedom Celebration 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on June 19, 2026, at Williamson Ranch Park
Leslie May expressed concern that the Pride flag was removed during last year’s event and noted that comments made at a previous Council meeting regarding Juneteenth were offensive to African Americans. She also offered to help raise funds for next year’s Juneteenth celebration if that was the direction the City was planning to take.
2. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
City Clerk Mandy announced the following Board and Commission openings.
➢ Sales Tax Citizens’ Oversight Committee
3. PRESENTATIONS
Youth and Government: Model Legislative and Courts Program 2026
Youth Services Network Manager Jackson introduced the Antioch Delegation of the YMCA Statewide Youth in Government Program, Siran Kuppanda, Scarlet McKenzie, Shore Odusanya, Skyler McGowen, Amadeus Castillo, Maddox Delacruz, Marley Delacruz, Alina Nguyen and Marina Bermudez who presented the Youth and Government: Model Legislative and Courts Program 2026 PowerPoint presentation.
The City Council thanked the Antioch Delegation for the presentation.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Award Presentation
Elizabeth Bor owiec presented the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Aquarius Recognition Award to the City Council for the Brackish Water Desalination Project.
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 7 of 12
Councilmember Wilson announced that a Delta Diablo meeting would be held on May 27, 2026.
She reported on her advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. on behalf of the City of Antioch.
Additionally, she clarified that the City Council had not violated the Brown Act, since only two members attended the meetings at one time.
Councilmember Torres-Walker announced that a Cannabis Standing Committee meeting would be held next week. She reported on her attendance at Assemblymember Avila Farias’s Pass the Torch event. She congratulated the community, Mr. Becker, and the advocates for the City being awarded Homekey and stated that they would be meeting with the developer to advance the project. She also mentioned plans to meet with various stakeholders and the owner of Sycamore Square to discuss resources and support needed for the area . Additionally, she reported that further conversations would be held regarding the Cavallo area, the County building, and wellness services.
Councilmember Rocha reported on h is advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. on behalf of the City of Antioch.
Mayor Bernal reported on his advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. on behalf of the City of Antioch. Additionally, he shared his attendance at a Contra Costa Transportation Authority Workshop, the Skate Park Mural Ribbon Cutting, the JROTC Graduation Ball, the Mayor at th e Market event, and the Memorial Day event.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Bernal commended staff for their efforts during the budget development process.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR for City /City Council Members acting as Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency
A. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 21, 2026
B. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 28, 2026
C. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 5, 2026
D. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 12, 2026
E. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 13, 2026
F. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
G. APPROVAL OF HOUSING SUCCESSOR WARRANTS
H. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT FOR MARCH 2026
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 8 of 12
I. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/ 073 ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR THE 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR
J. RESOLUTION NO. 2026/074 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONSULTING SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH BKF ENGINEERS FOR ON -CALL DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $155,100 (P.W. 700-1)
K. ADOPTING THE CITY'S LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN (LHMP)
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously approved the Council Consent Calendar with the exception of Item K, which was removed for further discussion.
Item K – At the request of Acting City Manager Cortez , t he City Council moved Consent Calendar Item K to the June 9, 2026 City Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING / CITY OF ANTIOCH COUNCIL MEMBERS ACTING AS HOUSING
SUCCESSOR TO THE ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
6. PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 -27 CITY OF ANTIOCH
ACTION PLAN FOR EXPENDING FEDERAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (“CDBG”), STATE PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION ("PLHA") AND LOCAL HOUSING SUCCESSOR (“HS”) FUNDING, AND SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 -26 ACTION PLAN (Continued from May 12, 2026, Council Meeting)
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Cabral introduced Public Hearing Item #6 and clarified in accepting the resolution she mistakenly left out the FY 2026 -2027 Action Plan Funding Recommendations 5/26/26 (Attachment C) so the resolution would be amended to include Attachment C.
Housing Manager Villalta presented the staff report dated May 26, 2026 and the Consolidated Plan Priority Goals PowerPoint presentation recommending the City Council take the following actions: 1) Consider the recommendations to adopt a Substantial Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Annual Action Plan in the amount of $200,000 in CDBG residual funds for housing rehabilitation to meet current need and compensate for the Department of Energy (“DOE”) grant that was approved but not executed by DOE staff due to layoffs. 2) Consider the recommendations for funding community grants with CDBG and PLHA funds and Adopt the resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2026 -2027 Annual Action Plan and authorize the Acting City Manager or designee to sign necessary documents and agreements for approved funding. 3) Consider the recommendations for funding community grants with Housing Successor funds and Adopt the resolution approving Housing Successor funding for homeless services, affordable housing, and administration as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 -2027 Annual Action Plan and authorize the Acting City Manager or designee to sign necessary documents and agreements for approved funding.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 9 of 12
Mayor Bernal opened the public hearing.
Matthew Hulse, Contra Costa S enior Legal Services, gave an overview of their services and expressed gratitude for the city’s support.
Councilmember Freitas reported he had received a phone call from Debbie Toth, President and CEO of Choice in Aging/Bedford Center, who stated she was unable to attend this evening’s Council meeting and extended her appreciation to the CDBG Standing Committee for their recommendations.
Andrew Becker discussed his efforts to advocate for CDBG funding for Homekey. He inquired whether the city was diverting Housing Successor funds to provide a grant to a developer or if the funds were being given as a loan, and he suggested that this item be held over so the City could discuss this matter further with the developer.
Councilmember Rocha discussed the process undertaken by the CDBG Standing Committee to develop their funding recommendations.
Mayor Bernal closed the public hearing.
Housing Consultant House explained that she was not involved in the Homekey process other than exploring the use of CDBG and Housing Successor funds. Regarding the use of CDBG funds, she identified challenges and for the Housing Successor funds, she outlined a pathway to proceed, and she reported that there was a decision made to use Housing Successor funds.
She added that the terms of the loan documents would be at the discretion of the City Manager.
In response to Councilmember Torres-Walker, Acting City Manager Cortez stated she would consult with the developer to determine the status of the CSH Mahogany Way project. Ms. House confirmed that the Housing Successor could allocate the money as a loan or grant.
Councilmember Freitas clarified that the action before the Council was to approve the 2026 -27 City of Antioch Action Plan. Subsequently, staff would negotiate the terms and conditions with the developer for the utilization of the Housing Successor Funds and p ending successful negotiations, the project would proceed.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/075
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/076
On motion by Councilmember Freitas , seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously 1) Consider ed the recommendations to adopt a Substantial Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Annual Action Plan in the amount of $200,000 in CDBG residual funds for housing rehabilitation to meet current need and compensate for the Department of Energy (“DOE”) grant that was approved but not executed by DOE staff due to layoffs. 2) Consider ed the recommendations for funding community grants with CDBG and PLHA funds and Adopt ed the resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and authorize the Acting City Manager or designee to sign necessary documents and agreements for approved funding.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 10 of 12
3) Considered the recommendations for funding community grants with Housing Successor funds and Adopted the resolution approving Housing Successor funding for homeless services, affordable housing, and administration as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026 -2027 Annual Action Plan and authorize the Acting City Manager or designee to sign necessary documents and agreements for approved funding.
7. PROPOSED UPDATES TO THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE
Finance Director Merchant introduced Priti Patel who presented a PowerPoint presentation and Finance Director Merchant presented the staff report dated May 26, 2026, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution updating and approving the Fiscal Year 2026 -27 Master Fee Schedule and accepting the User Fee Study.
Mayor Bernal opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public requesting to speak.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/077
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution updating and approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee Schedule and accepting the User Fee Study.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
8. TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ANTIOCH AND THE TREATMENT PLANT EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2025 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
Acting Human Resources Manager Moreno-Coria presented the staff report dated May 26, 2026, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Tentative Agreement between the City of Antioch and the Treatment Plant Employees Association (TPEA).
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/078
On motion by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution approving the Tentative Agreement between the City of Antioch and the Treatment Plant Employees Association (TPEA).
9. CANNABIS BUSINESS AND LAND USE OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
MODIFICATIONS
Acting City Manager Cortez introduced Regular Agenda Item #9.
Acting Director of Community & Economic Development Scudero presented the staff report dated May 26, 2026, recommending the City Council adopt a resolution to approve the proposed modifications to the Cannabis Business and Land Use Operational Guidelines.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 11 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 2026/079
On motion by Councilmember Freitas , seconded by Councilmember Rocha the City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to approve the proposed modifications to the Cannabis Business and Land Use Operational Guidelines.
10. CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION ITEM: RENAMING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND
COMMUNITY RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
Acting City Manager Cortez introduced Regular Agenda Item #10.
Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Cabral presented the staff report dated May 26, 2026, recommending the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff on approving the renaming of the Public Safety and Community Resources Department.
Councilmember Freitas thanked staff for the comprehensive staff report and suggested renaming the Public Safety and Community Resources Department the Community Services Department.
In response to Councilmember Freitas, Director of Public Safety and Community Resources Cabral clarified that the City would not be changing the classifications for the positions, just the actual names that would be taken to the labor unions.
On motion by Councilmember Freitas, seconded by Councilmember Rocha, the City C ouncil unanimously approved amending the ordinance and renaming the Public Safety and Community Resources Department to Community Services Department.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrew Becker expressed concern that Council had not called for public comment on Agenda Item #10 and noted he had an opinion on the name and process for changing the name of the Public Safety and Community Resources Department.
STAFF COMMUNICATIONS - None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Torres-Walker discussed the importance of calling for public comments prior to Council discussion and responding to the public’s questions. She requested that staff follow up on the resident who had reported exorbitant fees for their garbage cans. Additionally, she asked that a Proclamation for Cruising be brought back to Council prior to June 21, 2026. She also requested a presentation on the Big Skills Program, a Healthy Homes presentation, and a resolution of support for the Healthy Homes development in Antioch.
ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
Special/Regular Meeting
May 26, 2026 Page 12 of 12
ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilmember Torres-Walker, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, the City Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 10:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Kitty Eiden
KITTY EIDEN, Minutes Clerk