1 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY MINUTES
August 12, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Mayor Meyer called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Roll Call found the following members present: Maloney, Pierson, Mendoza, Oerlemans, and Mayor Meyer.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Meyer led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
One written public comment was received by the City Clerk’s office in advance of the City Council meeting from Amber Zulawski in opposition of the proposed Tobacco Retailer License ordinance as written.
Danny Dohrmann provided comments regarding the process for changing the Downtown Specific Plan.
Youth Commissioners Carena Helvey, Sahil Narula and Aaroah Ranjan provided an update on Youth Commission activities.
Amber Zulawski provided comments in opposition of the proposed Tobacco Retailer License ordinance as written.
Daniel Duran provided comments regarding his experience as a Veteran and expressed his opposition to Fire Station 94 being built next to the Veterans Memorial Building.
Dave Gilbert provided comments inquiring what the City can do to mitigate fire risks.
Tom Gregory provided comments regarding his property located in downtown Brentwood.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Meyer closed public comments.
D. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS, COMMITTEES,
LIAISONS, AND STAFF
Council Member Oerlemans reported on attendance at a Tri Delta Transit Board Meeting; Police Activities League Board Meeting; Farmer's Market; meeting with Interim City Manager, Darin Gale; National Night Out; he watched a Planning Commission Meeting; attended an Agenda Review 2 meeting; and attended the Special City Council Closed Session Meeting on August 12, 2025.
Council Member Maloney reported on attendance at two meetings regarding an upcoming Youth Wellness Summit; meetings with businesses regarding the proposed Tobacco Retail License Ordinance; meeting with Veterans; she walked the neighborhood in District 1 off of Highland Way following resident's concerns regarding criminal activity and she held a Neighborhood Meeting at Loma Vista Park; attended a meeting with a mental health provider to learn more about resources offered to our youth; attended a meeting with Interim City Manager, Darin Gale and City Attorney, Katherine Wisinski; and attended the Special City Council Closed Session Meeting on August 12, 2025. Council Member Maloney also took a moment to recognize, honor and extend condolences recognizing two community members: Ruben DeSilva, Owner of Rubiano's and Ron Nunn, who played a key role is shaping Brentwood's agriculture heritage. Council Member Maloney requested to have the meeting adjourned in their honor.
Council Member Mendoza reported on attendance at a meeting with District Attorney Diana Becton; she attended an Eagle Scout Ceremony; National Night Out; watched the Planning Commission Meeting; attended the Mayor's Conference in Antioch; the Grand Opening of the East Contra Costa African American Holistic Wellness Hub with National Alliance on Mental Illness; and attended the Downtown Brentwood Coalition Board Meeting.
Vice Mayor Pierson reported on attendance at a Green Empowerment Zone Meeting; Farmer's Market; National Night Out; Special City Council Closed Session Meeting on August 12, 2025; the Mayor's Conference in Antioch; the Grand Opening of the East Contra Costa African American Holistic Wellness Hub with National Alliance on Mental Illness; the Grand Opening of Dental Excellence; and the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting.
Mayor Meyer reported on attendance at a Tri Delta Transit Board Meeting; the Brentwood Mayors' Conference follow-up meeting with staff; Liberty Union High School District Convocation; CalCities Crunch Time at the Capital Webinar; an Eagle Scout Ceremony; Delta-6 Regional Meeting; National Night Out; Swearing In Ceremony for 5 new Youth Commissioners; Mayors' Conference in Antioch; Presentation to Delta Association of Realtors; Presentation from Regional Center of the East Bay; Contra Costa Transportation Authority Countywide Transportation Plan Focus Group meeting; she watched the Planning Commission Meeting; and held several meetings with residents regarding Music on the Porch Day scheduled for August 30, 2025.
Interim City Manager, Darin Gale, reported that Grace Arms received approval to continue their R.E.A.C.H. (Respect, Education, Achievement, Character and Health) basketball program at Liberty High School with the previously approved $25,000 grant funding from The City Council; on August 20th at 6:00 p.m. along with Parks & Recreation, staff he will make a presentation to Summerset I providing them with an update on the retaining 3 wall; he held meetings with current police officers as it relates to the upcoming position for Interim Police Chief, held meetings with various businesses regarding the proposed Tobacco Retail License Ordinance, met with Dr. Kimberly Payton, President of the East County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and he met with GiGi Crowder with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Interim City Manager, Darin Gale, also took a moment to thank Police Officer, Lindzie Laughridge, for her efforts with National Night Out; Solid Waste staff members, Damien Tyrell, Monica Raposa, George Pitts and Dave Newman for their handling of a fire in one of the Solid Waste vehicles; he thanked Parks and Recreation Maintenance staff as well as staff from the Water Division who assisted with several resident's brick wall that fell on Griffith Way. They cleaned up the area and made ensured the wall was safe for the property owners; and he thanked staff who facilitate the numerous Parks and Recreation summer programs; and he wished a Happy Birthday to the Director of Engineering, Allen Baquilar.
E. CONSENT CALENDAR
City Clerk, Amanda McVey, read the title for Ordinance No. 1087, Item E.2, into the record.
Moved by: Faye Maloney, Council Member
Seconded by: Tony Oerlemans, Council Member
The Council, by motion, moved to adopt the Consent Calendar as recommended by staff.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
E.1 Meeting Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of July 22, 2025 Approved Meeting Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of July 22, 2025.
E.2 Second Reading of Zoning Text Amendment (RZ 24-006) to the Brentwood Municipal Code to update regulations related to self-storage facilities
Waived the second reading of and adopted Ordinance No. 1087, approving amendments to the Brentwood Municipal Code to add development standards for self-storage facilities in Chapter 17.755 (Self-Storage Facilities); add new land use classifications for selfstorage facilities in Section 17.030.030 (Definitions); and update references in all zones throughout the city related to the uses.
The proposed text amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be seen with certainty that the 4 proposed ordinance would not authorize or facilitate new construction or other groundbreaking activities. There is no potential to result in either a direct physical change to the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. Any future project subject to updated zoning provisions would undergo appropriate CEQA review prior to approval.
E.3 Accept the Orfanos Property, Subdivision No. 9428, in-tract and offsite (Empire Avenue) public improvements for maintenance Adopted Resolution No. 2025-87 accepting the in-tract and off-site (Empire Avenue) public improvements for Orfanos Property for maintenance; accepting the Maintenance Bond; releasing the Improvement Securities and requesting that the City Clerk file this Resolution with the Recorder of Contra Costa County for these improvements, constructed as a part of Orfanos Property, Subdivision No. 9428, at 2800 Empire Avenue.
E.4 Arts Commission recommendation to revise the City Public Art Prioritization List for FY 2025/26
Received and approved the City of Brentwood Public Art Priority List for FY 2025/26 as recommended by the Arts Commission.
E.5 Accept the work performed by Thirkettle Corporation, dba Aqua-Metric Sales Company, and file a Notice of Completion for Sensus Automated Meter Reading System Upgrade, CIP Project No. 562-56397 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-88 accepting the work performed by Thirkettle Corporation, dba Aqua-Metric Sales Company (“Contractor”), for the Sensus Automated Meter Reading System Upgrade (“Project”); and request the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder.
E.6 Write-Off of Uncollectible Account Receivable Over $5,000 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-89 authorizing the write-off of one uncollectible account receivable in the amount of $5,034.50 E.7 Approve and Authorize the City Manager to execute a Side Letter between the City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Officers’ Association
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-90 approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Side Letter between the City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Officers’ Association to clarify patrol shift reassignment procedures following Sergeant promotions and Sergeant transfer procedures between Patrol and specialized assignments in the Memorandum of Understanding.
5 E.8 Designation of the Voting Delegate and Alternate Delegates for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-91 designating Mayor Meyer as the City’s Primary Voting Delegate, Vice Mayor Pierson as the First Alternate Delegate, and Council Member Mendoza as the Second Alternate Delegate for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference.
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS
F.1 Adopt a Resolution approving the 2025 Public Health Goal Report on drinking water to satisfy requirements of California Health and Safety Code Section 116470(b)
James Wolfe, Water Operations Manager presented the item.
Mayor Meyer opened Public Hearings
Holley Bishop provided comments regarding the State's Water Standards, water contaminants and Assembly Bill 967.
Ian Cohen provided comments in support of Director of Public Works, Casey Wichert and the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant operations.
There being no additional speakers, Council Member Mendoza moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Council Member Oerlemans.
The motion carried unanimously with Council Member Maloney, Vice Mayor Pierson, Council Member Mendoza, Council Member Oerlemans and Mayor Meyer in favor.
Moved by: Tony Oerlemans, Council Member
Seconded by: Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor
Adopted Resolution No. 2025-92 approving the 2025 Public Health Goal report on drinking water to satisfy requirements of the California Health and Safety Code Section 116470 (b).
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
G. BUSINESS ITEMS
G.1 Economic Development – Semiannual Report
Ricardo Noguera, Economic Development Manager, presented the Economic Development Semiannual Report.
Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
Ian Cohen provided comments thanking the Economic Development Team.
6 There being no additional speakers, Mayor Meyer closed public comments.
With no action required on this Item, the Council accepted the Semiannual Report and thanked the Economic Development team for their efforts.
G.2 Vineyards at Marsh Creek Event Lawn & Event Center
Allen Baquilar, Director of Engineering, along with Harith Aleem, Director of Parks and Recreation and Aaron Forbes, with DLR Group, presented an update on the Vineyards at Marsh Creek Event Lawn and Event Center/Amphitheater Phase I, CIP No. 337-37231.
Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
Melissa van Ruiten provided comments in support of an Event Center with increased parking.
Nina Koch provided comments in support of a community theater space.
Marisol Valles provided comments in support of a community amphitheater.
Ian Cohen provided comments in support of whichever phase of this project that will bring in the most tax revenue for the City.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Meyer closed public comments.
Moved by: Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor
Seconded by: Jovita Mendoza, Council Member
The Council, by motion, directed staff to spend time and resources gathering information for the creation, design, development and construction of a 10,000 square foot, or similar sized, multi-use Theater and/or Event Center including use of funds and costs associated with the possibility of moving the Theater and/or Event Center forward in the parking lot, increasing the number of parking spaces, and adding a food truck area. The report shall also include information about partnerships and/or management of the Theater/Event Center by a third party.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
G.3 Pickleball and Tennis Courts Hours of Operation at Creekside Park Update and updates on alternative Pickleball Court sites 7 Harith Aleem, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented the item regarding the Pickleball and Tennis Courts at Creekside Park, as well as updates on potential alternative pickleball sites.
Mayor Meyer opened public comments.
There were 21 written comments received by the City Clerk’s office in advance of the City Council meeting.
There were 20 comments received in support of building more pickleball courts and/or extending the current hours, from: Chris James, Aaron Hill, Alexandra Beninati, Barry Clyde, Britney Smookler, Christopher Beninati, Cindy Renshaw, Donna Garrison, Faisal Ahmad, Joy Cagle, Marie Tolentino, Michael Mann, Nick Soboleski, Philip Culcasi, Rosa Ramos, Scott Bergstresser, Steve Morand, Todd Wilson, Trenka Watson, and Tyler Beninati.
There was one comment in opposition of extending the current hours and having pickleball courts near residential areas received from Amy Whitney.
Dave Sipes provided comments in opposition of having pickleball courts near residential areas.
Corrado "C" Fontana provided comments in support of building more pickleball courts and extending hours.
Aaron Hill provided comments in support of building more pickleball courts and extending hours.
Joshua provided comments in support of enforcing noise regulations at the pickleball courts.
Ian Cohen provided comments in support of using light timers rather than having staff locking the pickleball courts.
There being no additional speakers, Mayor Meyer closed public comments.
Moved by: Jovita Mendoza, Council Member
Seconded by: Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor
The Council, by motion, directed staff to:
maintain the current hours of operation at the Creekside Park pickleball courts; and
to return this item to the Council in a year's time for review; and
to seek out funding for other locations within the City for additional pickleball courts; and
to include pickleball courts as a topic for consideration during the Strategic Planning meeting in January 2026.
8 Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)
H. REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - NEW REQUEST(S)
There were no new future agenda items requested by the Council.
I. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by: Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor
Seconded by: Faye Maloney, Council Member
The Council, by motion, moved to adjourn, in honor of Ruben DeSilva and Ron Nunn, at 9:47 p.m.
Ayes (5): Jovita Mendoza, Council Member, Susannah Meyer, Mayor, Pa'tanisha Pierson, Vice Mayor, Tony Oerlemans, Council Member, and Faye Maloney, Council Member
Motion Approved (5 to 0)