REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CONCORD CITY COUNCIL/CITY COUNCIL
SITTING AS THE LOCAL REUSE AUTHORITY
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
1950 PARKSIDE DRIVE
CONCORD, CALIFORNIA AND VARIOUS
TELEPHONIC/ELECTRONIC LOCATIONS
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025
The Concord City Council met in a regular meeting in the Council Chamber, located at 1950 Parkside Drive and via various telephonic/electronic locations at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, with Mayor Obringer presiding. Mayor Obringer requested a moment of silence in memory of Pope Francis. The pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Benavente. Minutes follow in abbreviated form per Resolution 3361 and Council Minutes of September 26, 1966.
ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Dominic Aliano, Pablo Benavente, Laura Hoffmeister (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Laura Nakamura, Carlyn Obringer STAFF PRESENT: Valerie Barone, City Manager; Susanne Brown, City Attorney; Justin Ezell, Assistant City Manager; Joelle Fockler, City Clerk; Monique Robinson, Deputy City Clerk; Brandi Hendricks,
Administrative Assistant II; Mark Bustillos, Chief of Police; Greg Taylor, Director of Information Technology; Mindy Gentry, Director of Community Development Guy Bjerke, Director of Economic Development and Base Reuse; James Nakayama,
Police Captain; Olle Sansen, Police Sergeant; Barbie Gary, Program Manager; James Peavey, Human Resources Manager; Kit Jory, Parks Manager; Sophia Huckabay, Housing Manager; Kelly Rush, Housing Program Analyst
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
WHO ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL: Kay Saeyang; Edward James Disibio, Pittsburg; Denise Rundall, Antioch; Blaine Carter, Concord; Wendy Hershey, Concord; Judy Weil, Danville; Jeffry Weil, Alamo; Ed Kellar, Concord; Rhovy Lyn Antonio, California Apartment Association; Wallace Freddie, Concord; Del, Concord; Amy Scott-Slovick, Martinez; Jo Siarroni, Clayton; Joe Stokley, Pleasant Hill; Jennifer Stout, Concord; Tahirah Dean, San Francisco; Laura Eberly, Concord; Millie Phillips, Concord; Danny Espinoza, Concord; Cecila Perez- Mejia, Rising Juntos; Blanca Colin, Rising Juntos; Elliott Fliehmann, Concord; Crystal, Concord; Juan, Concord; Toby Anderson, Walnut Creek; Reed Robertson, Concord; William Britton, Concord; Renee Seaton; Katie Halfon, Martinez; Doug Jones, San Leandro; William Colin, Concord; Joe Summers, Martinez; Leslie Baxter, Concord; Ken Kent, Concord; Jackson Brody, Concord; Maria DeSousa, Concord; John DeSousa,
Concord; Jim Yan, Concord; Brandon Dawkins, Contra Costa Labor Counci; Kristin Davis, Concord; Kristi Laughlin, Raise the Roof; Jennifer Morales, Monument Impact; Betty Gabaldon, Concord; Davina Srioudom, East Bay Housing Organizations; Karen Hernandez, Centro Legal De La Raza; Joey Flegel-
Mishlove, East Bay Housing Organizations; Debra Ballinger, United Latino Voices; Chris Schildt, Urban Habitat; Janice City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
2 Andrews, Pittsburg; Tammy Chen; Lance Kreutsinger, Concord; Eric Haynes; Ady Olvera
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Kay Saeyang spoke of divestment.
Edward James DiSibio, Pittsburg, requested information on a neighborhood watch program.
Denise Rundall, Antioch, spoke about the month of September being Childhood Cancer Awareness month.
Blaine Carter, Concord, spoke about multifamily inspection fees for repeat inspections.
Wendy Hershey, Concord, spoke about Earth Day and divestment.
PRESENTATION
PROCLAMATION - Volunteer Appreciation Month
No public comment was received.
PROCLAMATION - Afterschool Professionals’ Week
No public comment was received.
PROCLAMATION – Earth Day
No public comment was received.
PROCLAMATION – Arbor Day
No public comment was received.
CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
No public comment was received.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-8 – Revising Policy & Procedure 37.22 – Military Leave, retroactive to January 1, 2025.
A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to adopt Resolution No. 25-8 entitled, “A Resolution Amending Policy & Procedure 37.22 Military Leave Retroactive to January 1, 2025.” The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-9 – Accepting and Appropriating Grant Funding from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)
A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to adopt Resolution No. 25-9 entitled, “A Resolution Accepting and Appropriating Grant Funding from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) in the amount of $220,750 to Support and Expand the Senior Transportation Program, Project No. 2792.” The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
APPROVE LICENSE AGREEMENT – Six Flags Concord LLC
City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
3 A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to approve a License Agreement with Six Flags Concord LLC for a fee of $1,875 per month from May to September and $1,000 per month from October to April each year and to allow Six Flags staff to utilize a maintenance building on City of Concord's property located on Waterworld Way; and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NOS. 25-10, 25-11, 25-12, AND 25-13 – Ordering Preparation of the Engineer’s Reports for the Levy of Fiscal Year 2025-26 Assessments for the City’s Four Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Assessment Districts
This item was pulled from consideration on the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Nakamura who recused herself from the item due to economic interest in real property resulting from proximity to her primary residence and left the dais.
No public comment was received.
A motion was made by Aliano and seconded by Benavente to adopt Resolution No. 25-10 entitled, “A Resolution Ordering the Preparation of an Engineer’s Report for the Downtown Landscape Maintenance District.” The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Aliano, Benavente, Hoffmeister, Obringer NOES: None ABSENT: Nakamura A motion was made by Aliano and seconded by Benavente to adopt Resolution No. 25-11 entitled, “A Resolution Ordering the Preparation of an Engineers Report for the Pine Hollow Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District.” The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Aliano, Benavente, Hoffmeister, Obringer NOES: None ABSENT: Nakamura A motion was made by Aliano and seconded by Benavente to adopt Resolution No. 25-12 entitled, “A Resolution Ordering the Preparation of an Engineer’s Report for the Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District No. 3.” The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Aliano, Benavente, Hoffmeister, Obringer NOES: None ABSENT: Nakamura A motion was made by Aliano and seconded by Benavente to adopt Resolution No. 25-13 entitled, “A Resolution Ordering the Preparation of an Engineer's Report for the Citywide Street Lighting Assessment District.” The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Aliano, Benavente, Hoffmeister, Obringer NOES: None ABSENT: Nakamura Councilmember Nakamura returned to the dais.
APPOINTMENTS TO THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Martin Steinpress, Jency James, and Carlos Montalvo
A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to appoint Martin Steinpress, Jency James, and Carlos Montalvo to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for four-year terms ending February 28, 2029, as recommended by the Council Committee on Infrastructure and Franchise (Aliano/Hoffmeister). The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
APPOINTMENTS TO THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD – Jill Finn and Darren Kelly A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to appoint Jill Finn and Darren Kelly to the Design Review Board for four-year terms ending February 28, 2029, as recommended by the Council Committee on Housing and Economic Development (Hoffmeister/Obringer). The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
4 APPROVAL OF ON-CALL TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENTS – J.T.S. Tree Experts, Mountain F. Enterprises, Inc, SavATree LLC
A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to approve Maintenance Services Agreements to provide on-call tree maintenance with three firms for up to five (5) years with the option for three (3) one-year extensions, at annual no-to-exceed amounts, as follows:
1. J.T.S. Tree Experts, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $895,000 per year to complete on-call tree maintenance, tree planting, and tree-related crane services in parks, opens space, and other City- maintained property;
2. Mountain F Enterprises, Inc. in the not-to-exceed amount of $400,000 per year to complete on- call tree maintenance for City-maintained street trees and other trees that may impact sewers; and
3. SavATree LLC in the not-to-exceed amount of $225,000 per year for emergency response to City-maintained and private property trees that impact the rights-of-way; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreements in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
APPOINTMENT OF INCUMBENTS TO THE CONCORD PAVILION COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE – Cedric Cheng and Lance LeDrew
A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to appoint incumbents Carlos Cheng and Lance LeDrew to the Concord Pavilion Community Outreach Committee for four-year terms ending February 28, 2029, as recommended by the Council Committee on Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Community Services (Nakamura/Benavente). The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 25-14 – Concord Police Department AB 481 2024 Military Equipment Report, 2025 Military Equipment Inventory
A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to adopt Resolution No. 25-14 entitled, “A Resolution Accepting the Concord Police Department AB 481 2024 Military Equipment Report, 2025 Military Equipment Inventory, and Approving the Continued Use of Existing Military Equipment Policy”. The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
APPROVE MAINTENANCE SERVICE AGREEMENT – Palomas Landscape Inc A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to approve a Maintenance Service Agreement with Palomas Landscape Inc. for turf management and surface maintenance services for a three-year term, with three one-year extensions, in the amount of $190,000 per fiscal year and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
LOCAL REUSE AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
APPROVE REVISED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) – Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)
A motion was made by Nakamura and seconded by Aliano to approve the revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the City of Concord Local Reuse Authority (LRA) on the development and operation of the Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) Program on the former Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) and authorize the City Manager to execute the document. The motion passed by unanimous vote of the Council.
City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
5 CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEM
ADOPT ORDINANCE 25-3 – Amending Concord Municipal Code Chapter 19.40, Residential Tenant Protection Program
Public comment was provided by:
Judy Weil, Danville
Jeffry Weil, Alamo
Ed Kellar, Concord
Rhovy Lyn Antonio, California Apartment Association
Wallace Freddie, Concord
Del, Concord
Amy Scott-Slovick, Martinez
Jo Sciarroni, Clayton
Joe Stokley, Pleasant Hill
Jennifer Stout, Concord
Tahirah Dean, San Francisco
Laura Eberly, Concord
Rodney Lemery, Concord
Millie Phillips, Concord
Danny Espinoza, Concord
Cecila Perez-Mejia, Rising Juntos
Cristina Marin, Rising Juntos
Obdulia Sanchez, Rising Juntos
Blanca Colin, Rising Juntos
Elliott Fliehmann, Concord
Bathsheba Birman, Concord
Crystal, Concord
Juan, Concord
Toby Anderson, Walnut Creek
Reed Robertson, Concord
William Britton, Concord
Renee Seaton
Katie Halfon Martinez
Doug Jones, San Leandro
William Colin, Concord
Joe Summers, Martinez
Leslie Baxter, Concord
City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
6 Ken Kent, Concord
Jackson Brody, Concord
Maria DeSousa, Concord
John DeSousa, Concord
Blaine Carter, Concord
Jim Yan, Concord
Brandon Dawkins, Contra Costa Labor Council
Kristin Davis, Concord
Kristi Laughlin, Raise the Roof
Jennifer Morales, Monument Impact
Betty Gabaldon, Concord
Davina Srioudom, East Bay Housing Organizations
Karen Hernandez, Centro Legal De La Raza
Joey Flegel-Mishlove, East Bay Housing Organizations
Debra Ballinger, United Latino Voices
Chris Schildt, Urban Habitat
Janice Andrews, Pittsburg
Tammy Chen
Lance Kreutsinger, Concord
Eric Haynes
Ady Olvera
A motion was made by Benavente and seconded by Hoffmeister to adopt Ordinance No. 25-3 entitled, “An Ordinance Amending Concord Municipal Code Chapter 19.40 ‘Residential Tenant Protection Program’ to Revise Existing Provisions Thereof, Including but not Limited to Adjusting the Annual Allowable Rent Increase, and the Applicability of the ‘Just Cause’ Provisions to Rented Single-Family Homes and Condominiums.” Ordinance No. 25-3 was introduced on March 25, 2025, by reading of the title only and waiving further reading. The motion passed by the following vote of the Council:
AYES: Benavente, Hoffmeister, Obringer NOES: Aliano, Nakamura ABSENT: None Mayor Obringer recessed the meeting at 8:46 p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:58 p.m.
CORRESPONDENCE
a. Letter to Hon. Mark DeSaulnier re: Support for East Bay Regional Park District South of Bailey Road – Community Development Project – March 28, 2025
b. Letter to Hon. Scott Wiener re: SB 79 (Wiener) Transit-Oriented Development Notice of Opposition – April 7, 2025
c. Letter to Hon. Maria Elena Durzo re: SB 634 (Perez) Homelessness: civil and criminal penalties Notice of Opposition (as amended 03/26/25) – April 14, 2025 d. Letter to Grant Committee re: Support for La Concordia Wellness Center – April 14, 2025 e. Letter to Hon. Mark DeSaulnier re: Support for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District’s Station LED Lighting Program – April 8, 2025 City Council Minutes April 22, 2025
7 f. Letter to Assemblymember Anamarie Avila Farias – April 8, 2025 g. Agenda Item No. 4.a, Rent Stabilization Benched Correspondence
COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmembers shared information on events and activities in which they had participated since the last meeting and commented on items of interest.
ADJOURNMENT
By order of the Mayor, the meeting was adjourned on April 22, 2025, at 9:32 p.m. /s/
CARLYN S. OBRINGER
MAYOR
/s/
JOELLE FOCKLER, MMC
CITY CLERK