Public Meetings - Antioch, California

The Antioch City Council met on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, starting with a closed session at 4:30 PM and reconvening the public portion at 7:00 PM, adjourning at 11:16 PM after a lengthy agenda. The meeting included introductions of new city employees, a Veterans Day proclamation, presentations on El Niño preparation, adoption of ordinance amendments related to accessory dwelling units, budget reappropriations, travel authorization, a police labor agreement, and a review of boards and commissions. Closed Session The council adjourned to closed session at 4:30 PM to discuss four cases of existing litigation, one case of anticipated litigation (property at 809-815 West First Street), and a public employee performance evaluation for the city attorney. No reportable actions were taken. Introductions, Promotions, and Retirements (Item 10) City Manager Ana Cortez and Captain Cook presented new hires and promotions: Katrina “Cat” Cottle (Animal Services Manager), Brandon Bushby (Police Corporal), and new police officers Soleil Carter, Bobby Connard, Andres Garabay, Khalil King, and Brando Fabian. Public Works hired Michael Davis as a general laborer. Each speaker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Proclamation: Veterans Day (Item 11) The council unanimously approved a proclamation declaring November 11, 2026 as Veterans Day. J.R. Wilson accepted the proclamation and provided details about the city's Veterans Day ceremony at 8 AM at the BD Lumber Building, followed by a parade and barbecue. Announcements (Item 12) - Holiday Delights parade and tree lighting on Saturday, December 5, 2026. - Vacancies announced: Board of Administrative Appeals (three full-term, one alternate), Sales Tax Citizens Oversight Committee (two full-term), Antioch Police Oversight Commission (two full-term), and Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging. Committee Reports (Item 14) - Councilmember Rocha reported on Tri-Delta Transit; a regional transportation measure passed, maintaining service and allowing improvements. - Councilmember Torres Walker reported on the Cannabis Standing Committee: discussions on oversaturation, operator accountability, equity program, and potential ordinance changes. - Councilmember Wilson: Delta Diablo meeting scheduled. - Mayor Pro Tem Freitas reported on Delta 6 meeting hosted in Antioch, focusing on regional economic development, Deer Valley Road safety, and the passed regional transportation measure. - Mayor Bernal noted upcoming Measure J reauthorization and the success of the regional measure. Presentation: Inclement Weather Preparation (Item 16.1) Emergency Operations Consultant Doug Pittman presented the city’s plan for El Niño, projected to bring record rainfall, king tides, and potential flooding. Key elements: emergency operations center activation levels, mutual aid agreements, pre‑storm readiness (72-hour timeline), and public outreach. Councilmembers asked about vulnerable populations, infrastructure readiness, sandbag distribution (a second self-serve station at the NAT Community Center), and emergency alert sign-ups via the county warning system. Public speakers expressed concern about unhoused residents and flood risks in District 1. Staff committed to providing a more detailed plan. Backup generators are ready, and public works has cleaned gutters and cleared catch basins. The fairgrounds have been secured as a potential shelter, and discussions with the Red Cross and community-based organizations are ongoing. Consent Calendar (Item 17) The consent calendar was approved 5–0 except for item 17.12, which was considered separately. Mayor Pro Tem Freitas raised questions about a $24,800 ad in the San Francisco Business Times, a $1,000 ergonomic chair purchase, and other warrant items. He requested that future warrant registers include explanations for pulled items. Item 17.12 was then approved 5–0. Public Hearings Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance Amendments (Item 18.1) Planning Manager Zoe Meredith presented updates to comply with recent state laws (SB 543, AB 956, AB 1033, SB 1117). Exempt ADUs (detached under 800 sq ft, 4-foot setbacks) cannot be subject to additional local standards. Non-exempt ADUs (over 800 sq ft) still have local rules. Public comment supported ADUs but criticized state mandates limiting local control. Councilmember Freitas opposed the lack of local discretion and the exemption from impact fees for units under 750 sq ft. The first reading passed 4–1 (Freitas dissenting). Development Impact Fees for ADUs (Item 18.2) An ordinance update to reflect SB 1117, effective January 1, 2027, changing fee calculation for ADUs over 750 sq ft. Fees will only be charged on square footage above 750 sq ft for the first two ADUs on a lot. Staff noted negligible fiscal impact, as only 2–3 ADUs per year exceed 750 sq ft. The first reading passed 4–1 (Freitas dissenting). Regular Agenda Items Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Reappropriations and Amendments (Item 19.1) Finance Director Kellie Merchant presented the unaudited closeout for FY 2025–26, showing a surplus of $1,808,592 due to an expenditure underrun. Budget amendments for FY 2026–27 include sales tax adjustments ($816,253 reduction), cannabis fee reduction ($150,000), engineering reorganization ($1.6 million transfer), and removal of $400,000 for the Homekey project. The net deficit for FY 2026–27 is projected at $6.1 million after budget stabilization. The resolution to roll forward encumbrances and budget amendments passed 5–0. Public comments questioned how a surplus occurred after earlier deficit projections. Federal Advocacy Travel Authorization (Item 19.2) The council authorized Mayor Bernal to travel to Washington, D.C., from January 18–22, 2027, for advocacy meetings and the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting. Expenses up to $5,217 from the council conference budget were approved 5–0. Some public speakers opposed, suggesting the mayor focus on Sacramento or pay his own way. Police Sworn Management Association Tentative Agreement (Item 19.3) A one‑year agreement (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027) for APSMA with a 3% COLA, and a $625,000 budget amendment. Approved 5–0. Public comment criticized the lack of consideration for the tax exemption on overtime and questioned the need for raises given budget constraints. Boards and Commissions Update on Terms and Attendance (Item 19.4) Staff reported on member terms, attendance, and municipal code provisions. Discussion identified outdated commissions (Economic Development, Police Crime Prevention), term-limit inconsistencies, and attendance issues (e.g., a commissioner missing all meetings in a reporting period). Councilmembers called for a study session to review the purpose, staffing, onboarding, and code of conduct for all boards and commissions. The report was received and filed 5–0. Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda (Item 20) Several residents addressed the council: - Criticism of the police department’s reporting and response times (40-minute response after a shot was fired at a market). - Concerns about lack of traffic enforcement and officer retention. - Frustration with flooding and infrastructure issues in District 1. - Complaint about disrespectful treatment of a city treasurer at a prior meeting. - Inquiry about city involvement in Opportunity Zone designations. Council Communications and Future Agenda Items Councilmembers requested: - A comprehensive report on PG&E building purchase and renovation costs. - A meeting at Carnegie Library regarding its future. - An update on the 10th Street Resources Building. - A report on Opportunity Zone selection. The meeting adjourned at 11:16 PM.

The Antioch City Council held a regular meeting on October 27, 2026, at 7:01 PM. The meeting included public comments heavily focused on homelessness, a presentation on the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) feasibility study, discussions on winter warming center planning, approval of the L Street Pathway to Transit project, an amendment for the Nick Rodriguez Center roof, and updates on city staff recruitment. The meeting adjourned at 11:46 PM. Consent Calendar - The council approved consent calendar items except 17.3 and 17.10, which were pulled for discussion. Mayor Pro Tem Freitas raised questions about the warrant register (e.g., $24,800 San Francisco Business Times ad, ergonomic chair, abatement services, Axon ALPR, youth network services, and a progress payment). Staff promised to provide responses. Public Comments & Testimony - Ralph Hernandez advocated for council candidates and criticized the city's failure to meet police staffing requirements (60 officers short per the General Plan). - Leslie May criticized the APOC commission, called for new elections, and demanded access to officer records. She also accused the mayor of allowing campaigning in chambers. - Margie Carroll raised concerns about the California DOJ regarding the Sedeno family and law enforcement handling. - Nicole Gardner and Rika Davis Sheard (Share Community) spoke about the harm caused by sweeps, loss of belongings, and the need for city support. They highlighted that people lose items even while using services. - Several unhoused individuals (Sam, Kenneth, Maria, Mars, Angelica, Crystal) shared personal stories of vulnerability, lost belongings, and the impact of sweeps. They urged the city to provide dignified solutions. - Andrew Becker criticized the city for not scaling successful programs like Share Community and for spending on consultants instead of local organizations. Discussion Items - LEAD Feasibility Study (Item 16.1): Rebecca Brown from Purpose Dignity Action presented findings: in 2025, 764 individuals were arrested on eligible charges; 39 people were arrested three or more times (152 arrests total). Those 39 accounted for 1,579 jail bed days. The recommendation is to implement a LEAD model with a project manager and case management to coordinate services and reduce cycling through the system. Councilmember Torres Walker noted the need to fund the program, possibly repurposing the unhoused resident coordinator position. - Winter Weather Response & Warming Center (Item 19.4): Community Services Director Montserrat Cabral reported that staff are evaluating facilities (e.g., fairgrounds, churches) but face challenges with liability, insurance, staffing, and operational costs. The council expressed frustration that planning has not resulted in an operational center. Public speakers urged immediate action. Council directed staff to continue negotiations and report back as soon as possible, possibly with a special meeting. - L Street Pathway to Transit Project (Item 18.1): The project includes bike lanes, sidewalks, landscaping, and safety improvements from 9th Street to Sycamore Drive. The council adopted the mitigated negative declaration and approved the project (5-0). Councilmembers raised concerns about lane widths, right-of-way, and potential cost overruns. Director Bunting noted the project is partially funded by a $13 million grant, with $4.5 million from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA). - Amendment to Construction Agreement – Nick Rodriguez Center (Item 19.1): Director Bunting requested an additional $102,507 to replace roof blocking that was found to be out of code. The council approved 4-1 (Freitas voting no), with concerns over project management and lack of proactive reporting. - Recruitment Strategy & Staffing Update (Item 19.3): Acting City Manager Cortez provided an update on vacancies. The council gave consensus to proceed with hiring for assistant city clerk, community development technician, recreation manager (underfilled), and administrative analyst. A detailed budget study session is scheduled for November 10. Key Outcomes - Proclamations for Breast Cancer Awareness, Filipino American History, and Homeless Awareness Months approved unanimously (5-0). - Consent Calendar (excluding 17.3 and 17.10) approved 5-0. - LEAD presentation received; no formal action taken. - Winter warming center planning to continue; staff to report back with actionable options. - L Street project approved (5-0) with mitigated negative declaration. - Nick Rodriguez Center roof amendment approved 4-1. - Recruitment for four positions authorized by consensus. - Future agenda items requested: animal services structure, commercial vacancy tax (Torres Walker); water park status, website review, onboarding/code of conduct, Carnegie Library meeting, landscaping enforcement (Freitas).