Antioch City Council Meeting – October 27, 2026

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).