Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Several residents addressed the council:
Councilmembers requested:
The meeting adjourned at 11:16 PM.
Good afternoon, everybody. Welcome to our city council meeting of Tuesday, November the tenth, twenty twenty-six. Uh Mr. Clerk, could you please take the roll? Thank you. Councilmember Rocha. Here. Councilmember Torres Walker. President. Council Member Wilson. Here. Mayor Pro Tem Freitas. Present. Mayor Berno. Here. Thank you. We have a quorum at 4 30. All right. If you could please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the fly of the United States of America. All right, do we have any public comment on closed session items? We have no public comments. All right, we have six items on closed session. If I can have our city attorney, please let us know what those are. Item number four point one is a conference with legal counsel for existing litigation. The name of that case is California Resources Pipeline Corporation versus City of Antioch, Contra Costa Superior Court Case Number MSN two one-two three five four. Item number four point two is a conference with legal counsel for existing litigation pursuant to California Government Code section five four nine five six point nine D one. The name of that case is Lucia Albers, Lucia B. Albers et al. versus City of Antioch at all. Contra Costa Superior Court case number N two six-0159. Item number four point three is a conference with legal counsel existing litigation pursuant to California Government Code section five four nine five six point nine D one. Name of that case is Gary Dartes and Tamitia Latimore versus Redwood Property Investors, the third LLC et al. United States District Court, Northern District of California, case number four two six-cv-01644-8 HSG. Item number four point four is a conference with legal counsel for anticipated litigation. Number of potential cases one significant exposure to litigation pursuant to government code section five four nine point six five four nine five six point nine E3. Receipt of a claim pursuant to the government claims act or some other written communication from a potential claim of threatening litigation, which non-except claim or communication is available for public inspection. This closed session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section five four nine five seven B one. Thank you. We are adjourned to closed session. Good evening and welcome to the Antioch City Council meeting of Tuesday, November the 10th, 2026. Mr. Clerk could please take the roll. Thank you.