So
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Good evening everyone and
Welcome to our regular city
Council meeting of march the
10th, 2026.
Mr. City clerk will you please
Get the roll.
>> the clerk: thank you,
Council member rocha, here.
Council member torres-walker,
Present.
Council member wilson, here.
Mayor pro tem traits, present,
Mayor bernal, here.
We have a quorum at 715 p.m.
>> mayor bernal: all right, if
You could join me in the pledge
Of allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the
Flag of the united states of
America, and to the
Republic, for which it
Stands, one nation, under
God, indivisible, with
Liberty and justice for all.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Earlier this afternoon we had
Closed session so if we could
Have our new city attorney
Ms. Lori assention please report
Out and welcome.
>> city attorney smith: thank
You mayor, we have one item for
Closed session and nothing to
Report so thank you.
>> mayor bernal: thank you.
Moving on to public comments.
Do we have --
>> the clerk: yes, we have
Some public comments can I have
Melissa tolled by followed by a
Debbie.
Let me get you a microphone.
Test one two three, test.
>> good evening.
Can you hear me?
>> good evening, I have three
Things to say.
I would like to have a
Councilmember to move number
Five to number 10, I know these
Meetings usually go long so I
Just wanted to get that moved
Up.
The next thing I would like is,
There was discussion at the end
Of 2025 and I think I brought it
Up at the beginning of 2026.
No -- end of 24, begin of 2025.
That I wanted you guys to put
The eminent domain a vacant
Building and lots on the agenda.
We had started talking about
That previous council.
And it was something that we, I
Think they have started looking
Into.
Was all the, you know, was all
Needed to be able to do this.
So I would like the eminent
Domain to have some research
Done or whatever to bring that
Back on vacant buildings and
Lots here in antioch that can be
Built on.
You know, bought by people in
Antioch and used.
For, you know, either homes or
For businesses or something if
They want to have their own.
And then the third comment I
Wanted to make, oh I got a lot
Of time -- is that -- where is
The police chief.
I’m disappointed in the antioch
Police department.
I rally for them to get their
Funding, I pushed, I carried
Identity, I cheer lead for them
And everything for every time
They want funding I cheer led.
Yet when we had our hit and run
In december they did thought get
There until two minutes after
That guy took off.
We showed them videos, they had
All the information.
They claimed they were putting
A, whatever you call a b
Oampletlo or something out on
Him but he wasn’t picked up.
And when he came back through
The neighborhood we called him
And we were told oh well we’re
Not going to arrest him now
Because we can’t goat him on the
D.u.I.
And I’m like, but he hit and ran
Us and there’s injuries.
And so I’m just really
Disappointed.
I rallied for them, I’m in a
Wheelchair, I will walk again
But I’m in a wheelchair.
I had serious surge, and it was
Bad.
I would like them to be put on
The agenda to answer to me under
To other people.
I’m sure there’s other people
Saying things.
So I guess the agenda matter for
People who have complaints.
We need to hear the people speak
Here in these chambers.
And I will be one of them to
Speak if we can get that on the
Agenda in the future agenda.
Thank you.
>> the clerk: debbie blazier.
>> good evening, mayor, city
Council, city manager and staff.
I’m debbie blazier, I’m
President of the downtown
Antioch association.
And I want to announce three
Things.
First of all we have done a
Little bit of rebranding and
Where can you find us?
So antioch daa on facebook,
Instagram and downtown antioch
Association@gmaim is where yougm
Can contact us for events going
On downtown.
We have march, april and may
Kind of booked out for things we
Are doing in conjunction with
The city and parks and rec on
Our own.
So this weekend is our first
Kind of big event that we have
28 business so far and still
Counting, that will be
Participating in a st. Patty’s
Day word search.
So the 14th and 15th you’ll
Look downed there will be a
Balloon and there will be words
On shamrocks that the winners
Will be judged on how creative
Sentences and stories that they
Will create from these shamrocks
That are in the windows.
So we would like everybody to
Come downtown, shop at your
Favorite stores and put in an
Entry for creative stories and
That.
So we hope that the families
Will come.
I did this a number of years
Back.
And the stories and the
Sentences were quite
Entertaining and that.
So there’s prizes, and some of
The stores then will be
Announcing specials often that
Online.
So watch us on antiochdaa.
The second announcement is, or
The last announcement is our daa
Meeting, it will be at the four
Seasonings this march 26th.
It’s on a thursday night at the
End of the month and we really
Would like to invite businesses,
Residents and that, to come down
And see what it’s all about as
Well.
So thank you very much for all
Your time.
>> mayor bernal: thank you.
>> the clerk: jim becker
Followed by crystal law.
>> good evening everybody.
My name is jim becker and
Tonight I’m wearing my antioch
Chamber of commerce board
President hat.
So just some updates.
This wednesday we’re having a
Lunch and learn at sutter delta,
Ceo trevor brand will introduce
Hr 1 and its impact on the
Community, local businesses and
Employees.
This is an port topic and we
Encourage everyone to join us.
Next wednesday, we’ll be having
Our head and shine, synchrony us
For lunch.
Then on april 7th our
Government affairs committee
Will be hosting bart director
Foley, who will be speaking on
The bart measure as well as the
Issues it could pose for
Stations like ours, for antioch.
So please join us for that as
Well.
And now I have the big news.
First I want to thank mayor
Bernal for being part of our
Honorary selection committee
This year for the awards and the
Awards are for youth of the
Year, amanda brown from deer
Valley high school.
Citizen of the year, most impact
Is allison norris, lifetime
Achievement award is going to
Joann bilba who is 96 years
Young.
Nonprofit of the year is share
Communities.
Small business of the year,
Almost there travel and large
Business of the year is u.s.
Bank.
And I want to remind everybody,
I heard earlier in the meeting
About graffiti and broken
Windows and all that.
I just want to remind folks here
On dais and in the audience
About the chamber cares ram.
If you see vandalism, graffiti,
Broken windows or other issues,
Let us know.
We can provide the business
Owner of an immediate grant of
$500 to help with repair costs
And for more information about
Chamber cares and some of the
Events I remembered, mentioned
Excuse me, go to
Antiochchamber.com.
Thanks very much.
>> the clerk: crystal followed
By melissa.
>> hello, city council.
I had a whole speech prepared
But I am not going to follow
That speech today.
I am a very disappointed in the
Mayor.
To even think that we would have
A second thought on homekey, to
Even think that we would have a
Second question --
>> mayor bernal: excuse me,
Crystal there is an agenda item
About --
>> that is not what I’m talking
About further.
>> mayor bernal: okay.
>> so to even think that there
Would be a second thought on any
Of that.
But yet we’re out here, we are
Doing photo ops, we’re getting
In front of cameras which is
Great.
You know, you are doing your
Job, right?
But I don’t see -- I don’t see
The accomplish -- I don’t see
What you’re actually physically
Doing in any of it.
And I’m coming down because it’s
Upsetting to me to think that
You’re reaping the benefits of
Everything that the other city
Council did.
But you get to get, you know,
All the congratulations for it.
It’s -- look, we all have to
Work together.
One of your interview questions
From me for apoc was how do you
Work well, how do you work
Together with people who you --
Who you don’t, you know, or
Can’t get along with.
I want to ask you that same
Question.
I want to see where is the
Christianity when we have people
Out here suffering and can’t --
Don’t have places to live.
And yet, their cause are still
Being taken.
I want to know where is it at?
You say he up pa thighs with
People and you’ve been there, I
Just don’t see any type of
Empathy.
I see you going for your voters.
I see you going and being a --
You know, working with the, you
Know, whatever they want.
You can’t do both sides.
This isn’t a game anymore.
We need help out here.
[applause]
>> the clerk: melissa.
>> I guess I’ll start off by
Saying I have noticed a great
Improvement on the dais about
Attitudes and talking to
Community members.
And I do appreciate that, this
Last year.
And I also really appreciate
When I reach out to people they
Actually get back to me.
That is -- even if it’s a thank
You, I just saw this, thank you
For saying something.
For those I don’t reach out, you
Can reach out to me because I’ve
Done that already.
The worst things, there are some
Things I’m concerned about and
One things I reached out this
Last week is losing zack sale.
That really concerned me because
Economic development needs to be
A very proactive in this city
Right now because we need to
Generate revenue.
And as elections approach I hope
Our community can rally around
The civil and productive
Discourse on these issues.
And my vote will be going to the
One because d-4 and d-1 are up
For election.
I’m in d-4.
My vote will be going to the one
I them can move this city
Forward fiscally, say what you
Want about lamar, he had ideas,
He didn’t treat people well but
He had ideas.
That’s the one positive.
So my question to those that I
Have been advocating for and
Those who ran on economic
Development, what is your plan?
Because I haven’t seen any plans
Or any ideas, you know, from
You.
On social media, or when we talk
One on one.
And I’d like you to address that
Tonight in your closing
Comments.
Because right now when it comes
To economic development I’m
Giving this council an f.
And there’s still time for final
Grading in 2028.
So I’m hoping that we can turn
This around.
Like I said in 2026 I’ll be
Looking for counts who are just
Not good for rhetoric but bring
Real plans real ideas and I’ll
Be strong advocates for those
Letters.
Regardless of personal feeling
For any candidate I think any
Antiochian, how consistently
They have shown up for antioch
And what they have done to try
To improve our city.
I want to redane the hope that I
Once had in this council’s
Ability to lead proactively and
Make antioch a city we can all
Be proud of especially regarding
Economic development.
Because I think that is our next
Step.
Thank you.
[applause]
>> the clerk: there is no
Further comment cards.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Thank you.
Is there more coming down?
>> thank you.
Good evening, council and city
Of antioch.
First, I wanted to address, you
Spoke about the golf course, the
Golf course gave us a check for
$20,000 but a few months ago you
Guys agreed to pay off their
30-year debt.
Okay?
So we’re stuck with this golf
Course company for 30 years.
And if 30 of you guys have
Played the golf course it used
To be one of the best in the bay
Area.
You used to have to wait an hour
And a half to get on the tee
Time just like it is in concord
At the apple creek.
It is a money maker.
It’s all gone to hell.
Like bad decisions by the dais,
Okay?
The chief’s remarks last week,
Okay?
The chief gave a nice report.
First of all he’s talking about
The total amount of calls that
The police handle.
Okay?
Thousands of them.
Maybe thousands of them a day.
Look at all these calls, wow
They’re really working hard but
Then you know he gets a few
Questions from the public and
It’s like well, with when
Somebody fires off a shot it’s
Like, you know, at your house
When somebody fires off a shot
Sometimes five people call in.
Somebody driving by they’ll call
9/11.
Somebody who saw it happen
They’ll call 9/11.
One incident end up with a lot
Of calls.
Looks like the police are doing
A lot of work but they’re not.
They barely get out of their
Car.
I remember, you know, when
People first started making
Videos of police, the --
Somebody goat beaten up down in
L.a. And somebody photographed
It and then pretty much the
Police were afraid to get out of
Their car.
Because they didn’t want to end
Up own youtube that on youtube
And when I take bart to work, I
Go by the concord police
Station.
And I -- every time I go by
There, there’s six shiny
Brand-new motorcycles.
And they’re just waiting for the
Morning, when six motorcycle
Cops show up to work and they go
Through concord and they make
The city safe.
The cops on the motorcycles,
They’re giving the information
To the dispatcher, they are like
The eyes and the ears of the
Police.
You call it a traffic division,
One officer, is that a division?
Let’s call it a traffic duo,
Okay, because we have no traffic
Enforcement.
Okay?
Even louie says when the light
Turns green he doesn’t even move
For five seconds.
That is our representative.
He is afraid to drive his car
When the light turns green.
You guys can do better.
[applause]
>> the clerk: no further
Public comments.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Thank you.
Moving on to proclamation.
The proclamation tonight is for
National prescription drug abuse
Awareness month, march 2026.
Do I have a motion to approve
The proclamation?
>> move approval.
>> I’ll second.
>> mayor bernal: we have a
Motion from mayor pro tem
Freitas, second from council
Member wilson.
Please cast your votes.
>> the clerk: motion passes
5-0.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
And this is this proclamation is
Going to be received by a couple
Of folks.
Daniel aben who is the coalition
Coordinator for the bay area
Community resources, ccc meds
Coalition, she is diagnose to be
Receiving as well as tracy
Hearn, treatment droart director
For bart program.
After this is read and after we
Get public comment council will
Go ahead and say some words and
We’ll take pictures from you
All.
National prescription drug
Abuse awareness month
March 2026
Whereas, march is recognized
As prescription drug abuse
Awareness month, bringing
Attention to the serious
Issue of prescription drug
Misuse and its impact on
Individuals, families, and
Communities, including here
In the city of antioch;
Whereas, while prescription
Medications such as opioids,
Sedatives, and stimulants
Can be effective when used
As directed by a healthcare
Provider, their misuse can
Lead to severe health
Consequences including
Addiction, overdose,
Impaired judgment, and
Increased risks such as
Impaired driving, infectious
Diseases, and complications
During pregnancy;
Whereas, prescription opioid
Addiction remains a
Significant public health
Crisis and synthetic opioids
Including counterfeit
Prescription drugs laced
With fentanyl continue to be
A driver of fatal overdose
And in 2024 the rate of
Fatal overdose from fentanyl
In contra costa county was
10.2 per 100,000 residents,
A significant reduction from
The 2023 rate of 14.72 per
100,000 residents; and
Whereas, in 2023, in contra
Costa county there were
447,583 opioid prescriptions
Given to patients which is
An adjusted rate of 313.9
Per 1,000 residents, higher
Than the state average of
345.62; and
Whereas, according to the
Center for disease control
(cdc) 105,007 drug overdose
Deaths occurred nationally
In 2023, 80,000 were from
Opioids ( and 183 of those
Opioid related deaths
Occurred in contra costa
County ; and
Whereas, the city of antioch
Encourages community members
To take proactive steps to
Prevent prescription drug
Misuse by safely storing
Medications, properly
Disposing of unused or
Expired prescriptions, and
Raising awareness about the
Dangers of misuse and
Overdose; and
Whereas, the dea‘s national
Prescription drug take back
Day on saturday, april 25th,
2026 provides a special
Opportunity for residents to
Safely dispose of unused
Medications and participate
In efforts to prevent
Prescription drug misuse in
Our community; and
Whereas, the contra costa
County medication education
And disposal safety (meds)
Coalition encourages
Residents of antioch to use
Prescription medicines only
As directed by health care
Providers and never share
Medications with others; and
Promotes awareness,
Education, and responsible
Behaviors regarding
Prescription medications,
Strengthening the health,
Safety, and well-being of
All antioch residents;
Now, therefore, I, ron
Bernal, mayor of the city of
Antioch hereby proclaim the
Month of march 2026, and
Each following march, to be
“prescription drug abuse
Awareness month” in the city
Of antioch.
All right, would danielle obin
Like to come up and share a few
Words?
She’s here, hi, danielle.
>> thank you mayor bernal and
The city council for proclaiming
March as prescription drug abuse
Awareness month in antioch.
On behalf of the east contra
Costa county meds coalition
Chapter we sincerely appreciate
The city’s impact on our
Community.
This proclamation helps
Highlight the prevention, safe
Maition
Medication storage, health care
Providers and community partners
We can help reduce miss use and
Protect the health and safety of
Antioch residents especially our
Youth.
Thank you again for your
Leadership in supporting the
Health here for antioch
Community and would also like to
Take this opportunity to remind
The residents here in the city
Of antioch that da take back day
Will be taking place on april
26th and that is an
Opportunity for you to dispose
Safely of all your unwanted
Prescription medications.
Thank you so much.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Thank you.
And where will that be located
For folks to drop that off?
>> the closest location I have
Confirmed is oakley police
Department.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Thank you very much.
Next tracy hearn who is the
Treatment center director of
Bart programs if you could
Please come up, thank you.
>> good evening.
Mayor and members of the
Council.
On behalf of bart programs in
Antioch, thank you for this
Proclamation recognition.
Prescription drug abuse
Awareness month, we honor -- we
Are very honored by this
Recognition.
I have many of my employees here
To accept the award note just aw
Myself.
I also have the tcd director
From richard richmond to accept
Award as well.
City of antioch, substance abuse
And substance recovery in our
Chownt, I have seen that not
Only with our community with our
Police officers because I have
Been working diligently with our
Police force.
So I want to actually thank you
Guys all.
And if the chief is here I want
To thank him.
I have also been e-mailing him
Officers names as thank you.
So we have been trying to clean
Up the community and I am
Sincerely grateful.
So every day we see the strength
And resilience of individuals
Working towards recovery in
Partnership like this really
Makes that possible.
Thank you again for your support
In helping raise awareness about
This important issue.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Thank you and I also would like
To thank you for your efforts to
Clean up that area around your
Facility.
It is really been a huge
Improvement over the last couple
Of months.
>> I’ve been there four months
And that is all due to not just
Me but my regional director matt
Adelman have been working
Diligently.
>> mayor bernal: the bart
Clinic we also know it as the
Methadone clinic.
It was an on going issue for
Quite a while and just recently
It has been better, so any
Public comments on this?
>> the clerk: no public
Comments.
>> mayor bernal: tracy why
Don’t you and your group come up
First and then we can give you
This award.
Captains bitner and bowers, if
You want to come down and take a
Picture with us as well, yes.
[applause]
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Moving on now to item number 2,
Announcements of civic and
Community events.
>> I have some announcements for
Other.
I can make the announcements
While director cabral comes up
For director wright who is not
Here.
He wants everyone to know that
The eggstravaganza is happening
On march 28th, and it’s
Happening at two parks from two
Different hours.
10 to 11 it will be contraloma
Parks and from 12 to 1 it is
Meadow creek park and diablo
West park.
And the -- note worry, I’ve
Asked nicole to put this on your
Calendars, so you don’t miss
Anything.
Ice cream socials and all the
Events the city is putting on
This year and the last event, I
Don’t know if the chief wanted
Captain bittner to remind
Everyone, is the opening of the
Sycamore substation tomorrow
From 5:30 to 7.
>> good evening, mayor and
Council and just to piggyback
What city manager scott said,
Sic mower plaza, really excited
Recreation is doing a great job
Of those events, the fact that
They have a total carnd for the
Whole year, is demonstrate.
Michelle leon one of our antioch
Council of teens, one council
Meeting a month we try to have a
Youth come up and public speak
And speak about some of the
Events that youth services are
Doing.
It is good practice and they
Enjoy being in front of you and
What greater time with civic
Engagement than her amazingness.
Thank you.
>> good evening, again, thank
You for the lovely introduction.
So as you already know my name
Some I’m from dozier libby high
School.
I’m here with a couple of
Announcements for march.
So starting off march 13th, we
Have a teen slime event
Workshop.
So that’s going to be for
Antioch students or youth that
Resize in antioch.
And it will be from 5 to 7 p.m.
So if you like slime and you’re
From ages 12 to 15 years old,
Please make sure you come.
And so you know everything is
Free so even more of an nerve.
So up next we have a blood drive
That was organized by two
Members from antioch council of
Teenls.
They collaborated with american
Red cross, and their school, to
Make this happen.
So if you would like to
Contribute and give back, please
Show up to donate blood march
21st, from 9 a.m. To 2 p.m.
So at the antioch community
Center.
And we hope to seize you there.
Please if you have any questions
Or concerns about anything,
Please make sure, or you the
Would like to register for
Anything, please make sure to
E-mail youth@antiochca.gov.
Thank you for your time.
>> mayor bernal: thank you
Michelle.
Are there any other
Announcements?
>> the clerk: no further
Announcements.
>> mayor bernal: moving on to
Announcements of board and
Commission openings.
>> the clerk: the city of
Antioch has the following
Positions available, the
Deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m.
Friday march 26th.
The board of appeals has three
Full time vacancies, expiring
March of 2030.
And one two year term.
Parks and recreation authority
Has one two year vacancy and
Three full term vacancies exierg
April of 2030.
The five committee vacancies and
Two alternate member vacancies.
And the sales tax citizens
Oversight committee has three
Full term vacancies expiring
March of 2030 and two full term
Vacancies which expire march of
2028.
To be considered for the vacancy
Positions please complete the
Application and complete it by
Friday march 20th at 5 p.m.
Applications are found on the
City’s website and may be picked
Up here an city hall.
Please e-mail your completed
Application to the city clerk.
You can also drop off your
Application in the water
Building drop off box located in
The parking lot just outside.
Thank you.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Thank you city clerk mandy, city
Council committee reports and
Information.
Council member rocha.
>> council member rocha: some
Of my committees are not until
Next week.
The city schools committee meets
On monday and then the tridelta
Transit board meets next month.
I don’t have anything this
Month.
>> mayor bernal: thank you,
Council member torres-walker.
>> council member torres-walker:
Thank you, mayor.
None of my committees have met
But thank you councilmember
Rocha, we’re always like what
Dough we say?
It’s so formal.
Again, as council member rocha
Stated, the city schools
Standing committee will be
Meeting march 16th at 1:30
P.m. At the main ausd office up
The street.
Please come.
That is a public meeting.
I know it could be hard for
People who work.
We’re still trying to figure out
How to make those meetings later
In the day so community members
Could attend.
I will not be attending that
Meeting.
My brother-in-law who is a
Veteran passed away and we’ll be
Having a send-off for him.
It’s really important to our
Family so I will thought be
There.
But I trust council member rocha
To lead that meeting because he
Is our expoart on expert on edu
Our cannabis standing committee
Meeting will be happening on the
18th.
At 10 a.m.
Mayor pro tem freitas.
We also, that will be here in
The council chambers.
Very exciting meeting, come and
Learn about all things cannabis.
I know councilmember, mayor pro
Tem traits is excited.
>> council member freitas: you
Betcha.
>> council member torres-walker:
And just in case people don’t
Know it is already public but
There is a joint meeting of the
City council and the planning
Commission, that same night in
Council chambers.
And on the 26th, the community
Development block grant standing
Committee is also meeting where
Myself and council member rocha
Sits on that committee.
It is 9 a.m.
I apologize again, that is
Super-early for residents who
Work.
It is a public meeting.
If you can make it please come.
If not, watch the play-back so
You can understand what are the
Next steps for cdbg and lplha
Dollars.
Let’s see working hard or hardly
Working.
District 1 down hall was on the
26th of february.
I want to thank all city staff
Who attended from the police
Department.
City manager, scott, was in
Attendance, thank you so much.
Also, I want to thank the mayor
Who was able to show up for a
Brief moment.
And I want to give a special
Shout-out to all the community
Members who showed up.
I will have a full presentation
Out.
We actually collected cards with
People’s concerns and contact
Information.
So I plan to reach out to those
Individuals, and also have a
Full report back at the next
Council meeting.
And a special shout-out to
Alicia and brenda from diane
Bergs office, shout out to
Brenda from the district
Attorney’s office, who came and
Discussed the resources coming
From the east contra costa, and
His commitment to working with
Antioch residents on resolving
Issues.
I also want to thank assembly
Member anna maria abel ferrias,
Who reaffirmed her commitment as
A councilmember and supporting
The city of antioch moving
Forward as well as peter kim
From the office of racial
Justice, and social equity, at
The county level.
They’re going to be rolling out
A trail work and some
Conversations.
There’s money coming down from
The county for mental health.
And like wellness support and
Those, we need those dollars
Here in antioch.
So I would encourage any
Resident if you see an
Announcement come from the
County about attending these
Meetings at the office of racial
Equity and social justice please
Attend.
Because our voices is what’s
Going to bring dollars to
Antioch.
If we aren’t in the room then
Our issues will not be
Addressed.
So I really encourage us to stay
In the loop with the county and
What’s happening so we can
Continue to get those dollars
Here in our city to support us.
And that is it.
>> mayor bernal: all right,
Thank you.
Council member wilson.
>> council member wilson: yes,
Thank you mayor.
Delta diablo meets tomorrow but
In the meantime a few weeks ago
I traveled with a delegation of
The board of delta adobe diablo
Our casta dc plant.
We service pittsburg and baibt
Which is unincorporated voskt.
And this city is embarking on a
$38 million secondary processing
Plant, which includes the
Antioch substation, very old,
Needs a lot of repair.
We traveled to d.c. And spoke to
Congressman garamendi and
Desaulnier.
It looks like they are very
Interested in getting some
Earmarks, not guaranteed but we
Might get some earmark dollars
To help with that station.
As the mayor knows the pump
Station is pretty old, has two
To three miles of pipeline that
Goes out that is very old.
We had some issues during a
Couple of rainstorms ago that
Pump station which pretty much
Impacts everybody here in
Antioch definitely needs some
Funding.
We may potentially get funding
From that for us patterning with
Delta diablo.
I will keep the council posted
On that.
Also I was able to attend last
Week the city of antioch had a
Meeting of all administrative
Assistants.
So I was able to stick my head
In, say hello, see what they’re
Talking about, what their
Concerns and what they’re
Working on so that was really
Enlightening meeting.
And then also, coming up I will
Be going on, I’ll be going on
Some meetings in regards to a.I.
And how it’s impacting
Municipalities.
So looking informed to going to
That meeting and how that
Technology works for or against
Us so that’s our report.
>> mayor bernal: all right
Thank you.
Mayor pro tem freitas.
>> council member freitas:
Basically the meetings have
Already been announced so I
Don’t have -- I don’t want to be
Repetitive.
>> mayor bernal: all right.
Of course.
>> mayor pro tem freitas made me
Think about this.
While going on our d.c. Trip
Councilperson garamendi talked
About your npdes, there might be
An opportunity to get some
Funding.
>> mayor bernal: for those of
You who don’t know mayor pro tem
Freitas was one of the founders
Of our county in national
Pollutant discharge elimination
System npdes program and that
Involved all of the cities in
Our county and it’s been very
Beneficial to keeping our river
Clean and our waterways.
So it’s impactful years ago and
Still today.
So I was in my report-out I have
Ccta contra costa county
Transportation authority, where
We worked on or recommended for
Approval the mid year budget.
Trans-plan is going to be
Meeting this thursday, I’m going
To be having a town hall with
Senator grayson and treasurer ma
On april the 2nd out at the
Water park community room, 6
P.m. If you like to hear things
Local and state, regarding
Things that they have to share.
And mayor pro tem freitas and I
Are going to be doing a bunch of
Interviews for the g pac
Applicants, that is our general
Plan advisory committee so we’re
Going to be doing that over the
Next week ore so and getting
Those folks back before the
Council hopefully to next city
Council meeting so we can get
Those meetings started which is
Very important.
Regarding my mayor’s comments
Most of you were not at our
Study session we had earlier
About our budget.
And so it was sobering to hear
The state of our finances.
There is a projected $11.3
Million defendant deficit for t
Year.
But when we have a little bit
Less than 11
We have many needs in the city
Of antioch as you know.
Our limited resources compete
For all of those.
This is down from a $27 million
Deficit last year, so we have
Made a lot of progress as a
Council working that down, but
We have a lot of work to do to
Keep going.
We can’t continue business as
Usual.
We have to figure out ways to
Increase revenue and decrease
Costs accordingly.
85% of revenue comes from taxes,
Property taxes, sales taxes,
Different taxes, so we are
Heavily tax dependent.
Economic development is
Important but a lot of things
Drive that in the city, public
Safety being one of the largest
Things, making sure when people
Have a business here, they want
To keep it here, it can grow and
Attract new businesses to come
To the city of antioch.
Staff is working hard on a plan
As we speak to bring back to the
City council to talk about
Economic development.
That is one of the three
Priorities we adopted at the
Last city council meeting,
Economic development, driven by
Code enforcement.
Before the meeting tonight, the
Code enforcement department
Talked about what they were
Doing to keep the city moving
Forward as far as blighted
Property, graffiti.
We have a plan to work on the
Updated ordinance, looking at
Ways to hold people
Accountable.
That’s very important, I’m sure
To all of you like it is to city
Council.
Another area priority for the
City council in the upcoming
Budget and year is having a
Fully staffed police department,
Complying with the doj,
Substations was another as was
Mentioned a grand opening of the
Substation in sick in in
Sycamore square tomorrow at 5:30
If you can make it.
will be big for the
Neighborhood.
Youth is a huge priority for the
City council.
Youth in every way.
Finally, homelessness, making
Sure that we are addressing
That.
Were going to work on a two year
Plan, figure out what to do with
The delta fair property.
We have a lot of things we are
Working on again.
The bottom line is that we need
Public engagement working
Through the budget over the next
Couple of months.
It’s a tough discussion.
Tough decisions are need to be
Made.
We need to do them in the best
Interest of the antioch
Community.
We need to hear your voices and
Hope you will all stay engaged
In that.
concludes my comments.
Our presentation today is the
Next item number four is the
District plan east bay park
District.
Our director collin is here.
Director will talk about the
Plan.
I think we have a powerpoint.
We’ll grill him with questions
About all we want to know about
The park district.
>> certainly, mayor.
I was told there is a problem
With the powerpoint.
We got it?
All right.
I was prepared to work without
It.
Thank you, mayor,
Councilmembers, city manager and
Public.
My name is collin coffee.
I represent ward 7 on the board
Of directors east bay park
District.
Ward 7 is the northern
Waterfront of contra costa
County and east county into our
Delta community.
I think you all are aware that
This incredibly expansive and
Wonderful park -- regional park
And trail system we have in the
East bay is a result of our
Founders deciding 90 years ago
That these two counties, alameda
And contra costa county,
Wouldn’t rely on park
Departments.
Instead, they created what has
Turned out to be the largest
Local government in the country
Devoted to regional parks and
Trails.
The east bay regional park
District.
We have an independent budget
Because we have our own property
Taxes and are not dependent on
Counties or states or other
Government entity, and we have
Our own elected board.
There we are.
So, you know, we have arrived at
A point where our annual expense
Budget is around 3 370
$370 million, we have a thousand
Employees, a fully staffed 70
Sworn officer police department,
Firedfire department and two
Helicopters.
It’s a remarkable accomplishment
To have this incredible park
System.
The task I have is to describe
For you the master plan process
That we are currently engaged
In.
It is informed largely by a
Mission that involves recreation
And conservation of land and
Access for people, climate
Resiliency and wildfire
Protection these days.
The district plan that we are
Preparing will guide the future
Of the east bay parks and
Address changing conditions
Including climate, the economy,
Demographics and park usage.
Among our desired outcomes for
This plan will be to inform us
By the diverse communities that
Use our parks, benefit from or
Seek greater access to park
District resources and move
Accordingly.
Themes are equity resilient,
Fiscal sustainability and
Collaboration, these are the
Topics for our goals including
Access, experience, resource
Protection and public land
Management.
Our timeline for this master
Planning process is accordingly
Here presented.
Round one was visioning and
Largely based on feedback from a
Community survey that resulted
In 6,000 people responding to
What they wanted to see for the
Future of the east bay park
System.
We are currently engaged in
Round two, focused on the master
Plans, goals, actions and
Priorities.
We are largely doing this, I
Think -- oops.
-- by reaching out to
\hoops -- by reaching out to
Community groups and the general
Public as well as important
Partners like the city of
Antioch.
So far what we have been hearing
Is park users are most
Interested in investing in
Existing parklands, providing
Access to newly acquired
Parklands and balancing resource
Conservation and public access.
Round two, as I mentioned,
Emerging partners reaching out
To established partners,
Institutional partners, tribes,
Park visitors and our own
Staff.
Currently we are engaged in
Aggressive outreach and
Awareness.
We have consultants working with
Various community groups
Including out here in east
Contra costa.
We hope by next winter to have a
Draft district plan for all to
Review and have further input.
It will then conclude as our
Strategic road map with key
Priorities with input, existing
Conditions and future trends.
All are invited to go to eb
Parks.org.
There is a banner there,
District plan.
It has all of the background
Information.
A lot of demographic information
That’s fascinating to review.
We can go city by city and
Determine whether people who
Reside in whatever city use our
Parks very much and how they use
Our parks, how they get to our
Parks.
It’s fascinating stuff.
You would be pleased to know
Antioch residents use our
Parks.
They are active park users in
This area.
Then, thank you.
What I want to do now is talk
About a separate planning
Process that we engaged in.
That’s on the contra loma
Lagoon.
History, long story short, we
Started repairing problems with
The lagoon, and it turned into
One of those -- you know, this
Old house kind of story?
You start tearing into it and
Find things wrong more serious
Than you thought.
You get to the point you are
Practically rebuilding the
Home?
That’s what happened here.
It got to the point where staff
And our consultants determined
That we can’t repair that
Lagoon, so we closed it, and as
Of last year, mid 2025, we had
Come up with plan a and b to
Replace it with a new loo
Lagoon, pricing between 10 and
$15 million.
Interesting process to go
Through to determine what should
Replace the old lagoon and what
Kind of facility it would
Become.
They are currently working on a
Plan c.
I have not seen that yet.
It might be, for instance, a
Regular pool rather than allah a
Lagoon allowing us to do more
Programming out there.
We hired last much a community
Outreach consulting firm that
Will commence this summer with
Community forums in antioch to
Go over these plans for a
Possible replacement of the
Lagoon and get community
Feedback so we can be informed.
We are going to spend a lot of
Money on this at some point, by
Thebuy the community what
Programming they want at that
Facility.
I want to introduce pete da
Quincy, manager of life guard
Services.
I’m proud of what pete has been
Doing in the community and
Surrounding communities in lieu
Of having the lagoon facility
Available.
If pete could come up to talk to
That?
>> thank you, director coffee.
City council, mr. Mayor, mayor
Pro-tem, city manager scott,
Staff and public, my name is
Pete da quincy, service manager
For east bay national park.
Co tra loma is one that I
Oversaw.
The immediate place we reached
Out to was antioch unified
School district because they
Have two pools available being
Under utilized deer valley and
Antioch high.
We then proceeded to work with
Them in regards to what could we
Provide to the community
Members?
We started to work on developing
Programming for the summer for
The sites and swim lessons for
The students.
We found a high percentage of
The student body that did not or
Was not or didn’t have the
Ability to swim.
We wanted them to learn.
We continued to do that.
We continue to do it all the way
To the present.
For the starting year of 2024,
We trained roughly in
Partnership over a thousand kids
How to swim at the school
District.
Historically, we were only at a
Threshold we could get to was
500 at contra loma.
Getting to a thousand working
With the school districts was
Phenomenal.
The last year of 2025, we did
3,000 students.
Some of the other things we have
Done in addition to that, which
Really came from the drivers of
The community and the students
Is, we received a call, because
Dozer libby doesn’t have a pool
And they wanted to do
Something.
When I met with them they were
Saying, basically, we would like
To have east bay regional parks
Come out to teach cpr to the
Students.
I said no, we would not do
That.
What we would do instead was
Train the students to be the
Instructors.
They would then -- we would
Provide them the equipment, find
Them the means to cover
Certifications and allow the
Students to teach each other,
Peers and students.
Within the first year they
Trained over 500 students.
This last year they did a
Phenomenal job, and it extended
Beyond dozer libby and has moved
To antioch high.
It’s also gone into the middle
Schools where the eighth
Graders, principal bower at the
Time at the middle school, pete,
We would like to see something
The eighth graders can do.
Can you make it happen?
I don’t know what we can do for
Young eighth graders.
I reached out to national red
Cross and wavered us to allow
Eighth graders to be instructors
In cpr.
They certified six and seventh
Graders and we extended the
Program to park middle school,
Orchard park, dallas ranch.
For 2024-25, the last year they
Certified a little under 1400
Kids, the high schools, the
Middle schools, this year at
This point, even before we are,
They are at 1700.
It’s the students driving the
Work.
I provide the equipment and
Cover certifications through the
Grant but the students drive the
Program and it’s engaging them
Within the community, serving
Their peers, the community,
Leadership development, making
Adult decisions about how to
Give back.
Next week, I shouldn’t say next
Week.
Friday they’ll be at dallas
Ranch serving there.
Two weeks from now, we’ll a
Pilot of an idea walking from
Park to sutter elementary to
Provide information to the
Fourth and fifth graders.
What they are doing hasn’t been
Done anywhere in the country.
It’s a big deal.
I can’t thank enough for the
Community members, students
Themselves, and the schools
Allowing us to do this.
Again, I know no dozer libby is
Reaching out, extending the
Service beyond antioch to
Oakley, to brentwood, to the
Students there.
Again, we’ll continue to do
That.
I know as we continue to move
Forward, we’ll expand the
Program for swimming and for
First aid cpr, the kids are
Teaching epipens, asthma
Inhaler, nay naloxone.
They are in talks with the city
As to what we can do to support
The waterpark in regards to
Training and development and so
Forth.
Is there any questions you might
Have at this time that I could
Answer?
>> mayor ron bernal: before we
Ask questions, if there is
Public comment on this, I would
Like to take that first and then
We can ask questions.
>> clerk: we have one public
Comment.
>> thank you for the
Presentation.
I wanted to say that I noticed
One thing that’s different from
Alameda county to this county.
Alameda county hoffa silties you
Can rent and use in their public
Parks.
You can have weddings.
You can have anniversary, all
Kinnes of things.
I have not seen that in contra
Costa county.
I have not seen places you can
Rent to do that type of thing,
Have weddings.
That generates a lot of things.
I gave my youngest daughter a
Baby shower and another one
Something else there.
I wonder why that hasn’t been
Implemented here and as a means
Of making -- generating more
Revenue?
>> 40 years ago, I was married
In contra costa county in tilten
Park at a park district facility
Known as the brazil room.
We share 40th anniversaries,
Don’t we, mayor?
We do do that.
We have various facilities
Around the two counties that
People can rent.
People get married at briyonnes
Park, there is an area to pay a
Fee and hold a wedding there.
Kenkennedy grove can be rented.
Yeah.
Black diamond, no.
But we are working on it at
Black diamond.
The visitor center in the
Mountain that is being
Reinforced so that we can have
Groups in there again so you can
Have a neat wedding or some
Other event basically in a cave
In the mountain.
We used to do that kind of
Thing.
>> what about potentially the
Development that you guys are
Doing at roddy rarnlg?
>>ranch?
>> roddy ranch is largely a
Habitat preserve.
We’ll provide trails, but we are
Prohibited from building things
There because of the habitat
Issues.
I wanted to say one more thing.
The added value for what pete
Has been doing is keeping a
Bunch of life guards employed.
I really appreciate that part of
It.
His programs are literally
Training future life guards that
We’ll have.
There is a lot of strategic
Value in this for the practice
As well.
>> mayor ron bernal: awesome.
Any other public comment?
>> clerk: no further public
Comment.
Sorry.
>> can I come forward to be on
The record?
>> clerk: please, come
Forward.
>> thank you, mayor, city
Council members.
I was curious if park and rec
For antioch has an adaptive and
Inclusive resource program for
Disabled individuals to have
Like a sensory experience at the
Park?
I know that it’s missing in most
Parks, but some cities in contra
Costa do in fact have a program
Specifically designed for people
With disabilities.
>> we have staff that are
Devoted to that.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You.
Any others?
One more, mr. Broom.
>> good evening, mayor and
Council.
Good to see you, collin.
I used to intern for st. Mount
Diablo and took a wilderness
First aid training.
They offer outdoor experiences
And the like.
To see the work pete has done
Having worked at dozer libby as
Well and other educational
Institutions in town, I would
Love to see the city -- perhaps
I can’t make it to the city
School standing committee
Because I’m teaching, however, I
Would love to see collaboration
With the city and school
District to enable our youth not
Only to have -- prowess in
Aquatic life saving, but
Wilderness education
Opportunities.
There are no outdoor education
Programs within the school
District I’m aware of at the
Moment.
Getting everyone to come
Together to partner toward that
And make it safer for the
Antioch residents to hike.
We have to deal with
Rattlesnakes -- there are a lot
Of hazards.
We may be close to █anurban
Environment, but you can get far
Away from help quickly.
Encouraging the community to get
That kind of training and
Education and the love for the
Experience of the outdoors would
Be amazing.
Seeing more of the program
Expand from aquatics to other
First aid would be amazing.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You.
All right, it’s to the council.
Mayor pro-tem.
>> two comments.
My son is 34 years old.
Hehe was a life guard now he’s a
Mitch michelin chef.
I’m happy with the experience he
Had.
It was good for him as he grew
Up.
I’m not letting you off on the
Pool facility at contra loma.
For decades, it played a
Critical role in the city of
Antioch.
It was a point that many, many
People participated in,
Particular people who did not
Have a lot of money.
It offered them extraordinary
Experiences, both in the
Wildlife but also in the
Swimming, lagoon and things of
That sort.
You talk about a different
Alternative being a built in
Pool.
My question is, what’s the
Timeline?
>> we are going to spend at
Least nine months from here on,
Now that we have the consultant
On these community engagement
Processes, so we get the
Feedback.
That informs the decision as to
What direction we want to go in
Createing a new facility there.
In theory, that could be done
End of the year or early nengs
Next year.
When would it be built?
I think you know from your
Experiences as I have learned
That, that is a function of
Fundraising.
We are very good at it.
We are very good at leveraging
Our own capital funding, and we
Are in pretty good shape on that
Level, and going out to other
Funders.
You reach a point where you
Hopefully are close to fully
Funded and start going out for
Construction.
I don’t know what that timeframe
Will be.
It’s going to need a new
Administration in washington,
For instance.
>> I hope it’s more of a
Priority.
Antioch has not had the lagoon,
Has not had the facility at
Least eight years?
>> three or four years now.
>> mayor pro-tem: it is a
Priority in the community, and
It’s missing.
We had discussion on the
District priority.
It’s needed in eastern contra
Costa county.
I hope you will republic us well
Because the faster the better it
Will be for our community.
>> I have my priorities and
Staff knows it.
I’m with you on that.
We took quite a bit of time
Talking to the water district
About whether we could go back
To swimming.
We have had the discussion.
We worked at that, and the
Answer with was no in the end.
>> take me along next time.
>> let’s go.
We can do that.
>> mayor ron bernal: anyone
Else?
Any other questions?
I want to thank you, director
Coffee.
Pete, thank you for letting us
Know -- I wasn’t aware that all
Of this has been and continues
To go on and is growing and down
To the elementary levels.
The numbers you are putting out
There is something to be proud
Of and promote and let the world
Know about.
That’s what you have done in
Figuring out a way to help our
Youth and train them to swim,
And train them in cpr, those are
Two important skills, especially
Where you live on the delta.
Thank you so much for being
Innovative in that area.
>> thank you, mayor bern nalal
For the kind work.
Most of the work is because the
Kids have the inspiration and
Drive and want to do it and want
To give back.
I’m there to help facilitate
Them in the effort.
>> I’m going to leave a pile of
Master plan brochures on your
Deck out here.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank you
Again for your presentation.
Very much appreciate it.
[applause]
>> mayor ron bernal: moving on
To the consent calendar, do we
Have any items council or the
Public want to pull?
>> m.
>> clerk: the public would
Like to pull h, j, k and l.
>> hj, k, l?
>> clerk: correct.
H, j, k, l.
>> mayor ron bernal: do I have
A motion to approve everything
On the consent calendar except
Items hjk l & m.
>> so moved.
>> motion from councilmember
Wilson.
>> second.
from mayor pro-tem
Freitas.
Please cast your votes.
>> motion passes, 5-0.
>> mayor ron bernal: item h,
Neighborhood traffic calming
Project.
>> thank you, mayor and city
Council.
Is there a question on this or
Do you want a full
Presentation?
Who pulled this?
>> mayor ron bernal: is it a
Member of the public?
>> mayor ron bernal: we can
Hear the public comment,
Please?
>> it was a question.
I was wondering about the
Listings of the streets.
When are they getting to j
Street and west 10th?
Those are two streets I have
Lived on that are just tore up,
And people are racing through
There and there are so many
Children on j.
Apartments -- they are out there
Playing in the street.
I’m wondering when they are
Getting to j street and also
West 10th, the street I used to
Live on.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You.
Any other public comment on this
Item?
Can you come up to the
Microphone, please?
>> I’m actually glad you are
Bringing this up.
I wasn’t aware, but we had a
Huge accident where the school
Teacher was hit by a car on
Laurel, and country hills over
The weekend.
Since we have opened up laurel,
We are up to four or five, and
That’s a lot of people being
Injured in that timeframe.
Some of the neighbors -- we get
Together in the neighborhood.
There are like 50 people trying
To figure out what’s going on.
We are all hoping you put a
Street light in there.
That would save a lot of lives,
I think.
Thank you.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You.
Any others?
>> clerk: no further comment
Cards.
>> mayor ron bernal.
Questions from council?
None?
Can I have a motion to approve
Item h.
>> I move to approve.
>> motion by councilmember
Rocha.
>> second.
by councilmember
Torres-walker.
Please cast your votes.
>> clerk: motion passes, 5-0.
>> mayor ron bernal: miss may,
We can get the answer to your
Question from staff.
Item j, consideration of bids
For pruitt waterpark
Resurfacing?
>> thank you, mayor and city
Council.
Do you want the presentation or
Is this a question?
>> mayor ron bernal: is this a
Question from the public?
>> clerk: the public.
Miss mae?
>> didn’t we approve money for
Repairs to the pool and steps
Earlier in 2025?
Wasn’t the money put aside for
That?
Wasn’t it approved for that?
And the same thing for k too?
>> mayor ron bernal: all
Right.
Any other comments on this or
Questions?
>> clerk: no further comment
Cards.
Oh, one more.
Makes it easier for me to see
You.
>> can you give me three
Minutes?
I would love to make things
Easier for you, sir, but you
Violent the brown act.
People don’t need to give you
Their name, fill out cards and
You don’t need to answer me.
It’s my three minutes.
I’m recapturing my time.
My name is john.
Been a resident of antioch for
25 years.
I think we have mr. He haven he hefen berger?
Brad?
The guy that used to be in
Charge of recreation, the
Waterpark?
He did such a lousy job that we
Don’t have a waterpark.
You need to stop calling it
That.
What we have is a swimming
Pool.
We have a swimming pool at
Pruitt.
None of the water slides work.
Now, let’s go back ten years.
We used to have water slides
Even they were good enough for
Adults.
People would bring their kids,
Go down them a few times, but
Most of the time it was for
Their kids.
During the week, you would drive
By and see in the parking lot
Ten school busses.
People -- high schools from all
Over contra costa county used to
Bring field trips to the
Waterpark.
That’s how you guys -- that’s
How it paid for itself.
Busses used to show up with
Junior high, high school and
They loved it.
As soon as mr. Hefen burger -- I
Hope I’m pronouncing his name
Right.
I have a hard name to pronounce
Too.
He used to come before you and
Say this is the gem of the bay
Area.
No, when the water slides broke,
What did brad do in first thing
He did was raised the prices.
We have no water slides now.
It’s just a swimming pool, and
We are going to raise the
Prices.
Guess what happens?
We don’t have any money.
Brad keeps coming to you asking
You for money.
Some of you are asking the right
Questions.
We can’t afford a waterpark.
It would be nice to pick up
Everybody and bring them to
Swim.
We can’t afford a waterpark.
When brad was in charge, he let
It deteriorate.
Now it’s a swimming pool.
Stop calling it a waterpark.
We shouldn’t put money into it
When we have deficits, millions
Of dollars.
You raise the prices and don’t
Have water slides, and now you
Want to put 300,000 -- another
Hundred thousand.
Last year they said why don’t
You give us $200,000 every year
And we’ll use it.
Please, don’t be idiots, okay?
You are spending our money
Foolishly.
I have been coming up here ten
Years to tell you, you are
Spending your money foolishly.
One of us is right.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You.
>> I have notes on the waterpark
I have been thinking of.
I’m going to disagree with
Mr. Johnny walker, though I
Appreciate him.
I don’t think we need another
Closed asset in antioch.
We have a lot of things
Closing.
I want to talk about how to make
The waterpark profitable, an
Asset not just to city finances,
But community as well.
The real issue to me is
Management and customer
Experience.
I went and reviewed the reviews
On it.
Not great.
Poor customer service.
We need to reward the staff who
Deliver excellent customer
Service and help maintain a
Positive park experience for the
Guests.
A well-run park attracts repeat
Visitors and boosts revenue.
I suggest setting a goal on
Increasing it each year.
Here are ideas that you don’t
Offer.
Monthly passes.
Instead of a whole year pass,
Maybe a monthly pass for
Grandkids visiting.
Maybe weekend passes, parents
Are at work.
Bundled entry and food options,
Buy a ticket and it comes with a
Drink or something.
Council of teens, have them plan
Something fun that teens would
Like.
Our slides from having kids,
It’s not really something my
Kids as teenagers wented to go
To.
When they were younger, they
Liked going there.
Maybe cabanas to do cabana
Rentals.
Souvenir cups.
$10 that day, free refills on
Subsequent visits.
Host days might make it fun.
Invite our neighbors, brentwork,
Pittsburgh.
Oakley.
This is pittsburgh, talk to the
City councils, get them to come
To it.
Talk to schools, do a deer
Valley swim night.
Sutter swim night.
I think we need to be more
Innovative.
I have more smart management.
I met nicole, her assistant.
She’s lovely.
She should train everybody on
Customer service, if you ask
Me.
I have more suggestions.
I can e-mail them if you want me
To.
>> mayor ron bernal: anybody
Else?
>> clerk: no further public
Comments.
>> mayor ron bernal:
Councilmember torres-walker?
>> city manager scott, can you
Let us know what you have been
Doing related to improving
Customer service in the city of
Antioch?
>> yes, in terms of cultural
Responsiveness?
Our staff is being trained on
Basically how to give good
Customer service.
That starts from the
Organizational culture,
Answering the phones, returning
Messages within a certain amount
Of time.
I think as exemplified by the
Executive assistant to the
Clerk’s office and with the
Parks and rec team as well as
Motz rots team a tenant of our
Values, and we are doing things
To increase how we do customer
Service.
You heard about that in code
Enforcement.
Some people want to wear certain
Jackets.
It depends on the areas they go
Into as well as the service they
Are delivering.
It’s something we are working on
Actively.
It’s a part of not only our --
How we put on the face of the
City, but also how we do it
Throughout performance
Management and progressive
Discipline.
>> I know I was introduced to
The gentleman leading the
Strategy for the city, and I
Also got to see the inverted
Triangle and how services from
The bottom up, not the top down,
Is that training happening in
Each department separately to
Address the issues and also
Collectively?
>> yes, it’s baked within how we
Look at the operational
Assessment as well as how we do
Process improvement and service
Delivery.
I believe that councilmember
Wilson was saying she stumbled
Into the inaugural meeting of
The administrative assistants.
For the first time every
Administrative assistant in the
City got into one work to talk
About how to operationalize the
City council and directors from
The time they walk in to the
Time they get out?
How do we make sure we have the
Same information across all
Levels from the directors to the
Line staff so everything
Cascades up and down so we have
The best service delivery for
Community.
It’s a big deal when we sort of
Cascade all of the everies to
Make sure that the information
Is out and what does it mean for
The pio, jaden, to make sure
Customers and residents get more
Information about what’s
Happening in the city.
We see that with biweekly report
Inaugural ral administrative to
Front line staff getting
Together to talk about how to
Engage with the public and have
Feedback between the council and
Community.
>> councilmember torres-walker:
Thank you.
\hthank you.
I wanted to make sure melissa
Knew that the city is working on
Improving customer service.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You.
Any other questions on items j
And k on the consent calendar?
Could I have a motion to approve
Those, please?
It was on the waterpark.
These are the two items we were
Just addressing.
>> I move to approve.
>> motion from councilmember
Rocha.
>> second.
from councilmember
Torres-walker.
Please cast your votes.
>> clerk.
Confirming this is to vote on
Both j and k.
>> mayor ron bernal: yes.
>> point of order.
>> you didn’t do k yet.
You did h and j.
>> mayor ron bernal: my
Understanding was this was both
Items.
We can vote on item j if folks
Want to talk about item k
Waterpark concrete
Improvements.
Please make a motion for item
J.
>> I move.
>> second.
>> please cast your vote.
>> clerk: motion passes 5-0.
>> item k, waterpark concrete
Improvement project pw567-17, do
We have public comment on this?
>> let’s combine the two items.
That way, we can get rid of some
Of the public comment.
Is that what you are thinking?
When you first started, you
Didn’t is ask for public
Comment.
We had to keep reminding you.
The most important thing in the
Room is the public comment.
You don’t want to combine a
Bunch of items because someone
Might want to speak on k and not
On j, okay?
What am I speaking on again?
>> brad hefen burger.
He used to be the head of
Recreation and park.
He was in charge of the
Waterpark.
He did a terrible job.
The waterpark went downhill.
No more water slides.
No more busses of kids to keep
The waterpark going.
Brad let the waterpark fail.
Our city manager, what does she
Do?
She promoted him.
I used to work for the post
Office.
That was the thing they did
There.
If you skewed up bad, really
Bad, that’s how you got
Promoted.
That’s how government agencies
Work.
You screwup, they move you
Around, promote you.
Why did we promote brad?
Why did we promote joe?
The city is not safer after joe
Was a policeman for a year.
You promoted him.
Why?
Where is the traffic division?
Brad hefen burger, director of
Public -- what’s it called?
I don’t know.
He ran the waterpark.
He did a terrible job.
You guys -- one, two, three,
Four, five -- it’s not polite to
Point.
I’m going to do this thing, you
Five gave away $300,000 that we
Don’t have to fix a waterpark
That’s already broken nobody
Wants to go to unless they are
Five or six years old.
We had an excellent
Presentation.
Wouldn’t you all agree, by the
Fire guys.
The excellent things they are
Doing at our two pools.
Look what they did with two
Pools sitting there for years.
They trained the life guards.
What was brad doing in brad has
A nice job for the teenagers.
Pretty much, we are subsidizing
It.
The park is not paying for
Itself.
We can’t afford it.
You guys want to keep spending
Money, you won’t listen to me.
I have been coming up here seven
Years telling you, you are going
To be bankrupt.
I don’t want to be the one to
Say I told you so, but stick
Around for a little bit, okay?
[beep ]
>> mayor ron bernal: we have
Another public comment.
>> thank you.
I can say that I did grow up
Going to that waterpark and I
Did enjoy it as a youth.
I appreciate it being there
Today.
But, I’ll tell you now as an
Adult I have a responsibility to
Myself and my family.
I’m a taxpayer.
We discussed how precious the
Tax dollars are.
So, I’m genuinely concerned that
We are putting through consent
Calendar capital improvement
Projects that we have previously
Approved for significant capital
Improvement projects in a park
That has historically brought us
Net negative annually.
When I first started looking
Into this park, it was losing
500 to $800,000.00 a year.
Coming from our general fund,
Transferred over every year.
All other funds -- I remember
One year I found that the delta
Fair 211 fund transferred
Dollarss into the waterpark and
That’s not legal.
It was to go to parks built
Before 1980.
Today, that park is losing over
A million dollars a year.
Then, we have a capital
Improvement project that we are
Scheduling here in spring to
Replaster two pools that are
Main drivers for people going
There that should end in june
Into the swim season?
So that means we understand, we
Run the park at a negative.
Let’s spend money we can’t
Afford on a project during a
Time when we could be making
Money there.
That is already going to be a
Net negative.
That’s realistically like
Someone saying, hundred, you are
Setting our house on fire.
Let me grab the money from the
Safe s you can burn it too.
That’s dramatic, but it’s
Realistic.
I also live on pruitt ranch
Where those shrubs have never
Been replanted.
The sound walls are leaning
Over, going to go.
Those are people’s backyard
Walls.
So, I real think we need to
Understand what this waterpark
Is doing to our budget, more
Importantly why are we
Scheduling capital improvement
Projects at a time the
Waterparks should be open.
I don’t think they’ll finish in
June.
We always have amendments to
Projects.
[beep ]
>> mayor ron bernal: seeing no
Other public comments, questions
Or comments from council?
Can I get a motion?
>> councilmember torres-walker:
I want to say andrew has been
\hi want to say andrew has been
Coming to this council saying we
Are not made any money off of
The waterpark, and I have always
Heard that the waterpark was not
Meant for us to make money,
Similar to the golf course.
It was for residents who wanted
To golf and residents who wanted
To swim and have those great
Experiences and the intent was
Not revenue, and I just was
Like -- okay, I guess, you know,
If that’s what people want, but
We are kind of at a point where
It’s not -- it’s about a health
And safety risk at this point
Because if we don’t resurface
The pools, if we don’t fix the
Slides, if we don’t repair the
Gates, like if we don’t do any
Repairs or capital improvements,
The park in itself structurally
Is going to continue to decline,
And then it’s going to be an
Asset that’s extremely
Depreciated, and then what is
The city gone do with it?
There has always been a
Conversation around -- that I
Have had with andrew and other
Folks is like, I don’t know if
The city sells it, has somebody
Else manage it or what happens,
But it’s clear that the
Waterpark hasn’t made the city
Very much revenue.
It’s also clear it’s a place
People want to go and have exist
In the community.
We can’t let it decline
Structurally.
We have people complaining
Already about blight everyday.
The vote has to be made because
We can’t -- you know, I would
Rather not have the latter.
I think like we can go backwards
All we want and talk about
Mismanagement because there are
People that have been here
Longer than me, but I think the
Only way is like forward, so
What are some of the ideas we
Can talk about as a community,
What a waterpark can be
Preserved, the city can stop
Back filling a black hole and
Not making revenue but people
Can have access to it.
I would like to hear the
Conversations at the level of
This council, but I would keep
Supporting the improvements
Because I would hate for
Somebody to get harmed at the
Park.
This city has had enough
Litigation already.
We have almost lost our
Insurance.
I mean, slip and falls, you name
It.
So, I don’t know what the
Answers are, city manager, but
Sha had is amazing, an amazing
Director and leader, and now
Over park and rec and I think
Has ideas of improvements at the
Waterpark.
And I would also take some of
Melissa’s suggestions -- not
That I normally do, but tonight
She has some great ones.
>> mayor ron bernal: does
Anyone else have comments?
Can I have a motion for item k?
>> so moved.
>> councilmember torres-walker.
>> second.
>> councilmember wilson.
Please count your votes.
>> clerk: motion passes, 5-0.
Mayor ron bernal item l,
September inside of award for
Violence prevention cohort five
Grant funding.
>> is this a council
Presentation request?
>> clerk: a public comment.
>> is the mic on?
>> it’s off now.
>> just yell.
>> hello?
>> no.
>> hello?
Okay.
I just want to say thank you
Guys, before you vote for voting
For this and accepting this
Award.
Thank you, thank you.
>> mayor ron bernal.
Thank you.
Any other public comment?
All right, any questions or
Comments from staff or council?
If not, will you make a motion,
Please?
>> councilmember torres-walker:
I want to thank our amazing
\hi want to thank our amazing
Director of the department of
Public safety and community
Resources and her staff for
Working really hard.
These state applications are
Super competitive.
Not every city gets the funds.
I know cities who have been
Getting the dollars for 20
Years.
Thank you so much for setting
The city up to continue to give
Future funds to do violence
Reduction in antioch.
[applause]
>> mayor ron bernal: can I
Have a motion to approve item
L?
>> so moved.
>> mayor ron bernal: motion
From councilmember
Torres-walker.
Second from councilmember
Wilson.
Please, caps cast your votes.
>> clerk: motion passes, 5-0.
>> mayor ron bernal: moving to
Item m, 2006 municipal pool
Joint authority renewal.
>> mayor pro-tem: I was the
One that pulled this item.
There is a presentation.
Is miss cox here?
>> yes, linda cox, the chief
Administrative officer for the
Municipal pool authority.
>> pray your mayor pro-tem: it
Would be good to explain who you
Are and why it is critical to
Maintain services in the city of
Antioch.
>> we have a presentation --
Thanks, jennifer.
No, but I can -- are you
Controlling, michael?
Clicker -- is it still up
There?
>> I am linda cox from the
Municipal pooling authority.
I’ll tell you who we are and
What we do for antioch.
We were formed july 1977,
Antioch is a founding member of
The pool who was part of
Their -- there is a list in the
Staff report of founding
Members.
The pool was set for general
Liability worker compensation.
General liability was the first
Program, the second program
Worker compensation, we added
Property, vehicle, employment
Practices, risk control,
Ancillary benefits, wellness
Programs and more.
We have 21 members primarily in
The east bay in contra costa.
That’s where we started.
Mpa is one of the last pool in
California in which we
Self-administer claims for
Worker compensation and
Liability.
Many pools staff that out.
We do not.
We have a full staff in house.
The beauty of that, the board
And members have more
Interaction with claims
Adjustors.
We are able to work more
Closely.
We are the only pool in
California that provides a
Wellness program which the city
Of antioch participates in.
The pool is -- what a pool is, a
Pool is where the members come
Together for municipality,
Government entities, many pools
Throughout california.
There are about 1800 pools in
California as you see in the
Staff report.
We mentioned that.
Funds are joined together.
Those funds are set aside for
The payment, for the
Administration and payment of
Claims.
We are considered a self ensured
Entity in which we are governed
By a board.
That board -- reviews and
Defines the memorandum of
Coverage in how coverage is
Going to be provided.
The exclusion is worker
Compensation, statutory, the law
Says we do what we do.
There is not a difference in
That.
Some of the things -- speaking
Of our governments, we are 21
Members, every member has a
Primary and ultimate board
Member designated by the city
Council.
We have an executive committee
Which is a seven member
Committee made up of the
President, vice president,
Treasurer and members at large.
The executive committee reviews
Claims and considers settlements
For the claims within our
Coverage which we’ll talk about
Soon.
We have another committee, the
Coverage and governance
Committee, the committee that
Reviewed the jpa agreement you
Are looking at today.
It’s outlined in the staff
Report.
The various reviews it went
Through, it is a very
Comprehensive document.
It’s required that, that
Document is reviewed and
Considered by the members of the
Pool.
Those documents in addition to
The jpa agreement are the bylaws
And remember land remember
Memorandum program.
We are also self insured for
Short-term disability which many
Members also participate in.
Some of our services -- we have
Many services, 18 programs.
As I said, worker compensation
And general liability are
Primary programs, hallmark
Programs and vehicle program
Provides coverage for city
Vehicles.
We also, because we are a pool,
We have access to brokerage
Coverages, and so we receive the
Coverages at a discounted rate,
Economy of scale based on our
Little family of members.
Those brokers review exposure
And liability and work hard to
Bring the costs down for you
All.
We have the wellness program
Very hands on, very
Comprehensive, and we provide
Safety and risk training
Support.
Individualized by cities or we
Have a number of annual
Regularly occurring trainings
Available to all of our
Members.
We have a very, very proactive
Police risk management committee
Where members of police
Departments from every
Municipality within the pool, 18
Cities have police that they
Participate in.
It’s a committee of officers who
Let us know what they need, what
Kind of trainings they want,
What kind of information would
They like us to do research on
And provide them.
It’s an opportunity for them to
Come together and share
Information.
That committee meets three times
A year.
We have a public works and
Safety committee that’s active.
Members of every city come, and
It’s for those employees in
Those specific departments.
Same format.
They tell us what they need.
We provide that for them.
It’s the extra training
Customized for what the cities
Are asking from us.
We have an ergonomics program,
Which provides ergonomics
Programs for every employee and
Members.
Onsite trainings if they are
Required and you are able to
Access through us the employer’s
Liability pool.
It’s a pool of pools in which
You receive employment liability
Coverage which is invaluable to
Our members.
It also comes at a reduced cost
Due to economies of scale and
Sharing in the cost of pooling.
So, our layers of coverage,
Worker compensation program,
What we provide for you is zero
Dollar coverage up to $500,000
For your worker compensation
Claims.
We access another pool which is
Prism in which we have coverage
From $500,000 up to the
Statutory limits.
The general liability program,
Each individual member has a
Self insured retention ranging
From 500 to $100,000 and we
Provide up to a million dollars
In the program.
We have excess coverage through
Carpal karma, in-house
$9 million.
Combined with the two programs,
We are technically self ensured
For $10 million.
Beyond that, excess coverage
Through excess insurance and we
Have $34.5 million in coverage
For general liability.
What do we do with the funds
Sent to us?
Annually we charge our members a
Premium, seen in your budget,
And that’s based on a number of
Factors, a share of costs shared
Amongst the members in the
Program.
We have also been incredibly
Conservative with the money you
Provide.
It is vested. Invested.
It’s your money, money for
Claims.
We are over 90% funded today.
In the beginning, we were
Funded, barely above 75% funds.
We are now above 90% funded.
Why is that important?
It means we have almost all of
The money in the bank to pay for
All anticipated claims for all
Members.
It’s a very good place to be.
Same with the general liability
Program.
You can see in 2017 we were
Funded at 80%.
Now we are at 90% and in truth,
Well above that.
This year in july, this fiscal
Year, beginning of this fiscal
Year, july 2025, we developed a
Captive, an alternative
Investment opportunity.
It’s purely investment -- an
Investment entity that allows us
To take larger risks at how we
Invest our money so that money
Is working better for our
Members to offset the escalating
Costs of coverage in general.
It is -- we are almost at a year
Mark, and it’s proven to do well
Right now.
These are all the programs that
Mpa provide to our members.
If you see the xs, these are the
Programs that antioch directly
Participates in that we have
Here today.
I’m happy to answer any
Questions if I can.
Mayor ron bernal all right,
Thank you.
for the presentation.
Do you want to ask questions
Before public comment?
Is there public comment on this
Item?
>> clerk: no public comment
Cards.
>> let me ask, why is it prudent
For us to be a member?
Mba?
Do you compare your program to
Other programs, commercial?
>> yes, to purchase private
Insurance, for example, would
Not be as beneficial in our
Opinion in the reason you pool
Your money is to share in the
Cost of coverage.
You do not pay full fair fare
For all claims.
All members share in the cost.
There is a cap on how much you
Pay for a claim.
Every dollar over the cap is
Spread amongst the members to
Share in the cost.
That’s the largest benefit.
The subsequent benefit the board
Writes the memorandums of
Coverage.
The board decides how coverage
Is going to be applied.
That is the governing document.
Of course, that’s updated every
Year.
It is updated and changes are
Made based on what -- based on
Laws, needs of the membership
And how the coverage is.
In private insurance, you
Wouldn’t have that flexibility
At all.
You wouldn’t have the ability to
Change the governing documents.
They are what they are.
Also, the third beneficial
Component is because we do have
Claims administration in house.
We have more intimate
Relationship with our claims
Administrators.
Our cities do.
They work closely with you on
The claims administration.
>> I’m certainly not an
Attorney, but the change, it
Looks like you are recommending
Are minor and not sub
Substantive.
>> this is true.
>> the city attorney has
Reviewed your opinion?
>> that’s correct, mayor
Pro-tem.
All of them are just clarifying
Provisions aligning changing
Terminology, definitions,
Current law and I think there is
One other category, you saw this
In the staff report, refining
Procedural elements.
I looked at those four points
And the agreement, and it’s
Reflective.
>> one last comment, in the last
Several years we have dealt with
A lot of litigation.
We are paying out a lot of
Settlements, and frankly, I
Appreciate the fact that you
Exist, and you worked with us to
Get us through all of these
Issues, so I wanted to publicly
Thank you.
>> thank you.
That is also another benefit of
The pool.
We are involved with every
Member and do what we can to
Help when the need is there,
Absolutely.
>> mayor ron bernal: I have
One question.
In the draft of the new
Agreement, there is a statement
In here that says such as the
City of pleasant hill --
>> let me grab my notes.
>> mayor ron bernal: I want it
To say such as the city of
Antioch instead.
I don’t know why -- it seemed
Odd it was called out in the
Document as one of the member
Agencies out of the 21.
>> it is a requirement of the --
Our -- of the code of the law
That allows for pooling entities
To state that we -- we don’t
Supersede or override the laws
And requirements of the city and
Vice versa, so it’s a
Collaborative relationship.
The reason we chose the city of
Pleasant hill, they are a
Founding city.
We grew out of the city of
Pleasant hill, the original
Employees were pleasant hill
Employees.
Our original policies were
Pleasant hill policies.
We have some of the policies.
That is why the city was
Chosen.
Any city could have been
Chosen.
>> they were an honor honorary
City?
Then I won’t ask you to change
It to antioch.
Any other questions, council in
We asked for public comment.
Can I get a motion?
>> I move approval.
>> I have a motion.
Second, please?
>> second.
>> motion from pro-tem and
Second from councilmember
Rocha.
>> clerk: motion passes, 5-0.
Mayor ron
>> mayor ron bernal: I’ll take
A five minute recess before
Starting public hearings.
We’ll recess for five minutes.
>> clerk: meeting recessed at
9:10 p.m.
>> welcome back from our
Recess.
Mr. City clerk, the roll?
>> councilmember rocha is this
>> here.
>> councilmember torres-walker?
>> present.
>> councilmember wilson.
>> here.
>> councilmember rocha?
>> here.
>> mayor bernal?
>> here.
>> thank you.
We have a quorum and 9:24 p.m.
>> councilmember torres-walker,
I would like to suspend the
Rules to move item 10 before
Item 8.
>> second.
>> motion from councilmember
Torres-walker, second from
Pro-tem freitas.
Cast your votes.
>> clerk: motion passes, 5-0.
>> mayor ron bernal: item 10
Is moved before item 8.
Going to item six, appeal of
Conditions of approval requiring
The lake annex cfd2018-02 and 02
Continued from february 24th.
This item has been requested to
Be continued, so I’m going to
Open the public hearing.
There has been a motion -- there
Has been a request to continue
This item.
Is there any public comment on
This?
>> yes, melissa.
>> my thing isn’t just about
Transparency on it.
says staff is requesting to
Move this off calendar.
To me, that’s so generic.
I would like more transparency
Around that, thanks.
>> mayor ron bernal: all
Right.
Thank you.
Any other public comment?
>> clerk: no further public
Comments.
>> mayor ron bernal.
We are closing the public
Hearing.
Do we have a motion?
>> so moved.
>> motion from councilmember
Trawk ir.
Torres-walker.
\htorres-walker.
>> second from pro-tem freitas.
Please cast your votes.
>> motion passes, 5-0.
>> item seven, appeal of
Conditions of the approval,
Being continued from
February 24th.
This is a public hearing, I’m
Going to open.
Do we have public comment on
This?
>> clerk: no comment cards.
>> I’ll close the public
Hearing.
Motion.
>> second.
>> please cast your votes.
>> clerk: motion passes, 5-0.
>> moving on to item 10,
Mahogany housing home key
Program update, antioch inn and
Suites, formerly comfort inn.
City manager scott.
>> thank you so much.
Interim director will give a
Brief update on the project.
>> good evening, mayor and
Couple.
David store.
This is my real voice.
It’s not been aied.
That’s the good news.
More good news, I’m not alone in
The presentation tonight.
I have csh mahogany to provide a
Presentation and powerpoint.
My brief update is that you may
Recall the council adopted a
Resolution last year, working
With hcd and the applicant and
His team with respect to moving
Forward in steps.
The question came up at the last
Council meeting to provide an
Update.
I want to do that briefly in the
Staff report.
I gave background.
When it comes down to where we
Are in the process, as we speak,
We have an environmental
Consultant providing the work
Necessary for the city to
Release the 750,000 one time
Payment through h.u.d. And cdbg
Grants.
With that timeline occurring, we
Expect to be in the realm of
Coming to your council for award
Of the money, probably in the
Early summer, late spring.
The time that we have right now
From hcd is such that hcd staff
Has forwarded a recommendation
To their -- not governing body
But next review process,
Internal lone committee,
Tentatively scheduled this week
And within a week or so.
There are no guarantees that we
Hope to have a decision within
The next few weeks, within a
Month.
It’s a process we have been
Working on a lot with respect to
The timing of all of the piece,
And at this point, I’m happy to
Answer questions.
We need to talk about a modified
Timeline.
When the award is granted, the
Clock will start for when
Construction appears on the
Property, certainly after
Acquisition.
Happy to answer questions and
Then turn the time over.
>> mayor ron bernal: let’s
Hear from him first and then get
Public comment and open it to up
To council.
>> thank you, council and
Community forgiving the
Opportunity to provide an update
On home key plus.
>> can you talk into the mic,
Please?
Pull it down.
>> I should have realized that.
I hope everyone can hear.
Thanks for the opportunity.
We have been work csh for a year
Working tirelessly to make sure
The documents were submitted on
Time, may 30th, the last date we
Submitted the application,
Received the letter and number.
Then we have been providing the
Details updated resolution,
Document updates and everything,
And we have been informed as
David was mentioning by city
Staff, city staff manager, that
They have all of the documents
Which are needed.
They have recommended our
Project for the award.
They are plan to meet every
Second thursday of the month t,
Two days from now they’ll meet
And assess staff recommendation
And deidre told you friday that
We should hear within a few days
Or a week, and of course, they
Are saying the timeline
Continues depending on the city
Leadership.
We are hopeful because we
Provide all of the information
Needed.
I wanted to take a few moments,
Talk about what we have
Progressed on as well as our
Project as well as what we are
Seeing on home key plus and talk
About the overall timeline.
As I was mentioning, they have
Communicated.
We should hear in a week’s time
At latest, few more weeks from
Then, and special thanks for
City director scott, city staff
As well as my entire team for
Getting us to this milestone,
Amend of and of course, we are
Almost there to achieve and
Receive the much needed
$34.9 million, taxpayer dollars
Hopefully come for the city of
Antioch and we’ll have 85 low
Income housing built up by
Creating the hcd housing.
Also, a quick note sharing good
News, we received home key plus
Award last december.
Our process, following diligence
Is indicative of award by home
Key plus in addition to the home
Tree round tree in oak oakland
In full construction.
In terms of home key plus
Background and update, as you
Are aware, this came out in 2024
To allocate proposition 1 funds,
There to convert hotels or
Non-resresidential areas to
Convert them into housing for
Homeless or veterans.
Right now, the home key plus is
Under scribed.
There is at least a billion,
$2.1 billions allocated
$900 million so far.
As long as the project meets the
Threshold, provides the right
Documents, as long as they were
Submitted by may 30th, they’ll
Get the award.
That’s why staff has reviewed
Everything, based on the city
And us have provided them.
They have recommended for the
Award.
In terms of, I want to take a
Moment and discuss this, just a
Refresher.
I know council knows this and
City staff knows it and possibly
Community as well.
This talks about the local need
And steps, pit numbers were much
Better than 2024 for entire
Contra costa county.
31% reduction in homelessness,
But if you look at where we
Stand 413 in 2024, we are down
To 246, 246 people unsheltered.
We still have 792 units for low
Income which need to be built
For antioch, and having chs
Mahogany 85 units helps toward
Both goals.
Lastly, giving a quick update on
Where we stand on the project,
Properties planning for the
Conversion, we have already
Highlighted that by having that
Banner, we are trying to keep it
Vacant and be prepared once the
Award is given, and as we stated
Earlier, the plan is to have
Extensive case management
Services, support services,
We’ll have a gated community,
24x7 security so we have a low
Income supportive housing well
Functioning.
It has the appropriate access to
Health services.
It is appropriately located.
David mentioned about the nepa
Progress thanks to the city we
Have made so far.
We are on track on that.
We have started engaging or
Reengaged with the department of
Behavioral health who have
Committed funding dollars at the
Time of submission and we are
Trying to see how additional
Funds can be secured along with
District supervisor and measure
X for ongoing support because we
Wanted to make sure it’s not
Just establishing the 85 units,
But functioning and supporting
It successfully for 15 years,
And then hopefully for 55
Years.
We are all into the mission of
Developing the secure low-income
Community with services to
Address homelessness.
That’s all I have.
We can open up for questions
Council might have or the
Community might have.
>> thank you.
Do we have public comment on
This?
>> yes, we do.
Leslie followed by mary and
Dr. Kimberly.
>> I’m sleepwalking at this
Point.
I wanted to give thanks to where
It’s due.
Many, many years ago, and
Brought it to tamisha who helped
Speer head it to the rest of the
Council and having a council
Actually approve it, I’m so
Excited and happy and thank you, thank you so much.
[applause]
>> clerk: dr. Kimberly and
Then nicole.
>> I want to say thank you to
Andrew too -- I don’t see him --
For bringing this to the council
For antioch in this much needed
Community.
I think the main thing I want to
Get across or ask the mayor is,
I remember that you did an
Interview with the news -- I
Think it was in june, with jody
Hernandez and you had a plan for
Homelessness.
So far, I haven’t really heard
That plan.
Tonight, I heard that the city
Is struggling.
The city is going to make cuts.
The city has all of these
Issues, but homelessness remains
One of the biggest issues facing
Antioch.
I hope tonight you are the
Leader to make sure this passes
And moves through, because it
Doesn’t seem it’s a burden to
The city.
It seems the grant is something
To help boost the city and solve
So many of the problems.
I hope you are the stand up
Mayor tonight and help this to
Pass.
>> clerk: nicole?
>> this thing don’t bend.
I have some notes here.
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
So much, andrew.
Give him another round of
Applause, please?
That’s enough, you are taking up
My anytime.
Time.
\htime.
Thank utah you, tamisha,
Monica.
Hopefully we get this passed and
Some people housed.
Before I came here I was looking
Online and saw you talking to
Code enforcement.
I was like surprised by some of
The things I heard.
I was hoping, I know, mayor, you
Brought up the 18th area.
We talked about blight and the
Garbage in the areas and fines.
I hope they are not thinking the
Solution is to criminalize
Homelessness with fines.
If you were not talking about
Homelessness, talking to
Businesses these years, it’s not
Fair to fine them like that.
If we are talking about boarded
Up buildings, not doing
Anything, that’s one thing.
I remember the straw hat pizza
Moved to brentwood.
I talked to that owner.
He said there was nothing I
Could do.
There was unhoused people all
Over the place, urinating, using
The bathroom in front of our
Businesses, so I don’t think
It’s fair to fine businesses for
A situation they have no control
Over.
I say that just to say that I
Think even with this program, I
Think a lot of businesses,
Property owners, homeowners
Would appreciate having a motel
Like this or a program up and
Running to get unhoused people
In front of their businesses, in
Front of residential areas.
I think it’s important.
I want to make clear we are
Spending so much money already.
I looked at the video we had
With the ad hoc committee back
With the former council a few
Councils ago, and how they
Talked about how you spend
Millions of dollars, had a
Meeting and learned that -- for
Code enforcement, the abatement
Team, community development, apd
Contractors, tridelta transit
Come out, the fire department,
Talked about how negatively
Impacted they were financially
Because of unhoused people being
On the street.
We know when unhoused people
Call 911, we have apd come out,
Fire department, resources that
We are spending so much money
For.
We need to make sure, we have to
Do this.
It makes no sense.
I would like to know if anybody
Votes this down, what is your
Solution?
Community members, andrew, other
Council, if you vote this down,
What is the solution?
That’s all I want to know?
What is your solution?
I truly want to know.
We need to work together and
Figure this out.
Home key, come on.
Let’s go, antioch.
>> clerk: devin.
>> good evening, everyone.
I’m wired.
I have had so much caffeine
Today.
I’m just going to say, I support
Project home key.
It’s a solution.
I saw councilmember walker’s
Post earlier and I was excited
To see she was supporting this
Alongside andrew and nicole.
I was unaware.
I have been busy and didn’t know
This was on the agenda tonight.
Thank you for the public
Reminder.
I want to say that there is a
Lot of people who -- complain
And complain about things going
On in the city.
They don’t have the solutions.
They call you idiots and blah, blah.
You are sitting on your bum all
Day.
You are constantly working
Trying to find solutions.
I’m tired of seeing people not
Come up with solutions but
Having a loud presence
Everywhere else but don’t want
To do the work.
There are advocates like nicole,
Andrew, tamisha, monica, the
Mayor and the rest of the
Council.
People need to put their mouth
In this room and work with you
All and work with other people
In the room.
It means nothing to say
Something online and produce no
Results.
What I’m going to say is please
Support project home key.
We are hearing a lot about how
The community is falling apart.
People are doing this and that.
Where are the solutions?
We do, like nicole said, if
Anyone votes this down, there
Should be a solution right
Away.
There is no reason not to
Support this.
Thank you.
That’s my message to the
Community tonight.
I’m wired.
Thank you.
>> clerk: no further comment
Cards.
Speaker?
Please, come.
>> thank you.
I just wanted to bring a couple
Of additional highlights.
Home key plus was paid for
Through prop one, a state ballot
Initiative.
Those are your bond dollars.
That $2.2 billion record
$2.2 billion that came out to
Fund the housing initiative is
An average of $55, state
Resident.
Your home key application here
In antioch for your resident
Population here in the city is a
Return of an average of $290 a
Person.
That is taking your dollars and
Receiving an almost 5x return.
That is a commitment from
Community with the response that
Is desired, and so -- and so, I
Will say that the biggest take
Away here is thank you to the
State residents that voted for
Prop one.
Thank you for the residents
Throughout the state that pay
Their taxes and contribute to
Their communities.
Thank you for the people that
Live in this community and
Support these services, and most
Importantly, you know, I want to
Say that this is not about me or
You, this is about rajim co,
Tyrone marshall, the people I
Promised this to that are no
Longer here, but it is a promise
That is fulfilled.
That’s what representation your
Community is.
That’s what a response to your
Community’s needs is.
So, I want to applaud each and
Every one of you for championing
This on our behalf, for being
Part of this arduous journey,
And more importantly for
Supporting individuals like
Rajim and tyrone.
Because they do not deserve to
Have their lives taken on our
Streets through unjust crimes,
Nor do they deserve to expire
Under a tarp that is purchased
From home depot on our sidewalks
And communities.
We have a higher moral calling
And today, this update is that
Moral calling again being
Answered.
Thank you.
>> no further public comment.
>> mayor ron bernal: this is
Before the council.
Comments from the council in
Councilmember rocha?
>> I requested an update.
I wanted to know where we stood,
Looking historically, where it
Started.
We resubmitted an application.
We have some information along
The way.
I wanted to know, as we are
Getting ready -- did I cut her
Off -- sorry, didn’t mean to do
That.
As we are looking into
Developing our budget moving
Into next year, I felt it was
Important that we know where we
Are at.
Obviously, there are questions I
Had, and maybe for the benefit
Of the community, my
Understanding is that the state
Of california in the slide
Presentation, I want to believe
It’s 34.9 million if awarded to
This project.
I believe the initial purchase
Of the hotel -- we could use
Potentially the cdbg funding
Available to us for acquisition,
750,000.
If awarded, we could potentially
Use that.
We have a meeting in two weeks
To discuss cdbg and housing
Successor funds.
We are trying to pull everything
Together as we move forward.
My understanding for the city of
Antioch, it’s 1.2 commitment,
And I understand it’s five year
Periods.
The first five years, 6,000,000,
The matches from the state, and
Another five years.
My question was going to be, I
Don’t know if you can answer
That.
What is the evaluation process
As we go through, are there
Goals or targets we look at in
The increments moving forward?
Those are primarily the main
Things I wanted to know.
I saw your information today,
Communication that has come
Regarding potential of finding
Out sooner than later.
My -- from where I’m sitting, I
Want to have all of the
Information I can moving forward
When going to develop the budget
For the ’26-’27 year, I wanted
To know where we stand with the
Commitment.
I wanted to know what the
Timeline was when we find out,
But it sounds like realtime it’s
Happening right now.
Those are the questions I wanted
To raise before us so we are all
On the same page and for the
Benefit of the community because
I hear comments on both sides.
Why are we doing the hotel?
I think it’s clearly that we
Have done short-term projects,
You know, opportunity village,
Addressing homelessness with
Encampments we needed to help
People find a place to live and
Survive.
Those are temporary, those are
Lease agreements.
We don’t own the properties.
Once the term ended, we turn it
Back and start over again.
This to me when we looked at it
Is a long-term solution paid
Through state funding and
Taxpayer dollars intended for
The purpose.
So, for 34.9 million for us to
Commit 1.2 annually, it made
Sense to look at that as an
Investment toward a long range
Solution.
I wanted to bring this up to
Have clear understanding as to
Where we are at and find out if
There is an answer yes or no if
This is happening or not.
I was the one that brought it
Up.
It wasn’t the other members.
It was me the last couple of
Months.
I wanted to start off kicking
Off the conversation.
>> pro-tem: I have a question
For the applicant.
Began construction was december
Poe 20, 2025.
End, november 2026.
Assuming that we’ll favorably
Review, assuming they move
Forward with their money, we
Have jump started the nepa
Process.
My question is, will you be able
To actually make this be a
Reality according to the
Timelines that I’m sure they are
Going to dictate?
It doesn’t make sense to me to
Go through the whole effort if
You can’t produce.
>> absolutely.
Just to add, and I think I
Shared that staff added with
David, first timeline shared was
Based on the assumptions of the
Timeline the city shared in
Terms of awards and so on.
They said they’ll start giving
Awards in september.
Based on those, the prior
Timeline was, and now that we
Are in march and it’s pretty
Eminent that we’ll get it
Reviewed march 12th, we’ll know
Within a week or so or worse
Case three or four weeks.
We can start the april or may
Timeframe.
We are expecting about 8 to 12
Months.
That’s what our experiences,
What we are seeing the
Rehabilitation are taking.
Based on that knowledge is what
We have put together the revised
Timeline.
We are confident with the
Revised timeline.
Of course, if things delay from
Either city perspective or nepa
Perspective or others that might
Move the starting date, but we
Are trying to be confident about
When we start we are able to
Finish well within the 12 month
Requirement of completion of
Construction and 15 month
Requirement of occupancy.
That’s what we are targeting to
Do.
>> I want to make sure publicly
That you are ready to move
Forward to get it in that
Timeframe, the 12 month and 15
Month.
>> yes, and no.
I’ll tell you why I’m saying no
Is that we have come in number
And requested multiple times to
Unlock some of the initial money
For predevelopment so we can
Start for the submission of --
And getting the permit so that
Could be lined up as well with
Those two timelines.
>> I think from a city
Perspective, we have to know if
It’s going to be awarded.
You have to assume that from my
Perspective.
If it’s awarded, then you go.
>> yes, we’ll be able to meet
That.
>> thank you.
>> mayor ron bernal: any other
Questions or comments?
The item requests that --
>> move to receiving file.
>> I have a motion to receive
File from mayor pro-tem
Freitas.
>> second from councilmember
Wilson.
Please cast your votes.
>> clerk.
: motion passes, 5-0.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You, penny.
Moving on to item 9 --
>> clerk: number 8.
>> yeah, back to 8.
Adoption of inclusionary housing
Ordinance, iho consistent with
The city’s sixth cycle --
>> we need to move forward.
>> mayor ron bernal: yeah,
Adoption of inclusionary housing
Ordinance with the 6th cycle
Housing element implementation
Program 2.1.10.
>> yes, thank you so much, mayor
And city council.
The city has studied the
Feasibility of adopting an
Ordinance and optional in lieu
Fee over the last year at
Multiple study sessions.
Tonight this is before the
Council.
Additional recommended actions
Include the establishment of
Affordable housing trust fund
And related amendments to
Establish an inlieu fee.
Meredith --
>> hold on.
>> mayor ron bernal: you’re
Fine.
>> zoe meredith will introduce
The item and greg will provide a
Presentation.
>> geepg, council.
Goong.
Good evening.
\hgood evening.
Tonight we are here to introduce
The ordinance and its content.
I’m joined by greg good fellow
Who worked on this with his
Team.
So, he has a presentation and we
Are here to answer questions.
Thanks.
>> thank you, zoe.
Thank you, counselors and
Mayor.
It’s nice to be here again.
I have a presentation.
There was a lot of background
Material in my past
Presentations.
I know we have had a busy night
And there is a lot of legal and
Technical material.
I’ll try to move through quickly
But I want to make sure the
Public and council are well
Versed on the background and
Issue.
So what we are going to do as
Zoe mentioned, we’ll introduce
By title only and waive the
First reading of the ordinance
Amending title ix planning and
Zoning to add article 43,
Inclusionary housing, the basic
Bones of the element is a 15%
Affordable housing requirement.
It would include an in-lieu
Option paired with the housing
Trust fund.
The city needs a place to put
The in lieu fees collected.
It would require a plan by
Developers utilizing the iho,
And it includes various
Standards to ensure affordable
Units are up to snuff with the
Other standards.
This would involve a resolution
To include the trust fund and
Resolution amending the master
Fee schedule to add the inlieu
Fee.
Quickly background on this
Again, inclues nary housing 101,
An ordinance requiring new
Market rate projects to set
Aside a portion of the units, as
Affordable housing and the pay
In fee in lieu of constructing
Units.
Why in antioch, there is a heavy
Number here, 1,741 low income
Units going all the way to the
Development of the housing
Element and decided by the
Council here and community here
That the housing element was a
Community oriented process to
Include the action item to
Include an iho study citing a
Goal of 360-460 affordable
Units.
We are looking at a finite
Number here.
We can go beyond that, but this
Goes back to the heavily public
Process of the housing element
Which is certified by the state
In a rigorous review process the
Council is aware of.
Quick what we have done so far,
A lot of input has gone into the
Iho, it’s not developed in a
Vacuum be by any means.
We have a multilingual community
Meeting.
We met with developers to get
Their concerns, ideas, heavy
Online outreach.
The project is updated
Constantly, we had a community
Survey october 15th, 2024.
All of the results of the
Outreach has been in past staff
Reports.
I won’t get into details except
To stress this reflects the
Community input.
Last year we did interviews with
The staff in the county to find
Out what administering was like
And get their input.
On the technical side we had a
Feasibility analysis, assessing
Impact on the bottom line of
Market rate units, how they are
Going to play out, a heavy pro
Forma process.
We completed an inlieu fee
Analysis.
I have a section of the
Presentation to go over how we
Developed the in-lieu fee.
We calculated the local
Affordable housing gap and fill
It with the fee.
We have presented summaries of
Ihos, looked at approaches.
As you know, there have been
Multiple study sessions of the
Council and commission.
What is this proposed
Inclusionary housing ordinance?
Again, this first -- what
Projects will this apply to?
Projects city wide.
No geographical scope.
It’s the entire city.
It applies to five or more
Units.
Why the number five?
It fits cog and wheel with the
Subdivision map act, five
Subdivisions for the map act to
Take shape.
That sets a stage to apply for
Projects of a significant size
And heft.
It’s not going to apply to a
Family developing an extra
Unit.
It fits in with the subdivision
Map act.
The requirement, 15% of market
Rate units as I mentioned, 10%
Affordable to low income
Households and 5% to low income
Households.
If the project is so small, it’s
Fractional or difficult to
Operate, say you have 12 units,
You need to apply the low income
Flip-flopping until the
Requirement is met.
That’s just -- will lead to a
Balance within the small Project.
Those affordable units will have
To remain affordable in
Perpetuity.
No one will make money off the
Sales later.
There is an inlieu fee option
$220,500 per unit reassessed
Annually based on the cpi and
Other factors.
This ordinance doesn’t include
Alternative compliance.
Some in the past, alternative
Compliance is more popular.
It is less popular and relevant
Because of the extreme number of
Streamlining and concessions and
Waivers that come out of state
Housing policy.
There are so many ways for
Housing projects to move through
The process easily and save
Money by providing affordable
Units and I also point out that
Without having alternative
Compliance in this iho, there is
The potential of avoiding time
For complex options, donating
Land off site or things things
Like that, that require staff
Time or delays.
They remove focus of building
Affordable housing on the site
Of the development which is the
Goal of the city.
The inclusionary housing
Ordinance requires an affordable
Housing plan, a detailed
Contract between the developer
And city, needs to be submitted
With the application, specify
The inclusionary calculations.
50% is set.
We want you to demonstrate your
Math and make sure it’s
Consistent with ours, document
The locations and their plans,
And again, that is so staff can
Make sure they are up to snuff
With the standards laid out in
The ordinance, making sure the
Exterior materials are high
Quality room sizes in proportion
And things like that.
The affordable housing plan
Establishes the housing
Requirements, a few of the
Bullets in the ordinance itself
To make sure the city and
Developer are on the same page
Before this kicks off.
I mention standards laid out in
The ordinance, all inclusionary
Units need to be the same
Proportion, the bedrooms etc.,
90% of the size of market rate
Units with the same bedroom
Could could counts, same
Exterior quality design as
Market rate units and should be
The case with all housing, meet
All standards in title 8 and 9.
The idea is that the affordable
Units are not afterthoughts, not
Considered add on to the larger
Development, distributed easily
And as important as the market
Rate products.
I’ll spend a bit of time on the
Technical component of the
In-lieu fee in the associated
Housing trust fund.
There are many ways that
Consultants and cities and
Counties develop and identify
Their required in-lieu fee.
We use the approach called the
Affordable housing financing
Gap.
A single unit in the city of
Antioch, $440,000.
I’ll explain how we got there.
Then we calculated the per unit
Financing that a developer and
Affordable housing developer
Typically receives per unit,
$237,512.
Subtract the latter from the
Former and find the gap of
$202,500 voasuated $202,500.00
Associated with the unbuilt
Unit.
How do we find out the
Information?
The first thing we did was
Review and identify the recent
Affordable housing development
Projects to get unit costs to
Find out the average low-income
Housing tax credit used and
Applied and bank financing used
Because those are the two types
Of reliable funding that go to
Affordable housing projects in
The state of california.
Financing, as you see is an
Art.
There are many different types
Of funding that developers use.
They are not the reliable ones.
They are different amounts,
Different subsets.
The source is the state
Treasurer officer.
They have an archive and include
Detailed costs and financing for
The projects.
We were able to get on the
System and pick out a series of
Projects in contra costa
County.
This is sort of what I was
Saying earlier.
This is an example for the
Plaza, 70 unit project with one
And two and three bedroom yuens,
Total cost $69.6 million.
You can see the rock solid
Sources, tax credit equity, 36%
Of the financing and bank
Financing was 6%.
You can see this is an example
Of financing out there whether
It can be found, deferred fees,
County funds or others.
All of them have subsets.
My point is to show that this is
An example of the fact that the
Two reliable sources of
Financing here only total 42% of
The total.
There’s the gap you are seeing.
The gap is having to be filled
With sources.
So, if we summarize the five
Products we selected from the
County, listed across the
Bottom.
Total cost of developing the
Five projects is $332 million.
Those included a total of 376
Units, so what is the average
Cost of those units is $882,000
Each.
Now, that’s higher than the
Figure I gave for antioch.
This spreads from walnut creek
To else el cerrito.
This is the countywide average.
We took the information I
Mentioned that we could find of
The 376 yuens, we found out
Through the state treasurer,
$50,500,000 bank financing and
$128,500,000 in federal tax
Credits used ajing out to
$342,000 a unit.
Once again, for the countywide,
We found $882,000 to build a
Unit, subtract $134,000 in bank
Financing, $342,000 in tax
Credits and a gap of $406,000,
46.02% of average cost.
We need to apply that to
Antioch.
We modeled a conceptual housing
Model here which is something we
Did in the feasibility
Analysis.
Then we calculated the
Development cost.
It includes the tailored units,
Impact fees, soft costs, etc.
We found that unit would cost
$36 million.
That equates to $440,000 less
Than $880,000 countywide.
We calculated the financing gap,
Applied the 46.02 ratio to the
Total and got $202,500 financing
Gap.
We are aware you need
Information from the ground.
First thing we did with the
Conclusions is take them to the
Affordable housing developers.
We got great insight from eden
Housing.
I should mention the numbers I
Gave you reflected their input
Already.
We took our numbers to the
Developers and what we heard
From the first gentleman, you
Need to increase your per unit
Cost because financing costs,
City blue jackets and design
Costs are boosting up now.
Our original number was less
Than $440,000, and we increased
The costs, soft costs and legal
Fees based on input and heard
The same thing from cypress
Saying we might have estimated
The soft costs.
We increased them.
Both developers felt the inlieu
Fee and ratio was reasonable and
To quote the gentleman, this
Will go a long way helping the
Housing developer.
We got good insight on the in
Lieu fee increased based on the
Increases of soft costs they
Mentioned.
This was vetted by those that
Practice development.
Now, the inclusionary housing
Trust fund.
Every city that collects fees
Need a place to put it, the idea
That it needs to go to the
Prioritization of affordable
Housing.
Every housing trust fund needs
To be letted led by a council
Approved set of administrative
Guidelines.
They are to assist in the
Creation and preservation of
Affordable housing in the city
Of antioch for low, moderate and
Moderate low income households
And distribution uses of the
Fees, creating affordable units
Being the top.
Assistance with rehabilitation
Programs, conversion of market
Rate units and supporting the
Construction of adus, by their
Very nature affordable.
Just a few of the distributions
And uses.
To remind you what we heard
February 4th from the planning
Commission, a 4 will 4-0
Recommendation that the city
Adopt the iho.
There were questions, the first
Being could it be written into
The ordinance that
Prioritization be given to
Antioch residents for the
Affordable units?
There is conflicts.
I did research with my contact
At mtc and the city did its own
Research.
I’m sorry.
There was the potential for
Conflict with state fair housing
Laws.
Staff and myself felt the
Potential liabilities would out
Way the benefits given the
Conflicts.
That was born out by mtc and
Their housing experts so staff
Didn’t recommend it.
There was another request to
Review the preference for local
Unions.
This goes back to potential
Conflicts with existing laws,
Labor relation act, state
Housing element law and zoning
Authority all contain limits or
Barriers to that type of
Preference.
This does not reflect staff lack
Of prioritization of local
Unions.
It’s to keep the ordinance
Conflict free and on legal
Ground.
Planning commission asked that
We look at ensuring that the
Housing trust fund prioritizes
Funding for housing
Development.
Staff clarified the admin
Guidelines provides the
Guidelines for how the funds are
Spent and allow them to be spent
Strategically on a variety of
Needs.
The guidelines are approved by
You the council and the
Assumption is that the funds
Prioritize affordable housing
Development.
Planning commission also had a
Valid question about
Prioritizing extremely low
Income households.
There is a strange structural
Issue with the state with hcd
And eli.
is, if you look directly
Into the state housing building
Block website, eli is considered
A subset of low income.
Whereas the separation between
The income levels is
Traditionally a break, eli is
Zero to 30 within zero to 50 of
Eli, which is why we don’t see
It on the arena targets.
Hcd does not pry prioritize,
Cities are asked to study eli in
The housing units.
They are not part of rena, by
Including eli in the housing
Ordinance itself, it brings us
Out of lock step with the
Progress requested by the state
And keeping it consistent with
The housing element.
It is simply that the income
Range is within vli.
Finally, the pc asked if we
Could audit the trust fund first
Quarter of the year and each
Every two years here after to
Determine the percentage of
Projects using in-lieu fees.
In other words, is this
Working?
Clearly, city council can
Include this in the draft or
Housing trust fund guidelines
Itself.
All were good points to a well
Tuned planning commission.
Again, this goes back to the
First slide recommended action
By staff introduced by total
Only and waived the first
Reading amending the title ix
With the components of the iho I
Have gone over, adopt the
Resolution establishing a trust
Fund, the place to put the
In-lieu fees and adopting a
Resolution to add the in-lieu
Fee anding the affordable
Housing compliance monitoring
Fee.
That is the end of my
Presentation.
I’m here to answer questions.
>> mayor ron bernal: all
Right, thank you.
This is a public hearing.
I’m going to open it right now.
And do we have a proponent for
The project?
>> I would like to make a motion
To extend our meeting to
12:00 midnight.
>> mayor ron bernal: we have a
Motion to extend the meeting to
12:00 midnight.
Do we have a second?
We are not going to get there.
It means -- we can finish
Earlier.
>> I’ll second it.
>> motion by mayor pro-tem
Freitas, second by councilmember
Rocha.
Cost your votes, please.
>> clerk: motion passes 4- 4-1
Abstaining.
>> mayor ron bernal: who is
Going to be the proponent?
>> we are a big group
Coalition.
We are all together.
>> mayor ron bernal: you have
Ten minutes.
>> I won’t take it, but that’s
Great.
Good evening, mayor and
Council.
I’m here drn -- I work with east
Bay housing,.
We have over 40 years experience
Working with housing policies
Including clution inclusionary
Housing in the area.
We have worked with a broad
Coalition of other organizations
Based in antioch also proponents
Of the inclusionary housing
Ordinance here.
I’m going to read the list of
Folks, some in the room and some
Not.
We are here with the contra
Costa county budget justice,
East bay alliance, east bay
Housing organizations, the
Ensuring opportunity campaign to
End poverty in contra costa
County, hope solutions, lift up
Contra costa county, monument
Impact, multi-faith action
Coalition, public advocates,
Rising juntos.
That’s a coalition that brings
Years of experience working on
Inclusionary housing and faith
Leaders, service providers,
Housing developers and those
Impacted by the housing
Affordability crisis.
We arewe know this is a
Necessary tool for antioch to
Use to address the affordability
Crisis in the city and region.
We know it’s an appropriate
Tool.
We are a growing city with
Plentiful opportunities for
Development.
That is the exact climate in
Which you want to implement a
Housing ordinance.
We know new housing is being
Built, but not enough housing is
Being built targeting low income
Residents in antioch.
I was looking at the past two
Years of building permits in
Antioch.
There were 740 homes permitted,
But only 50 of those were
Designated low and low income
Residents, many were adus,
Guessing that they are low
Income housing.
We don’t have a way of
Verifying.
They are not deed restricted not
Permanently affordable which is
Required by the iho.
We are building a lot.
We are not building enough for
Low income residents.
The iho would ensure not only we
Build affordable housing but
Throughout the city and not cost
The city money, wouldn’t require
Us to apply for more home key
Projects, though we should do
That, but wouldn’t take anything
Away from that.
Instead, it asks developers who
Are coming and going to profit
And continue to profit in
Antioch to contribute and
Dedicate some of their resources
Toward making sure all antioch
Residents have an affordable
Place to call home.
I want to emphasize this is a
Mainstream tool.
Antioch is not the first city,
Won’t be going out on a limb
Adopting this.
14 of 19 jurisdictions in contra
Costa county have inclusionary
Ordinances.
We are on solid ground here,
Taking a well trodden path that
Works well and works well for
Other jurisdictions.
The coalition has two
Recommendations for how the
Ordinance could be slightly
Stronger.
One is we suggest a 20%
Inclusionary rate.
15% is a step in the right
Direction.
60% of antioch residents spent
More than 30% of their income on
Rent.
Another 2/3 are designated at
Risk of displaiment or
Gentrification.
The risk of not building enough
Affordable housing is real,
Present.
For two years in a row antioch
Had the highest number of
Unhoused individuals in the
County.
We want to do everything we can
To meet the moment, meet the
Urgency.
The second recommendation we
Have we believe the ordinance
Can do more to target low income
Individuals.
That’s a subcategory of low
Income the consultant team
Mentioned.
What we expect in the
Inclusionary housing because we
Are asking for profit builders
To build at the top of the
Range.
They build the most expensive
Housing that qualifies for low
Income residents.
That’s a good step and we
Encourage that, but to reach
Extremely low income community
Members, we need specificity.
Two ways to achieve that, one a
Certain requirement, 5% of the
Affordable homes have to be
Affordable to extremely low
Income individuals.
The other side, the alternative
Compliance, in lieu fee.
Those fees are used by
Affordable housing developers
That specialize in reaching low
Income individuals.
We suggest to include the 5% low
Income requirement or create an
Addition to the in lieu fee a
Land donation option where
Developers could contribute to
The in lieu fee rather than in
Cash with land.
That provides an option for an
Affordable housing developer to
Use that land to reach low
Income individuals.
Those are two recommendations.
Overall we are appreciative of
The city, staff, consultants
Have done.
We are on a strong path.
There are various objections
Whether they are legal or for
The feasibility of the
Developers.
We know staff has addressed
Those.
Staff has looked at legality,
Looked at feasibility and this
Will not defer development in
Antioch.
We are excited to see the city
Move forward with this step and
Hopeful to move forward with the
Strongest most impactful
Ordinance we can.
Thank you.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You.
Do we have anyone to speak in
Opposition to the ordinance?
>> clerk: mr. Becker.
>> mayor ron bernal: speaking
In opposition to the ordinance?
>> I hadn’t planned on ten
Minutes.
I’ll try not to use it all.
I didn’t prepare for that.
Thank you for allowing me to
Speak.
The gentleman -- you are being
Misled.
What you are being told is
Untrue.
They are not asking developers
To contribute.
They are requiring them to
Contribute.
There is a big difference.
Let’s talk about the law.
I’m not an attorney.
I could bring one down here from
The pacific legal foundation if
You would like to hear from
Them.
They are going back to court.
They are going to the united
States supreme court.
At least one of you up there
Understands federalism and
Understands that when the united
States supreme court makes a
Ruling, as our current president
Recently said, it’s not an
Unfortunate event.
It’s a ruling.
It’s a command.
It is the law.
Mr. Sykes went to court and the
Ruling is -- that the fees
Charged by either administration
Or by legislation have to
Directly affect what burdens
Occur at the municipal level by
That development.
These individuals are talking
About all of the town, all of
The people that need housing.
Now, if you want to have a
Discussion about the importance
Of housing people, low income
People and extremely low income
People, that is definitely a
Conversation worth having, and I
Would be glad to discuss that,
But this is not the way.
This is a violation of the fifth
Amendment of the constitution
And the 14th amendment of the
Constitution.
It does not offer due process,
And it is an illegal taking.
Now, the united states supreme
Court moves very slowly.
Mr. Seitz took six years to get
There the first time.
I assure you, that within the
Future, you will see that
Inclusionary housing in which
Private property owners -- they
Call them developers -- they are
Private property owners.
You are extracting money from
Them.
It basically comes down to
Municipal extortion.
We need to fix the social
Problem, and we need your
Money.
No.
It’s wrong.
It’s fundamentally wrong.
This country is a republic.
It was based on democracy and
Capitalism.
Not socialism.
When you take people’s property,
When you extract money from them
Illegally, they are entitled to
Compensation.
Now, I have laid down a paper
Trail.
I have spoken here.
I have written to you.
I have outlined my concerns.
I don’t expect you to side with
Me or the law.
In actuality, the california
Supreme court tried to do a
Workaround on the united states
Supreme court decision.
That’s why mr. Seitz and the
Pacific legal foundation are
Going back to court.
The gentleman who prepared this
Report which should be round
Filed, only quotes california
Law and nothing past -- based on
My recollection, past 2017.
The seitz case was decided in
2024.
It may take him another six
Years to get a decision.
Someone is going to step forward
To fight inclusionary housing.
Let’s talk about who actually
Pays the fee.
They sit there, and they stand
Up and tell you, well, the
Developer will pay it.
No, he won’t.
This is akin to a tariff.
They are going to charge the
Developer, and then all of the
Market rate homes -- they are
Going to divide up that cost and
Add it on top.
They are not going to eat
Millions of dollars.
I run a business.
I wouldn’t do it.
No reasonable capitalist would.
Who is actually going to pay
It?
The consumer.
The middle class person who has
Saved the money to buy their
First home because most buyers
In this town are first time
Buyers.
They are going to pay it.
Is that really fair?
Really?
Because I don’t think so.
It’s a great idea, but it’s
Being done incorrectly.
As I said, I don’t expect that
You will table this matter.
I expect that you will most
Likely approve it, but you are
On very tenuous ground, and if
You actually put together a
Trust fund where you have
Collected all of this money and
Someone sues you, and they want
Their money back, like the
Thousands of companies that want
Their tariff money back who have
Filed suit against the federal
Government, you are going to
Have to pay it back because you
Have been warned and the paper
Trail exists.
I suggest -- I request that you
Vote no.
Thank you for your your time.
>> mayor ron bernal: thank
You.
Do we have any public comment on
This item?
>> clerk: yes, anthony
Followed by mark and then pastor
Joesy.
Josie.
\hjosie.
>> mayor bernal, councilmembers,
I’m anthony carol, speaking on
Behalf of carpetters 162, 150
Working people in antioch and
Thousands more across contra
Costa county.
Over the past five years, the
Carpetters have been the out
Spoken and supportive voice
Prohousing policy out of the
Construction trades.
Our members are no strangers
Either.
It is our hope that this
Ordinance does well for the low
Income residents of antioch and
Generates new affordable housing
In the city.
Along with the housing ordinance
Is the trust fund slated to be
Created as part o of the
Policy.
With in lieu fees, set, we are
Looking at potentially millions
Generated for new affordable
Housing generation.
The carpenters are in support
Over all but I’m here to ask you
To stay or continue the vote on
The trust fund to work with us
First to create a labor
Standards resolution that
Requires prevailing wages,
Healthcare expenditures and
Receiving funds from the housing
Trust fund.
The labor standards are crucial
To ensure funds don’t contribute
To exploitation faced by
Non-union kruck construction
Workers.
I want to be clear, this was a
Misunderstanding from the
Planning commission.
The resolution that we are
Proposing is not a mandate for
Union labor.
Lather, thisrather this is a
Proposal to raise funding for
Public funds.
We don’t feel there are concerns
Running afoul of the nrb, state
Obligations or any other
Openness to litigation.
These are city funds and similar
To other revenue generating
Measure, it’s your right to
Attach the standards you want
And see fit.
I would like to give a shoutout
To the rising juntos, correct?
The recommendations to increase
The inclusionary requirement to
20% as well as raising the
In-lieu fees, I feel they are
Supportive of appropriate to the
Changes to the proposal as
Well.
We have sent draft resolution
Language to the mayor, I
Believe, maybe other
Councilmembers.
If not, we’ll reach out to you
Shortly.
I ask you to please move to
Continue the vote to the next
Meeting so we can work to
Protect the construction workers
Without whom this housing will
Be built.
Thank you for your your time.
>> clerk: mark followed by
Pastor josie and then devin.
>> I’ll waive my time, thank
You.
>> pastor josie.
Good evening, everyone.
It’s been quite a night.
My name is pastor josie, pass
Pastor of the 7th day adventist
Church.
From those perspectives, I want
To express my support in the
Ordinance.
I want to encourage you to pass
It or at least continue it with
All of the other people who have
Spoken that would like to
Contribute to making sure that
We pass an ordinance that is
Inclusive of everyone who will
Participant in it.
My experience has been eye
Opening.
Tenants with the highest income
Create the most challenges while
Those with modest incomes are
Frequently the most responsible
And reliable in my experience.
This issue is also personal for
Me.
I was raised by a single mother
Who relied on affordable housing
To raise two teenage daughters.
These opportunities of
Affordable housing have helped
Place us in a safer community.
I believe that being in a safer
Community had a positive impact
In our life.
Right now, antioch leads the
County in homelessness.
Imagine if we became known as
The city that led the county in
Reducing it.
To help make this possible, I’m
Going to agree with the
Recommendations that were
Given.
From a faith perspective, I
Believe it’s extremely important
That we prioritize the most
Vulnerable in our communities.
It is more important that we
Prioritize people than profits.
So, I would ask that you would
Consider increasing this to 20%,
A slightly stronger commitment
Today could make a more
Meaningful difference for many
Families like mine, in the near
Future.
In terms of the extremely low
Income residents, I would like
To see a land dedication option
So nonprofits can build
Affordable housing with
Supportive services.
I was the former chair of 7th
Day adventist pastors and
Leaders in contra costa county,
And right now, we are currently
Seeing if we can work with one
Of our churches to help build
Affordable housing on their land
In pittsburgh.
I think that’s something we
Could do here as well.
The decisions that you make
Tonight will shape not only the
Buildings in our city, but the
Lives that grow within them.
Because a truly strong city is
Not where only the wealthy can
Live, but where every family has
The opportunity to call it a
Home.
Thank you for your time.
Devin followed by cecilia.
>> good evening again.
I’m a little calmer now.
It’s late, and I know you want
To go home.
Thanks, for decades now,
Unchecked power of capitalism
And bribes taken in the federal
Government and state government,
Genz millennials like myself and
Generation alpha will have
Continued suffering when it
Comes to home ownership.
People are quick to say pull
Yourself up by your boot straps
And recently, I have heard we
Can’t afford boots at this
Point.
We can’t afford bus fare to get
Us through the day.
My boots are pulled up, but they
Are old now.
I am blessed to have family I
Can rely on to have shelter and
Hopefully one day buy a home to
Call my own.
I know people with three degrees
Struggling to pay for a two
Bedroom apartment.
I’m blessed here.
It shouldn’t be this hard.
30 years ago my parents were
Able to buy a home in san
Francisco in their 20s.
That’s my story.
There are so many in antioch
That don’t have that story,
Don’t have a relation to my
Story at all.
They grew up here.
I don’t know everyone in the
City, but there is a need.
I’ll tell you a story about me
When I was a teenager.
I played this game called the
Sims at home.
It’s a simulation you build a
Home, start a family, super
Fun.
I built homes I wanted to live
In one day.
I thought the world is decent.
I’ll be able to do it.
My parents did it.
Friends, family members --
Whatever.
Not in 2008.
When I graduated high school,
The economy tanked, housing
Market sucks and we are
Suffering from it still today.
I know there are so many
Teenagers out there with the
Same dream I had to own a home,
Pursue the career they wanted
To.
I used to dream of kicking my
Feet up after a day on the set
Watching a movie or reading the
Next script for my next
Project.
If you know me, you know.
I don’t have that privilege
Because I decided to do this
Work.
My triem is dream is put on
Hold.
That’s the short version.
I employer everyone to do the
Research.
I don’t think we are breaking
Laws.
We have a city attorney that
Would have told us, you’re
Breaking the law.
Anyway, not to hold you up
Longer, but now that my dream is
On hold, I’m fighting for the
Right to make this right,
Affordable, inclusionary,
Whatever you call it, it doesn’t
Mean developers, we’ll make sure
You can’t do anything or leave.
It means developers, read the
Room.
It’s always about you.
Now today, it should be about
The community.
Let the community have this one,
Right?
So, inclusionary housing in my
Closing, thank you for the five
Minutes, what it means to me is
The opportunity for families to
Grow up in a place they call
Their own even if they don’t own
It, but they can afford to live
There.
For the most part, I hope you
Pass this.
I really want labor to be a
Piece of the conversation as
Well.
I think it’s a long time coming
That we have something like this
In antioch.
Thank you all, goodnight.
>> clerk: cecilia, followed
By melissa.
>> it’s so cold in here.
Hi.
Good evening, councilmembers and
City staff.
My name is cecilia.
I’m a community organizer with
Rising juntos and antioch
Resident.
Everyone in this room cares
About the well being of our
Community.
Antioch is a diverse city where
Families come to build their
Lives, raise their children and
Feel a sense of belonging.
Rising juntos has been before
This council for years urging
Safe affordable, dignified
Housing.
In 2020, in addition to tenant
Protections pointed for the need
For inclusionariry housing
Ordinances.
We thank council for considering
The proposal before you
Tonight.
Rising juntos has long asserted
That in order for antioch to
Thrive, we need affordable
Housing.
In spite of the council’s
Leadership to pass much needed
Tenant protections, more is
Needed.
This policy is key to continue
The great work that we have done
Together to stabilize housing.
Antioch residents continue to
Struggle with homelessness.
The majority of extremely low
Income res didn’ts residents in
Particular are in need of
Housing that is actually
Affordable.
The proposed 15% requirement is
A step in the right direction,
But it’s not nearly enough.
We are asking for a 20%, which
Would have a meaningful impact
In creating truly affordable
Housing for families.
A 20% rate is reasonable.
It is commonly used in many
Cities and will ensure as
Antioch continues to grow, the
Growth includes homes that
Working families, seniors,
Immigrants and residents on
Fixed incomes can afford.
A 20% inclusionary requirement
Allow families to remain in the
City they call home and keep our
City strong.
I urge you to pass at least a
20% inclusionary requirement in
The inclusionary housing
Ordinance so the policies
Reflect the needs, values an
Dignity of people who live
Here.
Thank you, and we are urge you
To vote yes and continue
Stabilizing housing in our
Community.
Thank you.
>> clerk: melissa, followed by
Mr. Becker.
>> I have been waiting for
This.
I actually do believe -- I’m a
Realtor, and I believe in the
Inclusionary housing ordinance,
And I looked up the lawsuits,
And it seems the courts are
Siding with the cities more than
They are with the people that
Sue the cities, except when it
Comes to smaller sites, so maybe
You should revisit that.
I did a quick search on that.
Having developers pay for
Amenities like parks,
Playgrounds, we have been --
School, we have been doing
That.
Yes, they added on to the market
Rate homes.
To me, this is another amenity
For antioch, the -- bmr homes.
I do agree a minimum for low
Income housing, I’m not sure if
I like the 20%.
I feel we could revisit that
Later.
Some of the developers say they
Have a hard time selling.
I don’t know if I believe them,
But -- that’s what they are
Telling everyone.
I appreciated how he came up
With the in-lieu fees.
I’m kind of wanting it to be
More because I think the value
Of bmr homes on the market is
More value than receiving fees.
That’s my personal opinion.
Sorry.
I have tons of notes.
I’m going to say, I have at
Least in my database right now,
Minimum three people that would
Benefit from bmr homes.
The developer said in the
Feedback when I looked over the
Packet, they said developers
Stress the difficulty of
Qualifying for home loans may
Impede the function of iho,
Barriers to mortgage
Qualifications including
Adequate down payment.
There are two reasons people
Don’t buy homes, fica scores,
Down payment.
There are so many program, my
Home, my zip, california dream
Act.
There is down payment assistance
For the buyer.
Fica that’s personal choice.
That’s something they can work
On with a qualified loan officer
Or program to improve your
Credit.
Buying a home is a privilege.
You need to have your credit
Score up to do that.
It shows the bank that you are
Responsible and they’ll want to
Loan to you then.
I looked up mls data since I
Have access to it.
In the last year, on mls, new
Home developments don’t always
Put bmrs on there.
are eight homes bmr last
Year all sold.
Guess how many are currently on
The market?
Zero.
They have all sold.
That tells me there is a need
For it.
When developers say there’s a
Barrier to come.
People are buying these homes.
Sorry.
More stats antioch, first time
Home buyers, they are the most
Fun to work with.
You give them the keys and it
Feels good.
I just put one under contract.
I’m very happy.
In antioch, basic minimum is
$450,000 for a desirable, older
Home built in 1970.
That’s what you need to buy a
Home.
You can buy condos cheaper and
Fixer uppers cheaper.
6% interest rate with 3% down,
Household income $138,000 to
Qualify comfortably for this
House.
That’s 50% debt to income
Ratio.
Guess what antioch medium
Housing is?
98,000.
We clearly need it.
I also researched about bmr
Homes.
Five minutes goes so fast.
I don’t know if you can do this,
But make it right of first
Refusal for city workers,
Teachers, first responders.
I know some cities have done
That.
I think that to truly improve
The community, you are the best
Of five people around you.
If you mix the uses in between,
You will raise people up.
I am for this.
>> thank you.
A long time coming.
It feels like a long
Conversation, but when you think
Back, I honestly feel like
Sometimes it’s 30 minutes here
Or an hour there and a lot gets
Left off the table, so I’m a
Little concerned when I look at
This ordinance because the whole
Intent of this process was to
Understand antioch’s needs, and
From this proposal in the
Inclusionary housing program, it
Looks like it’s catering toward
The affordable housing market
That is the low income housing
Tax credit developer model that
Primarily targets 60 to 70 to
80% ami.
So, we literally are talking
About putting dollars into a
Housing trust fund that is going
To help the community’s needs.
Let’s look at a real life
Scenario in antioch.
Standard communities received
Entitlements on a property that
The city of antioch created a
Commercial infill housing
Overlay that streamlines the
Process, reducing costs from the
Developer, allowing them to
Deepen their amis to meet the
Lower a mi community needs.
We understand that our regional
Housing need allocations say
That our two largest by far are
Our extremely low and above
Moderate but the above moderate
Comes out of the picture because
It’s affordable housing.
If we understand it’s the
Extremely low, we understand the
Tax credit developers primarily
Target low income, you end up
With buchanan crossing receiving
From standard communities
Through what I imagine is a low
Income housing tax credit 9% or
4%, per their numbers they
Submitted to the city is
Developing -- 185 units -- I
Hope this is the right project,
But they are all around the same
Ami, so you will get the
Picture.
185 pictures185 units of low
Income, 23 extremely low and 23
Very low.
So, buchanan crossings, where
The per capita income per
Individual in 307201 census
Tract is $28,000 for a single
Individual, you are only
Bringing 44 units out of over
Approximately 200 units where
The city already incentivized
The developer by creating a
Streamline approval process.
Then we dig deeper and say why
Are they only tax credit
Projects?
If you look at the numbers given
In prevailing wage unit costs,
They are not realistic.
I’m sure the consultant can
Agree the deeper the ami, the
Higher the unit costs, because
There are inherit costs such as
Permanent supportive models,
Wrap around services and more
Intensive supportive space
Onsite, leading you to a higher
Prevailing wage cost here in the
Bay area and northern california
On projects I’m working on,
Range from 550 to 750,000 per
Unit.
So, then if you say, we are
Going to put these dollars into
The housing trust fund so that
We can help the true community
Needs here in antioch, we are
Acknowledging the developers
Will take the dollars and put
Them in the 60 to 70% ami, our
Middle needed bracket, and
Frankly, through the three
Projects submitted in the
Overlay, we have met the rena
Needs alone.
That’s actually wiped out.
We have addressed that per the
Alina cycle, 400 something
Units.
What about the 796 we have to
Build where out of those three
Prompts projects we get 60?
Once again, I feel like it’s
Three minutes of talk here, 30
Minutes here, an hour here.
My name is andrew becker.
Pretty much everyone knows my
Number.
Please call me so we can talk
Further.
>> clerk: we have no further
Comment cards.
>> hello, good evening.
I’m a staff attorney at public
Advocates nonprofit public
Interest law firm supporting
Housing and justice.
We challenge racial
Discrimination by strengthening
Community voices.
I’m here in support of the
Housing ordinance.
Antioch wouldn’t be the first
Nor the last to adopt an iho.
A 2017 report estimated 149
Cities and counties across
California have some form of
Inclusionary zoning policy,
Making it a popular way to
Ensure affordable housing gets
Built.
This city should move forward
With iho knowing that california
Courts have been found ihos
Constitutional and at the
Federal level, while there are
Challenges to the
Constitutionality under the
Fifth amendment, they are not
Successful.
Currently it’s good law to push
Forward the housing ordinance.