ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting

July 11, 2000
7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers

Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M., and City Clerk Martin called the roll.  All members present with the arrival of Council Member Soliz at 7:04 P.M..

 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Pro Tem Davis led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.   

PROCLAMATION

On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Soliz, the Council unanimously approved the proclamation for National Night Out 2000, August 1, 2000.

Council Member Davis presented the Proclamation to Tom Rood, Chairperson of the Antioch Crime Prevention Commission,  proclaiming August 1,2000 as "National Night Out 2000."  Mr. Rood thanked the Council for the Proclamation and presented them with a list of participating block captains for the event.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

Mayor Rocha announced the United Farm Workers Registration to Vote Drive on July 15,2000 at 10:00 A.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Jeff Sawyer, President of AFSCME Local 2575, speaking on behalf of the members, discussed two (2) employees who had recently received layoff notices.  He felt these employees should have been allowed to transfer to open positions within the maintenance division.

Elizabeth Rimbault, representing the Woman's Club of Antioch and the Historical Society, announced a joint fundraiser.  The two groups had collaborated on the creation of a historical throw (afghan) depicting historical buildings in the City of Antioch.   She requested the throw be agendized in August to be declared the official Antioch throw.  She also requested permission to display the throw in the lobby display case of City Hall.

Douglas Tokes discussed the use of illegal fireworks in the City and requested the City Council direct the Antioch Police Department to issue citations.

Elvin Scott updated his efforts to become tax-exempt and protect pension funds.

Jim Hicks representing AFSCME presented handouts to the City Council regarding the laying off of two City employees.  He urged the Council to work with the union and allow the two employees to transfer to other positions. 

Barbara Sobalvarro voiced her concerns regarding the use of illegal fireworks in Antioch.  She noted she appreciated her dining experience at the new Hi-Bar Restaurant on Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch.  

Jim Vossem announced his radio program on KATV called "Your Town," noting guest  speakers include various Mayors, Senators, and other public officials.

Jim Conley read a letter on behalf of Antioch Multi-Cultural Awareness Foundation Chairperson, Roger Henry, thanking those who participated in their Antioch 4th of July parade debut.  Mr. Conley thanked Mr. Henry for taking vacation time to decorate the float.

Compy Compomizzo thanked the City for the fishing pier dedication.  He announced a Striped Bass Fishing Derby planned for September 22, 23, and 24, 2000 adding he was looking forward to working with the City to make it a success.

Johnny Ray discussed his concerns regarding the approval of the Gateway Christian School.

Michael Flournoy stated he was one of the City employees being laid off, noting he had been with City for 4½ years as a meter reader.  He further noted Public Works Deputy Director Harrington had informed him he would need a Class  "B"  license to retain his job, which he had obtained.  He felt he was qualified for other positions within the City.

Michael Goss, a 13-year City employee, stated he had also received a layoff notice.  He noted he was qualified for and had requested a pipefitter or other position with the City.  

Jean Kuberra discussed a commentary column in the Contra Costa Times regarding the July 2, 2000 presidential election in Mexico.

Nate Donithan stated he felt there was no leadership in the City and announced his candidacy for Mayor of Antioch.

Martha Henry thanked the Antioch Business Association for their hard work in making the 4th of July celebration a great success.

On motion by Council Member Soliz, seconded by Council Member Davis, the Council unanimously moved Item #4 of the Council Regular Agenda to the next item for discussion.

COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA

  1. RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO THE RIVERTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FOR THE COORDINATION OF THE 4TH OF JULY 2000 EVENT 

City Manager Ramsey introduced Rick Carraher, President of the Rivertown Business Association, thanking them for the wonderful job they did with the July 4th celebration.

Rick Carraher, on behalf of the Antioch Business Association, thanked the City Council for the Resolution, acknowledged the members of the Board and those who had participated. He acknowledged the corporate sponsors and those citizens who purchased the commemorative buttons, whose funding and proceeds made the event possible.  He then thanked all those who helped to make it possible.

 The Council thanked the Association for their efforts.

 RESOLUTION NO. 2000/94

On motion by Council Member Soliz, seconded by Council Member Freitas, the Council unanimously adopted the Resolution.

  1. RECONSIDERATION OF INCREASING THE COUNCIL MEMBERS' SALARIES

Council Member Davis thanked the Mayor for bringing this item up for re-consideration and suggested the Committee be broad-based and consist of former Council Members as well as members from the community at large.

 

Elizabeth Rimbault discussed an article she had written for the Daily Ledger regarding the salary increase, stating she felt the current salary displayed a disregard for the City Council's worth. She voiced her support of increasing the Council Members' salaries, and recommended this not go to committee but be voted on by the City Council tonight.

Jean Kuberra voiced her support of raising the stipend and requested a current list of Council committee assignments with documentation and an agendized report. 

Ed McMunn felt the Council was entitled to a fair compensation for the work and suggested a vote be taken without forming a committee.

Council Member Freitas stated he did not support the formation of a committee and suggested this item be agendized for Council action.

On motion by Council Member Davis, seconded by Council Member Soliz, Council directed a Committee be formed comprised of citizens-at-large, prior Council Members, and former Mayors to study the increase and make a recommendation to Council.  The motion carried with the following vote:

 

AYES: Soliz, Davis, Rocha
NOES: Freitas

  1. RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR DEBRIS REMOVAL IN THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER ADJACENT TO THE ANTIOCH MUNICIPAL FISHING PIER (PW 99-A4)

Public Works Director Brandt presented the staff report dated July 3, 2000, recommending Council adopt the Resolution approving plans and specifications, and authorizing the City Clerk to advertise for bids for debris removal in the San Joaquin River adjacent to the Antioch Fishing Pier. 

RESOLUTION NO. 2000/93

 

On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Soliz, the Council unanimously approved the Resolution.

Mayor Rocha declared a recess at 8:23 P.M., the meeting reconvened at 8:42 P.M. with all Council Members present with the exception of Council Member Soliz, who arrived at 8:44 P.M.

  1. UPDATE AND DIRECTION REGARDING CONTRA COSTA COUNTY'S DELIBERATIONS ON THE URBAN LIMIT LINE

Community Development Deputy Director Carniglia presented the staff report dated July 6, 2000 recommending the City Council direct staff and provide comments regarding the County's recent actions and the upcoming hearings regarding the Urban Limit Line. Mr. Carniglia concluded with a brief overview of the background, including a chronology of the Roddy property. 

James Kyle, speaking on behalf of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, stated their position was growth should occur in and be controlled by cities. He urged the City Council to adopt the position that the ULL should be left in its original position as voted on by the general populous.

Tim Donahue, speaking on behalf of the Sierra Club stated they were in support of the Contra Costa Planning Commission’s alternative, adding it was time development stopped.

Allen Payton stated he believed Antioch should be allowed to control its own destiny in the location of the ULL and the resulting development, suggesting limiting the number of homes to be developed per year until the infrastructure catches up. He noted Antioch should be able to control their southern boundaries to provide necessary land for upscale housing.

Jean Kuberra stated more housing was not the solution to the congested freeways. She noted her agreement with Mr. Canciamilla’s request for public support to pull ULL as close to the cities as possible.

Ed McMunn requested the City Council consider a compromise of the Urban Limit Line. 

Manager Ramsey highlighted the ULL’s impacts on Antioch’s options for future development.  He emphasized the need for creating an opportunity for working at home, adding if the County pulls the ULL all the way into the current City limits, this goal would not be possible.  He further noted his appreciation of the fact the Council had been seriously considering this, adding he was looking for direction to take to the Board of Supervisors. 

Council Member Freitas presented a brief overhead presentation of his proposal to cut the existing ULL in half, retaining 550 acres of open space and 550 acres for Antioch's future development.  

Mayor Rocha stated she did not support this proposal, noting she felt the County did not plan its housing with concern for infrastructure. 

 

Discussion ensued regarding Council Member Freitas' proposal with Council Member Davis.  City Manager Ramsey reiterated Mr. Roddy had seen the proposal, supported it, and was in favor of the Council approving it to be presented to the Board of Supervisors at the end of the month.

 

Jim Conley stated he appreciated Mr. Freitas' attempt at a compromise, adding it was a viable solution as long as it provided jobs first.

 

Allen Payton stated he preferred to hold the line, noting if Mr. Roddy was willing to support the proposal, the Council should endorse it.

Barbara Sobalvarro commended Council Member Freitas for coming up with this proposal, noting if it was supported by Mr. Roddy the Council should endorse it.

 

Council Member Freitas assured Council Member Davis that Mr. Roddy was in agreement with this proposal.

Council Member Soliz stated the property owner is being forced to give up 1,500 acres of his land to hopefully develop something in the future, adding the alternative proposal was a rational alternative given the situation.

 

On motion by Council Member Soliz, seconded by Council Member Davis, the Council supported the alternative proposal as outlined by Council Member Freitas. The motion carried by the following vote:

AYES: Soliz, Davis, Freitas
NOES: Rocha

  1. LEGISLATION AND ADVOCACY

Council Member Freitas requested staff return to Council with more information on AB 7999.  City Manager Ramsey stated they would return with information and an analysis of the bill.

 

On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Soliz, the Council unanimously received and filed the report.

  1.  COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR

  1. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES:  June 13, 2000 (continue to August 8, 2000)

  2. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS

  3. AWARD OF THE SIDEWALK REPAIR CONTRACT TO THE SECOND-LOW BIDDER, WILLIAM G. MC CULLOUGH COMPANY. OF ANTIOCH (PW 507-9)

  4. RESOLUTION NO. 2000/95 APPROVING FINAL MAP AND IMPROVEMENT PLANS FOR HO PROPERTY, UNIT 9, (WOODSIDE DEER VALLEY INC.), TRACT NO. 8231  (PW 568-9)

  5. RESOLUTION NO. 2000/96 VACATING RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A QUIT CLAIM DEED TO MC BAIL COMPANY, SAND CREEK RANCH, UNIT 1, TRACT NO. 8114 (PW 639)

  6. RESOLUTION NO. 2000/97 APPROVING FINAL MAP AND IMPROVEMENT PLANS FOR LONE TREE ESTATES, UNIT 6, (DAVIDON CORPORATION) TRACT NO. 8366 (PW 568-9

On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Davis, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar.  

Mayor Rocha adjourned to the Antioch Development Agency. 

 

  1. AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR

  1. APPROVAL OF AGENCY MINUTES:  June 13, 2000 (continued to August 8, 2000)

  2. APPROVAL OF AGENCY WARRANTS

On motion by Agency Member Freitas, seconded by Agency Member Soliz, the Agency unanimously approved the Agency Consent Calendar. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

None

 

COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMUNICATIONS

 

Council Member Soliz announced the Blues Festival on October 14, 2000, 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Waldie Plaza. He stated he had attended a fundraiser for Delta 2000, and he encouraged the community to tour the Black Diamond Mines.

 

Mayor Rocha announced the Celebration of Citizens over 90 years old on July 19, 2000 at 12:00 P.M. at the Senior Center. She announced on July 17, 2000, 10:00 A.M. at Small World Park in Pittsburg, they would be calling attention to the explosion at Port Chicago. 

 

Council Member Davis stated a delegation from Chichibu Japan would be arriving on July 24, 2000 for a two week visit.

 

STAFF COMMUNICATIONS

 

With no further business, Mayor Rocha adjourned the meeting at 10:07 P.M. to the next regular Council Meeting on July 25, 2000. 

 

Respectfully Submitted:
L. JOLENE MARTIN, City Clerk 

 

Approved:

MARY H. ROCHA, Mayor

 

Attest:
L. JOLENE MARTIN, City Clerk