ANTIOCH CITY COUNCIL
ANTIOCH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MEETING MINUTES
Regular Meeting
November 23, 1999
7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
Mayor Rocha called the meeting to order at 7:08 P.M., and City Clerk Martin called the roll.
Present: Council Members Freitas, Soliz, Davis, Sudario, and Mayor Rocha
PROCLAMATIONS -- National Hospice Month
On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Soliz, the Council unanimously approved the Proclamation.
Council Member Davis presented Mr. Campbell, Hospice Manager, with the proclamation proclaiming November as National Hospice Month. Mr. Campbell thanked the City Council for their support and announced a new children
=s program, Comfort for Kids. He invited the public to County East Mall for the lighting of the Tree of Lights on December 3, 1999 at 4:00 P.M.ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
Norma Hewett, accompanied by Santa Claus, invited the community to the annual Holiday De-Lites Christmas Event on December 4, 1999 from 11:00
A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Waldie Plaza. They presented everyone in attendance with candy canes.Kim Hardester representing the Theater Ballet of San Francisco announced the annual performance of the Nutcracker at the Pittsburg High School's Creative Arts Building on December 11, 1999 at 2:00
P.M. and 7:00 P.M. She introduced some of the local girls who would be performing in the event, presented the Council Members with complimentary tickets and thanked the community for their support.Jean Kuberra invited the public to view "Antioch News and Views" and "The Rainey Town Hall Meeting" on Channel 25.
Mary Zbacnik expressed concern that there is not a non-profit group called the Theater Ballet of San Francisco noting she feels it is false advertising to use this name.
Kim Hardester responded that the Pacific Dance Theater is the mother company of the Theater Ballet of San Francisco and added she would provide the tax identification number to Council Member Sudario. She noted they have increased the number of free tickets to the underprivileged and will be collecting toys for the needy.
Barbara Sobalvarro, representing Friends of Animal Services, invited everyone to attend "A Star-Studded Christmas Celebration" on December 11, 1999 at 7:30
P.M. at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center.PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mary Zbacnik noted that Mayor Rocha was requesting the community to sign a petition and asked what the petition regarded. Mayor Rocha responded she was gathering signatures of registered voters to save her campaign committee a $500.00 filing fee.
Roger Henry discussed a recent meeting in Brentwood held to address the growing racial tension in the city, as well as his personal experiences with racists comments. He encouraged Antioch to recognize its cultural diversity and proclaim an official day to celebrate multi-culturalism. Mayor Rocha concurred and requested this item be agendized in January, 2000.
Harold Nay expressed concern for the lack of enforcement in his neighborhood of the City Code requiring garbage and rubbish containers be stored out of public site. He requested the City publicize the problem and enforce compliance.
Jean Kuberra discussed the LAFCO meeting attended by Mayor Rocha and Council Members Freitas and Soliz stating she felt the attendance of all three could be interpreted as a Brown Act violation. She requested a follow-up on testimony from the meeting.
City Attorney Galstan stated City Council Members were allowed to attend and participate at noticed public meetings.
David Williamson announced his company Son and Son Media was seeking professionals and encouraged those interested to contact him by fax at 706-4271.
Elvin Scott discussed being audited by the Internal Revenue Service and the Pension Trust Funds being worked on by his organization.
Barbara Sobalvarro, representing Friends of Animal Services, stated they were proud of Animal Services Supervisor Kate O'Connor for being honored with an award on behalf of the Pet Rescue Project.
COUNCIL REGULAR AGENDA
Financial Services Director Tasker presented the staff report dated November 12, 1999,
recommending the City Council receive and file the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999.
Ernest Gini presented an outline of the audit process and answered various questions from Council on the procedures.
Council Member Freitas requested additional information be given him regarding public safety expenditures, risk management coverage, the uninsured and uncollateralized funds.
Council Member Soliz stated the audit was very clear and felt the inclusion of future revenues was particularly helpful as a base for future planning.
Mr. Gini responded to questions regarding uninsured deposits noting it represented the amount in excess of the limit insured by the FDIC.
On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Soliz, the Council unanimously received and filed the report.
Mayor Rocha adjourned to the Antioch Public Financing Authority with all members present.
ANTIOCH PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Soliz, the Council unanimously received and filed the report.
Mayor Rocha adjourned to the Antioch Development Agency with all members present.
AGENCY REGULAR AGENDA
On motion by Council Member Soliz, seconded by Council Member Davis, the Council unanimously received and filed the report.
Mayor Rocha adjourned to the Antioch City Council with all members present.
Public Works Director Brandt presented the staff report dated November 15, 1999, recommending the City Council receive and file the report.
Ralph Hernandez stated the report was incomplete as it did not include information on all zones within Antioch. He reminded the City Council a State report had indicated the City of Antioch was overcharging its residents.
Mr. Brandt compared the average rates within the City of Antioch zones to other cities showing Antioch rates were comparable.
Norma Hernandez felt water rates would increase and water quality decrease as a direct result of growth.
Council Member Sudario stated the water was not in good condition and the City Council should be concerned with the dumping of more arsenic into the City's water supply. She requested the City Manager agendize the writing of a letter stating the City's opposition to the current practice of dumping arsenic into the Delta.
Public Works Director Brandt stated the percentage of arsenic in the Delta had not increased; furthermore, a Study Session on the water treatment process was planned for the first part of 2000.
City Manager Ramsey stated staff would research the issue and report back to the City Council on the current condition of the water supply.
Council Member Freitas requested the report include comments from the Contra Costa Water District as it relates to GWF.
On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Davis, the Council unanimously received and filed the report.
Council Member Sudario felt this item should have been a public hearing and stated she had requested the City Attorney look into it.
City Manager Ramsey presented the staff report dated November 17, 1999, recommending the City Council: A) Introduce the Ordinance by title only; and B) Introduce the Ordinance establishing and amending certain limitations regarding redevelopment plans for Project Areas 2, 3, 4, and 4.1.
City Attorney Galstan discussed the deadline requirements imposed on the Agency by AB 1290. He noted he had reviewed the requirements for a public hearing on this item, felt confident a public hearing was not required and suggested the Council proceed as recommended.
Ralph Hernandez stated the Council should not proceed on this issue until a public hearing was held. He quoted comments from Bill Carlson regarding redevelopment debt.
Jean Kuberra discussed the time limits of the speaker rules for a public hearing. She felt this was a significant matter with a lot of information and deserved a public hearing to allow the public a longer time. She then suggested that staff read the Ordinance into the record for the public.
On motion by Council Member Soliz, seconded by Council Member Freitas, the City Council: A) Introduce the Ordinance by title only; and B) Introduce the Ordinance establishing and amending certain limitations regarding redevelopment plans for Project Areas 2, 3, 4, and 4.1. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Freitas, Soliz, Davis and Rocha
NOES: Sudario
Community Development Director Ward presented the staff report dated November 18,1999, recommending the City Council receive the information concerning the status of the City's General Plan Update, and provide comments to staff as appropriate.
Council Member Soliz requested the following items be included in the process: community meetings, integration of the economic development plan, Rivertown vision, transportation plan, housing mix projections, recreational elements overview and addressing the park-in-lieu fee.
Council Member Sudario requested the following items be included in the process: identified land use, jobs-to-housing ratio, business-to-housing ratio, Measure "C" compliance, children attending local schools, money and capacity available for local streets.
Council Member Freitas requested the process start at the beginning of the year. Mr. Ramsey concurred with Council Member Freitas, noting the intent was to bring forth the first of these ordinances in January. Council Member Freitas recommended staff be very clear when they bring presentations forward on what the General Plan included and provide the checklist from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority regarding to Measure "C" compliance.
Jean Kuberra stated neither Measure "U" nor the Housing Element had been included in previous discussions as being part of the General Plan update.
On motion by Council Member Freitas, seconded by Council Member Davis, the City Council unanimously received and filed this report.
Mayor Rocha declared a recess at 9:07 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 9:16 P.M. with all members present.
Economic Development Director Sainz presented the staff report dated November 17, 1999, recommending the City Council receive and file the Economic Development Update for 1999. She gave a brief overview of prospective development sites for retail, commercial, office, and industrial developments.
In response to Council Member Sudario's concerns regarding FUA #2, Ms. Sainz stated the problems with FUA #2 was infrastructure, noting the flood plain was not an issue with developers. She noted she would follow up with a letter regarding flood plain clearance from the state.
Ms. Sainz noted she is working with AT&T, TCI and Pacific Bell to obtain more information regarding the locations of fiber optic lines.
Council Member Soliz requested agendizing the Sign Ordinance to expedite the process and call attention to businesses along the highway.
Nancy Monfort, Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber had been working with other Chambers regarding the needs of East County. She noted they had hired a president and CEO with extensive Chamber experience. She further noted she had been working with Ms. Sainz starting a partnership between the City and Chamber to promote business in the community.
Nancy McCaffrey, President and CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, noted it was important for the Chamber to work with the City, Downtown Rivertown Business Association and community to become partners and facilitators for the development of the General Plan. She thanked the City and stated she looks forward to working with them in the future.
Council Member Soliz requested a City Council update on sales tax revenue sharing with the community. City Manager Ramsey noted the legislation had passed and it was now possible for cities to share revenues and work with Pittsburg and Brentwood was on-going to identify areas that might be adopted as mutual economic development zones.
On motion by Council Member Sudario, seconded by Council Member Freitas the City Council unanimously received and filed the report.
COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR
- APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES - October 19 and 26, 1999
- APPROVAL OF COUNCIL WARRANTS
- APPROVAL OF TREASURER'S REPORT - October 1999
- ORDINANCE NO. 966-C-S AMENDING SECTION 1-3.13 OF THE ANTIOCH MUNICIPAL CODE, DEALING WITH THE DEFINITION OF HOLIDAYS
- RESOLUTION NO. 99/172 ACCEPTING WORK AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ENGINEER TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE WEST ANTIOCH CREEK STORM DRAIN LINES A AND B, LONE TREE CORRIDOR ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 27 (PW 555-SD2)
- CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION AT LONE TREE WAY AND EMPIRE AVENUE (PW 636-1)
- RESOLUTION NO. 99/173 ACCEPTING COMPLETED IMPROVEMENTS FOR LONE TREE ESTATES UNIT 4, TRACT NO 8020 (DAVIDON HOMES) PW 572-4 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A DEFERRED IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR LONE TREE ESTATES UNITS IV, TRACTS NO. 8020 (PW 572-4)
- RESOLUTION NO. 99/174 ACCEPTING COMPLETED IMPROVEMENTS FOR HO SUBDIVISION, UNIT IV, TRACT NO 8025 (PW 568-4)
On motion by Council Member Sudario, seconded by Council Member Freitas, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Rocha adjourned to the Antioch Development Agency.
AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR
- APPROVAL OF AGENCY MINUTES - October 26, 1999
- APPROVAL OF AGENCY WARRANTS
On motion by Agency Member Sudario, seconded by Agency Member Freitas, the Agency unanimously approved the Agency Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Martha Henry stated she was disappointed by comments in the Daily Ledger regarding the LAFCO meeting. She noted Mr. Ramsey did an excellent job with his presentation and suggested the residents of Antioch attend the January 12, 2000 LAFCO meeting to fight for the rights of the City.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Council Member Soliz reported on the Community Facilities District of Mello Roos noting the Board was asked to approve an increase in the budget and he commended Council Member Davis for not approving a $7 million increase that could not be justified. He stated he had attended the African American Academic Achievement Committee meeting and it was a fabulous experience. He noted he dropped a freezer on his foot and will be on crutches until it heals; he acknowledged the emergency room staff at Sutter Delta for their attention and good work. He stated LAFCO's decision to delay the vote was to allow time to receive a requested legal opinion, adding the tragedy was bureaucrats did not recognize economic development. He requested the community get involved in the next LAFCO meeting or call representatives to urge approval to benefit all of East County.
Council Member Davis stated he agreed with Council Member Soliz regarding the Mello Roos Board report; adding he would attend a meeting with the School Superintendent on November 29,1999. He noted there was a community workshop on the West Rivertown District on November 22, 1999 and it went very well and he was looking forward to positive direction from the community. He thanked the City staff for their help in making the Veteran's Day event such as success.
Council Member Freitas commended Council Member Soliz and Davis for their action regarding the Mello Roos Board. He requested the agenda for the next joint meeting with the School Board include how the schools are designed, financed, and cost overruns. He reported that the TransPlan (East County Transportation Commission) is continuing their work regarding East County projects and noted the next meeting was scheduled for December 9, 1999, 5:30 P.M. at Tri-Delta Transit. He stated the issue before LAFCO had been whether or not the Roddy property should be within Antioch's Sphere of Influence and noted he felt the Sphere of Influence should be approved, allowing Antioch to decide its own destiny. He further noted an EIR would be prepared when and if a project was defined for the Roddy Ranch Property. He urged all Antioch residents concerned with the control of Antioch's destiny, the type of growth and jobs developed to attend the meeting on January 12, 2000 at 1:30 P.M. at the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chambers in Martinez. He wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Council Member Sudario thanked the Green Belt Alliance, Save Mount Diablo, and the citizens who attended the LAFCO meeting for their position to stop the Roddy Ranch project. She discussed the jobs the Roddy Ranch project would have produced noting they were not within the development. She encouraged the community to attend the LAFCO meeting to support the vote and say no to more residential development. She wished the community a wonderful holiday.
Mayor Rocha stated she had attended the LAFCO meeting and would be attending the January 12, 2000 meeting. She further noted she had attended the November 22, 1999 meeting for transitional housing, reporting it had been a successful meeting and the project was moving along. She further noted Social Services would be expanding, resulting in an additional 100 jobs. She stated there would be a luncheon December 3, 1999 for Mr. Corey and requested a certificate commending him for his years of service. She announced a ribbon cutting for the new Senior Housing on December 8, 1999 and concluded by wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
City Manager Ramsey stated the Boards and Commissions appreciation dinner was held the previous week at Tao San Jin Restaurant and had been enjoyed by all.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, Mayor Rocha adjourned the meeting at 10:25 P.M., to an adjourned regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 7, 1999.
Respectfully Submitted:
L. JOLENE MARTIN, City Clerk