Antioch, Calif. – The Antioch City Council has a busy agenda slated for its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, where members will consider issues ranging from managerial appointments to legislative changes impacting residents’ eviction protections. The council will address a multitude of important decisions that could reshape the city’s administrative and social landscape.
One of the key topics on the docket is the possible appointment of Bessie Marie Scott as the new city manager with a two-year contract. This move, however, comes less than two months before the city could see a shift in the council’s majority, which adds a layer of complexity and urgency to the decision.
In terms of financial decisions, the council will discuss a proposed salary increase for council members themselves, raising their monthly compensation from $1,604 to $1,900. This adjustment aligns with Senate Bill 329, reflecting similar pay increases implemented by neighboring jurisdictions within Contra Costa County. The changes, if approved, would only take effect after the next election cycle when a new council is seated.
Another major item is the finalization of the Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, aimed at strengthening tenant protections. Changes to the ordinance now incorporate elements such as tenants’ right of first refusal to return post-evictions for substantial repairs and clear conditions for eviction due to owner move-in. These amendments come after extensive consultations with stakeholders and aim to balance landlord flexibility with tenant security.
The council is also set to respond to the Grand Jury Report titled “Challenges Facing the City of Antioch.” The response, which has been prepared for approval and signature by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, addresses various recommendations made by the grand jury to enhance municipal operations and community engagement.
On a developmental note, the City Council will review the Good Chance Preliminary Development Plan, which proposes the construction of 13 residential units on a 16.15-acre site located near the entrance to the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve Park. The project has faced critique from the Planning Commission due to concerns over location safety, environmental impact on steep slopes, and higher potential population density than initially projected.
Additionally, the council will deliberate on the 2023 Annual Military Equipment Report. This document, which has already been reviewed and approved by the Antioch Police Oversight Commission, outlines the police department’s use of military-grade equipment and seeks to enhance transparency through clearer definitions and a dedicated complaint process for community members.
These varied and consequential agenda items reflect the council’s focus on managing both its internal affairs and its commitment to addressing community needs and concerns. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence the governance and developmental direction of Antioch in the coming years. The city’s leadership appears poised to navigate these complex issues amid changing political dynamics and growing public scrutiny.