Following approval of contracts last fall and second survey of nearby cities

“It will cost the city $487,000 more in pay, not including benefits…for just these 12 individuals,” – Mark Haddock

By Allen D. Payton

After a lengthy discussion during their meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, the city council voted 4-1 to table the proposed department head salary adjustments. During her staff report City of Antioch Human Resources Director Ana Cortez said a 2022 salary survey showed for the city’s department heads, there was a difference of as much as $3,000 per month between their salaries ranging from $15,545 to $18,896 per month. Also, lower-level staff members are being paid more than the department heads, she shared.

“No one will be taking a pay cut,” Cortez added about the proposal.

During public comments Mark Haddock said, “A comparison of 11 neighboring cities shows some department heads are getting paid less would have an increase and those being paid more would remain the same.”

“The HR Director in 2021 in Step E would be making $161,000 per year. A new salary became $180,000 per year. This new proposal would have Step E, at $228,000 a $48,000 increase,” Haddock stated.

“It will cost the city $487,000 more in pay, not including benefits…for just these 12 individuals,” he said.

During council discussion of the item District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica asked Cortez, “the survey we’re using for directors, currently, is that the same survey used during contract negotiations?”

No. That was a different…it was done more of a compensation survey,” Cortez responded. “I was looking at what other cities are doing…of having one salary range for all department heads.”

“We didn’t use that same survey or cities for this one…that’s what has me concerned,” Barbanica said. “Three months later we’re increasing the pay for department heads. That’s why I’m not for this.”

“We negotiated in good faith with all the bargaining units,” Ogorchock stated. “I also feel that in this package we’re not looking at the benefits. Our employees may be getting quite a bit more in benefits than these other cities. When I spoke with Brentwood, today this was the case. If we’re not comparing apples to apples…I’m going to stand by what we did several months ago.”

“Why wasn’t this discussed when we were going through contract negotiations?” Wilson asked.

“She wasn’t there,” Thorpe responded referring to Cortez.

“I was tasked with looking at salaries,” Cortez said.

“The reason that came was we gave direction to do that,” Thorpe said. “We asked them to do that.”

“I don’t recall us asking for a new survey,” Barbanica stated.

“You’re right,” Thorpe said. “I think what we ended up doing was a desk audit. Because people felt their pay was unfair and inequitable. Some of our department heads who have been here the longest were getting paid less than others who came, yesterday. Some of our department heads are women” and mentioned “the discrepancies particularly around gender.”

“I see both sides of the coin. We went through negotiations, and this should have been part of it. I’m seeing salaries that are not in line,” District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson said.

Ogorchock moved to table the item. Wilson seconded the motion.

Barbanica then said, “I’d rather this item just die and go away and come back the right way,” and offered a substitute motion.

“It doesn’t have all of our employees working off of one survey, we closed those negotiations. Send this back to staff and come back to us with a study or a proposal that is the same cities we asked all the employees to use,” he stated.

Thorpe seconded the motion.

If we do that, we’re still renegotiating with directors. Are we going to go back and renegotiate with all the MOU’s?” Ogorchock asked. “If we do this, we’re showing bad faith with all the other city employees. I understand there’s disparities. I think when we did the negotiations that’s when it should be discussed.”

“When was the close of the last directors’ negotiation?” Barbanica asked.

“It started with negotiations,” Thorpe said. “We negotiated in good faith. It’s taken this long to get up here.”

“I just didn’t know we would be using a different survey. I just want to stick to the same survey,” Barbanica stated. “We should be looking at this into the future. I just don’t like the study that was done.”

“I can go back and take a look. The salary survey done back then is outdated,” Cortez stated. “It was looking at one salary range. If I go back…it would not be comparing the same thing…of what I’m going to be comparing. Not all the agencies I surveyed had one salary range.”

“Our ask is to go back and look at those cities and see where they’re at,” Thorpe said.

“It can’t be that outdated we just closed with these groups a couple months ago,” Barbanica stated.

“Why would upper management sign the MOU, then?” Ogorchock asked.

“It was my understanding they believed they were going to look at the compaction,” Barbanica responded.

“I don’t recall that,” Ogorchock said.

“They looked at several positions,” Thorpe said. “We did a whole bunch of them. It’s not a mysterious thing.”

“I’m just trying to get clarification,” Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker said. “Some people were not happy. Now, we’re here to discuss what was reviewed through that process. Management is hoping to come back. We had a salary survey done…now, we want them to go back and do another survey using the same salary survey and same salaries we already used.”

“If you don’t support it, if you don’t feel comfortable,” vote against it she urged her colleagues.

“Did you meet and confer with management on this?” Thorpe asked.

City Clerk Ellie Householder announced, “Ana Cortez nodded her head in response to the mayor’s question.”

Todd Northam an employee with the City’s Public Works Department then spoke on the motion mentioning, “The ‘me too’ clause that management had.”

“As far as I’m concerned, they’re locked in and bound,” he said. “Those at the bottom are the ones who are hurting. Those one-percenters at the top it means another pair of Guccis. You need to do the right thing for Antioch.”
Barbanica then said, “based on that comment I withdraw my substitute motion.”

“Then we go back to the original motion to table,” Thorpe said.

The motion to table passed on a 4-1 vote with Torres-Walker voting no.

 

“Passing of the Gavel” ceremony for 2023 Board Officers; Colin Coffey who represents Antioch ends term as president

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District held a swearing-in ceremony for four newly elected Board members during its January 17, 2023 Board of Directors meeting with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and one of the District’s longest serving employees delivering the oaths of office.

New Directors Olivia Sanwong for Ward 5 and John Mercurio for Ward 6, along with Director Colin Coffey in his second term representing Ward 7 – which includes Antioch – were sworn in by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier who was also recognized for his many contributions to the Park District. Director Dennis Waespi in his third term for Ward 3 was sworn in by Karen McClendon, a Park District employee with over 38 years of service who remains a stalwart in the District.

In a ceremonial “passing of the gavel”, outgoing Board President Coffey handed the leadership role to the new Board President, Director Waespi. President Waespi and the Board of Directors expressed appreciation to Director Coffey for his leadership over the past year. Waespi was elected to the Board in 2014 and served as board president in 2018.

“I am honored to serve as the Board President for 2023,” said new Board President Dennis Waespi. “As Board President, I intend to continue advancing the Park District’s mission of providing parks, shorelines, and trails for safe and healthful recreation and environmental education, while preserving natural wildlife habitat and natural and cultural resources.”

The Board officers named for 2023 are Vice President Elizabeth Echols, Treasurer Ellen Corbett, and Secretary Dee Rosario.

For information about the East Bay Regional Park District, visit ebparks.org. To learn more about its Board of Directors, visit www.ebparks.org/board-and-staff/board.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Emergency services and law enforcement will remain available. Visit www.contracosta.ca.gov to find information about County services.

Las oficinas del condado de Contra Costa estarán cerradas el lunes 16 de Enero en conmemoración del Día de Martin Luther King Jr. Los servicios de emergencia y las fuerzas del orden seguirán disponibles. Visite www.contracosta.ca.gov para encontrar información sobre los servicios del condado.

 

 

In case of death, going missing or being incapacitated during declaration of emergency

They’re the city’s real designated survivors

By Allen D. Payton

During their special meeting Friday afternoon, Jan. 13, 2023, the largely ceremonial appointments by the Antioch City Council of their Standby Council Members were approved, except for District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica’s who was not in attendance. (See related article)

But the appointments are serious and are for the purpose of the continuity of government if ever needed. They’re the city’s real designated survivors.

According to the staff report, each council member gets to appoint three people in order of priority to step into their role if the council member is unavailable due to being killed, missing or having an incapacitating injury in the event of a declaration of emergency. Consideration shall be given to places of residence and work such that the greatest probability of survivorship or availability exist. While not required, priority shall be given to city residents who are at least 18 years of age and are registered voters.

Standby council members may become activated during a state of war emergency, a state of emergency or a declared local emergency. No standby member shall become a member of the City Council unless there is a declared emergency described above. The mere vacancy of the regular Council Member’s office absent a declared emergency shall not activate the standby member. The first priority standby member shall serve during the emergency if his or her regular member is unavailable, meaning that the regular member is killed, missing, or so seriously injured as to be unable to attend meetings and otherwise perform duties. Any question as to whether a particular member is unavailable shall be settled by the remaining available members of the Council, including standby officers who are serving. If the first priority standby member is unavailable, the second priority shall serve, and so forth. Standby members shall serve at the pleasure of the governing body appointing them and may be removed and replaced at any time with or without cause.

The provision for standby council members allows for the continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic emergency. Standby council members are not activated in the event of a “regular” vacancy in a council seat.

Mayor Pro Tem and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker appointed Leslie May, Kimberly Carlson and Antoine Watt.

District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock appointed former City Manager Roland “Ron” Bernal, former Mayor Donald Freitas and Sandy Hartrick.

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson appointed Harry Thurston, Devin Williams and Susanna Williams.

Mayor Lamar Thorpe appointed Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Marie Arce, Christina Hills and Antioch School Board Area 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez.

They will be sworn in at a future date, Assistant City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore stated.

As Johnson pursues reorganizing departments, creating new department and position

By Allen D. Payton

A little more than a week before Christmas, on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, Antioch City Manager Con Johnson placed Public Works Director and City Engineer John Samuelson on paid administrative leave for six months. Then in a letter on Dec. 27th Johnson informed Samuelson he was fired effective Jan. 3, 2023.

Now, during tonight’s meeting, Johnson is asking for the council’s support to reorganize both the Public Works and Community Development Departments, including creating a new Engineering Department with a new department head. (See related article)

In an automated response to an email sent by this reporter on December 24, asking about the proposed traffic calming devices on James Donlon Blvd. and Sycamore Drive, Samuelson wrote, “Thank you for contacting the City of Antioch. I have been placed on administrative leave and I do not know if or when I might return.  Please contact Public Works at publicworks@antiochca.gov if you need assistance.”

An email was sent on Dec. 28 to both Johnson and Human Resources Director Ana Cortez asking several questions including, “Why was he placed on paid administrative leave? When did it occur? How long will it last and is he going to return to the position? Who has been appointed the acting head of the Public Works Department in his absence?” No immediate response was received.

Then in a video posted on Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s official Facebook page on Thursday, Jan. 4, Thorpe introduced “our Interim Public Works Director Scott Bunting” and wrote in the post above, “Scott Bunting, Public Works Dir.”

On Sunday, Jan. 8, Cortez responded via email, “We acknowledge you[r] request for information.  We request additional time to respond to your request.”

When asked why he was placed on administrative leave Samuelson said, “He originally told me I would be placed on paid administrative leave for six months. But then in a letter from Con Johnson I was notified I was terminated effective January 3rd.”

“I believe I received the letter on December 27th,” he added.

Asked about his plans Samuelson said, “Today is my second day as the new city engineer and public works director for the City of Pittsburg.”

An email was sent to both Cortez and Johnson asking if Samuelson was fired, “if so, did that comply with the MOU the city’s management team, including department heads, have with the City?” and for any other details related to the matter.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Another cannabis business; reorganizing city departments, adding department head; to give performance evaluations for city manager, attorney

By Allen D. Payton

During their first meeting of the year, tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Antioch City Council will again consider hiring three part-time secretaries for themselves, increasing their own salaries and reorganizing the Public Works and Community Development Departments, which would include creating a new Engineering Department and adding another department head. They will also vote on approving a use permit for another cannabis distribution business. Prior to the regular meeting, during Closed Session, the council members will give performance evaluations to both City Manager Con Johnson and City Attorney Thomas L. Smith. (View the complete council meeting agenda packet.)

Cannabis Distribution Business

Under agenda Item 9, the council will consider approving a use permit for another cannabis distribution business named Delta Distribution at 2101 W. 10th Street. The location already houses five previously approved existing cannabis businesses, including Delta Labs, Delta Dispensary, Delta Nursery, Delta Farms and KWMA. The latter two are cultivation businesses. (See Item 9)

Reorganizing City Departments

First, City Manager Con Johnson placed Public Works Director and City Engineer John Samuelson on paid administrative leave Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. Now, he is pursuing a reorganization of both the Public Works and Community Development Departments and asking for the council’s approval.

In an automated response to an email asking about the proposed traffic calming devices on James Donlon Blvd. and Sycamore Drive, Samuelson wrote, “Thank you for contacting the City of Antioch.  I have been placed on administrative leave and I do not know if or when I might return.  Please contact Public Works at publicworks@antiochca.gov if you need assistance.”

Now, Johnson is proposing the council consider reorganize both the Public Works and Community Development Departments and create a new Engineering Department with a new head. But there are no details on the costs nor on how the Community Development Department would be reorganized. (See Item 10)

Council Pay Raises

Even though the city council voted 4-1 in 2019 for a 70% increase in their monthly stipends from $941.20 to $1,600.04 per month, the current council members will consider another 15.8% increase or $252.21 for a total of $1,852.25 per month for the part-time policy makers. Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock was the only member to vote against the 2019 pay raise, while then Councilmembers Lamar Thorpe and Monica Wilson voted in favor. Councilmembers Tamisha Torres-Walker and Mike Barbanica weren’t elected until 2020 and the increase didn’t go into effect until January 1, 2021, after that year’s election.

But the new increase can’t go into effect until January 1, 2025. According to the city staff report, “State law would permit an increase to $1,852.25 per month effective January 1, 2025 by applying the allowed five percent increase for four years (on a simple, non-compounded basis).” (See Item 11)

Council Secretaries

In addition to Mayor Lamar Thorpe having his own office and one office for the other four council members inside City Hall – even though City Treasurer Lauren Posada didn’t have her own office and was still using a cubicle in the Finance Department until she was informed on Dec. 29 that she would have one, again*, – for the first time ever, the five part-time policy makers will vote on hiring three part-time secretaries to support them. Currently the city manager’s secretary supports the council members, but the proposal is to hire one for the mayor, one for councilmembers in Districts 1 and 4 and another for councilmembers from Districts 2 and 3. Thorpe has split it up that way so that if District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock vote against the expenditure, they won’t have a part-time secretary to support them. The estimated costs are $15,000 to $21,667 for one secretary, $30,000 to $43,334 for two and $45,000 to $60,000 for three secretaries if all three are approved. (See Item 12)

*UPDATE: Posada shared Tuesday afternoon that, tonight, she and her husband were moving her back into the first-floor office she previously shared with City Clerk Ellie Householder, who has had her own office on the third floor since the completion of reconstruction inside City Hall, last year.

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown or can be viewed on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings.

 

Concord Councilman Dominic Aliano

SACRAMENTO – Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa who represents the 7th State Senate District, announced this week that he has hired Concord City Council Member Dominic Aliano as his new District Coordinator.

“I’m excited to bring Dominic on board to lead our District office,” Senator Glazer said. “Dominic has a strong background in delivering on the needs of local constituents. And he brings a personal history to my Senate District, having been raised in Concord and serving their residents on the City Council.”

Aliano will begin on January 9. He replaces George Escutia, who served under Senator Glazer since 2015, the last three and a half years as district director.

Since 2015, Aliano has served as district representative for two Contra Costa County supervisors – Karen Mitchoff and Federal Glover. His work included economic development, sustainability, environmental health and zoning and code enforcement.

Aliano has also worked in a variety of leadership positions. He has served on Concord’s City Council since December 2018, including as mayor; on the Boards of Directors for the Monument Crisis Center, Todos Santos Business Association and Support4Recovery; and as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Concord.

Aliano graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.

The 7th District is comprised of the following cities: Antioch, Brentwood, Pittsburg, Oakley, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County and Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton in Alameda County.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. House of Representatives’ Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced today that the Democratic Caucus affirmed his nominations to the House Committee on Ethics for the 118th Congress. They will serve under the leadership of Ranking Member Susan Wild of Pennsylvania.

“Today, I am honored to appoint Reps. Veronica Escobar, Mark DeSaulnier, Deborah Ross and Glenn Ivey to the House Committee on Ethics. These Members have each shown a steadfast commitment to good governance and they exemplify our Democratic values of integrity, transparency and accountability. Under the leadership of Ranking Member Susan Wild, these Members will protect the sanctity of the People’s House and ensure that our elected officials uphold the highest ethical standards.

I look forward to working with Representatives Wild, Escobar, DeSaulnier, Ross and Ivey to put People Over Politics and I thank them for their service on this important committee.”

DeSaulnier represents California’s 10th District in the House of Representatives which includes most of Contra Costa County including portions of Antioch.