The constantly changing maneuverings in the City of Antioch staff leadership positions continued recently as the Herald learned, today, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, that Acting City Manager Kwame Reed has appointed Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger as Acting Assistant City Manager. In addition, during Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Mayor Lamar Thorpe mentioned Kevin Scudero as the Acting Community Development Director. Reed confirmed on Wednesday he had appointed Scudero, who is a Senior Planner with the City, to the position.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Scudero has worked for the City for 20 years, first as an Associate Planner beginning in July 2003, then in his current position as of June 2021.
Helfenberger said his appointment was effective June 26, the Monday after Reed was appointed by the city council to his position, in addition to his role as the City’s Economic Development Director. As previously reported, that was Forrest Ebbs’ last day as acting city manager, before he left for a two-week vacation. His final day as community development director was July 14.
According to Helfenberger’s LinkedIn profile, he has been in his current position with the City’s Recreation Department since February 2021. Previously, he worked for the City of Emeryville, first as Recreation Supervisor for almost four years, then as the Recreation Manager from May 2014 until he was hired by Antioch.
“I’m happy to serve however I can best help the City,” Helfenberger said when reached for comment.
The three acting positions are in addition to Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting and as of August 12, the appointment of an acting police chief following the retirement of current Chief Steve Ford on the 11th. The City is also currently without an assistant city attorney.
No photo could be found of the obviously camera-shy Scudero but an effort is underway to obtain one.
Will cost $1.4 million for Sycamore Dr., James Donlon Blvd. and West 10th St.; no roundabouts or other infrastructure included
By Allen D. Payton
During their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the Antioch City Council will discuss approving traffic calming devices to several major roads in the city. At an estimated cost of $1,410,000, if approved, devices will be added to Sycamore Drive, James Donlon Blvd. and West 10th Street between A and L Streets. The matter is in response to requests from the public. But they will not include roundabouts as previously proposed, as there’s not enough room in the intersections and would require the purchase of private property.
The Sycamore Drive improvements requires an increase to the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Operating Budget of $425,0000 from the Gas Tax Fund.
Also, according to the City staff report, “the proposed improvements do not include any permanent infrastructure, such as concrete median islands, to provide the opportunity for all to try the improvements, first and allow flexibility for future modifications, if needed. Additionally, the proposed improvements are lower cost with shorter turnaround times, affording the City the chance to implement the improvements quicker in the near-term future.”
Examples of proposed traffic calming devices. Source: City of Antioch
In addition, the report reads, “The intersections were studied to determine whether all-way stop signs or signalization were warranted and no intersection met all the warrants.”
Barbanica wants public process in open session, says public lost confidence in last hire; Ogorchock says that’s the way it’s been done; mayor won’t say why it’s in closed session
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch City Council is scheduled to discuss the recruitment of a new city manager in closed session during their meeting on Tuesday night, July 25, 2023. The item on the agenda released on Friday, July 21, is number 3 and reads, “PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – RECRUITMENT OF CITY MANAGER. This closed session is authorized pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b). It follows Closed Session item 2 which is the Performance Evaluation of the City Attorney.”
During the Regular Meeting, the council will discuss under item 4, a new ordinance Prohibiting Retaliation and Harassment of Residential Tenants, under item 5, changing the speed limit on
certain streets and under item 7, calming improvements for Sycamore Drive, James Donlon Blvd. and West 10th Street. (See following article) Under item 8, the council will discuss hiring an outside contractor for homeless encampment cleanup.
Questions were emailed shortly before 3:00 p.m. that day to City Attorney Thomas L. Smith and Mayor Lamar Thorpe asking why the matter is being discussed during closed session instead of in open session, assuming it’s about hiring a search firm. They were also asked if that’s the direction the council will be going, will the selection process be done publicly with a request for quote or request for proposal sent out to hire a firm to do the search.
Smith’s auto-response email showed he was out of the office that day and wouldn’t return until today, Monday, and for immediate assistance to contact his secretary, Rakia Grant-Smith. Questions were then emailed to her. No response had been received as of 4:00 p.m. Monday. So, the questions were sent again to them and the other four council members.
Ogorchock Says That’s How It’s Been Done While She’s Been on Council
In response, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock wrote, “The agenda is always a surprise to me as it is for everyone else. I am not made aware of any items prior to receiving the agenda packet on Friday. As for the city manager, we, as council, need to start the conversation about next steps. Since I’ve been on council items for the city manager and city attorney have begun in closed session.”
Barbanica Wants Public Process in Open Session
“That’s what I asked to have happen,” said District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica referring to a video he posted on his official Facebook page and an email he sent to Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and City Attorney Smith last week. “I asked for an item on the next meeting agenda to authorize the council to start a search for the city manager.”
“I don’t see, generally, why it’s in closed session, unless there’s something I’m not aware of,” he stated. “It should be something we can take care of during regular session.”
“I confirmed the mayor set the agenda. The reason why that’s on there is so the council can talk privately,” Barbanica continued. “It doesn’t have to be in closed session. But it’s allowed. I told the city attorney I disagree with doing this in closed session. I want this done in open session because the public lost confidence in the last way the selection was made. That was done on a 3-2 vote. I did not vote for that, last time.”
“This appears to be non-transparent,” he stated. “I would like to see the public know what’s going on with who is saying what, how this is going down and what the discussion is.”
Other Agenda Items Requested by Barbanica
In addition to the city manager matter, in his email sent on Monday, July 17, Barbanica shared that he asked for two other items on Tuesday’s council meeting agenda. Those included a public presentation to the council by the police department on staffing levels, including patrol and every division, even the “sub-divisions” such as traffic being part of patrol. Finally, the councilman asked for the police department to present to the public how they are communicating information to the public through their PIO and to the press. Barbanica said he would like to understand the policy and where it came from.
No other responses were received. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
The Closed Session begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street with opportunity for public comments before and the Regular Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. The meetings can be viewed livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99. See the meeting agenda, here.
By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls is partnering with California Women Lead to host a State of California Commissions Appointments Workshop on July 29.
The workshop will provide information on state and local commissions, the application process, and tips for strong applications. The Commission encourages participation of active community members seeking to learn about public governance, preparing for elected office, or aiming to make more significant community impact. Learn about the value of serving on boards and commissions and why there needs to be more women at the table.
The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls was formed in 1984 as an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors. The Commission provides information and advice to the Board relating to the health and welfare of women and girls in the County. The Commission strives to increase awareness of women’s and girls’ issues, celebrate achievements of local deserving women, champion opportunities for women and girls, and recommend legislative solutions at the city, county, state, and federal levels.
For further information about the California Commissions Appointments Workshop and the Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls, please email cccwomenscommission@gmail.com.
Resigns effective July 14; no severance will be paid
“…in the best interests of the city it’s time to move on.” – Cornelius “Con” Johnson
Antioch City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson has resigned effective July 14, 2023.
By Allen D. Payton
Embattled Antioch City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson has submitted his two-week notice and resigned his position effective July 14th. That’s the same day Economic Development Director Forrest Ebbs will be leaving the City for a new position with Modesto. Johnson was placed on paid administrative leave on March 17 by a 5-0 vote of the council.
According to District 2 City Councilman Mike Barbanica, “This morning, Con Johnson resigned. He gave the City a two-week notice.” Asked if it was in writing, the councilman said, “yes”.
He also said Johnson will not be paid the one-year severance included in his contract. But he will continue to be paid his $22,000 monthly salary for the remaining two weeks.
Asked if the city will continue pursuing the investigations or legal action, Barbanica said, “No further action that I know of is anticipated. As of the 15th he will no longer be a city employee.”
A copy of Johnson’s resignation letter or email was requested from City Attorney Thomas L. Smith and Acting City Manager Kwame Reed. It was not received prior to publication time.
Johnson confirmed his resignation. Asked why, now, he said, “I want to move on. I think Antioch has suffered enough and in the spirit of stability and in the best interests of the city it’s time to move on.”
Later, Barbanica said, “I sent an email to the city attorney requesting to keep the special meeting for Monday, July 10th at 10 a.m. and that we add an agenda item to authorize the process to start immediately recruiting a city manager.”
UPDATE #2: Early Friday afternoon, Reed provided a copy of Johnson’s resignation letter. Addressed to the City’s Human Resources Director Ana Cortez, it reads simply, “NOTICE OF RESIGNATION. Dear Director Cortez, This correspondence serves as my two weeks official notice of resignation as the City of Antioch, City Manager. My last day of employment is Friday, July 14, 2023. Respectfully submitted, Cornelius H. Johnson” and signed by him. The letter was cc’d to the five council members.
The mayor and other council members were sent an email asking for comment.
UPDATE #1: Only District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock responded. She wrote, “Now that Mr. Johnson has resigned, we as council can move forward in hiring an interim city manager to begin the hiring process of a city manager. This is of the highest importance as we have several key positions that need to be filled in order to continue maintaining the city. I truly appreciate staff and all their hard work in multiple positions.”
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Kwame Reed was honored by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, presented with a plaque by board member Mike McGill and was joined by chamber and city leaders during the State of Business luncheon on Oct. 25, 2022. Herald file photo.
By Allen D. Payton
On Friday afternoon, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe issued a statement of support for new Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, the City’s Economic Development Director, who was appointed to the temporary position that morning. In addition, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce also issued a statement of support for Reed. He was appointed on a 4-0 vote of the city council during a special, closed session meeting. (See related article)
In the post on his official Facebook page Thorpe wrote, “Earlier today, the City Council appointed Kwame Reed as the city’s acting city manager until further notice.
Mr. Reed has been with the city of Antioch for close to 5 years in the role of Economic Development Director. He has a public sector career that spans more than 28 years. For most of his career, he has worked for cities in Eastern Contra Costa County. He has a degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo.
I want to personally thank outgoing acting city manager, Forrest Ebbs for stepping up to hold the ship steady while the city navigated some unexpected changes.
Congratulations on Mr. Ebbs’ recent appointment as Deputy City Manager for the City of Modesto.
I want to assure Antioch residents, our city employees, and partners that the City’s leadership remains focused and UNITED on our top priority of increasing our overall quality of life and ensuring public safety. Antioch’s government continues to be open for business and working for the people.
I have personally been briefed by all of our department heads and they continue to assure me that they are committed to this mission and that they will continue moving forward with clarity, and a focus on delivering key services.”
On the Chamber’s Facebook page was posted the “Antioch Chamber of Commerce Official Statement regarding appointment of Kwame Reed as city’s acting city manager:
Earlier today, the City Council appointed Kwame Reed as the city’s acting city manager.
‘On behalf of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Organization, I’d like to congratulate the City of Antioch on the outstanding appointment of Kwame Reed as the Cities Acting- City Manager. There is no doubt in my mind that Kwame’s tireless work on behalf of Antioch’s Enterprise & Commerce Community is unmatched and that he is ready to take on this important Leadership role during such a critical transition period for the City of Antioch,’ said Daniel Sohn, President/ CEO for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.
Last year, the Antioch Chamber presented Mr. Reed with an award for his results-oriented work on behalf of Antioch businesses in his capacity as Antioch’s Director of Economic Development.” (See related article)
Reed began is additional duties on Friday afternoon, as Ebbs returned to his position as the City’s Community Development Director and was heading out for a two week vacation before ending his time with Antioch on July 14.
Will discuss 18 other agenda items during special meeting next Tuesday
“There are some big shoes to fill.” – Reed said of the departing Forrest Ebbs
Kwame Reed. Source: City of Antioch
By Allen D. Payton
During Friday morning’s special Antioch City Council closed session meeting on a 4-0 vote Economic Development Director Kwame Reed was appointed acting city manager to replace Community Development Director Forrest Ebbs. He has held the position since March but announced last week he’s taking a new position as a Deputy City Manager with Modesto.
During the open session portion of the meeting, Assistant City Attorney Rachel Hundley reported out of closed session about the vote for Reed’s appointment. He fills the position held by City Manager Con Johnson who was placed on paid administrative leave March 17. Following the council’s closed session during their June 13th meeting, City Attorney Thomas L. Smith merely reported out regarding the item entitled entitled “Public Employee Performance Evaluation and Potential Action – City Manager”, that they had given him direction. That is expected to be an offer to Johnson to resign or face termination.
At Friday morning’s meeting during open session, Mayor Lamar Thorpe then requested a motion to adjourn the 18 items to a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. next Tuesday, June 27 before the regular meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m. The motion passed 3-0 with Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock absent. Torres-Walker attended the closed session but as previously reported could not attend the open session due to previous commitments and Ogorchock is out of town at a League of Cities conference.
Reed has been in his current position with the City of Antioch since July 2, 2018 after working for both the City of Brentwood for almost 14 years as an Economic Development Senior Analyst and two years as an Associate Planner for the City of Oakley. Prior to that position, he worked for two years as a planner for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission which operates the ACE Train. Reed has a bachelor’s degree in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
He has been married for 26 years and is the father of two boys and a daughter.
When reached for comment Reed said, “I’m very excited for the opportunity. I’ve been around for a while. I’ve seen how things work. It’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be tough. There are some issues that will be handled. I look forward to working with the entire council and getting community support, again, and the entire staff. I have good relationships with everyone and look forward to strengthening those and supporting them, as well.”
“Forrest has done a great job. I’m really going to miss him,” he shared about outgoing. “There are some big shoes to fill. We all wish him well. But when he announced he’s moving on, it was ‘wow’. We’re going to lose a good bit of knowledge when he departs.”
Immediately prior to the open session, District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica and Thorpe had a brief conversation in the back room behind the dais, with Hundley, which people in attendance at the meeting saw.
Asked about it Barbanica said, “Lamar was going to discuss an item about rent control but what I was telling him was there were only three of us there and that I had a conflict of interest, as I couldn’t vote on it, before as it could have a direct effect on my business.” The councilman is a real estate broker and property manager in Antioch.
“Any item that has come up regarding tenants, rent, etc. I’ve brought up with the city attorney about any potential conflict of interest,” he explained. “Because this meeting was going to be postponed, I didn’t have time to consult the city attorney and I couldn’t do that 30 seconds before the meeting. I told them I was going to recuse myself and Rachel agreed, and we’ll vet this out further before Tuesday night.”
The special Friday morning meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
In addition to an acting city manager, as reported by Thorpe at last week’s council meeting, the City currently has 87 vacancies, including the assistant city manager, 17 unfilled positions in the police department plus 35 officers on paid administrative leave pending the two investigations, an acting public works director, and soon an acting community development director on July 15 following Ebbs’ departure.
City of Antioch 2023-25 General Fund Expenditures by department. Source: City of Antioch
Includes projected deficits of $10.2 million in 2023-24 and $15.4 million in 2024-25; also approves $226.6 million 5-Year Capital Improvement Program budget
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the Antioch City Council adopted a $237.5 million annual budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 and $226.2 million budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 with $10.2 and $15.4 million deficits, respectively. The council also unanimously approved the $226.6 million 5-Year Capital Improvement Program budget and spending up to $2.1 million for police dispatch and records management software upgrade over five years.
City of Antioch 2023-25 General Fund Tax Revenue by Source.
Approves Two-Year Budget
The council approved the two-year budget for Fiscal Years 2023-25 using less than $3 million from Budget Stabilization funds for the General Fund, according to Finance Director Dawn Merchant. The 2023-24 Fiscal Year Operating Budget projects a total $10.2 million deficit with $227,370,716 in revenue, including$91,854,602 to the General Fund and $237,524,285 in expenditures, including $92,698,366 from the General Fund. In Fiscal Year 2024-25 the deficit is projected to be $16 million with $210,736,707 in revenue, including$97,314,672 in the General Fund and total expenditures of $226,163,010, including $100,314,672 from the General Fund. (See below)
Over half of the General Fund pays for police, including $50,741,523 in FY 2023-24 and $54,670,183 in FY 2024-25.
Source: City of Antioch
Approves 5-Year Capital Improvement Program Budget
The council also unanimously approved the $226.6 million 5-Year Capital Improvement Program Budget with the largest amount of $69 million to be spent on the Brackish Water Desalination Plant. The budget also includes $55.4 million for Roadway Improvements, $47.1 million on the City’s water system, $21.6 million on Community Facilities, $16.4 million on Parks and Trails, $12 million on the Wastewater and Storm Drain System and $4.4 million on Traffic Signals.
Approve $2.1 million for Police Department Software Upgrade
The council approved a five-year contract not to exceed $2,123,744 to develop and maintain a Police Computer Aided Dispatch (“CAD”) and Records Management System (“RMS”) from June 1, 2023, to July 1, 2028, authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute a purchasing agreement with Sunridge Systems.
Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker was the only council member to speak on the item.
“Increased police response times is literally a matter of life and death in this community,” she said “Three minutes versus 10 minutes when you have a loved one bleeding out in the street… response times matter. Until we can create this other world, this utopia where we don’t need these systems, we need to make them work. Our police department is way behind 21st Century Policing. I definitely support this, and I can make the motion,” which she then did.
Seconded by District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica, the motion was adopted on a 5-0 vote.
