By John Crowder

The elimination of “furlough Fridays” by the Antioch City Council at their November 13, 2014 meeting, the first meeting held since the passage of Measure O in the November 4 election, has left some residents who worked in support of the measure feeling betrayed and deceived.

Placed on the Consent Calendar at the meeting were three resolutions which, together, eliminated the furloughs negotiated with city employees and, in addition, provided them with 3% raises. The furloughs had been put in place while Antioch struggled to stave off bankruptcy during the housing crisis when property tax revenues plummeted. While the furloughs were in effect, many city employees worked a four-day, 36 hour work week, rather than a 40 hour work week, amounting to a 10% savings in salary expense for the city. Management employees continued to work 40 hours, but still had their wages cut 10%.

The first of the resolutions, Item 2G on the agenda, was to approve the Benefit Document between the city of Antioch and the Management Bargaining Unit. Item 2H was for approval of the Amended Benefit Document between the city and the Confidential Employees Bargaining Unit. Item 2I rescinded a resolution from 2010 regarding salary differentials.

A handful of residents had asked that the three items, G, H, and I, be pulled from the Consent Calendar in order to give them an opportunity to comment on the proposed actions. Some also spoke in opposition to the resolutions in the earlier public comments portion of the meeting.

Public Comments

Rich Buongiorno, who has been leading the effort to recall Mayor Wade Harper, said that the elimination of ‘furlough Fridays’ increased expenses at a time when the city was just made aware that they would be losing over $800,000 per year in revenue. This was due to the fact that the Brentwood City Council had just voted to end their contract with Antioch to provide them with police dispatch services.

Council Member-elect Lori Ogorchock also expressed concern about the elimination of ‘furlough Friday’s.’ She said the $400,000 in increased expenses that would result could be better used to hire more police and code enforcement officers. “Let’s get crime under control,” she said. She said that city offices could be kept open five days per week in other ways (by redistributing work hours). “I respectfully request that you hold off on the vote until I am seated,” she said.

Sandra McKee said, “I think building up our police department and getting a better handle on crime is much more important,” and that this was her intention when she voted for Measure C and Prop. O.

Robin Agopian, the widow of former Councilman Gary Agopian, said that, as a matter of fairness, newly elected councilwoman Lori Ogorchock should be seated prior to voting on the issues before them.

Mark Jordan said he wanted to postpone the votes because he doesn’t believe the public has enough information. Referring to Measure O, he said, “Not a penny of that money has come in yet.”

Former Councilman Manny Soliz also wanted to postpone the votes on the resolutions from both a budgetary and a philosophical standpoint. He expressed concern about the impending termination of the police dispatch contract between Antioch and Brentwood. “We’re going to have a hole in our budget, where there had been some funds coming in…which we’re not going to have any longer,” he said. On a philosophical basis, Soliz said, “Measure O was presented as a measure to try to address neighborhood improvement, and blighted properties.” He said that supporters of Measure O would see this action as a diversion of funds, and, “it seems to me just a little bit disingenuous.”

With the conclusion of public comments on G, Mayor Harper asked City Manager Steve Duran to speak to the issue.

“The council gave a clear direction to get people off furlough as soon as we reasonably could,” he said. “The Council approved spending priorities for Measure O on September 23rd, 2014.”

He then listed those priorities (See Antioch Herald article on September 23 council meeting, here.)

“The stated priorities of the council, before the election, did include getting off the furlough,” Duran said. “In terms of keeping your word, I just think people need to understand that’s what your word was.”

He continued, “Come January, we’ll now have had the employees on furlough for five-and-a-half years since they took a ten percent cut.” He also said that the $1.277 million in additional property tax revenue triggered contract language providing that, “the management bargaining unit was entitled to get off furlough right then, and they’ve agreed to delay that until…January 11th.” In closing, Duran said, “We can’t not do the trigger, because that’s a binding contract. And, second, the money is there, and the reasons the triggers hit is because the money’s there.”

Asked by Duran to comment, Michelle Fitzer, Administrative Services Director, addressed the idea that the Council delay the decision by saying “once the bargaining unit takes action to ratify a tentative agreement, the governing body has to take action within 30 days of that, and we do not have 30 days to wait to December 16^th.” She continued, “If we do not take action, the council places the city in liability for a PERB charge of unfair labor practices.”

Following Fitzer’s statement, Harper asked for Council comments. Council Member Tony Tiscareno gave a defense of the vote he was about to make.

Tiscareno said, “the last three, four months I’ve been out there talking to the citizens, knocking on doors and asking them, what they expect from us, and what their issues are. And yes, they were frustrated with the crime, but for the most part in their neighborhoods they were very happy where they lived, they felt safe in their community, that particular area. But one of the things they kept mentioning was that, you know, our streets can be repaired, we need to make sure that we have availability within our services so we can be serviced. And I heard that quite a bit. So one of the things I promised not only our staff was, I promised our community that we were going to be a full service city.”

Mayor Pro Tem Mary Rocha said that in light of the information provided by Fitzer regarding a potential unfair labor practices challenge, it was important to take action. She also said, “You have to remember, we asked these employees to take time off…they gave a lot, in order for us to keep the doors open.” She also noted, “We couldn’t afford bankruptcy…the employees were the ones who saved us.” She concluded, “I feel comfortable, knowing the money was there.”

In response to a question from Wilson, Fitzer responded, “In the management benefit agreement, there was trigger language. When the property tax in particular came in, in July, at over a million dollars more than was anticipated, we reached…the trigger.” She also addressed the question of whether or not the trigger had expired. She said, “under the labor laws, the contract provisions remain in effect until a new contract is negotiated or imposed…” She continued, “if the city had tried to argue that the trigger had expired, the employee group could then have come back and argued, well then the furlough language expired as well, because they’re tied together.”

Mayor Harper said, “I think we need to realize, that the employees saved us from bankruptcy years ago.” He spoke about them sacrificing for five and a half years. “Now that we have the money, we can’t say, we have it, but we’re not giving it to you.” He also reiterated the previous comments about being a full service city. He concluded, “I believe the employees saved us, I believe we have to do right by the employees.” He also noted, “We didn’t just hear about this trigger today,” and spoke about closed session meetings, where he said, “we’ve talked about this trigger, over and over.”

Following Harper’s statement, the council voted 4-0 in favor of Item G, and speakers came forward to address Item H.

Jordan returned to the microphone to say, “While you have been informed of the information regarding the trigger and the reinstatement of the employees, and that should occur, from the perspective of the public, this is being dropped very quickly. He added, “the communication that we’re receiving at our end, relative to the trigger, why it’s occurring, the contractual obligations, I don’t believe was communicated well, to us.” Soliz also spoke again, saying what they were doing, “sends the wrong message to the public.” He wondered if the outcome of the Measure O vote would have been different, “if people had understood that the funds were going to be going to something other than neighborhood improvement, and police infrastructure.”

Ken Turnage said, “I just don’t understand, exactly, what is going on here.” “You folks have had to know for a while, this was going to happen right about now. Why wasn’t it said before the election?” “He said the perception was, “like having a blanket pulled over your head.” “The perception is, we were deceived,” he concluded.

After public comments, Harper asked Duran to repeat the information from September 23, and Duran again listed all the priorities, including ending the furloughs.

Each of the council members then made statements emphasizing that the money for getting the employees back to a 40 hour work week was coming from property tax, and had nothing to do with Measure O. Tiscareno said, “This is, to me, a positive thing for the city of Antioch.” Rocha, referring to city employees said, “It’s true, they did help us.”

Item H was then passed, 4-0, and public comments for Item I began.

Marty Fernandez, visibly upset by the proceedings, said, “This has been very interesting. You’re right. A lot of people busted their butts to get Measure O passed. And this just isn’t right.” “There comes a time when you have to stop. I don’t agree with these secret negotiations for the contracts. This has to be done in public.” He went on to complain that, “You have city workers negotiating with city workers. They stand to gain, everybody gains.”

After Fernandez spoke, the council voted and passed item I, also on a 4-0 vote.

Following a short break, Dawn Merchant, Antioch’s Finance Director, spoke on budget matters which, according to staff and council member statements, related directly to the contentious votes just taken.

Merchant said that, while they had been projecting a 5% increase in property tax, they had actually received a 17.81% increase. She said this was the first year Antioch has received an increase in property tax since 2008.

“We’re requesting the budget to be amended” by about $1.3 million, she said. She also spoke about annexation money coming in of about $300,000, and over $100,000 for state mandated reimbursements.

Following Merchant’s presentation, Rocha lamented the fact that many who complained about the furlough vote were no longer in the audience, as she felt the presentation by Merchant explained that the money for ending the furloughs was coming from increased property tax revenue, not Measure O funds

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3^rd & H Streets in downtown Antioch. It can also be viewed online via live streaming video at www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/citycouncilmeetings.htm.

Deputy Sheriffs, firefighters quickly endorse

By Allen Payton

On Tuesday, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, a Democrat, announced her intention to enter the special election contest to succeed State Senator Mark DeSaulnier in California’s 7th State Senate district. A special election is expected to take place in early 2015 after DeSaulnier, who was elected to Congress this year, resigns the seat.

Bonilla currently represents California’s 14th State Assembly District, which had included Antioch until the 2011 redistricting, and has previously served as a Contra Costa County Supervisor and as the Mayor and a Council Member in Concord, the largest city in the State Senate district.

“I’m running for Senate to continue working for Contra Costa and Alameda residents, families, and small business owners in the Legislature. Working with a broad, diverse coalition, I am proud of what we have accomplished; turning a historic budget deficit into a balanced budget with a rainy day fund; revitalizing our economy through job creation and economic development; and reinvesting in our schools. I will continue focusing on these efforts in the State Senate, building coalitions to deliver results for my constituents,” Bonilla said. “Senator DeSaulnier is an outstanding public servant who has set a high standard and will be a dynamic member of Congress. As I begin my campaign for State Senate, I will look to his example and continue his fight to improve our transportation system and protect our environment, while always putting middle-class and working families first.”

Bonilla had already planned to run for State Senate in 2016, but DeSaulnier’s election to Congress in the middle of his term moved up the schedule on her.

The process will be triggered by DeSaulnier’s resignation, which is expected before January 5, that day he is scheduled to take the oath of office as a new Congressman.

The governor will then have two weeks to announce the date of the election, which is expected to be in mid- to late-March for the Primary. In a special election a candidate wins if they receive a majority of votes. If not the top two candidates with the most votes in the Primary will face off in the General Election in June.

A state senate district includes roughly 800,000 people, which is larger than a Congressional seat and Senators are elected for four-year terms. With the new term limits, state legislators in California can serve a maximum of 12 years, regardless of whether they serve in the Assembly or State Senate. However, because Bonilla was elected before June 5, 2012 she is restricted by the previous term limits, approved in 1990, which limits legislators to three terms in the State Assembly and two terms in the State Senate. Since the election will be past the half-way point in DeSaulnier’s term, if elected, she will serve less than two years, allowing her two more full terms for a total of close to 10 years. The same would apply to fellow Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, also a Democrat, who is termed out this year, and is rumored to be considering a run for the Senate seat. She has not responded to phone calls about a possible run.

Another rumored candidate, Supervisor Mary Piepho, a Republican, did respond through her spokesperson Tomi Riley who only stated the following regarding a possible State Senate run: “Many people have encouraged Mary to consider it.”

The other Assembly Member in the area, Democrat Jim Frazier, has stated previously that he is not considering running in the special State Senate election.

According to her campaign’s press release, “Bonilla is a former high school teacher who has worked to invest in public education, strengthen neighborhood schools, and improve access to college and job-training programs for local students.” It further states “Bonilla balanced budgets by not spending what we don’t have, remaining committed to reducing our debt burden, while protecting vital services like education and public safety from drastic budget cuts.”

On Wednesday, the campaign also announced that both the Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs Association and The United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230 have endorsed Bonilla in the race.

“Assemblywoman Bonilla is a proven leader who has a strong track record of supporting public safety,” said Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association President Ken Westermann. “As an Assemblymember, former mayor, and former Contra Costa County Supervisor, Susan Bonilla has been a key partner in keeping Contra Costa families safe. The Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association is happy to endorse Assemblywoman Bonilla for State Senate.”

“Contra Costa families are kept safe by the dedicated service of our Deputy Sheriffs. In many of our communities, they are the front line of law enforcement and public safety,” Assemblywoman Bonilla said. “I’m honored to have the support of these brave men and women. In the State Senate, I will continue to fight diligently to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to keep our communities safe.”

The firefighters Local 1230 is the region’s largest firefighters association.

“Assemblywoman Bonilla has consistently worked to support public safety and public safety workers. She is a proven leader who has worked tirelessly to ensure that we have the resources to keep Contra Costa families safe,” United Professional Fire Fighters of Contra Costa County President Vince Wells said. “We’re pleased that Assemblywoman Bonilla is running for State Senate and enthusiastically offer her our endorsement and support.”

Local1230 represents over 450 firefighters from four different districts and two cities including: Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, El Cerrito Fire Department, Moraga-Orina Fire District, Pinole Fire Department, and Rodeo-Hercules Fire District.

“I’m deeply honored to have the support of Contra Costa County’s Professional Firefighters,” Assemblywoman Bonilla said. “These brave men and women keep our families and homes safe, while putting themselves at real risk. In the Senate I will continue to work to ensure that they always have the resources to keep our communities safe.”

As a former chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, the release states “Bonilla led the legislative effort to streamline education funding, giving local schools more control, made college more affordable for local students, and secured $1 billion for training and technology to prepare students to succeed in a job market that demands problem solving and critical thinking skills.”

Prior to serving in public office, she was an English teacher in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. She has a B.A. in English from Azusa Pacific University and teaching credentials from CSU Los Angeles. Bonilla lives in Concord with her husband, John. They have four daughters and three grandchildren.

State Senate District 7 includes the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Walnut Creek and Danville, and other communities in Contra Costa County, as well as Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton in Alameda County.

There are now two announced candidates in the race, including attorney Mark Meuser, a Republican.

To learn more or to sign up for updates for Bonilla’s campaign, please visit www.susanbonilla.com.

By Allen Payton

About 100 Antioch residents attended a meeting on Wednesday night, November 12, 2014 regarding the Downtown Specific Plan and City-wide General Plan Land Use and Zoning Ordinance Update. Some shared their concerns and offered ideas to the city’s staff and a consultant.

In a presentation by constultant Dick Loewke, he stated that “Home values in Antioch are only 60% of what they were before” the economic downturn. “But they are stabilizing and growing,” he added.

One area of housing that is currently not in the city’s housing mix is transit-oriented development, which includes densities of up to 30 to 40 units per acre. That is expected to occur around the new eBART Station at Hillcrest Avenue.

Also in his presentation, Loewke stated that high-density an medium-density housing won’t work in Antioch’s downtown, at least not in the next five years, because the cost of “construction is greater than the price structure.”

“What is feasible,” he stated, “is single-family, compact housing on small lots…with common walls…of 12 to 14 units per acre. That will work in today’s market.”

He mentioned potential job sectors, such as the service industry, such as boat and RV repair and maintenance as areas the city could expand its economy, as well as restaurants. Also, administrative and medical jobs are areas of potential expansion.

Following the presentation, residents had the opportunity to speak and provide their input to the plan updates, but only to Loewke, his son and Mindy Gentry, the city’s Senior Planner in the Community Development Department. None of the council members were in attendance, nor City Manager Steve Duran. However, Lori Ogorchock, who was elected to the council, last week, did attend the meeting.

Clay Baskin shared his concerns about crime, that it can’t be ignored as a factor, and how the city has been talking about revitalizing downtown for 20 years.

Others shared that the emphasis shouldn’t be on more housing.

“I would like the city to not plan for people who are not here,” one woman said. “Not just more housing.” She advocated for “waterfront recreation for all, not carpetbaggers.”

Another resident said the downtown businesses need to be open longer.

Jim Lanter, who owns an insurance agency located in downtown, said there needs to be more events, downtown to bring people to the area.

Former owner of Lamothe Cleaners, which had operated in Antioch since the 1950’s, Tom Lamothe, said he there needs to be more businesses before more housing in downtown.

Bruce Ohlson, an advocate for bicyclists said the city needs at least one street north-south and one street east-west with a continuous bike lane for travel.

The next update meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, next Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and will be a joint meeting of the Antioch Planning and Economic Development Commissions. For more information visit www.ci.antioch.ca.us or call the Community Development Department at (925) 779-7035.

By John Crowder

Last night, November 12, 2014, the Brentwood City Council voted unanimously to terminate their $845,000 per year contract with the City of Antioch for police dispatch services, and to set up their own dispatch center within the next 18 to 24 months.

In a report given to the council, Brentwood Chief of Police Mark Evenson first spoke about the relationship between the two cities. He noted that Antioch had been providing dispatch services to Brentwood for over 20 years.

“I want to publicly recognize the fantastic work that the Antioch Police Department staff has done,” he said. “They have been doing a fantastic job with limited resources for a long time.”

But, he also said, the system has become strained because of increasing demands, and that Antioch did not have the resources, “either financially or from personnel to adequately address those things.”

“These increasing demands on them have compromised services to our citizens here in Brentwood,” he added.

Evenson then noted that Brentwood has been planning to create their own dispatch center for a long time. He went on to say that some of the reasons for the current problems involved with contracting police dispatch services to Antioch included population growth, increasing calls for service, and an increase in “part one crimes.”

Evenson next spoke about several issues of concern with the current contract. These included the quality of 911 services, which he said was being compromised, staffing levels in the dispatch center, and police officer efficiency and safety.

Evenson also noted that, in a recent incident, a Brentwood resident called 911, and the dispatch center did not answer the call. He said that Brentwood residents have increasingly reported being placed on hold for long periods of time and that it was even true of residents calling the non-emergency number. He also mentioned that incidents of rudeness by 911 operators had been reported.

During public comments, one woman who spoke to the council said that Antioch dispatch had dropped “at least a dozen of my phone calls” in the last year. “Numerous times, I have dialed eight or nine times,” before being able to get through, she said.

“We can provide far better service than the city of Antioch,” she concluded.

During council discussions, all the comments were fairly consistent, focusing on the safety of residents in Brentwood, and lamenting that, because of the situation with respect to increased crime that Antioch finds itself in, residents of Brentwood are, and will continue to be, negatively impacted as long as the ties with Antioch dispatch remain.

“Some time ago they took their eye off the ball with public safety, and they really can’t catch up, and we’re really in the same position now if we take our eye off public safety,” Council Member Erick Stonebarger said. “In 20 years we’re not going to be able to catch up.”

Councilman Steve Barr said, “The Antioch dispatch center is pretty much overrun with calls, and our residents aren’t really getting the service they deserve.”

Vice Mayor Joel Bryant chimed in, “Public safety is the linchpin that determines what direction the community is going to go.” He also said that he, personally, has had problems with service from Antioch dispatch.

“Public safety is probably number one in our city,” Mayor Bob Taylor said. “Our city demands, and should get, total safety.”

Following council comments, a motion was made and seconded to proceed with the establishment of a dedicated Brentwood dispatch center, and it was passed on a 5-0 vote.

Files complaint with District Attorney, possible punishment of up to three years in prison

By John Crowder

The highly contentious race for Area 5 Trustee of the Contra Costa County Board of Education has taken another dramatic turn, as incumbent Cynthia Ruehlig sent a letter to Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson on Saturday, November 8, asking for an investigation into alleged election code violations by her opponent, Jeff Belle, who beat her by 336 votes, in last Tuesday’s election.

The letter (Jeffery Belle Complaint) sent by Ruehlig charges that Belle violated California Election Code Section 18203, which reads,

“Any person who files or submits for filing a nomination paper or declaration of candidacy knowing that it or any part of it has been made falsely is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1000) or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of section 1170 of the penal code for 16 months or two or three years or by both that fine and imprisonment.”

In her letter, Ruehlig says that Belle made false claims on his candidate statement, his ballot designation worksheet, and prior to these submissions, on applications to serve on various county commissions.

One such claim is Belle’s representation of himself on his candidate statement as a “Registered Respiratory Therapist.” Ruehlig references a letter dated June 20, 2014, in which the Respiratory Care Board of California cites Belle for “misrepresenting himself as a respiratory care practitioner and engaging in the practice of respiratory care without a current and valid license in California.” In this letter, he was ordered to “immediately cease and desist any and all unlicensed activities pursuant to the Respiratory Care Practice Act” and ordered to pay a fine of $8200 for violating provisions of the Act.

Also on his candidate statement, Belle claims to have a “Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.” He makes the same claim on his application, received by the city of Antioch on July 30, 2013, to represent the city on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Citizens Advisory Committee (CCTA CAC Jeff Belle application001), referencing Oklahoma City University and American University as the schools from which he studied for his degree. The claim to have a “B.S. degree” is also made by Belle on his application to sit on the Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Care Committee (CCCEMCC) – (Belle, Jeffery 10-26-12). Belle’s bio, attached to the application for the CCCEMCC, lists part of his education as follows:

1984-1988 Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Political Science with emphasis on Public Administration.

With respect to Belle’s claim of a Bachelor’s degree, Ruehlig cites an article updated on the Contra Costa Times website on October 17, 2014, which states, in part, “…it appears Belle has no college degree.” This was corroborated by Herald staff who contacted the Office of the Registrar at Oklahoma City University and was told that Belle did not receive a degree from them. Further, at a media event held by Belle on October 22 of this year, he repeatedly refused to answer questions posed by CBS Channel 5 television reporter Da Lin asking whether or not he had a Bachelor’s degree at all.

Ruehlig also takes issue with Belle’s claim on his candidate statement that he is “completing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Health Policy.” She points out that, at the institutions at which Belle claims to be studying, a Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for entering any such program.

Ruehlig concludes her letter to the District Attorney by stating, “Mr. Belle knew, or should have known, at the time he signed his declaration of candidacy, the consequence of providing fake educational credentials in election documents. His criminal action is made even more egregious as Mr. Belle aspires to a position of Trustee in an educational agency. Mr. Belle has made a mockery of the election process and should be charged with a felony punishable with the maximum penalty allowed by law of $1000 and 3 years imprisonment.” She includes almost 30 pages of documents supporting her complaint.

In a statement provided by Ruehlig this morning, she said, “Mr. Belle’s behavior is both an affront to the office he seeks and potentially dangerous, as it appears that he does not have the sound mental state and solid character of someone who should be entrusted to visit your child at school and make decisions about their education.”

In an article published by the Herald on October 28 (which can be viewed by clicking here http://antiochherald.com/2014/10/p13741/), Belle offered an explanation about the questions raised concerning discrepancies in his education claims.

“I still owe American University for room and board for that semester of almost $3000,” Belle claimed. “However, in 1989 I walked in the graduation, and they acknowledge it, but they won’t confer the degree, until then.” He added, “I don’t have to take any more courses.”

Belle states the B.S. degree is from Oklahoma City University, not American University. The Office of the Registrar at Oklahoma City University did confirm that Belle studied there, and that he did not receive a degree, but they were unable to provide any further information. American University could not be reached for comment as of this writing.

However, in that same article it states, “Belle explained that Oklahoma City University works with American University in a program called the Washington Semester, the hours from which applied to his degree in Political Science.”

Ruehlig had challenged Belle’s ballot designation of “Educator” after his candidate statement was made public, and within the 10 days required, according to both Ruehlig and County Clerk-Recorder Joe Canciamilla.

“We looked into it and decided that it was acceptable,” Canciamilla stated. “However, she didn’t challenge his ballot statement. No one did within the 10 days.”

When contacted regarding Supervisor Mary Piepho’s appointment of Belle to the county’s Emergency Medical Care Commission, her staff simply said that Belle’s term expired on September 30, 2014, and he was not re-appointed.

When contacted about Belle’s appointment to the CCTA committee by the Antioch City Council, which occurred at the their meeting on August 13, 2013, Mayor Wade Harper explained the appointment process. It includes reviewing information submitted by applicants and conducting interviews, usually by the mayor and one or more members of city staff. He said that, in light of these revelations, he was having discussions with the staff regarding the vetting process for such appointments.

On the District Attorney’s website information is available regarding government corruption, including a complaint form that can be filled out regarding allegations of election and/or campaign law violations. On the form it states that not all complaints are investigated. Herald staff were unable to obtain a statement from their office with respect to this case at the time of publication.

Belle was also contacted by email regarding the action now being taken by Ruehlig. He replied that, although he was out of town and unable to speak to us, “My campaign is checking into the ‘acts of desperation’ and will be back in touch as soon as we have more information.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Police Status Report, card room license also on agenda

By Allen Payton

This week’s Antioch City Council meeting will be held on Thursday, November 13, instead of the regular second Tuesday of the month, due to the Veterans Day holiday.

On the agenda’s Consent Calendar, under items G. and H., the council is being asked to eliminate Furlough Fridays, for both the Management Bargaining Unit and Confidential Employees Unit. Furlough Fridays was implemented in 2011 and included a 10% pay cut and a 10% reduction in work hours from 40 hours, or five, eight-hour days to 36 hours or four, nine-hour days. Elimination of it for all affected city staff is estimated to cost $800,000 for the first 18 months, then that same amount per year, following, according to a staff report presented at the September 23rd council meeting. The action will increase salaries by 10%. Another 3% pay raise is included. All of them will be effective January 11, 2015, if approved.

According to the staff report, for the Management Bargaining Unit, “The fiscal impacts of the COLA salary adjustment, returning to a 40 hour work week, and reinstating the deferred compensation contribution is $507,297” for the Management Bargaining Unit and “$124,570” for the Confidential Employees. Of those amounts, $327,480 and $114,160, respectively for a total of $441,640 per year will be spent out of the General Fund. That’s equal to the cost of about four police officers.

The staff report states that “This action was required based on the ‘trigger’ language found in the January 11, 2011 Tentative Agreement of General Fund revenues (excluding new revenues, such as Measure C) reaching $38.4 million with the reserve maintained at 10%.”

The tentative agreement also eliminates the second “trigger” of requiring General Fund revenues at $42.3 million and a 12% reserve, in order to reinstate the “previously negotiated but not implemented the COLA salary adjustments” which is the 3% pay raise.

However, the report also states that the original agreement that included the Furlough Fridays, expired on September 30, 2013 and that “Representatives of the City and Management Unit have been meeting and conferring in good faith to negotiate a successor agreement.”

Regarding the Confidential Employees Unit, the report states that their agreement also expired on September 30, 2013 and “On June 10, 2014 Council adopted a resolution approving a Benefit Document for the period of October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2015.”

The report further states that representatives of the city and Confidential Unit met and negotiated a tentative agreement to amend the existing agreement, which includes the same three major items as the Management Unit agreement.

The staff report is dated November 3, the day before the election, but the agenda wasn’t released until Thursday, November 6.

City Manager Steve Duran “Well, actually on the current management contract, it has a financial trigger, that we hit when the assessments came through, higher than budgeted.”

When asked about the fact the agreements had already expired, he responded, “But, labor agreements aren’t like a lease and must stay in place until you replace it.”

When asked why do this now, instead of waiting until Lori Ogorchock, who was elected with the most votes in last Tuesday’s election was seated on the Council, he said “The Council said this is what they’re going to do. They promised this is what they would do, when the revenues increased. There are five council members and the four who are on there, now have voted to do this” at the September 23rd Council meeting. He said the council had given previous direction on this, earlier this year, as well.

“We take our direction from three or more votes from what happens in a public meeting,” Duran added. “A new boss has been elected and we’ll have to get to know her” he said regarding Ogorchock.

When asked why the agenda items were on the Consent Calendar, he said, “We don’t anticipate a lot of discussion, since the council already voted to do this. But anyone can request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for questions and comments.”

Mayor Harper was contacted for this story, but was at the new police oath of office ceremony at the time and could not be reached before publication.

A voicemail message was also left for Mayor Pro Tem Mary Rocha, but also could not be reached for comment.

However, a frustrated Ogorchock shared her thoughts.

“They know I’m against this and it’s sad they didn’t wait until I was on the council,” she said. “They think it’s all fine and dandy to put everyone back to work. We aren’t there, yet. We must use those funds, instead to hire more police officers.”

“We’ve experienced five horrific crimes, including four shootings and two murders, and an armed robbery in one week,” Ogorchock stated. “I want the rest of the city staff to go back to work full-time, too. But we don’t have the budget for it, yet. Our main concern should be for the safety of our city and the citizens. That’s where our money should go.”

“I hope the city council does the right thing,” she added. “This is a tentative agreement and doesn’t need to be approved, right now.”

Also on the agenda, Chief Allan Cantando will be providing the 2014 Third Quarter Police Status Report toward the beginning of the meeting.

In addition, at the council’s direction, staff has included a report and resolution for issuing a Local Card Room License to the application period to Anthony Keslinke who has wanted to reopen the card room at Kelly’s restaurant at 408 O Street. Approval would allow him until November, 2016 to obtain a state license for that location.

To view the complete meeting agenda, click here 111314 or on the city’s website, here. To see the staff report for each item, click on “Staff Report”.

Antioch City meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 200 H Street in downtown or can be viewed by live stream on the city’s website at http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/citycouncilmeetings.htm.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the State Route 4 (SR4) Sand Creek Road Interchange and 4-Lane Widening through Antioch and Brentwood. As part of the SR4 Widening, the contractor will be performing the following work activities on the following dates:

The westbound SR4 on- and off-ramps at Sand Creek Road will be closed from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM starting on Wednesday, November 12th and ending on Friday, November 14th. (See detour map by clicking here: CCTA TRAFFIC ADVISORY 2014-11-06)

Reversing traffic control will be in place on SR4 between Balfour Road and Sand Creek Road during the same time. Work will consist of paving operations.

Motorists are advised to use the provided detour or alternate routes and should allow extra time for their commute. For the detour map, please see attachment. The ramps will be closed concurrently.

This work is weather dependent. If it is delayed due to weather conditions, it will be rescheduled for a later time.

Please drive with caution through the work area and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. CCTA appreciates your patience as we work to improve mobility in East Contra Costa County. For the most current information please contact the project hotline number at 925-206-3002 or go to www.4eastcounty.org.

The City of Antioch invites you to a community meeting for you to provide feedback regarding the Downtown Specific Plan and City-wide General Plan Land Use and Zoning Ordinance Update.

Two dates to choose from: Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 p.m., Prewett Park Multi-Purpose Room, 4701 Lone Tree Way and Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 200 H Street. That is also a joint meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Commissions

The City of Antioch is embarking on the initial steps leading to preparation of a Specific Plan for downtown and an update to the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code.

The Specific Plan will include policies and guidelines to enhance existing neighborhoods as well as to guide new development downtown.

The General Plan Land Use and Zoning update will focus on the types and locations of businesses and examine appropriate land use designations City-wide.

We are currently seeking community input help us evaluate the key opportunities and constraints which will influence this overall planning program.

Community Meeting Format:

Opening remarks from staff (10 min).

Opportunities and Constraints analysis presented by project consultants (20 min).

Remaining time for public feedback on the range of potential opportunities identified.

City decision makers want to hear your feedback on this initial planning work, in order to help shape the future policies that will guide land use and development, design/aesthetics, parking, circulation, transit, and the economic vitality of the community.

Come voice your ideas and opinions and tell us what you see in your city’s future!

For more information visit: www.ci.antioch.ca.us or click here for the announcement flyer about the meetings.

Or call the Community Development Department at 925-779-7035.