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City Council

April 15, 2026 ·7:00 PM Final

Carnegie Forum 305 West Pine Street, Lodi

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Agenda — 67 items

  1. 1 ***Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi will be joining the meeting via teleconference from the following location: Claremont Resort & Club, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, CA, 94705, US***
  2. C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
  3. C-2 Announcement of Closed Session
  4. 3 The City Council Closed Session meeting of April 15, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 5:37 p.m. Present: , Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez Absent: Council Member Bregman Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and City Clerk Nashed NOTE: Council Member Bregman arrived at 6:03 p.m.
  5. a) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b). One Position: City Manager recruitment.
  6. b) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2). One case.
  7. C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
  8. 7 6:55 p.m. Invocation/Call to Civic Responsibility. ▶ jump to 0:31
  9. 8 NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL COMMENCE NO SOONER THAN 7:00 P.M.
  10. 8 At 5:38 p.m., Mayor Yepez adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
  11. C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
  12. A. Call to Order / Roll Call
  13. 10 At 6:40 p.m., Mayor Yepez reconvened the City Council meeting, and Interim City Attorney Luebberke disclosed that there was no reportable action.
  14. B. Presentations
  15. B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 12-18, 2026, as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in Lodi (PD) 26-169 ▶ jump to 3:31
  16. 12 The Regular City Council meeting of April 15, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 7:03 p.m. Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig Hensley, and Mayor Yepez Absent: Council Member Nakanishi and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, Interim City Attorney Luebberke and City Clerk Nashed NOTE: Council Member Nakanishi joined the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
  17. B.2 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 12-18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week in Lodi (PD) 26-170 ▶ jump to 7:10
  18. B.3 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 19-25, 2026, as National Volunteers Week in Lodi (PD) 26-171 ▶ jump to 10:55
  19. B.4 Presentation of Non-Profit Allocation Check to Unidos Progresando - Progressing Together (CLK) 26-186 ▶ jump to 15:58
  20. 15 Mayor Yepez presented a proclamation to Lodi Police Chief Ricardo Garcia, Animal Services Manager Megan Ramczyk, and other Animal Services staff proclaiming the week of April 12-18, 2026, as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in the City of Lodi.
  21. C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action) ▶ jump to 21:53
  22. C.1 Receive and File the Treasurer’s Report and Register of Claims for the Month of February 2026 (IS - FIN) 26-150
  23. 17 Mayor Yepez presented a proclamation to Lodi Police Chief Ricardo Garcia and Police Dispatcher Kelly Michaels proclaiming the week of April 12-18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week in the City of Lodi.
  24. C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Contract Amendment Number Two with UBEO Midco, LLC dba. Ray Morgan Company of Chico, CA for City-Wide Copier Maintenance ($125,000) (IS - BUD) 26-109
  25. C.3 Adopt a Resolution Approving Purchase of License Renewal of IT Security End Point Protection Software from CDW-G, of Vernon Hills, Illinois ($89,256) (IS - IT) 26-160
  26. 19 Mayor Yepez and Lodi Police Chief Ricardo Garcia presented a proclamation to volunteers representing groups providing services to the Lodi Public Library; the Public Works Department; the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department; Lodi City Employees Association; the Lodi Fire Department; the Lodi Animal Shelter; the Police Cadet Program; the Police Chaplaincy Program; and the Partners Foundation proclaiming the week of April 19-25, 2026, as National Volunteers Week in the City of Lodi.
  27. C.4 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager or Designee to Execute a Lease Agreement in a Form Acceptable by the City Attorney with the County of San Joaquin for Spaces Identified for San Joaquin Health Centers (“SJ Health”) within 710 N. Sacramento Street (CD) 26-180
  28. C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to File Claim for Fiscal Year 2024/25 Transportation Development Act Funds from Local Transportation Fund ($3,754,081) and State Transit Assistance Fund ($89,223) (PW) 26-042
  29. 21 Mayor Yepez presented a Non-Profit Allocation check to Berta Castro and members of Unidos Progresando - Progressing Together.
  30. C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Transdev Services, Inc., of Lombard, Illinois, for Best Value Operation of Lodi’s General Public Fixed Route, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit, and Dial-A-Ride Transit Services ($15,507,775) (PW) 26-154
  31. C.7 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, CHTD (NCE) of Sacramento, for Roadway Pavement Assessment Services ($150,500) and Execute Amendments ($49,500) (PW) 26-123
  32. 23 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman, to approve the following items hereinafter set forth, in accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None Absent: Council Member Nakanishi and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
  33. C.8 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Waive the Bid Process and Execute a Three-Year Professional Services Agreement with Calgon Carbon of Moon Township, PA for Custom Regeneration Granular Activated Carbon Services ($900,000) and Appropriate Funds ($900,000) (PW) 26-155
  34. C.9 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2026-2028 Tree Maintenance Project; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder ($900,000), and Execute Change Orders ($100,000) (PW) 26-161
  35. 25 Claims were approved in the amount of $13,635.905.
  36. C.10 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 3 Non-Profit Funds to the Lodi Chaplaincy Association (Total $5,000) (CLK) 26-188
  37. C.11 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $15,000 from District 3 Non-Profit Funds to the Lodi Police PARTNERS’ Foundation (Total $15,000) (CLK) 26-166
  38. 27 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-67 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Contract Amendment No. 2 with UBEO Midco, LLC, dba Ray Morgan Company, of Chico, for City-wide copier maintenance, in the amount of $125,000.
  39. C.12 Set a Public Hearing for May 6, 2026, to Consider an Ordinance to enter a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to Install, Maintain, and Operate Electronic Message Signs on City-Owned Properties (CD) 26-030
  40. D. Comments by the Public on Non-Agenda Items ▶ jump to 30:43
  41. 29 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-68 approving the purchase of license renewal of IT Security End Point Protection Software from CDW-G, of Vernon Hills, Illinois, in the amount of $89,256.
  42. 30 THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON-AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
  43. E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non-Agenda Items ▶ jump to 42:34
  44. 31 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-69 authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to execute a Lease Agreement in a form acceptable by the City Attorney with the County of San Joaquin for spaces identified for San Joaquin Health Centers (“SJ Health”) within 710 North Sacramento Street.
  45. F. Public Hearings - None
  46. G. Regular Calendar
  47. 33 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-70 authorizing the Interim City Manager to file a claim for Fiscal Year 2024/25 Transportation Development Act Funds from Local Transportation Fund, in the amount of $3,754,081, and State Transit Assistance Fund, in the amount of $89,223.
  48. G.1 Receive Presentation and Report from Hoslett Forensics on the Forensic Accounting Audit of the City’s Utility Deposit Account, Procurement Card Charges, and Amazon Account Purchases (IS - BUD) 26-187 ▶ jump to 53:11
  49. G.2 Presentation on Credit Card Convenience Fees: Discussion and Council Direction - Follow-Up to February 4, 2026 Council Meeting (IS - FIN) 26-140 ▶ jump to 91:18
  50. 35 This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig-Hensley. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Transportation Manager Julia Tyack provided information regarding additional services being provided by Transdev Services. Council Member Craig-Hensley noted that Transdev Services will be providing education and outreach services to the senior population. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-71 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Transdev Services, Inc., of Lombard, Illinois, for best value operation of Lodi’s general public fixed route, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit, and Dial-A-Ride transit services, in the amount of $15,507,775.
  51. G.3 Discussion and Direction Regarding Potential Amendment to Lodi Municipal Code Section 9.18.045 (Vendor Permit Caps) (CD) 26-162 ▶ jump to 106:55
  52. H. Ordinances - None
  53. 37 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-72 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, CHTD (NCE) of Sacramento, for roadway pavement assessment services, in the amount of $150,500, and execute amendments in the amount of $49,500.
  54. I. Adjournment
  55. 39 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All staff reports or other written documentation relating to each item of business referred to on the agenda are on file in the Office of the City Clerk, located at 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi, and are available for public inspection. Agendas and staff reports are also posted on the City’s website at www.lodi.gov. If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. To make a request for disability-related modification or accommodation contact the City Clerk’s Office as soon as possible and at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Language interpreter requests must be received at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to help ensure availability. Contact Olivia Nashed at (209) 333-6702. Solicitudes de interpretación de idiomas deben ser recibidas por lo menos con 72 horas de anticipación a la reunión para ayudar a asegurar la disponibilidad. Llame a Olivia Nashed (209) 333-6702. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meetings of the Lodi City Council are telecast on SJTV, Channel 26. The City of Lodi provides live and archived webcasts of regular City Council meetings. The webcasts can be found on the City's website at www.lodi.gov by clicking the meeting webcasts link. Members of the public may view and listen to the open session of this meeting at www.youtube.com/@cityoflodi_publicmeetings. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  56. 39 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-73 authorizing the Interim City Manager to waive the bid process and execute a three-year Professional Services Agreement with Calgon Carbon, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, for custom regeneration granular activated carbon services, in the amount of $900,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $900,000.
  57. 41 Approved the specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for the 2026-2028 Tree Maintenance Project; adopted Resolution No. 2026-74 authorizing the Interim City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder, in an amount not to exceed $900,000, and execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $100,000.
  58. 43 This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Bregman. Council Member Bregman spoke regarding Items C.10 and C.11. He stated that these items are funded by his Council District funds and he desired for them to go to foundations closely related to the City which provide services to the community. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-75 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 3 Non-Profit Funds to the Lodi Chaplaincy Association, in the total amount of $5,000.
  59. 45 This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Bregman. Council Member Bregman spoke regarding Items C.10 and C.11. He stated that these items are funded by his Council District funds and he desired for them to go to foundations closely related to the City which provide services to the community. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-76 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $15,000 from District 3 Non-Profit Funds to the Lodi Police PARTNERS’ Foundation, in the total amount of $15,000.
  60. 47 Set a public hearing for May 6, 2026, to consider an ordinance to enter into a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to install, maintain, and operate electronic message signs on City-owned properties.
  61. 49 Olivia Miller, a Downtown employee, spoke regarding parking issues and the Lodi Improvement Committee's support of finding a solution. Lyndsy Davis, a member of the public, spoke regarding Downtown parking issues.
  62. 51 Council Member Bregman spoke regarding the possible solutions for the Downtown parking issue discussed by Ms. Davis. Council Member Craig-Hensley expressed her appreciation to Ms. Miller for bringing the parking issue to the Lodi Improvement Committee, spoke regarding the solutions discussed by Ms. Davis and the need for the solutions to align with the Short-Term Transit Plan. She requested that Interim City Manager Busch work with the Lodi Improvement Committee, the Downtown Lodi Business Alliance (DBA) and the Lodi Chamber of Commerce to evaluate solutions. In response to Council Member Bregman, Transportation Manager Julia Tyack provided information regarding background of previous Downtown shuttle services, parking structure security, and Transit operating budget. Mayor Yepez asked Interim City Manager Busch to evaluate the issue and report back to Council after working with business owners, the DBA, the Chamber of Commerce, and City staff. City Manager Busch stated that City departments are already working on the issue and he will gather the information to bring the item back on a future agenda. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding working with the DBA and the Chamber of Commerce. She stated the business community is responsible for employees having a safe environment. Council Member Bregman stated that he supported working with the DBA on this issue. He further noted, that being a representative for Downtown, he is available should the community want to reach out to him regarding this issue. Council Member Bregman spoke regarding AB 1585, Wine and Labeling. He also stated that he had attended the funeral of Lorraine Katzakian, the wife of former City Mayor Bo Kaztakian. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding attendance at the San Joaquin County Historical Society Museum presentation in recognition of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which is sponsoring an American 250 celebration traveling exhibit and encouraged everyone to stop by to view the exhibit.
  63. 55 Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided a brief introduction. Steve Hoslett, of Hoslett Forensics, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the forensic accounting audit of the City’s Utility deposit account, procurement card charges, and Amazon account purchases. Specific topics of discussion included project scope; Utility Testing: initial Finance Division discrepancy, consultant's discrepancy analysis, and required adjustments; Cal Card Testing: internal testing results, and Hoslett testing; Amazon Testing: Hoslett testing; and the recommendation for either hiring an internal auditor or having an external service perform an internal audit. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hoslett confirmed the accounting system is working but needs to be reconciled. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Mr. Hoslett provided information regarding the accounts which have deposits which are several years old. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Mr. Hoslett and Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the City policy requiring that deposits be held until the account is closed if proper identification is not provided due to the inability to send the account to collections if defaulted. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Mr. Hoslett provided information regarding accounts which should receive a deposit refund. In response to Mayor Yepez, Mr. Hoslett provided information regarding accounts which have held a deposit more than ten years. Mayor Yepez asked Interim City Manager Busch to look into changing the policy to return deposits after five years of service. Mr. Hoslett stated that if such a policy change was made, the system would need to be completely reprogrammed. In response to Council Member Bregman, Mr. Hoslett provided information regarding the previous analysis. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hoslett clarified that this is the only audit he performed for the City. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim City Attorney Luebberke provided information regarding provision of credit card purchase records to the public. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Mr. Hoslett and Interim City Manager Busch, provided information regarding typical annual dollar amount of Cal Card purchases and a standard number of Cal Cards issued by municipalities. Budget Manager Baker stated that a quarterly report is prepared by the State showing Cal Card use and that she will provide that to Council. Mayor Yepez requested that Council also receive the budget information for the cities shown on the report as well. In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim City Manager Busch stated that he believes having an external service perform an internal audit is a good recommendation. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that she would support an external firm performing the internal audit, with a possible transition to an internal auditor once policies are in place. In response to Lyndsy Davis, a member of the public, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding interest accrual on the funds being held for deposit on the utility accounts. No action was required by Council on this item.
  64. 57 As a follow-up to the February 4, 2026 Council meeting, Revenue Manager Tarra Sumner provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding credit card convenience fees. Specific topics of discussion included overview, current payment vendors, current convenience fee costs, convenience fee costs by department, front counter payments by type, online/kiosk payments by type, what other cities do, options, and staff recommendation. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Revenue Manager Sumner provided information regarding cost recovery by different vendors. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Revenue Manager Sumner confirmed local businesses are recovering credit card convenience fees from customers. In response to Mayor Yepez, Revenue Manager Sumner provided information on the amount of convenience fee costs in the General Fund. Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided information regarding the Electric Utility customers paying by cash or check subsidizing those who pay by credit card. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated there are other fee-free options to pay City bills. She further stated that the roll-out of the fee recovery program must let City customers know when changes are occurring and what there options are. Interim City Manager Lindsay spoke regarding working with the vendors and potentially having a start date date of the new fiscal year. Lyndsy Davis, a member of the public, spoke regarding people using their credit card to pay a utility bill that they do not have cash for now also having an extra fee and the need to have a cap on the fee.
  65. 58 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Yepez, to approve Option 3: full cost recovery of credit card convenience fees. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
  66. 60 Interim Community Development Director Cynthia Marsh provided a brief introduction. Senior Community Improvement Officer Jonique Andrews provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding a potential amendment to Lodi Municipal Code Section 9.18.045 (Vendor Permit Caps). Specific topics of discussion included food truck vendor caps policy and impacts, key issues, policy options, key considerations, policy tradeoffs, and request for staff direction. Amar Ali, a member of the public, spoke in favor of raising or removing the cap. Roger Khan, a member of the public, spoke in favor of approving certain ethnic food vendors. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke in favor of having no cap, but stated hours and location need to be considered. In response to Interim Community Development Director Marsh, Council Member Craig-Hensley provided clarification regarding her preferred restrictions. In response to Council Member Bregman, Senior Community Improvement Officer Andrews provided information regarding this code's application for vendors on private property only and removal of the cap would not change that; vending in the public right-of-way is managed through the Public Works Department. Council Member Bregman spoke in favor of keeping vendors on private property. Council Member Craig-Hensley concurred with Council Member Bregman. Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan clarified that there was an old encroachment permit for the Post Office Plaza but stated the Public Works Department's preference is not to have vendors in the public right-of-way. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding the benefit of having more permit availability is the decrease in un-permitted, illegal activity. Council Member Nakanishi spoke in favor of having no cap, as long as vendors are not permitted in residential areas. Mayor Yepez clarified that the preference is to remove the cap and regulate through zoning. Interim City Manager Busch stated that it is sometimes helpful to have a one-year pilot program when making changes to current policy. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Interim City Manager Busch provided information regarding the approximate timeline for an ordinance change and the potential for those on the waiting list to be able to become temporarily permitted before the ordinance takes effect. Mayor Yepez concurred with Council Member Craig-Hensley regarding those vendors who have been on the waiting list. Mr. Ali spoke regarding those vendors who have been on the waiting list. Christopher Anderson, a member of the public, spoke regarding an incremental increase in permits to avoid over-saturation. Interim Community Development Director Marsh clarified that Council direction is to limit hours and locations, specifically the Downtown mixed-use area except for the Main Street corridor, potentially east of the tracks where there are fewer restaurants available, with exceptions for events, and introducing this as a one-year pilot program, and removal of the cap. Council Member Bregman spoke against having a pilot program due to the potential of shutting down businesses. Council Member Craig-Hensley concurred with Council Member Bregman but spoke in favor of a review in one year. In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim Community Development Director Marsh gave an estimate of late for September for the ordinance to take effect. Interim City Manager Busch stated that the process outlined by Interim Community Director Marsh is mandated by State law but there is the potential for those businesses on the wait list to begin vending in June, following the Planning Commission approval, as he had outlined earlier.
  67. 63 There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.