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City Council

February 4, 2026 ·7:00 PM Final

Carnegie Forum 305 West Pine Street, Lodi

Agenda PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 55 items

  1. C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
  2. C-2 Announcement of Closed Session
  3. 2 The City Council Closed Session meeting of February 4, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 6:34 p.m. Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Yepez, Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed NOTE: Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi arrived at 6:35 p.m.
  4. a) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b). One Position: Interim City Manager.
  5. b) CONFERENCE ON LABOR NEGOTIATIONS – Regarding International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Lodi City Mid-Management Association, AFSCME General Services and Maintenance & Operators, Police Mid-Managers, Lodi Police Officers Association, Lodi Police Dispatchers Association, Lodi Professional Firefighters, Lodi Fire Mid-Management, Confidential General Services, Confidential Mid-Managers, Executive Managers, and Appointed Employees, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6 (HR)
  6. c) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2). Two cases.
  7. C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
  8. 7 6:55 p.m. Invocation/Call to Civic Responsibility.
  9. 8 NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL COMMENCE NO SOONER THAN 7:00 P.M.
  10. 8 At 6:34 p.m., Mayor Yepez adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
  11. C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
  12. A. Call to Order / Roll Call
  13. 10 At 7:04 p.m., Mayor Yepez reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Lucchesi disclosed that there was no reportable action.
  14. B. Presentations - None
  15. C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
  16. 12 The Regular City Council meeting of February 4, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 7:07 p.m. Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez Absent: None Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
  17. C.1 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Approve Amendment No. 2 to Patrick Clark Consulting, a Sole Proprietorship, for Labor Relations Consulting Services and Increasing the Agreement by Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000) for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000) (IS-HR) 26-045
  18. C.2 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Lodi Lake North Restroom Restoration Project (PRCS) 26-014
  19. C.3 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement with United Site Services, Inc. of California for Portable Restroom Services at Various City Parks By $10,000 for a Total Not To Exceed Amount of $136,826 (PRCS) 26-018
  20. 15 Council Member Bregman made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, to approve the following items hereinafter set forth, except those otherwise noted, 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, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None Absent: None
  21. C.4 Adopt a Resolution Approving Updates to the City of Lodi Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PW) 26-040
  22. C.5 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Rental and Cleaning of Uniforms for Certain Field and Warehouse Employees (PW) 26-033
  23. 17 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-10 authorizing the Interim City Manager to approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Patrick Clark Consulting, a Sole Proprietorship, for labor relations consulting services and increasing the agreement by $60,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $120,000.
  24. C.6 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $15,870 from District 1 Non-Profit Funds to Lodi Sister City Committee (Total $15,870) (CLK) 26-067
  25. C.7 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $4,130 from District 1 Non-Profit Funds to Lodi Boys and Girls Club (Total $4,130) (CLK) 26-068
  26. 19 Accepted the improvements under the contract for the Lodi Lake North Restroom Restoration.
  27. C.8 Post for a Vacancy and an Expiring Term on the Lodi Improvement Committee (CLK) 26-060
  28. C.9 Set Public Hearing for February 18, 2026 to Consider Introduction of Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 “Electrical Service” Section 13.20.240 Schedule G1-General Service-Group 1 Commercial/Industrial and Section 13.20.250 Schedule G2-General Service-Group 2 Commercial/Industrial (EU) 26-047
  29. 21 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-11 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the agreement with United Site Services, Inc., of California, for portable restroom services at various City parks by $10,000, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $136,826.
  30. D. Comments by the Public on Non-Agenda Items
  31. 23 THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON-AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
  32. 23 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-12 approving the updates to the City of Lodi Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.
  33. E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non-Agenda Items
  34. F. Public Hearings - None
  35. 25 Approved the specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for the rental and cleaning of uniforms for certain field and warehouse employees.
  36. G. Regular Calendar
  37. G.1 Receive Update from Lodi Senior Citizens Commission (PRCS) 26-015
  38. 27 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-13 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds in the amount of $15,870 from District 1 Non-Profit Funds to Lodi Sister City Committee.
  39. G.2 Receive Report and Adopt a Resolution Approving Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Adjustments; and Approving the Addition of One Police Officer, One Senior Billing Specialist, One Management Analyst - Confidential, and a Senior Plans Examiner; Deletion of One Customer Service Representative and One Health and Safety Specialist, and the Reclassification of a Deputy City Clerk to an Assistant City Clerk and Program Manager to a Recreation Manager; and Adopt Updates to the Budget and Fiscal Policy (IS - Budget) 26-048
  40. G.3 Adopt a Resolution Awarding Operation of the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter to the Council-Selected Operator, of Outreach Ministries International, Inc., Based on Ranking and Recommendation Provided by the Evaluation Committee, and Authorizing City Staff to Negotiate an Agreement and Return to City Council for Final Contract Approval (CD) 26-026
  41. 29 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-14 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds in the amount of $4,130 from District 1 Non-Profit Funds to Lodi Boys and Girls Club.
  42. H. Ordinances - None
  43. I. Adjournment
  44. 31 Directed the City Clerk to post for the following vacancy and expiring term. POSTINGS: Lodi Improvement Committee Vacancy – Term to expire March 1, 2028 Janavi Sharma – Term to expire March 1, 2026
  45. 32 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.facebook.com/CityofLodi/. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  46. 33 Set a public hearing for February 18, 2026, to consider the introduction of an ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 “Electrical Service,” Section 13.20.240 Schedule G1-General Service-Group 1 Commercial/Industrial and Section 13.20.250 Schedule G2-General Service-Group 2 Commercial/Industrial.
  47. 35 Clare Bhakta, of Open Innovation Centers, provided supplemental documents and 3D printed dragon and spoke regarding their educational non-profit center which specializes in new collar skills, which are high-tech skills that do not require four-year degrees. Diane Nantt, a member of the public, spoke regarding acknowledgement of the people who are doing a great job cleaning the Downtown sidewalks. Tara Valone, member of the public, spoke regarding traffic issues in her neighborhood near Elm Street and Mills Avenue. In response to Ms. Valone, Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding current measures being taken by the City and asked that the Traffic Division further investigate the issues and the Police Department increase monitoring in the area. Andrew Avina, representing the NorCal Science and Technology Festival, spoke regarding their upcoming 10th annual event. Aaron VanNortwick, representing the Lodi Parks and Recreation Commission, spoke regarding Lawrence Park. In response to Mr. VanNortwick, Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding a recent Town Hall meeting that discussed Lawrence Park, the importance of Lawrence Park to the community, the community's support of the Police Department presence in the park with various training exercises, and an upcoming survey of the community's vision for the park. She stated that she feels the efforts underway with the Legion Hall are a positive change for the location.
  48. 37 Interim City Manager Lindsay introduced the new IT Manager, Joe Caswell. At Mayor Yepez's invitation, Mr. Caswell spoke briefly to Council. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding the recent Town Hall meeting regarding Lawrence Park, her participation in Grape Day, and her attendance at the recent San Joaquin Council of Governments and CENCAL Fire and EMS Authority meetings.
  49. 41 Dr. Joseph Woelfel provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding an update from the Lodi Senior Citizens Commission. Specific topics of discussion included function of Lodi Senior Commission, goal and accomplishment of a senior social cafe at LOEL Senior Center, commission action in response to concerns, recap of Senior Cafes held in 2025, ongoing aligned accomplishments, senior resource guide, senior programs and services, review of 2025-2026 California Master Plan for Aging Initiatives, upcoming presentations, advocating for seniors, and introduction of Commission members. In response to Mayor Yepez, Dr. Woelfel confirmed the date and time of the next Senior Cafe. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Dr. Woelfel provided information on the walkability program. Council Member Craig-Hensley commended the Senior Citizens Commission for aligning their efforts with the Council's Strategic Vision and asked that Council receive a copy of correspondence to the City Manager regarding needs of the Commission. No Council action was required on this item.
  50. 43 Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding Fiscal Year 2025-26 mid-year budget adjustments; and the addition of one Police Officer, one Senior Billing Specialist, one Management Analyst - Confidential, and a Senior Plans Examiner; deletion of one Customer Service Representative and one Health and Safety Specialist, and the reclassification of a Deputy City Clerk to an Assistant City Clerk and Program Manager to a Recreation Manager; and updates to the Budget and Fiscal Policy. Specific topics of discussion included overview, mid-year objective, budget background, mid-year review, General Fund mid-year revenue, General Fund mid-year expenses, General Fund mid-year Capital, other funds mid-year revenue, other mid-year expenses, Electric Utility mid-year Capital, personnel mid-year adjustments, and the requested action. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 PERS and PARS liability. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the account holding the funds for the FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 liability. Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke regarding a presentation at the Finance Committee by the PARS representatives and there has been a great return on investment. He further stated that the dollars in these funds should be with local banking institutions to keep the dollars local. Council Member Craig-Hensley concurred with Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi. In response to Council Member Bregman, Interim City Manager Lindsay stated at the next Council meeting, the quarterly investment report will be presented which provides information on the money the City has invested. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Interim City Manager Lindsay provided information regarding the City's investment advisor. In response to Mayor Yepez, Fire Chief Ken Johnson provided information regarding the Assistance to Fire Grant (AFG) which the City received to send Fire employees to paramedic school. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding bank services charges for credit card and online payment fees. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Revenue Manager Tarra Sumner provided information regarding the recouping of credit card fees from customers. In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim City Manager Lindsay stated that staff is already planning to bring an item to Council regarding credit card fees. In response to Mayor Yepez, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Director Christina Jaromay provided information on the Beckman Park cricket lighting and field improvements project. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, PRCS Director Jaromay provided information regarding the funds received from San Joaquin County for the skate park. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that she has spoken with Supervisor Ding and the County is fine with the funds for the skate park going towards repairs at the skate park and that $25,000 from somewhere else should go towards the Beckman Park cricket lighting. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Budget Manager Baker and Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding the increase in revenue from water and wastewater. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Budget Manager Baker and Community Development Director John Della Monica provided information regarding the Comprehensive General Plan as a Capital project. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Budget Manager Baker and Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding expenses for Transit building repairs. In response to Council Member Bregman and Council Member Craig-Hensley, Budget Manager Baker and PRCS Director Jaromay provided information regarding the non-General Fund positions in Parks. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the position of Risk Management Analyst. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the requirements for the position of Health and Safety Specialist and the difficulty in recruiting for this position. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Community Development Director Della Monica provided information regarding the position of Senior Plans Examiner and the cost saving over the current use of contractors. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding the implementation of the Economic Development Plan, revisiting the business tax, reinvesting in the business community, and having the business community address the business tax to fund economic development. Interim City Manager Lindsay provided information regarding the next steps for exploring the business tax. Mayor Yepez commended staff for thinking outside the box in working on the mid-year budget.
  51. 44 Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig-Hensley, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-15 approving Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year budget adjustments; approving the addition of one Police Officer, one Senior Billing Specialist, one Management Analyst - Confidential, and a Senior Plans Examiner; deletion of one Customer Service Representative and one Health and Safety Specialist, and the reclassification of a Deputy City Clerk to an Assistant City Clerk and Program Manager to a Recreation Manager; and adopting updates to the Budget and Fiscal Policy. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None Absent: None
  52. 46 Due to technical issues with the PowerPoint presentation on Item G.2, Council Member Bregman made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, to amend the agenda to hear Item G.3 before Item G.2. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None Absent: None Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding awarding the operation of the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter to the Council-selected operator, of Outreach Ministries International, Inc., based on ranking and recommendation provided by the Evaluation Committee. Specific topics of discussion included purpose of presentation, Access Center operating request for proposals (RFP), RFP overview, summary of wraparound services, RFP timelines, proposals received, Evaluation Committee members, Evaluation Committee communication and participation, evaluation criteria, scoring and interviews, evaluation highlights, scoring summary, comparison of top three proposers, and staff recommendation. At Mayor Yepez's suggestion, public comments were received before Council comments. Chris Rieck, a member of the public, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Keymia Nen, a member of the public, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Maria Elena Serna, President of the Breakthrough Project for Social Justice, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Jeff McEachron, a member of the public, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Kathryn Siddle, a member of the public active in service to the homeless, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Marvin Bryant, of the Lodi Committee on Homelessness, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Dennis Buettner, a homeless outreach worker, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Annette DePauli, a homeless worker at Adventist Health, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Johnny Coughran, Director of the Lodi Access Center, spoke in support of Outreach Ministries International. Suzie Endow, a member of the Breakthrough Project, spoke regarding the need for homeless people who go into rehab programs to be able to foster their animals during that time. Further, she commended the job that the Animal Shelter is doing. Oskar Schwollinger, a member of the public, spoke in favor of Outreach Ministries International. Kenneth Huntley, a member of the public, spoke via Zoom in favor of Outreach Ministries International. An unidentified member of the public spoke in favor of Outreach Ministries International. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke in favor of Outreach Ministries International. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Jason McEachron, of Outreach Ministries International, provided information regarding the transition of clients out of the Access Center. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding the temporary Access Center being under-budget last year and currently under-budget for this year. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne and San Joaquin County Health Care Services Director Genevieve Valentine provided information regarding required tracking with San Joaquin County operating a clinic within the Access Center. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding current budget authority and AARPa funds. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Access Center Director Johnny Coughran provided information regarding staffing necessary for outreach efforts to those in need and to the business community and the formation of a neighborhood coalition for public input. Director Valentine provided additional information regarding the Access Center budget. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Director Valentine provided information regarding Proposition 1 funding. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne confirmed that funding is available for operational costs for the first year. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding the old animal having a possible role for temporary housing for animals as their owners are going through this transition. Neighborhood Services Manager Rhynes noted that the Lodi Committee on Homelessness has been discussing the establishment of a foster system for that. Council Member Bregman spoke regarding the number of people who have been transitioned through the temporary Access Center and acknowledged the people in the audience who have served at the temporary Access Center. In response to Council Member Bregman, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding Lodi's Point in Time Count. Council Member Nakanishi thanked Outreach Ministries International for the service they are performing and acknowledge the work of Salvation Army at Hope Harbor. Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke regarding Johnny Coughran's commitment to the homeless and commended the Salvation Army regarding their collaboration to provide services to the homeless and their service to the community. In response to Mayor Yepez, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne, Mr. McEachron, Director Valentine, and San Joaquin County Supervisor Steve Ding provided information regarding operation funding, alternative plans should funding no longer be available, and grant funding requirements for length of operation. Mayor Yepez stated he supports the Salvation Army for the contract.
  53. 47 Council Member Bregman made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-16 awarding operation of the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter to the Council-selected operator, of Outreach Ministries International, Inc., based on ranking and recommendation provided by the evaluation committee, and authorizing City staff to negotiate an agreement and return to City Council for final contract approval. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi Noes: Mayor Yepez Absent: None
  54. 50 There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:06 p.m.
  55. 51 ATTEST: Olivia Nashed City Clerk