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January 7, 2026 ·7:00 PM Final

Carnegie Forum 305 West Pine Street, Lodi

Agenda PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 64 items

  1. C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
  2. C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
  3. C-2 Announcement of Closed Session
  4. 2 The City Council Closed Session meeting of January 7, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi at 6:35 p.m. Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi Absent: Mayor Yepez Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and Deputy City Clerk Ditmore
  5. a) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS – Prospective Sale of Real Property Located at 350 N. Washington St. (APN 041-240-28); the Negotiating Parties are James Lindsay, Interim City Manager, for the City of Lodi and Cody Diede, Diede Construction, Inc., per Government Code 54956.8.
  6. 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)
  7. c) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2). Two cases.
  8. C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
  9. 7 6:55 p.m. Invocation/Call to Civic Responsibility.
  10. 8 NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL COMMENCE NO SOONER THAN 7:00 P.M.
  11. 8 At 6:36 p.m., Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
  12. C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
  13. A. Call to Order / Roll Call
  14. 10 At 7:11 p.m., Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Lucchesi that there was no reportable action.
  15. B. Presentations
  16. B.1 Presentation of Non-Profit Allocation Check to Wrestling Booster Club of Tokay High (CLK) 26-013
  17. 12 Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi Absent: Mayor Yepez Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and Deputy City Clerk Ditmore
  18. C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action) approved
  19. C.1 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Five-Year Substation Maintenance and Inspection Agreement with Substation Solutions LLC of Woodland, CA ($278,000) (EU) 26-016
  20. C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Return of Bid to Apparent Low Bidder (Paine Construction, Inc.) for the Parking Structure Stair Re-sealing Project Due to Substantial Bidding Error and Awarding Contract to the Second Lowest Bidder, Waterproofing Associates, Inc. of Lodi ($76,980) (PW) 26-002
  21. 15 Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi presented a Non-Profit Allocation Check to the members of the Wrestling Booster Club of Tokay.
  22. C.3 Adopt a Resolution Approving an Emergency Condition Declaration that Required the Immediate Replacement of the two (2) Police Station Boilers (Heaters), Approving Associated Amendment No. 6 ($120,000) to Professional Services Agreement with ICR Refrigeration, Inc., of Lodi, for On-Call Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Services, and Ratifying the Interim City Manager Approval of Increased Expenses (PW) 26-005
  23. C.4 Adopt a Resolution Accepting Public Improvements of Gateway South Neighborhood Park and Authorize Interim City Manager to Execute Landscape Maintenance Agreement (PW) 26-007
  24. 17 Council Member Bregman made a motion, second by Council Member Craig-Hensley, 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, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi Noes: None Absent:Mayor Yepez
  25. C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with WGR Southwest, Inc., of Los Alamitos, for Stormwater Support Services in the Amount of $81,806, for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $298,574 (PW) 26-008
  26. C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with Bickford Ventures Inc., dba Division 01 Construction Management Services of Lodi, for Construction Management Services for the City of Lodi Animal Shelter Project, Extending the Contract by Eight (8) Months (PW) 26-017
  27. 19 This item was pulled by Gene Redding, a member of the public, for separate discussion. Mr. Redding stated that this item is for a no-bid, non-competitive contract, and he had concerns with the length of the contract being for five years and questioned what other vendors had the opportunity to bid. In response to the member of the public, Electric Utility Director Jeff Berkheimer provided information on the process Electric Utility used to pick the current contractor. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that with the State allowing sole-source contracts and the Electric Utility Department exercising due diligence, she supports moving the item forward as is on the Consent Calendar. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-01 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a five-year Substation Maintenance and Inspection Agreement with Substation Solutions, LLC, of Woodland, CA, in the amount of$278,000.
  28. C.7 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 4 to Professional Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., of Walnut Creek, for Progressive Design Build Construction Documents for White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Solids Handling Equipment Procurement and Installation Project (PW) 26-019
  29. C.8 Accept Improvements Under Contract for On-Call Well and Pump Repair (PW) 26-003
  30. 21 This item was pulled by Gene Redding, a member of the public, for separate discussion. Mr. Redding expressed concern regarding the difference in price between the apparent low bidder and the second lowest bidder and suggested rebidding the item. Interim City Manager Lindsay clarified that the apparent low bidder, Paine Construction, did with draw their bid. Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding the bid received from the City's standby roofing contractor, decision to put the project out to bid, the specialized work involved, the low bidder's withdrawal of their bid due to an error, and the recommended bid being 25% lower than the City's on-call contractor. Council Member Craig-Hensley voiced her support of a Lodi company being awarded the contract. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-02 authorizing the return of the bid to the apparent low bidder (Paine Construction, Inc.) for the Parking Structure Stair Re-sealing Project due to substantial bidding error and awarding the contract to the second lowest bidder, Waterproofing Associates, Inc., of Lodi, in the amount of$76,980.
  31. C.9 Accept Improvements Under Contract for 2025 Extruded Traffic Stripes (PW) 26-004
  32. C.10 Post for Vacancies on the Library Board of Trustees and an Expired Term on the Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee (SPARC) (CLK) 26-020
  33. 23 This item was pulled by Gene Redding, a member of the public, for separate discussion. Mr. Redding spoke regarding the emergency bidding takes away the competitive safeguards in bidding. Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding the background of the Police Station boilers, no heat the Police Department or jail for the past two to three weeks, closure of the jail due to failure to meet temperature conditions, the City's on-call HVAC contractor's ability to obtain two boilers, Interim City Manager's approval, and the cost difference between original project Capital improvement project cost and the emergency cost. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Police Captain Eric Versteeg provided information regarding the closure of the jail. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-03 approving an emergency condition declaration that required the immediate replacement of the two (2) Police Station boilers (heaters), approving associated Amendment No. 6, in the amount of $120,000, to the Professional Services Agreement with ICR Refrigeration, Inc., of Lodi, for on-call heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, and ratifying the Interim City Manager approval of increased expenses.
  34. 24 page break
  35. D. Comments by the Public on Non-Agenda Items
  36. 25 Adopted Resolution No. 2026-04 accepting the Public Improvements of Gateway South.
  37. 26 THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON-AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
  38. E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non-Agenda Items
  39. 27 This item was pulled by Gene Redding, a member of the public, for separate discussion. Mr. Redding expressed concern regarding the amendments and extension on Professional Service Agreements rather than rebidding. Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information (applicable to Items C.5, C.6, and C.7) regarding contracts for on-call services, particularly those having to do with regulatory filings. Interim City Manager Lindsay provided additional information (applicable to Items C.5, C.6, and C.7) regarding the five-year provision within the City's Procurement Code. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-05 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with WGR Southwest, Inc., of Los Alamitos, for stormwater support services, in the amount of $81,806, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $298,574.
  40. F. Public Hearings
  41. F.1 Public Hearing to Waive the First Reading and Introduce an Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 15.44 “Off-Site Improvements and Dedications,” by updating Section 15.44.040 “Exemption or Deferment” (PW) 26-010
  42. 29 This item was pulled by Gene Redding, a member of the public, for separate discussion. Mr. Redding expressed concern regarding the amendments and extension on Professional Service Agreements rather than rebidding. Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information (applicable to Items C.5, C.6, and C.7) regarding contracts for on-call services, particularly those having to do with regulatory filings. Interim City Manager Lindsay provided additional information (applicable to Items C.5, C.6, and C.7) regarding the five-year provision within the City's Procurement Code. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Council Member Bregman recused himself and left the dais for the vote on this item. Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-06 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Bickford Ventures, Inc., dba Division 01 Construction Management Services of Lodi, for construction management services for the City of Lodi Animal Shelter Project, extending the contract by eight (8) months. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi Noes: None Absent: Mayor Yepez *Council Member Bregman recused himself from the vote on this item.
  43. F.2 Public Hearing to Waive the First Reading and Introduce an Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 “City Manager” by Revising Section 2.12.050 “Removal” (CM) 26-024
  44. G. Regular Calendar - None
  45. 31 This item was pulled by Gene Redding, a member of the public, for separate discussion. Mr. Redding expressed concern regarding the amendments and extension on Professional Service Agreements rather than rebidding. Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information (applicable to Items C.5, C.6, and C.7) regarding contracts for on-call services, particularly those having to do with regulatory filings. Interim City Manager Lindsay provided additional information (applicable to Items C.5, C.6, and C.7) regarding the five-year provision within the City's Procurement Code. This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-07 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., of Walnut Creek, for progressive design build construction documents for the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Solids Handling Equipment Procurement and Installation Project.
  46. H. Ordinances
  47. H.1 Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2035 Repealing and Replacing Lodi Municipal Code, Section 13.20.020 - Energy Theft Diversion/Field Services Fee Recovery (CLK) 26-022
  48. 33 Accepted the improvements under the contract for on-call well and pump repair.
  49. H.2 Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2036 Amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 1 (General Provisions) Chapter 1.10 “Administrative Enforcement Provision” and Title 6 (Animals) Section 6.04.030 “Redemption of Impounded Animals”; Chapter 6.08 “Prohibited Animals”; Section 6.12.010 “License-Required”; Section 6.12.060 “Vaccination-Required-Certificate-Exceptions”; Section 6.12.070 “Business of Breeding or Raising”; Section 6.12.110 “Animal Noise”; Section 6.12.120 “Animals at Large”; Section 6.12.150 “Mandatory Microchipping of Dogs and Cats”; Section 6.14.020 “Sanitation of Premises”; Section 6.14.030 “Removal of Animal Waste”; Section 6.14.050 “Management of Cat Population; Permitted Acts”; Section 6.15.010 “Definitions”; and Section 6.15.020 “Behavior Prohibited” (CLK) 26-023
  50. H.3 Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinances No. 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, and 2043 of the 2025 California Building Code, California Existing Building Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, Green Building Standard Code, and Fire Code (CLK) 26-021
  51. 35 Accepted the improvements under the contract for the 2025 Extruded Traffic Stripes.
  52. I. Adjournment
  53. 37 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  54. 37 Directed the City Clerk to post for the following vacancies and expiring term. POSTINGS: Library Board of Trustees Frank Kooger – Term to expire July 1, 2027 Caitlin Casey – Term to expire July 1, 2027 Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee (SPARC) Scott Hamilton – Term to expire January 1, 2030
  55. 39 Stefan Sekula, a member of the public, spoke regarding the three properties he owns on North Sacramento Street and the negative impact on the neighborhood from the temporary Access Center. Major Pro Tempore Hothi requested that Captain Versteeg meet with Mr. Sekula following the meeting and report back to Council. Council Member Craig-Hensley also requested that Captain Versteeg provide information regarding the status of parking permit enforcement in the area. In response to Council Member Bregman, Interim City Manager Lindsay stated an update on the Safety Ambassador Program would be included in the mid-year budget discussions. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided information regarding the Committee on Homelessness and their involvement in abatement issues. Council Member Bregman stated he would be attending the Committee on Homelessness meeting tomorrow. Police Captain Kevin Kent provided an update on Community Liaison Shadman's activities, recent cleanup on Lodi Avenue and Sacramento Street, and vehicle abatement ticketing. Armando Valerio, San Joaquin County Delta College Trustee for Area 5, introduced himself as the local representative and provided supplemental documents. He further stated that he works full-time as a physical therapist for children, and provided information regarding the third annual fundraiser to support Shriners Children's Hospital. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Trustee Valerio stated Delta College is working with San Joaquin County Building and Construction Trades Council to provide job training.
  56. 41 Council Member Craig-Hensley requested that the City Clerk provide Council with any pending non-profit grant requests.
  57. 44 Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi called for the public hearing to waive the first reading and introduce an Ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 15.44 “Off-Site Improvements and Dedications,” by updating Section 15.44.040 “Exemption or Deferment.” Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the amendment of Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 15.44 “Off-Site Improvements and Dedications,” by updating Section 15.44.040 “Exemption or Deferment. Specific topics of discussion included Lodi Municipal Code (LMC) potential changes regarding off-site improvements; follow up to November 19, 2025 Council meeting where direction was given to increase the LMC threshold from $75,400 to $150,000; background; and recommendation. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan clarified the adjusted building permit threshold will be $150,000, so permits which are less than $150,000 will not trigger the off-site improvements requirement. He further provided information regarding what is included in off-site improvements. Interim City Manager Lindsay stated that streamlining the permit process is among Council's top priorities and this is a definitive action being taken that will significantly reduce the time taken to receive a building permit for projects below the $150,000 threshold. Council Member Nakanishi expressed his support for this item. Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi opened the public hearing for public comment at 7:45 p.m. There being no public comments, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
  58. 45 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2044 amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 15.44 “Off-Site Improvements and Dedications,” by updating Section 15.44.040 “Exemption or Deferment.” 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: None Absent: Mayor Yepez NOTE: Due to technical issues, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi verbally voted in favor of the item. NOTE: Deputy City Clerk Ditmore noted that Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi's votes at this meeting are showing as Mayor Yepez on the screen due to his placement on this dais in Mayor Yepez's absence, but the record will reflect the actual vote.
  59. 47 Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi called for the public hearing to waive the first reading and introduce an Ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 “City Manager” by revising Section 2.12.050 “Removal.” Interim City Manager Lindsay provided a presentation regarding the amendment of Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 “City Manager” by revising Section 2.12.050 “Removal.”. Specific topics of discussion included background, reduction in the process for the removal of the City Manager from 30 days(+) to 10 days, and recommendation of a provision that allows an additional time period of 90 days directly following a City Council election whereby it would require a larger voting threshold (4/5th vote) to remove a City Manager at will. Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi opened the public hearing for public comment at 7:48 p.m. There being no public comments, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
  60. 48 Council Member Bregman made a motion, second by Council Member Craig-Hensley, to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2045 amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 “City Manager” by revising Section 2.12.050 “Removal.” 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: None Absent: Mayor Yepez
  61. 52 Council Member Nakanishi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig-Hensley, (following reading of the title) to waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print Ordinance No. 2035 repealing and replacing Lodi Municipal Code, Section 13.20.020, "Energy Theft Diversion/Field Services Fee Recovery" which was introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held December 17, 2025. 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: None Absent: Mayor Yepez
  62. 54 Deputy City Clerk Ditmore provided a brief presentation regarding Ordinance No. 2036. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding Section Section 6.12.060 "Vaccination-Required-Certificate-Exceptions." Maria, a member of the public, spoke regarding the ritualistic killing of animals in Lodi. Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman,(following reading of the title) to waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print Ordinance No. 2036 amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 1 (General Provisions) Chapter 1.10 “Administrative Enforcement Provision” and Title 6 (Animals) Section 6.04.030 “Redemption of Impounded Animals”; Chapter 6.08 “Prohibited Animals”; Section 6.12.010 “License-Required”; Section 6.12.060 “Vaccination-Required-Certificate-Exceptions”; Section 6.12.070 “Business of Breeding or Raising”; Section 6.12.110 “Animal Noise”; Section 6.12.120 “Animals at Large”; Section 6.12.150 “Mandatory Microchipping of Dogs and Cats”; Section 6.14.020 “Sanitation of Premises”; Section 6.14.030 “Removal of Animal Waste”; Section 6.14.050 “Management of Cat Population; Permitted Acts”; Section 6.15.010 “Definitions”; and Section 6.15.020 “Behavior Prohibited," which was introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held December 17, 2025. 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: None Absent: Mayor Yepez
  63. 56 Council Member Bregman made a motion, second by Council Member Craig-Hensley, (following reading of the title) to waive reading of the ordinances in full and adopt and order to print Ordinances No. 2037, 2038, 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042, and 2043 of the 2025 California Building Code, California Existing Building Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, Green Building Standard Code, and Fire Code which were introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held December 17, 2025. 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: None Absent: Mayor Yepez
  64. 58 There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.