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October 15, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

Carnegie Forum 305 West Pine Street, Lodi

Agenda PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 74 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 October 15, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 6:37 p.m. Present: Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Hothi, and Mayor Bregman Absent: Council Member Nakanishi and Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed NOTE: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez arrived at 6:42 p.m.
  4. a) 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)
  5. C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
  6. 5 6:55 p.m. Invocation/Call to Civic Responsibility.
  7. 6 NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL COMMENCE NO SOONER THAN 7:00 P.M.
  8. 6 At 6:37 p.m., Mayor Bregman adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
  9. C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
  10. A. Call to Order / Roll Call
  11. 8 At 7:06 p.m., Mayor Bregman reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Lucchesi disclosed that there was no reportable action.
  12. B. Presentations
  13. B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of October 19-25 as Friends of the Library Week in Lodi (LIB) 25-381
  14. 10 The Regular City Council meeting of October 15, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 7:09 p.m. Present: Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Absent: Council Member Nakanishi Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
  15. B.2 Certificate of Recognition Presented to Wat Khmer Temple Association for the First Southeast Asian Festival in Lodi (CLK) 25-424
  16. B.3 Recognition of “Mayor for a Day” Contest Winners and Participants (CLK) 25-423
  17. B.4 Presentation of Recognition to Retiring Public Works Director, Charles E. Swimley, Jr. (CLK) 25-436
  18. 13 Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Friends of the Lodi Library President Kathryn Siddle proclaiming the week of October 19-25 as Friends of the Library Week in the City of Lodi.
  19. B.5 Proclamation Proclaiming Lodi the Zinfandel Capital of the World (CLK) 25-437
  20. C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
  21. 15 Mayor Bregman presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Southeast Asian Night Market Committee in honor of the first Southeast Asian Festival in the City of Lodi.
  22. C.1 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Accept a Donation from the Dona Dorothy Platt Trust in the Amount of $1,000 for the Lodi Public Library and Appropriate Funds (LIB) 25-383
  23. C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Chief of Police to Execute the Second Amendment to the Shelter Services Agreement with the Regents of the University of California and Appropriating Funds ($3,000) (PD) 25-363
  24. 17 Mayor Bregman recognized the “Mayor for a Day” contest winners and participants. He presented Certificates of Participation to Elsie Kuykendall, Eeshika Bhakta, Oliver Yee, Brooklyn Harrell, Connie Howen, and Gracie Balonas; Honorable Mention to Nora Daley; Third Place to Jesse Granados; Second Place to Brayan Martinez; and First Place to Georgia Merritt.
  25. C.3 Adopt a Resolution Approving City of Lodi 2025 Sewer System Management Plan Update (PW) 25-330
  26. C.4 Adopt a Resolution Awarding Contract for Lodi Police Department Training Facility Phase 1 Project to A.M. Stephens Construction Co., Inc., of Lodi, and Authorizing the Acting City Manager to Execute Change Orders ($768,816.21) (PW) 25-421
  27. 19 Mayor Bregman recognized retiring Public Works Director Charles E. Swimley, Jr., and presented him with a key to the City. Water Plant Superintendent Travis Kahrs thanked Public Works Director Swimley for his service to the department and the community.
  28. C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Improvement Agreement for the 620 South Central Avenue Public Improvements (PW) 25-412
  29. C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager to Execute 3-Year Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., of Redlands, for Geographic Information System Software ($180,900) (PW) 25-413
  30. 21 Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Allison Champion, of the Winegrape Commission, proclaiming Lodi the Zinfandel Capital of the World.
  31. C.7 Adopt a Resolution Appropriating Funds for SJCOG Cycle 2 Non-Competitive Project - Lodi Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancement Project ($258,000) (PW) 25-414
  32. C.8 Accept Improvements Under Contract for 2024 Lodi Lake Improvement Project (PW) 25-409
  33. 23 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member 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 Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
  34. C.9 Accept Protocol Account Report from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025 (CLK) 25-420
  35. C.10 Appoint Gary Woehl to the Lodi Finance Committee (CLK) 25-432
  36. 25 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-177 authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation from the Dona Dorothy Platt Trust in the amount of $1,000 for the Lodi Public Library and appropriating funds.
  37. D. Comments by the Public on Non-Agenda Items
  38. 27 THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON-AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
  39. 27 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-178 authorizing the Chief of Police to execute the Second Amendment to the Shelter Services Agreement with the Regents of the University of California and appropriating funds in the amount of $3,000.
  40. E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non-Agenda Items
  41. F. Public Hearings
  42. 29 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-179 approving the City of Lodi 2025 Sewer System Management Plan Update.
  43. F.1 Public Hearing for October 15, 2025 to Consider Waiving the First Reading and Introducing an Ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 15 (Building and Construction) Chapter 15.25, Title 17 (Development Code) Sections 17.18.040 (Residential zoning district general development standards), 17.20.030 (Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.22.030 (Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements), 17.24.030 (Industrial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.32.040 (Number of parking spaces required), 17.36.130 (Accessory dwelling units), 17.36.220 (Tobacco retailer establishments), 17.36.230 (Alcoholic beverage sales), 17.36.240 (Problem uses), 17.40.020 (Site plan and architectural approval), 17.40.050 (Variances and administrative deviations), 17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-07 Z; CEQA Status: Exempt per Section 15061(b)(3) - General Rule Exemption and Section 15378 as the Ordinance is not a project) (CD) 25-327
  44. G. Regular Calendar
  45. 31 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-180 awarding the contract for the Lodi Police Department Training Facility Phase 1 Project to A.M. Stephens Construction Co., Inc., of Lodi, and authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $768,816.21.
  46. G.1 Receive a Presentation from the Library Board President Regarding the Library’s Role in Investing in Our Community’s Future (LIB) 25-382
  47. G.2 Informational Presentation for American Legion Park Hazard Tree Removal and Replacement (EU) 25-391
  48. 33 This item was pulled by staff. Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez spoke regarding this item, noting that the project was in his neighborhood and has been very contentious for the past four years. He stated that the item will be included in the next agenda to allow the public the opportunity to speak.
  49. G.3 Provide Information and Receive Direction on the Lodi Electric Utility Community Benefits Incentive Discount Available to Non-Profit Entities (EU) 25-392
  50. G.4 Receive Presentation on Sidewalk Vendor Regulations and City Enforcement Practices (CA) 25-433
  51. 35 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-181 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute a three-year agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., of Redlands, for Geographic Information System Software, in the amount of $180,900.
  52. G.5 Discuss and Provide Direction to Staff Regarding Designated “No Parking” Times on Tokay Street to Address Traffic Concerns Congestion During Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times at Vinewood School (PW/PD) 25-431
  53. G.6 Provide Direction to Staff Regarding the Establishment of Volunteer/Non-Paid Position of “Wine Ambassador” (CLK) 25-434
  54. 37 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-182 appropriating funds for SJCOG Cycle 2 Non-Competitive Project - Lodi Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancement Project, in the amount of $258,000.
  55. G.7 Adopt a Resolution Repealing and Replacing Resolution No. 80-101 and Directing the City Clerk to Attend Closed Sessions of the City Council, to Keep and Enter in a Minute Book a Record of Topics Discussed and Decisions Made by the City Council (CLK) 25-417
  56. H. Ordinances - None
  57. 39 Accepted the improvements under the contract for the 2024 Lodi Lake Improvement Project.
  58. I. Adjournment
  59. 41 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLOSURE OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS Pursuant to Government Code section 84308, members of the City Council are disqualified and not able to participate in any agenda item involving contracts (other than competitively bid, labor, or personal employment contracts), franchises, discretionary land use permits and other entitlements if the Council Member received more than $500 in campaign contributions from the applicant or contractor, an agent of the applicant or contractor, or any financially interested participant who actively supports or opposes the City's decision on the agenda item within the preceding twelve (12) months. Members of the City Council who have received, and applicants, contractors or their agents who have made, campaign contributions totaling more than $500 to a Council Member within the preceding twelve (12) months are required to disclose that fact for the official record of the subject proceeding. Disclosures must include the amount of the campaign contribution and identify the recipient Council Member and may be made either in writing to the City Clerk, prior to the subject hearing or by verbal disclosure at the time of the hearing.
  60. 41 Accepted the Protocol Account Report from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.
  61. 43 This item was pulled by Council Member Craig-Hensley. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, City Nashed stated that staff has heard from Mr. Woehl and he is unable to attend but did not object to moving forward with the appointment. Directed the City Clerk to make the following appointment. APPOINTMENT: Lodi Finance Committee Gary Woehl - Term to expire November 1, 2026
  62. 45 Ruben Hernandez, a member of the public, spoke regarding problems with Waste Management. Nate Knodt, speaking as a private citizen on behalf of San Joaquin Rapid Transit District (RTD), spoke regarding a letter that originated in Lathrop which misrepresented RTD through outdated data for ridership and operating costs. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that San Joaquin Council of Governments and the Regional Rail Commission have been invited to attend the next RTD meeting.
  63. 47 Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez spoke regarding notifications from Waste Management and his attendance at Tech Week in San Francisco. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding attendance at the League of California Cities, including a sessions on General Plan updates and low-income housing tax credits, and the Chief Executive Officer search for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission. Mayor Bregman spoke regarding the new Chief Executive Officer for the Delta Water Conservancy.
  64. 50 Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Bregman called for the public hearing to consider waiving the first reading and introducing an ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 15 (Building and Construction) Chapter 15.25, Title 17 (Development Code) Sections 17.18.040 (Residential zoning district general development standards), 17.20.030 (Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.22.030 (Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements), 17.24.030 (Industrial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.32.040 (Number of parking spaces required), 17.36.130 (Accessory dwelling units), 17.36.220 (Tobacco retailer establishments), 17.36.230 (Alcoholic beverage sales), 17.36.240 (Problem uses), 17.40.020 (Site plan and architectural approval), 17.40.050 (Variances and administrative deviations), 17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-07 Z). Deputy Community Development Director Cynthia Marsh provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding introducing an ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 15 (Building and Construction) Chapter 15.25, Title 17 (Development Code) Sections 17.18.040 (Residential zoning district general development standards), 17.20.030 (Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.22.030 (Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements), 17.24.030 (Industrial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.32.040 (Number of parking spaces required), 17.36.130 (Accessory dwelling units), 17.36.220 (Tobacco retailer establishments), 17.36.230 (Alcoholic beverage sales), 17.36.240 (Problem uses), 17.40.020 (Site plan and architectural approval), 17.40.050 (Variances and administrative deviations), 17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases). Specific topics of discussion included Phase 3 incremental Zoning Code amendments, background, California Historical Building Code, tobacco retailer establishments, alcoholic beverage sales (on-site and off-sale), additional amendments, additional clean-up, definition amendments, CEQA determination, and staff recommendation. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh clarified the changes apply to new use permits for tobacco retailer establishments but noted that all tobacco retailer establishments must have a State license and that there are probably 20 within the City that do not and the code change will allow the City to partner with the State to begin enforcement activities. In response to Council Member Hothi and Council Member Craig-Hensley, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh and City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding existing tobacco retailers within 500 feet of a youth-oriented facility. In response to Council Member Hothi, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh and City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the nightclub definition, use permits, and expansion. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding the letter received from the California Housing Defense Fund (CalHDF) about additional dwelling units (ADUs) and ancillary sale of tobacco products and location near youth-oriented facilities, and enforcement. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding ADU amendments Mayor Bregman opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:38 p.m. Scott Hamilton, a member of the public, spoke regarding Historic Building Code and the need for a local register. In response to Mayor Bregman, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding upcoming historic sections for the Zoning Code. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding the Historical Building Code, the need for a local inventory of properties, the importance related to economic development, an incorporation of the Mills Act. Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez spoke regarding protection of the buildings being balanced with the needs of development. In response to Council Member Hothi, Council Member Craig-Hensley and City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the California Historic Building Code in relation to the Sunset Theater. Brian Campbell, a member of the public, spoke regarding the need for middle housing. There being no further public comments, Mayor Bregman closed the public hearing at 8:48 p.m.
  65. 51 Council Member Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig-Hensley, to waive the first reading and introducing Ordinance No. 2034 amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 15 (Building and Construction) Chapter 15.25, Title 17 (Development Code) Sections 17.18.040 (Residential zoning district general development standards), 17.20.030 (Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.22.030 (Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements), 17.24.030 (Industrial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.32.040 (Number of parking spaces required), 17.36.220 (Tobacco retailer establishments), 17.36.230 (Alcoholic beverage sales), 17.36.240 (Problem uses), 17.40.020 (Site plan and architectural approval), 17.40.050 (Variances and administrative deviations), 17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-07 Z). VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
  66. 54 Library Board President Brian Campbell and Library Director Jennifer Fontanilla provided a presentation regarding the Library’s Role in Investing in Our Community’s Future. Specific topics of discussion included Board of Trustees members; role of the Board; role of the Library in the community; fiscal responsibility; community partnerships and support; Friends of the Lodi Public Library; Lodi Public Library Foundation; the Library's next chapter; priorities - space optimization, expanded outreach efforts, strengthen literacy program, and innovative collections; and why the Library matters to the City. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Library Director Fontanilla provided information regarding outreach to the schools. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding the presentation of local historical documents, work force development, potential partnership with San Joaquin Partnership for Families, and space for Poet Laureate. Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez spoke regarding support of the Library and the need for expanded hours. No Council action was required on this item.
  67. 56 Electric Utility Superintendent Tim Combs provided an informational PowerPoint presentation the American Legion Park hazard tree removal and replacement. Specific topics of discussion included location, current tree status, historic details, proposed removal plan, Tree Lodi support letter, partnership with Tree Lodi and Parks Department for tree replacement, utility-friendly trees, and proposed schedule. No Council action was required on this item.
  68. 58 Assistant Electric Utility Director Melissa Price provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Lodi Electric Utility Community Benefits Incentive Discount (CBID) available to non-profit entities. Specific topics of discussion included CBID program, background, public benefits funding, options to consider, and next steps. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Assistant Electric Utility Director Price provided information regarding self-certification for service to low-income disadvantaged communities. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, Assistant Electric Utility Director Price provided information regarding the research and development component of public benefits and where the public benefits funding would go if the program was discontinued. Mayor Bregman spoke in favor of Option 1 with expanded CDBG recipient status. In response to Mayor Bregman, Assistant Electric Utility Director Price provided information regarding public outreach regarding the program and the level of funding. Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez stated that he would support the program but felt that eliminating the program and using the funds to support economic development would bring more benefits to the City than supporting non-profits. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Assistant Electric Utility Director Price provided information regarding support for business development. Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Hothi, to direct staff to implement Option 1 changing the funding source for the Lodi Electric Utility Community Benefits Incentive Discount (CBID) to Public Benefits and expand the CDBG recipient status to include demonstration of non-profits serving local low-income disadvantaged community. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
  69. 60 City Attorney Lucchesi provided a brief introduction. Deputy City Attorney William Baird and Police Chief Ricardo Garcia provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding sidewalk vendor regulations and City enforcement practices. Specific topics of discussion included changes in State law, current situation, arguments of favor of allowing vendors, potential problems and public safety concerns, applicable State law, Lodi Municipal Code regulations, total regulatory requirements, City enforcement for violations, collective enforcement problems, Lodi Police Department response to vendors, Lodi Community Improvement response, Fire Department response, San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department response, and next steps. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, City Lucchesi provided information regarding City liability for street vendors, noting that San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department has jurisdiction over whether food is safe. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Chief Garcia stated that the Police Department does not issue administrative citations. City Attorney Lucchesi clarified that currently enforcement in the form of issuance of administrative citations, by default, is handled only by Community Improvement. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the cost of encroachment permits and vendor permits. In response to Council Member Hothi, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the hours of availability for Community Improvement Officers. Council Member Hothi spoke in favor of expanding the hours of Community Improvement Officer enforcement. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke in favor of having weekend and evening Code Enforcement. Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez concurred with Council Member Hothi and Council Member Craig-Hensley. Council Member Craig-Hensley suggested the next steps of updating LMC Chapter 9.19 to match SB 972 revisions, enforcing Code violations by doing more stings, and starting Code enforcement on the weekends, noting that the Police Department is already enforcing criminal violations associated with vending and the Fire Department is already enforcing the Fire Code violations. Mayor Bregman concurred with Council Member Craig-Hensley's suggestions. No further Council action was required on this item.
  70. 61 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, to continue Items G.5, G.6, and G.7 to the November 5, 2025 agenda. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
  71. 63 Per the Council vote, this item was continued to the November 5, 2025 agenda.
  72. 65 Per the Council vote, this item was continued to the November 5, 2025 agenda.
  73. 67 Per the Council vote, this item was continued to the November 5, 2025 agenda.
  74. 70 There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m. ATTEST: Olivia Nashed City Clerk