docketcity.com
Home › Lodi › Meetings

City Council

July 16, 2025 ·7:00 PM Final

Carnegie Forum 305 West Pine Street, Lodi

Agenda PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 62 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 July 16, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 6:00 p.m. Present: Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Bregman Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed NOTE: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez arrived at 6:02 p.m.
  4. a) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation, Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (On April 12, 2025 an attorney representing City Manager Scott Carney sent the City’s outside Legal Counsel an email making legal arguments concerning certain alleged whistle blowing, and potential retaliation relating to it. The email directed the City to place a “litigation hold” on potentially related documents. This correspondence is a normal step prior to initiation of litigation and is a threat of litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9. The email is available for inspection upon request.)
  5. b) Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation, Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
  6. C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
  7. 6 6:55 p.m. Invocation/Call to Civic Responsibility.
  8. 7 NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL COMMENCE NO SOONER THAN 7:00 P.M.
  9. 7 At 6:01 p.m., Mayor Bregman adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:07 p.m.
  10. C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
  11. A. Call to Order / Roll Call
  12. 9 At 7:07 p.m., Mayor Bregman reconvened the City Council meeting, and outside counsel from Meyers Nave reported that Council received an important update from outside legal counsel about the financial assessor Kevin Harper's finding. Mr. Harper identified no evidence of fraud related to the Utility Deposit and Holding Account. However, he found that the account needs to be analyzed and reconciled to identify all amounts to customer accounts. The internal controls should be remedied to assure future accounting is accurate. With respect to employee use of procurement cards, Mr. Harper determined that there are poor internal controls over procurement cards, which the City should remedy. Although none of the transactions reviewed are clearly fraudulent, there are many questionable transactions that would require further investigation to determine whether they comply with City policy. Mr. Harper also recommended further research into Amazon account transactions.
  13. B. Presentations
  14. B.1 Presentation of Proclamation to Lodi Electric Utility for Exemplary Inventory Audit Results (CLK) 25-310
  15. 11 The Regular City Council meeting of July 16, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 7:10 p.m. Present: Council Member Craig Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Absent: None Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
  16. C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
  17. C.1 Authorize the Human Resources Staff to Release Request for Proposals (RFP) for Professional Recruitment Services for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (ISD - HR) 25-298
  18. C.2 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving Amendments to the Job Classification of Electric Utility Resources Analyst and Approving the Job Classification, Job Description, and Salary Range for the new Senior Electric Utility Resources Analyst to Provide for Flexible Staffing and Approving the Reclassification of one Electric Utility Resources Analyst to Senior Electric Utility Resources Analyst, effective July 7, 2025 (ISD - HR) 25-274
  19. 14 Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Electric Utility Director Jeff Berkheimer, Utility Warehouse Supervisor Michael Koinzan, and Electric Materials Technicians Natalie Brunell and Rene Garcia in recognition of Lodi Electric Utility's exemplary inventory audit results.
  20. C.3 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Acting City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with ePlus Technology, Inc., of Herndon, VA for the Purchase of the Armis Essentials Asset Vulnerability Management Cybersecurity Platform ($75,748) (ISD - IT) 25-297
  21. C.4 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Acting City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for Land Management Permit Software and Software Maintenance Services with Superion, LLC, Expanding the Scope of Services to Include Public Administration GIS and Project Management Services and Extending the Agreement through July 27, 2028 in an Amount Not to Exceed $195,220, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $835,220 Over the Term of the Agreement (CD) 25-260
  22. 16 Council Member Hothi 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 Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: None
  23. C.5 Adopt a Resolution Approving Re-appropriation of Brian M. Stocker Fund Grant (“Stocker Grant”) Funds and Reclassify the Funds to a Special Fund (PRCS) 25-289
  24. C.6 Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Wastewater Main Rehabilitation Program (Project No. 11) and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder and Execute Change Orders ($1,600,000 Combined), and Appropriate Funds ($1,600,000) (PW) 25-276
  25. 18 This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig-Hensley and Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Interim City Manager Lindsay provided information regarding the positions that would be recruited through professional recruitment services, the RFP process and timeline, and the potential for Council participation on the interview committee. Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez stated that he felt the due date should be extended to August 8 in order to allow the opportunity for more firms to submit a RFP. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Interim City Manager confirmed that the response window with the extended deadline would be three weeks. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Interim City Manager Lindsay confirmed that he would be able to find an outside member for the interview committee and suggested Council consider selecting the two Council Members who will serve on the interview committee. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Bregman stated he would serve on the committee if there are not others willing to serve. Council Member Nakanishi nominated Council Member Craig-Hensley and Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez. Council Member Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to authorize the Human Resources staff to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for proessional Recruitment Services for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, with an extended deadline for submission of RFPs or August 8, 2025 and for Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez and Council Member Craig-Hensley to serve on the interview committee. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: None
  26. C.7 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3 to Chemical Supply Professional Services Agreement with Pacific Star Chemical, LLC, of Sherwood, Oregon (PW) 25-287
  27. C.8 Accept Protocol Account Report through June 2025 (CLK) 25-293
  28. 20 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-122 approving amendments to the Job Classification of Electric Utility Resources Analyst and approving the Job Classification, Job Description, and Salary Range for the new Senior Electric Utility Resources Analyst to provide for flexible staffing and approving the reclassification of one Electric Utility Resources Analyst to Senior Electric Utility Resources Analyst, effective July 7, 2025.
  29. D. Comments by the Public on Non-Agenda Items
  30. 22 THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON-AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
  31. 22 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-123 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with ePlus Technology, Inc., of Herndon, Virginia, for the purchase of the Armis Essentials Asset Vulnerability Management Cybersecurity Platform, in the amount of $75,748.
  32. E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non-Agenda Items
  33. 24 page break
  34. 24 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-124 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement for Land Management Permit Software and Software Maintenance Services with Superion, LLC, expanding the scope of services to include Public Administration GIS and project management services and extending the agreement through July 27, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $195,220, for a total amount not to exceed $835,220 over the term of the agreement.
  35. F. Public Hearings
  36. F.1 Consider Certification of the Final Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report and Adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, to Consider a Resolution Amending the General Plan Text and Land Use Map, and Consider Introducing an Ordinance Amending Associated Zoning Map Designations City-wide (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-04 Z-GPA-EIR; CEQA Determination: A Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) has been prepared pursuant to Sections 15162, 15166, and 15175 through 15178 of the CEQA Guidelines (SCH #2023010102)) (CD) 25-284
  37. 26 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-125 approving the re-appropriation of Brian M. Stocker Fund Grant (“Stocker Grant”) funds and reclassify the funds to a Special Fund.
  38. F.2 Public Hearing to Consider Adopting a Resolution Certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCH 2025040384) for the Maverik Fueling Station Project, to Consider Waiving the First Reading and Introducing an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map from Unzoned to General Commercial (GC) for Approximately 8.81 Acres at APN 061-020-15, and detach APN 061-020-15 from the Woodbridge Fire Protection District (Applicant: Maverik Inc.; File Number: PL2023-40; CEQA Determination: A Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared pursuant to Section 15070 to 15075 of the CEQA Guidelines) (CD) 25-283
  39. F.3 Public Hearing to Consider Adopting a Resolution Setting Pre-Approved Engineering News Record Adjustment Index for Wastewater Rates for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Customers (PW) 25-291
  40. 28 Approved the plans and specifications and authorized the advertisement for bids for the Wastewater Main Rehabilitation Program (Project No. 11) and adopted Resolution No. 2025-126 authorizing the Acting City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder and execute change orders, in a combined amount not to exceed $1,600,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $1,600,000.
  41. 29 page break
  42. G. Regular Calendar
  43. 30 Adopted Resolution No. 2025-127 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Chemical Supply Professional Services Agreement with Pacific Star Chemical, LLC, of Sherwood, Oregon.
  44. G.1 Receive and File City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2023/24 by Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL, LLP) 25-300
  45. G.2 Adopt a Resolution Removing the Current Interim Assistant City Manager as City Treasurer and Appointing the Accounting Manager Chia Lor as City Treasurer Effective July 21, 2025 (CM) 25-303
  46. 32 Accepted the Protocol Account Report through June 2025.
  47. H. Ordinances - None
  48. I. Adjournment
  49. 34 Diane Nantt, a member of the public, spoke regarding a recent newspaper article she read about a systemic problem within the City, particularly Finance, with the City Manager on paid leave, the Assistant City Manager having been terminated last November, and the Acting Finance Director leaving next week. She stated that Council may need to get involved, including future legal action against the Acting Finance Director. Donna Phillips, a resident of the Lodi Lake area, spoke problems near Lodi Lake, including the parking shortage and the dangerous speeding. She suggested installation of traffic cameras which automatically ticket speeders. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Ms. Phillips stated that a neighbor is still working on residents-only parking on Laurel Avenue. Charlie Mehlhaff, a member of the public, spoke regarding the upkeep of Lodi Lake. Alex Aliferis, a member of the public, spoke regarding the homeless encampment at the PG&E substation location at 223 North Cherokee Lane. In response to Mr. Aliferis, Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding the importance of reporting issues to the Police Department. Mayor Bregman concurred with Council Member Craig-Hensley regarding the importance of reporting homeless issues to the Police Department. Johnny Perez, a resident of West Turner Road, spoke regarding the visibility issues due to parked cars adjacent to the Lodi Creek Post Acute Center and the number of automobile accidents in the area. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that after receiving Mr. Perez's email, she notified Interim City Manager Lindsay and Public Works Director Charlie Swimley, and drove by the location.
  50. 35 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  51. 36 Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez requested that Interim City Manager Lindsay agendize an item providing information regarding the traffic cameras suggested by Ms. Phillips. In response to Mayor Bregman, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez stated that the agenda item should address traffic cameras throughout the City, not a particular district. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that the Police Department should be involved in the presentation of the item. Council Member Craig-Hensley requested follow-up regarding the previous suggestion of Partners training for service at the Lodi Lake kiosk. She also requested review of the Turner Road traffic issue discussed by Mr. Perez and spoke regarding the Public Works Department's plan to do a traffic calming/safety study. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding her participation in an ad hoc Chief Executive Officer search committee for the San Joaquin Region Rail Commission, a recent tour of the housing sites for affordable housing, and her meeting with member of the Lodi Senior Citizens Commission regarding the institution of lecture events at the LOEL Center. Mayor Bregman spoke regarding the Farmers Market held Downtown on Thursdays, his attendance at a fundraiser for Your Kidney, My Kidney, Our Kidney (YMO), and the success of the 4th of July pancake breakfast.
  52. 39 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 the certification of the Final Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report and adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) findings and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, to consider a resolution amending the General Plan Text and Land Use Map, and consider introducing an ordinance amending associated Zoning Map designations City-wide (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-04 Z-GPA-EIR; CEQA Determination: A Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) has been prepared pursuant to Sections 15162, 15166, and 15175 through 15178 of the CEQA Guidelines (SCH #2023010102)). Community Development Director John Della Monica provided a brief introduction. Deputy Community Development Director/City Planner Cynthia Marsh provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the certification of the Final Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report. Specific topics of discussion included project overview, General Plan Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Subsequent EIR evaluations, 2025 Focused General Plan Update, amendments to the General Plan Land Use and Zoning Maps, list of amendments to General Plan Land Use Map, map amendments to north half of Lodi, map amendments to south half of Lodi, Housing Element and rezoning, Downtown Mixed-Use and Strategic Goals, public engagement summary - Housing Element, public engagement summary - Downtown Specific Plan, public engagement - Subsequent EIR, environmental review (CEQA), EIR mitigation measure categories, findings required per Lodi Municipal Code 17.72.070, Council Strategic Vision, and staff recommendation. In response to Council Member Yepez, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding the background of the zoning changes and confirmed that this will make annexation easier for properties near City limits. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh, Community Development Director Della Monica, and City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the CEQA process. In response to Council Member Hothi, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding public outreach related to rezoning. In response to Council Member Hothi, Community Development Director Della Monica provided an update on a Lower Sacramento Road property on the rezoning list that had been going through the development process for high-density housing, noting that public outreach had not been conducted by the developer. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Community Development Director Della Monica provided information regarding the process to amend the Housing Element should Council not approve this item. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding the historical resource survey. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding the importance of historical preservation, particularly in the Downtown and Main Street areas. In response to Council Member Yepez, provided information regarding the Lower Sacramento Road property. In response to Mayor Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that she would like to hear from the public before making a decision on the Lower Sacramento Road property. Mayor Bregman opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:23 p.m. Scott Hamilton, a member of the public, commended staff on the work they had done and spoke regarding the importance of historical preservation and the need for a stream-lined process. Mike Carouba, a member of the public, spoke regarding regarding rezoning generally taking place with a General Plan update, rather than a Housing Element update, and there is a difference in the public outreach effort between the two. Mr. Carouba spoke in opposition to rezoning the Lower Sacramento Road property, noting that recent State changes to the rules governing the development of high-density housing will make it difficult to maintain control of the development of this property, and stating that the promised public outreach was not conducted regarding the height or density of the development. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Carouba stated that the majority of the people in the area will be unhappy with high-density and the 60-foot height, noting that when residents bought their property, they were aware a 40-foot building could be built on that property, not a 60-foot building. Council Member Nakanishi spoke regarding the traffic and noise associated with a high-density property in that area and the need for the public to be heard on this item. Council Member Nakanishi spoke in opposition to the item if it includes the Lower Sacramento Road property. There being no further public comments, Mayor Bregman closed the public hearing at 8:33 p.m. Council Member Yepez commended the work done on this and spoke regarding the need to build housing and stated that if the property was located on the East Side, it would pass easily. He spoke in favor of approving the item. Council Member Hothi stated that his point of contention with the situation is that the developer made the commitment for public outreach which was not fulfilled. Mayor Bregman concurred with Council Member Hothi's comment. He stated that it is not an issue about location, it is an issue about the public, noting the letters and public comments received by Council. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that community engagement for the remainder of the work was thorough, but the Lower Sacramento Road property is an exception due to the commitment of the developer. She spoke regarding the feasibility of relocating the additional 14 units to a different area, the lack of good faith effort provided by the developer, and the public comments received by Council. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke in favor of approving the item, with the amendment that one parcel be kept at the medium-density because the property owner does have the ability to ask for the high-density. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Bregman confirmed that Council Member Craig-Hensley's suggestion aligns with the request of Mr. Carouba and the letters from the public. Deputy Community Development Director Marsh clarified that the motion would be to direct staff to take the steps to amend the adopted Housing Element to remove the site and identify equal or higher capacity replacement site(s). City Attorney Lucchesi further clarified that there is a pending application by the developer to rezone so specific findings need to be made should Council decide to deny the rezone. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that the developer started the rezone process and he needs to conclude the process in good faith with the community and the neighbors.
  53. 40 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to certify the Final Subsequent General Plan Environmental Impact Report and adopt California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, adopt Resolution No. 2025-128 amending the General Plan Text and Land Use Map, and waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2031 amending associated Zoning Map designations City-wide (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024-04 Z-GPA-EIR), with the amendment that one parcel on Lower Sacramento Road be kept at the medium-density and direct staff to take the steps to amend the adopted Housing Element to remove the site and identify equal or higher capacity replacement site(s) and appeal to the State Department of Housing and Community Development through this process to get their acknowledgement and receipt of their approval to do so. Prior to the vote, Council Member Yepez requested that the cost of this process be provided in a subsequent Council meeting, as it seems inefficient to go through the process for one property. Community Development Director Della Monica stated that information would be provided to Council. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Bregman Noes: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez Absent: None
  54. 42 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 adopting a resolution certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCH 2025040384) for the Maverik Fueling Station Project, to consider waiving the first reading and introducing an ordinance amending the Zoning Map from Unzoned to General Commercial (GC) for approximately 8.81 acres at APN 061-020-15, and detach APN 061-020-15 from the Woodbridge Fire Protection District (Applicant: Maverik Inc.; File Number: PL2023-40; CEQA Determination: A Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared pursuant to Section 15070 to 15075 of the CEQA Guidelines). Community Development Director John Della Monica provided a brief introduction. Deputy Community Development Director/City Planner Cynthia Marsh provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCH 2025040384) for the Maverik Fueling Station Project, to consider waiving the first reading and introducing an ordinance amending the Zoning Map from Unzoned to General Commercial (GC) for approximately 8.81 acres at APN 061-020-15, and detach APN 061-020-15 from the Woodbridge Fire Protection District (Applicant: Maverik, Inc.). Specific topics of discussion included project overview, aerial and street views, General Plan and pre-zoning designations, preliminary site plan, road improvements, growth strategy, provision of services after annexation, environmental review summary, environmental review - CalTrans comments, Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) criteria compliance, public outreach, and staff recommendation. Mayor Bregman opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:51 p.m. There being no public comments, Mayor Bregman closed the public hearing at 8:51 p.m. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, consultant Anton Kireev, of Kimley Horn, provided information regarding truck traffic entering and exiting Kettleman Lane. Council Member Craig-Hensley expressed concern over the additional traffic on Kettleman Lane at the Highway 99. Community Development Director Della Monica provided information regarding conversations with CalTrans District 10 about both Kettleman Lane and Harney Lane, noting that there is no timeline for interchange improvements at either of those locations, although the addition of projects in the area could make the locations a priority. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that the City must provide a robust outreach to CalTrans, San Joaquin Council of Governments, and LAFCO to make the interchange improvements a priority.
  55. 43 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-129 certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (SCH 2025040384) for the Maverik Fueling Station Project, to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2032 amending the Zoning Map from Unzoned to General Commercial (GC) for approximately 8.81 acres at APN 061-020-15, and detach APN 061-020-15 from the Woodbridge Fire Protection District (Applicant: Maverik Inc.; File Number: PL2023-40). VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: None
  56. 45 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 adopting a resolution setting pre-approved Engineering News Record adjustment index for wastewater rates for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Public Works Director Charlie Swimley provided a brief introduction. Public Works Management Analyst Rebecca Areida provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding pre-approved Engineering News Record adjustment index for wastewater rates for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Specific topics of discussion included background, recommendation, 5-year summary of past rate increases, wastewater comparative rates, rate comparisons with local jurisdictions, planned Capital projects, and recommended action. Mayor Bregman opened the public hearing for public comment at 9:04 p.m. There being no public comments, Mayor Bregman closed the public hearing at 9:04 p.m.
  57. 46 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Hothi, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-130 setting pre-approved Engineering News Record adjustment index for wastewater rates for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: None
  58. 49 Brandon Young and Christian Townes, of Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLH, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2023/24 by Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL, LLP). Specific topics of discussion included scope of engagement, results of audit, and financial highlights. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim City Manager Lindsay provided information regarding credit card internal controls. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Mr. Young provided information regarding recommendations for corrective actions for the noted material weaknesses and clarified that the findings are for FY 2023/24. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Interim City Manager Lindsay provided information regarding the prioritization of corrective actions for the noted material weaknesses. In response to Council Member Hothi, Interim City Manager Lindsay stated that LSL performed the ACFR for 2022/23. In response to Council Member Hothi, Ms. Townes provided information regarding noted material weaknesses in the ACFR for 2022/23, noting that p-cards had not come up at a significant level. In response to Council Member Yepez, Interim City Manager Lindsay provided information regarding the number of p-cards issued to City employees and the average number other cities issue. Mayor Bregman noted that the important take-away from the report is that there is no fraud, rule-breaking, or wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars and that direction has been received for improvement.
  59. 50 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, to receive and file the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2023/24 by Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL, LLP) and direct staff to move forward with conducting an accounting review related to the utility deposit account and the p-card usage, CalPERS reporting, and the Amazon business account usage. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None Absent: None
  60. 52 Interim City Manager Lindsay provided a presentation regarding the removal of the current Interim Assistant City Manager as City Treasurer and appointing Accounting Manager Chia Lor as City Treasurer, effective July 21, 2025. Specific topics of discussion included recent staffing changes, recommendation of Accounting Manager Chia Lor to serve as City Treasurer for this interim time period, review of the Internal Services function and oversight, and consideration of the permanent replacement as the next City Treasurer. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim City Manager Lindsay clarified the role of the City Treasurer, stated the requirements for a City Treasurer are in alignment with the job duties of the Accounting Manager, and provided information regarding check signing authority. In response to Council Member Yepez, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding State law and Lodi Municipal Code regulations governing the appointment of a City Treasurer. Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that, given Interim City Manager Lindsay's past experience, she would offer him as an alternative for the position. In response to Council Member Yepez, Accounting Manager Lor provided information regarding her education and experience. Council Member Yepez spoke in favor of appointing Accounting Manager Lor. Mayor Bregman spoke regarding the limited number of hours available for Interim City Manager Lindsay, as a retired CalPERS annuitant. Interim City Manager Lindsay stated that the appointment of an interim employee as City Treasurer is not currently included within the LMC, further noting that the number of hours would not be substantial. In response to Mayor Bregman, Interim City Manager Lindsay stated that there would be a benefit to appointing Accounting Manager Lor to allow for training before the completion of his CalPERS hours, noting that many of the duties of City Treasurer are already current job duties of the Accounting Manager. Mayor Bregman spoke in favor of appointing Accounting Manager Lor. Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding her concerns of Accounting Manager Lor being able to get up to speed on her new job while taking on the responsibilities of City Treasurer. In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the LMC defining the City Manager and the City Treasurer as separate positions, so the appointment of Interim City Manager Lindsay as City Treasurer would require an ordinance amendment and an urgency ordinance would be an option. Council Member Yepez spoke in favor of keeping the positions separate. Budget Manager Jennelle Baker spoke regarding the Treasury functions being handled by the Budget Division of Finance, with a Treasurer to oversee and approve the day-to-day functions, so there is a dual division between Budget and Accounting that would allow oversight over any Treasurer functions that happen and that Interim City Manager Lindsay and herself are the only two signers on any of the City's bank accounts, so there would not be anything that happens without the oversight of Interim City Manager Lindsay or herself with Accounting Manager Lor as the City Treasurer. In response to Council Member Hothi, Accounting Manager Lor stated that she was a little nervous to step into the position, given the high profile nature at this time. Council Member Hothi spoke in favor of appointing Interim City Manager Lindsay.
  61. 53 Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Hothi, to adopt Resolution No. 2025-131 removing the current Interim Assistant City Manager as City Treasurer and appointing Interim City Manager Lindsay as Interim City Treasurer and introduce an emergency ordinance to allow such an appointment until a permanent City Treasurer is appointed. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Bregman Noes: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez Absent: None Council Member Hothi and Mayor Bregman thanked Accounting Manager Lor for her willingness to serve.
  62. 56 There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. ATTEST: Olivia Nashed City Clerk