LODI CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 W. PINE STREET
FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 ‑ 10:00 A.M.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of April 11, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 10:00 a.m.
Present: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman
Absent: Council Member Hothi and Council Member Nakanishi
Also Present: City Attorney Lucchesi and City Clerk Nashed
NOTE: Council Member Nakanishi arrived at 10:35 a.m. He was briefed on what had occurred prior to his arrival and participated fully in the Council deliberations.
B. Announcement of Closed Session
B.1 Conference with Outside Legal Counsel on Public Employee Appointment ‑ Title: Acting City Manager, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.
C. Adjourn to Closed Session
After the announcement of the Closed Session item, in response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mayor Bregman clarified the purpose of the Closed Session and the agenda item. Mayor Bregman invited Outside Counsel, Adam Lindgren, of Meyers-Nave, to the podium. Mr. Lindgren noted that City Attorney Lucchesi has no conflict on this issue and is free to participate in any advice on this topic. Mr. Lindgren further noted that two Council Members were unable to attend the Closed Session and will not be participating via telephonic communication.
Kenneth Wheeler, a member of the public, spoke regarding not being able to ascertain if City Manager Carney's comments were referencing an audit from prior to his tenure, if the previous City Manager knew about the issue, and concerns regarding vaccinations and hidden agendas.
JP Doucette, President of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, expressed his disappointment in the whole Council not participating in the meeting. He stated that the Chamber Board and members would prefer to have an Acting City Manager appointed from outside of current City staff members while the financial audit and investigation into potential Brown Act violations are conducted. He spoke regarding the retention of Interim Assistant City Manager Bobby Magee, his possible service as Acting City Manager, and his importance to the completion of the forensic audit. He further stated he is unclear if the investigation is into the validity of the allegations Mr. Carney made regarding City finances, into his potential violation of the Brown Act, or into the editing of staff reports against his authority.
Mark Chandler, former Council Member and Mayor, expressed his support for Mr. Doucette's comments and spoke regarding the public's concern regarding the current situation, his support of having an individual from outside the City serve as Acting City Manager, and the forensic audit being the highest priority.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the administrative leave of Mr. Carney, the Acting City Manager's qualifications being the same as the City Manager, and the importance of the forensic audit.
At 10:15 a.m., Mayor Bregman adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matter. The Closed Session adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
D. Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 10:50 a.m., Mayor Bregman reconvened the City Council meeting and announced the unanimous decision to appoint Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Christina Jaromay as Acting City Manager, with the time period being through Wednesday, April 16, or Friday, April 18, at which time Council will agendize and take action on hiring a retired annuitant from outside the City.
Mayor Bregman announced that he has asked that an item be agendized at a future meeting to receive public comment regarding the appointment of a City Treasurer.
Outside Counsel, Adam Lindgren, announced that Mayor Bregman's comments have accurately reflected Council's decision in Closed Session. He further noted that Council Member Nakanishi was able to join the deliberations, was fully briefed on what had occurred prior to his arrival, and participated fully in the decision of the Council.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mayor Bregman confirmed that Council did not discuss the City Treasurer position in Closed Session.
E. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:52 a.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk