LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025 ‑ 6:00 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of July 2, 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
C‑2 Announcement of Closed Session
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)
b) Conference with Legal Counsel ‑ Anticipated Litigation, Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
C‑3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:01 p.m., Mayor Bregman adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:12 p.m., Mayor Bregman reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Lucchesi disclosed that there was no reportable action.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of July 2, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 7:14 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
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month (PRCS)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation
Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Director Christina Jaromay and PRCS staff proclaiming the month of July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Lodi.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to approve the following items hereinafter set forth, 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, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez
C.1 Approve Minutes
a) April 2, 2025 (Regular Meeting)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ April 2, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
The minutes of April 2, 2025, were approved as written.
C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Cen‑Cal Fire Systems, Inc. to Extend Term to December 31, 2025 and Add an Option to Extend the Term Up to Six (6) Months (CD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Cen‑Cal Fire Systems Amendment No. 3 Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑110 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Cen‑Cal Fire Systems, Inc., to extend the term to December 31, 2025, and add an option to extend the term up to six months.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Services Agreement with NJ Associates, Inc., of Lodi for Construction Administration and Additional Architectural Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $86,430, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $1,321,430 (CD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No. 5
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑111 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Services Agreement with NJ Associates, Inc., of Lodi, for construction administration and additional architectural services, in an amount not to exceed $86,430, for a total amount not to exceed $1,321,430.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Acting City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 8 to the Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. (MBI) for Community Development Block Grant Administration and Housing Program Support Services to Extend the Term of the Agreement through June 30, 2026 and Roll Any Unexpended Funds to Fiscal Year 2026 (CD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No. 8
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided information regarding funding for the Michael Baker International contract, the allocation of CDBG funds for administration, and the potential of issuing a new Request for Proposals for the services provided by Michael Baker International.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑112 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute Amendment No. 8 to the Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. (MBI) for Community Development Block Grant administration and Housing Program support services to extend the term of the agreement through June 30, 2026 and roll any unexpended funds to Fiscal Year 2026.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Martin Elevators, a California Corporation, DBA Nationwide Lifts of Nor Cal, to Extend Term to December 31, 2025 and Add an Option to Extend the Term Up to Six (6) Months (CD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No. 3
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑113 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with Martin Elevators, a California Corporation, dba Nationwide Lifts of Nor Cal, to extend the term to December 31, 2025, and add an option to extend the term up to six months.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Appropriations for Aeration Diffusers System Replacements at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility ($250,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑114 authorizing appropriations for aeration diffusers system replacements at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility, in the amount of $250,000.
C.7 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Public Works Director to Sign the Agreement with PG&E to Provide Natural Gas Service to the New Animal Shelter (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ PG&E Agreement
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑115 authorizing the Public Works Director to sign the agreement with PG&E to provide natural gas service to the new Animal Shelter.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution Awarding Contract for the Well 6R and Well 14 GAC System Improvements, to Conco‑West, Inc. DBA Conco West, Inc., of Manteca, California, ($3,361,200), Authorizing City Manager, or their Designee, to Execute Change Orders ($300,000) And Appropriating Funds ($3,661,200) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A Well 6R Site Map
Attachment 2 ‑ Exhibit B Well 14 Site Map
Attachment 3 ‑ Exhibit C Well 6R/14 Project Locations
Attachment 4 ‑ CIP Well 6R & 14 GAC System Improvements Attachment 5 ‑ Contract
Attachment 6 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑116 awarding the contract for the Well 6R and Well 14 GAC System Improvements, to Conco‑West, Inc., dba Conco West, Inc., of Manteca, in the amount of $3,361,200, authorizing the City Manager or their designee to execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $300,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $3,661,200.
C.9 Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2025 Pavement Resurfacing Project, and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager or Designee to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder and Execute Change Orders ($1,700,000 Combined) and Appropriate Funds ($1,700,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A Resurfacing Locations Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Approved the plans and specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for the 2025 Pavement Resurfacing Project, and adopted Resolution No. 2025‑117 authorizing the City Manager or designee to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder and execute change orders in a combined amount not to exceed $1,700,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $1,700,000.
C.10 Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Central Plume PCE/TCE Soil Remediation Project at 212 W. Pine St, Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Award the Contract to the Lowest Responsive Bidder ($1,000,000) and Execute Change Orders ($100,000), and Appropriate Funds ($1,000,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ CIP Central Plume Remediation Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Approved the plans and specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for the Central Plume PCE/TCE Soil Remediation Project at 212 West Pine Street and adopted Resolution No. 2025‑118 authorizing the City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 and execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $100,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $1,000,000.
C.11 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Water Meter Program Phase 9 (Multi‑Family) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A Phase 9 New Meter Locations Map
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Public Works Director Charlie Swimley provided information regarding revenue received from fixed rate billing vs. revenue now received from multi‑family properties that are metered. He provided further information regarding multi‑family properties being metered through a master meter with the property owner responsible for dispersing the charge to the tenants.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Accepted the improvements under the contract for the Water Meter Program Phase 9 (Multi‑Family).
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items ‑ None
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Bregman, and City Clerk Nashed spoke regarding the confusion on the part of the Delta Protection Agency as to the City's representative.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding her attendance at the Mineta Transportation Institute on behalf of the San Joaquin Region Rail Commission, the Y2K time capsule unveiling, and the San Joaquin Council of Governments meeting; and thanked Police Chief Garcia and his team for their efforts at Legion Park and the parking situation on Turner Road and Laurel Avenue.
Council Member Hothi thanked the Police Department for addressing the encampment issue near Highway 99 and Cherokee Lane.
Mayor Bregman spoke reported on his attendance at the Y2K time capsule unveiling and spoke regarding the 4th of July.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Bregman announced that due to an explosion at the plant that produces the City's fireworks, there will not be a 4th of July fireworks show this year.
F. Public Hearings ‑ None
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Provide Direction to Staff on Business Pre‑Development Review Process (ED)
Economic Development Director Luis Aguilar provided a presentation regarding the Business Pre‑Development Review Process. Specific topics of discussion included background, free service provided for commercial projects, attendance by all departments with the goal of identifying possible challenges to the project, use of a coordinator to serve as liaison between the departments and the potential applicant, the pre‑development review vs. a formal development review, and staff's request for Council direction.
At Mayor Bregman's request, Community Development Director John Della Monica provided additional information regarding the proposed review process, including the working relationship with Economic Development, referral of potential commercial developers to Economic Development, and the Community Development Department's commitment to making the process more succinct and flexible.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Community Development Director provided information regarding fees for the formal review process and the benefits of the early access to information.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Community Development Director Della Monica provided information regarding the $3,000 fee for the formal review and Tech Tuesdays.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Economic Development Director Aguilar provided information regarding the process for helping potential developers seeking information and various services provided through Economic Development.
In response to Mayor Bregman, Community Development Director Della Monica provided information regarding the average number of requests received each month for pre‑development meetings, ideas for increasing the number of requests, and the potential for promoting the availability of pre‑development meetings on building permit applications.
Interim City Manager Lindsay confirmed that information could be added to the permit application form without formal Council action.
In response to Mayor Bregman and Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Community Development Director Della Monica spoke regarding the expediency of the permit process.
JP Doucette, President of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favor of referring initial inquiries to Economic Development, the recommendation of convening a group of contractors and developers to look at the experience of working with the City, and the willingness of the Chamber of Commerce to assist the City.
No Council action was required on this item.
G.2 Provide Direction to Staff on Local Business Preference for Purchasing (ED)
Economic Development Director Luis Aguilar provided a presentation regarding Local Business Preference for purchasing. Specific topics for discussion included background, preference given to local businesses, benefits to the City, and staff's request for Council direction.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the purchasing policy's inclusion of local hires and apprenticeship programs in construction bids and the need to include this provision in bids for all City services.
Council Member Nakanishi voiced his support for local business preference.
In response to Council Member Hothi, Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the need for local preference for items under $60,000, which fall under the City Manager's discretion.
Council Member Hothi stated he looked forward to hearing a more in‑depth presentation.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim City Manager Lindsay provided information regarding the policy governing purchases.
JP Doucette, President of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, thanked staff for working on this item and spoke regarding the frustration of local merchants who feel excluded from the bid process, the benefits to the City of supporting local business, and the lack of a City procurement officer.
No Council action was required on this item.
G.3 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Addendum to the Employment Agreement with Luis Aguilar, Economic Development Director, for a Salary Increase to $188,760 Retroactive to February 5, 2025 (CM)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Employment Agreement Addendum Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Interim City Manager Lindsay provided a presentation regarding an addendum to the Employment Agreement with Luis Aguilar, Economic Development Director. Specific topics of discussion included background, merit increase, one‑year performance recognition, market salary adjustment, and effective date.
Council Member Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig‑Hensley, to adopt Resolution No. 2025‑119 authorizing the City Manager to execute an addendum to the Employment Agreement with Luis Aguilar, Economic Development Director, for a salary increase to $188,760 retroactive to February 5, 2025.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez
G.4 Adopt a Resolution Establishing the Policy for the City Council Non‑Profit Fund (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Attachment 2 ‑ Exhibit A to Resolution (Proposed Policy)
City Clerk Nashed provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the establishment of the policy for the City Council Non‑Profit Fund. Specific topics of discussion included background, purpose of fund, policy for funding requests, key elements of the recommended policy, criteria for approval of non‑profit allocations, proposal letter, Levine Act and campaign disclosure, and recommended action.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, City Clerk Nashed provided information regarding request letters, coordination of allocations, allocations not limited by district, and the ability to split the allocation between organizations.
City Attorney Lucchesi clarified that each Council Member will nominate a non‑profit to receive an allocation and then the entire Council will vote on the allocation.
In response to Council Member Hothi, City Clerk Nashed provided information regarding agendizing the allocations.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, City Clerk Nashed provided information regarding the start of the program.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Council Member Hothi clarified voting rules for the allocations.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated that the criteria for approval of non‑profit allocations should be changed to read, "The recommended projects or activities can have a nexus to City operated or funded programs."
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the avoidance of one non‑profit receiving an allocation from multiple Council Members, her preference to see information on the application regarding other grants a non‑profit has received, the positive feedback she has received from non‑profits that had reviewed the sample application, and the need for progress reports from the non‑profits.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Council Member Craig‑Hensley provided clarification on non‑profits eligible to receive the allocations.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated that the list of non‑profits from the fireworks program should be used to promote the non‑profit allocation program.
City Clerk Nashed spoke regarding the need to widely promote the program and the need for feedback as non‑profits go through the process.
In response to Mayor Bregman, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding prevailing wage rules and allocations to non‑profits renting City property.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt Resolution No. 2025‑120 establishing the policy for the City Council Non‑Profit Fund.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk