LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025 ‑ 6:00 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
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.
C‑2 Announcement of Closed Session
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.)
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 7:07 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
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 financial assessor Kevin Harper's findings. 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.
There was no further reportable action.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
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
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Proclamation to Lodi Electric Utility for Exemplary Inventory Audit Results (CLK)
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.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
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
C.1 Authorize the Human Resources Staff to Release Request for Proposals (RFP) for Professional Recruitment Services for Fiscal Year 2025‑2026 (ISD ‑ HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Request for Proposals
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 RFPs.
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.
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 professional recruitment services for Fiscal Year 2025‑2026, with an extended deadline for submission of RFPs of August 8, 2025, and to appoint 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
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Attachment 2 ‑ Exhibit A to Resolution: Electric Utility Resources Analyst Attachment 3 ‑ Exhibit B to Resolution: Sr. Electric Utility Resources Analyst
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.
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ ePlus Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
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.
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Superion Amendment No. 3
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
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.
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
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.
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Project Map (Exhibit A)
Attachment 2 ‑ CIP
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
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.
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No 3
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑127 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Chemical Supply Professional Services Agreement with Pacific Star Chemical, LLC, of Sherwood, Oregon.
C.8 Accept Protocol Account Report through June 2025 (CLK) Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Report through June 2025
Accepted the Protocol Account Report through June 2025.
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Diane Nantt, a member of the public, spoke regarding a recent newspaper article she read about the City Manager being on paid leave, the Assistant City Manager having been terminated last November, and the Acting Finance Director leaving next week. She expressed concern over the leadership of the Finance Department and 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 regarding 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’s statement.
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 traffic 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.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez requested that Interim City Manager Lindsay agendize an item to provide 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 sites for affordable housing, and her meeting with members of the Lodi Senior Citizens Commission regarding lecture events at the LOEL Senior 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.
F. Public Hearings
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Planning Commission Resolution 25‑07 Attachment 2 ‑ GPLU Map Amendments and Rezones
Attachment 3 ‑ General Plan SOC and MMRP Combined Doc
Attachment 4 ‑ Revised General Plan Figures
Attachment 5 ‑ Draft Ordinance
Attachment 6 ‑ Resolution
Attachment 7 ‑ Exhibit A to Draft Resolution
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).
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, Community Development Director Della Monica provided information regarding the status of 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 streamlined process.
Mike Carouba, a member of the public, spoke regarding rezoning generally taking place with a General Plan update, rather than a Housing Element update, and the 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. He further stated 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 are unhappy with the high‑density development 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, 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 medium‑density because the property owner does have the ability to ask for 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.
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 medium‑density and 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) and appeal to the State Department of Housing and Community Development through this process to obtain their acknowledgement and receipt of their approval to do so.
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
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.
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Planning Commission Resolution Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Attachment 3 ‑ GPLU Map
Attachment 4 ‑ Maverik Pre‑Zoning Map
Attachment 5 ‑ Pre‑Zoning Exhibit
Attachment 6 ‑ Draft Ordinance
Attachment 7 ‑ Aerial Map
Attachment 8 ‑ Annexation Exhibit
Attachment 9 ‑ Development Phases
Attachment 10 ‑ Municipal Services Review
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).
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 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.
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
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Current and Proposed Wastewater Rates Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Attachment 3 ‑ Exhibit A to Resolution
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.
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
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Receive and File City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2023/24 by Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL, LLP)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Brandon Young and Christian Townes, of Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLH, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) 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 internal controls for credit cards.
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, adding 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 was that there was no fraud, rule‑breaking, or wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars and that direction had been received for improvement.
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, p‑card usage, CalPERS reporting, and 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
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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
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 (LMC) 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 his concern over 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 City Manager as City Treasurer is not currently permitted 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 depletion 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, the need for an ordinance amendment for the appointment of Interim City Manager Lindsay as City Treasurer, and an urgency ordinance being 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 overseeing and approving the day‑to‑day functions; the dual division between Budget and Accounting that would allow oversight over Treasurer functions; Interim City Manager Lindsay and Budget Manager Baker being the only two signers on the City's bank accounts; and the oversight of Interim City Manager Lindsay and Budget Manager Baker 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 of the position at this time.
Council Member Hothi spoke in favor of appointing Interim City Manager Lindsay.
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 to direct staff to 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.
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
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