LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of October 1, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 5:34 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
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 5:35 p.m., Mayor Bregman adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:56 p.m., Mayor Bregman reconvened the City Council meeting, and outside counsel, Adam Lindgren, of Meyers Nave, reported that City Council gave direction to schedule a Special Meeting at the next available opportunity for the full City Council and necessary staff to participate in order to commence the process of removing the City Manager from office and continuing the suspension of the City Manager from duty.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of October 1, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 8:00 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 Proclaiming October 3, 2025 as National Manufacturing Day and October as Manufacturing Awareness and Appreciation Month in Lodi (ED)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation
Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Stacey Kollmeyer Johnson, Executive Director of Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley, proclaiming October 3, 2025, as National Manufacturing Day and the month of October 2025 as Manufacturing Awareness and Appreciation Month in the City of Lodi.
B.2 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of October 5‑11, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week in Lodi (FD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation
Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Fire Chief Ken Johnson and Fire Marshal Ryan Smart proclaiming the week of October 5‑11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week in the City of Lodi.
B.3 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of October 13‑17, 2025 as Public Power Week in Lodi (EU)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Public Power Week Proclamation
Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Electric Utility Business Analyst Michelle Cortez and crew members proclaiming the week of October 13‑17, 2025 as Public Power Week 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 Hothi, 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, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: None
C.1 Approve Minutes
a) May 21, 2025 (Regular Meeting)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ May 21, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
The minutes of May 21, 2025, were approved as written.
C.2 Adopt a Resolution Directing the Acting City Manager to Temporarily Increase the Time Limit from 90‑Minute to 4‑Hour Parking Without Penalty for the 2025 Winter Holiday at Parking Spaces in Downtown Lodi to Encourage Residents and Visitors to Visit and Buy from Local Retailers and Downtown Businesses (ED)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑161 directing the Acting City Manager to temporarily increase the time limit from 90‑minute to 4‑hour parking without penalty for the 2025 winter holiday at parking spaces in Downtown Lodi to encourage residents and visitors to visit and buy from local retailers and Downtown businesses.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Waiving Bid Process, Authorizing Purchase of Power Monitoring Equipment from Power Monitors, Inc. of Mount Crawford, VA and Appropriating Funds ($12,061) (EU)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ PMI Quote 36540
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑162 waiving the bid process, authorizing the purchase of power monitoring equipment from Power Monitors, Inc., of Mount Crawford, Virginia, and appropriating funds in the amount of $12,061.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Accepting and Attesting to Veracity of 2024 Lodi Electric Utility Power Source Disclosure (EU)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ LEU Power Source Disclosure (Exhibit A) Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑163 accepting and attesting to the veracity of the 2024 Lodi Electric Utility Power Source Disclosure.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Approving City of Lodi Pay Schedule Dated October 1, 2025 (ISD ‑ HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Pay Schedule
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑164 approving the City of Lodi Pay Schedule dated October 1, 2025.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Classification, Job Description, and Salary Range of the New Position of Senior Community Improvement Officer; Adding One Senior Community Improvement Officer and Deleting One Community Improvement Officer II Position in the Community Development Department and within the Department’s Fiscal Year 2025‑2026 Budget After a Promotional Recruitment (ISD ‑ HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Job Description
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑165 approving the classification, job description, and salary range of the new position of Senior Community Improvement Officer; adding one Senior Community Improvement Officer and deleting one Community Improvement Officer II position in the Community Development Department and within the Department’s Fiscal Year 2025‑2026 budget after a promotional recruitment.
C.7 Adopt a Resolution Ratifying Contract with Lodi Unified School District to Provide Community Based Organization (CBO) After‑School Staff Support for the Bridge Program at Five Locations During the 2025/2026 School Year, in the Amount of $651,526 and Authorize the City Manager to Approve Additional Changes for the 2025/2026 School Year in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000, for a Total Not to Exceed $751,526 (PRCS)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Agreement
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑166 ratifying the contract with Lodi Unified School District to provide community-based organization (CBO) after‑school staff support for the Bridge Program at five locations during the 2025/2026 school year, in the amount of $651,526, and authorizing the City Manager to approve additional changes for the 2025/2026 school year in an amount not to exceed $100,000, for a total not to exceed $751,526.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution Approving Lodi Arts Commission’s Recommendation to Select Artist Daniel Borup’s Conceptual Design Titled “Messis Copiosa” for the Art Installation Project at State Route 99 and Turner Road and Authorizing City Manager to Execute an Artwork Design, Fabrication and Installation Agreement in a Form Approved by the City Attorney (Not to Exceed $500,000) (PRCS)
Attachments: Attachment 1‑ Proposal
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑167 approving the Lodi Arts Commission’s recommendation to select artist Daniel Borup’s conceptual design titled “Messis Copiosa” for the Art Installation Project at State Route 99 and Turner Road and authorizing the City Manager to execute an Artwork Design, Fabrication and Installation Agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney, in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
C.9 Adopt a Resolution Repealing Traffic Resolution No. 2025‑100, and Reenacting the Complete, Current Version of the Traffic Resolution Hereby Approving the Modification of Zone C Residential Permit Parking Restricted Hours from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm; Zone D Residential Permit Parking Restricted Hours from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm; and Amend Zone C Permit Parking Area to Include the West Side of Pacific Avenue from Elm Street to 110 Feet South of Elm Street (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A ‑ Zone C Map
Attachment 2 ‑ Exhibit B ‑ Zone D Map
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑168 repealing Traffic Resolution No. 2025‑100 and reenacting the complete, current version of the Traffic Resolution hereby approving the modification of Zone C Residential Permit Parking restricted hours from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Zone D Residential Permit Parking restricted hours from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and amending Zone C Permit Parking area to include the west side of Pacific Avenue from Elm Street to 110 feet south of Elm Street.
C.10 Adopt a Resolution Awarding a Contract for Well No. 8 Abandonment to Eaton Drilling Company, LLC, of Woodland California, Appropriating Funds in the amount of $65,996 to the Water Capital Account, and Authorizing Acting City Manager or Designee to Authorize Change Orders Not‑To‑Exceed $10,000 (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Contract
Attachment 2 ‑ CIP
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑169 awarding a contract for the Well No. 8 Abandonment Project to Eaton Drilling Company, LLC, of Woodland, appropriating funds in the amount of $65,996 to the Water Capital Account, and authorizing the Acting City Manager or designee to authorize change orders in an amount not to exceed $10,000.
C.11 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager to Execute a Change Order for the Downtown Lodi Cleaning Crew Contract with United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties ($55,454) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A ‑ Alley Location Map Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
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 funding and UCP's cleaning schedule.
In response to Mayor Bregman, Public Works Director Swimley provided a timeframe for Downtown sidewalk cleaning.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley and Council Member Hothi, Public Works Director Swimley provided information regarding UCP's cleaning schedule and the alley cleaning start date.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑170 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute a change order for the Downtown Lodi cleaning crew contract with United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties, in the amount of $55,454.
C.12 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 5 to Professional Services Agreement with ICR Refrigeration, Inc., of Lodi, for On‑Call Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Services ($100,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No. 5
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
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 the HVAC contract re‑bidding in 2026.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑171 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to the Professional Services Agreement with ICR Refrigeration, Inc., of Lodi, for on‑call heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, in the amount of $100,000.
C.13 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 with Thatcher Company of Salt Lake City, UT, to Update Fee Schedule and Extend Term of Agreement to June 30, 2026 (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No 1
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑172 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 with Thatcher Company, of Salt Lake City, Utah, to update the fee schedule and extend the term of the agreement to June 30, 2026.
C.14 Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station Compressor Procurement and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager or Designee to Award the Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder ($500,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Authorized advertisement for bids for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station Compressor Procurement and adopted Resolution No. 2025‑173 authorizing the Acting City Manager or designee to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder, in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
C.15 Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station Improvements (Less Compressor); Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager or Designee to Award the Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder and Execute Change Orders ($700,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Approved the plans and specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station Improvements (less compressor); adopted Resolution No. 2025‑174 authorizing the Acting City Manager or designee to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder and execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $700,000.
C.16 Appoint Larry Long and Aaron VanNortwick to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Gary Woehl to the Planning Commission, and Katherine LeStrange to the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission (Student Commissioners); and Post for Vacancies on the Lodi Finance Committee, Lodi Arts Commission and the Lodi Improvement Committee (CLK)
Directed the City Clerk to make the following appointments and post for the following vacancies.
APPOINTMENTS:
Parks and Recreation Commission
Larry Long ‑ Term to expire June 30, 2029
Aaron VanNortwick ‑ Term to expire June 30, 2029
Planning Commission
Gary Woehl ‑ Term to expire July 1, 2029
Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission (Student Commissioner) Katherine LeStrange ‑ Term to expire May 31, 2026
POSTINGS:
Lodi Finance Committee
One vacancy ‑ Term to expire November 1, 2026
Lodi Arts Commission
One vacancy ‑ Term to expire July 1, 2027
Lodi Improvement Committee
One vacancy ‑ Term to expire March 1, 2026
Following approval of the Consent Calendar, City Clerk Nashed administered the Oath of Office to Larry Long, appointee to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Gary Woehl, appointee to the Planning Commission.
C.17 Set Public Hearing for October 15, 2025 to Consider Waiving the First Reading and Introducing an Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 15 (Building and Construction) Chapter
15.25, Title 17 (Development Code) Sections 17.18.040 (Residential zoning district general development standards), 17.20.030 (Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.22.030 (Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements),
17.24.030 (Industrial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.32.040 (Number of parking spaces required), 17.36.130 (Accessory dwelling units), 17.36.220 (Tobacco retailer establishments), 17.36.230 (Alcoholic beverage sales), 17.36.240 (Problem uses), 17.40.020 (Site plan and architectural approval), 17.40.050 (Variances and administrative deviations),
17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number:
2024‑07 Z; CEQA Status: Exempt per Section 15061(b)(3) ‑ General Rule Exemption and Section 15378 as the Ordinance is not a project) (CD)
This item was pulled at the request of Mayor Bregman.
In response to Mayor Bregman, Community Development Director John Della Monica spoke regarding the benefits of the proposed ordinance, which includes Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulation and enforcement, preventing tobacco sales to minors, and limiting the number of mini‑marts in Lodi.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Community Development Director Della Monica provided information on the new policy controlling the sale and distribution of tobacco products.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Set a public hearing for October 15, 2025, to consider waiving the first reading and introducing an ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 15 (Building and Construction) Chapter 15.25, Title 17 (Development Code) Sections 17.18.040 (Residential zoning district general development standards), 17.20.030 (Commercial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.22.030 (Mixed use zoning districts land uses and permit requirements), 17.24.030 (Industrial zoning district land uses and permit requirements), 17.32.040 (Number of parking spaces required), 17.36.130 (Accessory dwelling units), 17.36.220 (Tobacco retailer establishments), 17.36.230 (Alcoholic beverage sales), 17.36.240 (Problem uses), 17.40.020 (Site plan and architectural approval), 17.40.050 (Variances and administrative deviations), 17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024‑07 Z).
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Travis Castle, founder of a Path to Humanity, spoke regarding his organization's work with local nonprofits, free CPR classes, and job training. He presented a beehive to the Salvation Army for auction at their upcoming lobster feed fundraiser.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez made a motion, second by Council Member Craig‑Hensley, to move Item F.1 to the end of the agenda.
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
There were no other Council Comments on non‑agenda items.
F. Public Hearings
F.1 Public Hearing to Receive Comments on and Consider Accepting City of Lodi's Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Water Quality Report
Per the Council vote, this item was heard at the end of the agenda.
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 receive comments on and consider accepting the City of Lodi's Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals.
Public Works Director Charlie Swimley provided a brief introduction. Water Plant Superintendent Travis Kahrs provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the City of Lodi's Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals. Specific topics of discussion included background, report guidelines, water sources and data considered, constituents above the Public Health Goal, current treatment, and compliance.
Mayor Bregman opened the public hearing for public comment at 9:30 p.m.
There being no public comments, Mayor Bregman closed the public hearing at 9:30 p.m.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Water Plant Superintendent Kahrs stated that the levels are a goal, not a requirement, set by the State.
In response to Council Member Hothi, Water Plant Superintendent Kahrs provided information regarding the City's water quality in comparison to other local jurisdictions.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, Water Plant Superintendent Kahrs provided information regarding the fluctuation in the percentage of water coming from groundwater and from surface water.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Water Plant Superintendent Kahrs provided information regarding the different contaminants in well water as opposed to surface water.
Council Member Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig‑Hensley, to accept the City of Lodi's Report on Water Quality Relative to Public Health Goals.
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 Temporary Access Center and Emergency Shelter Quarterly Update (CD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Lodi Access Center Client Services Report May 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025
Attachment 2 ‑ Lodi Access Center Client Services Report November 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025
Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne and Jason McEachron, of Outreach Ministries International, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Temporary Access Center and Emergency Shelter Quarterly Update. Specific topics of discussion included purpose of the presentation, statistics, budget status overview, comments by Outreach Ministries International, the Tree to Success, and a success story. Pastor Glenn Barnes, of First Baptist Church and member of the oversight committee, spoke regarding the work the Access Center is doing.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mr. McEachron and Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding age demographics.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. McEachron and Johnny Coughran, of Outreach Ministries International, provided information regarding employees, volunteers, and the application process for volunteers.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Coughran stated Outreach Ministries was formed in 1982.
No Council action was required on this item.
G.2 Adopt a Resolution to Approve Service Level Specifications and Authorize the Community Development Director to Release a Request for Proposal for Operating the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter (CD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Access Center Operator RFP
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the service level specifications and Request for Proposal for Operating the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter. Specific topics of discussion included purpose of presentation, Access Center Operating Requests for Proposal (RFP), City responsibilities, Access Center RFP overview, floor plan, summary of wraparound services, procurement process, Evaluation Committee, tentative timeline, scoring rubric, and recommendation.
Community Development Director John Della Monica provided information regarding the grant-purchased solar system which will reduce energy consumption.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding the selection process and stated all of the top three proposers will be presented to Council.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding the term of the contract and the tenure of Outreach Ministries International.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne and Community Development Director Della Monica provided information regarding San Joaquin Council of Governments Housing Trust Fund, funding opportunities, utility billings, Work Force Education Center, the 60‑bed count, medical respite, projected budget for donations, and neighborhood cleanup.
Council Member Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt Resolution No. 2025‑175 approving the service level specifications and authorizing the Community Development Director to release a Request for Proposals for operating the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter, including the addition of a budget line item for neighborhood cleanup.
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
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk