LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025 ‑ 6:30 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of October 15, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 6:37 p.m.
Present: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, and Mayor Bregman
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi and Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez
Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
NOTE: Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez arrived at 6:42 p.m.
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)
C‑3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:37 p.m., Mayor Bregman adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matter. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:06 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 October 15, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Bregman at 7:09 p.m.
Present: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of October 19‑25 as Friends of the Library Week in Lodi (LIB)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation
Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Friends of the Lodi Library President Kathryn Siddle proclaiming the week of October 19‑25 as Friends of the Library Week in the City of Lodi.
B.2 Certificate of Recognition Presented to Wat Khmer Temple Association for the First Southeast Asian Festival in Lodi (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Certificate of Recognition
Mayor Bregman presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Southeast Asian Night Market Committee in honor of the first Southeast Asian Festival in the City of Lodi.
B.3 Recognition of “Mayor for a Day” Contest Winners and Participants (CLK)
Mayor Bregman recognized the “Mayor for a Day” contest winners and participants and presented Certificates of Participation to Elsie Kuykendall, Eeshika Bhakta, Oliver Yee, Brooklyn Harrell, Connie Howen, and Gracie Balonas; Honorable Mention to Nora Daley; Third Place to Jesse Granados; Second Place to Brayan Martinez; and First Place to Georgia Merritt.
B.4 Presentation of Recognition to Retiring Public Works Director Charles E. Swimley, Jr. (CLK)
Mayor Bregman recognized retiring Public Works Director Charles E. Swimley, Jr., and presented him with a key to the City.
Water Plant Superintendent Travis Kahrs thanked Public Works Director Swimley for his service to the Department and the community.
B.5 Proclamation Proclaiming Lodi the Zinfandel Capital of the World (CLK)
Mayor Bregman presented a proclamation to Allison Champion, of the Winegrape Commission, proclaiming Lodi the Zinfandel Capital of the World.
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, 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, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
C.1 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Accept a Donation from the Dona Dorothy Platt Trust in the Amount of $1,000 for the Lodi Public Library and Appropriate Funds (LIB)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑177 authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation from the Dona Dorothy Platt Trust in the amount of $1,000 for the Lodi Public Library and appropriating funds.
C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Chief of Police to Execute the Second Amendment to the Shelter Services Agreement with the Regents of the University of California and Appropriating Funds ($3,000) (PD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No. 2
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑178 authorizing the Chief of Police to execute the Second Amendment to the Shelter Services Agreement with the Regents of the University of California and appropriating funds in the amount of $3,000.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Approving City of Lodi 2025 Sewer System Management Plan Update (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑179 approving the City of Lodi 2025 Sewer System Management Plan Update.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Awarding Contract for Lodi Police Department Training Facility Phase 1 Project to A.M. Stephens Construction Co., Inc., of Lodi, and Authorizing the Acting City Manager to Execute Change Orders ($768,816.21) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Contract
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑180 awarding the contract for the Lodi Police Department Training Facility Phase 1 Project to A.M. Stephens Construction Co., Inc., of Lodi, and authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $768,816.21.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Improvement Agreement for the 620 South Central Avenue Public Improvements (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A ‑ Vicinity Map
Attachment 2 ‑ Improvement Agreement
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
This item was pulled by staff.
Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez spoke regarding this item, noting that the project was in his neighborhood and has been very contentious for the past four years. He stated that the item will be included on the next agenda to allow the public the opportunity to speak.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Acting City Manager to Execute 3‑Year Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., of Redlands, for Geographic Information System Software ($180,900) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ ESRI Agreement
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑181 authorizing the Acting City Manager to execute a three‑year agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., of Redlands, for Geographic Information System Software, in the amount of $180,900.
C.7 Adopt a Resolution Appropriating Funds for SJCOG Cycle 2 Non‑Competitive Project ‑ Lodi Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancement Project ($258,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A ‑ Project Locations Attachment 2 ‑ CIP
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑182 appropriating funds for SJCOG Cycle 2 Non‑Competitive Project ‑ Lodi Citywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancement Project, in the amount of $258,000.
C.8 Accept Improvements Under Contract for 2024 Lodi Lake Improvement Project (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A ‑ Bid Tabulation
Attachment 2 ‑ Exhibit B ‑ Photos
Accepted the improvements under the contract for the 2024 Lodi Lake Improvement Project.
C.9 Accept Protocol Account Report from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025 (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Report through September 2025
Accepted the Protocol Account Report from July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.
C.10 Appoint Gary Woehl to the Lodi Finance Committee (CLK)
This item was pulled by Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, City Clerk Nashed stated that Mr. Woehl is unable to attend tonight’s meeting, but he did not object to Council moving forward with the appointment.
Directed the City Clerk to make the following appointment.
APPOINTMENT:
Lodi Finance Committee
Gary Woehl ‑ Term to expire November 1, 2026
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Ruben Hernandez, a member of the public, spoke regarding problems with Waste Management.
Nate Knodt, as a private citizen speaking on behalf of San Joaquin Rapid Transit District (RTD), spoke regarding a recent letter which misrepresented RTD through outdated data for ridership and operating costs.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated that San Joaquin Council of Governments and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission have been invited to attend the next RTD meeting.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez spoke regarding notifications from Waste Management and his attendance at Tech Week in San Francisco.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding attendance at the League of California Cities, including sessions on General Plan updates and low‑income housing tax credits, and the Chief Executive Officer search for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission.
Mayor Bregman spoke regarding the new Chief Executive Officer for the Delta Water Conservancy.
F. Public Hearings
F.1 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)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Planning Commission Resolution 25‑08 Attachment 2 ‑ Ordinance (Redlined)
Attachment 3 ‑ Ordinance (Clean)
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 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).
Deputy Community Development Director Cynthia Marsh provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the proposed ordinance. Specific topics of discussion included Phase 3 incremental Zoning Code amendments, background, California Historical Building Code, tobacco retailer establishments, alcoholic beverage sales (on‑site and off‑sale), additional amendments, additional clean‑up, definition amendments, CEQA determination, comment letter concerning the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) section, removal of Section 17.36.130 (Accessory dwelling units) from the recommended motion, revisions to Section 17.36.130 and return to Council at a later date, and staff recommendation.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh clarified that the changes apply to new Use Permits for tobacco retailer establishments but noted that all tobacco retailer establishments must have a State license and that the code change will allow the City to partner with the State to begin enforcement activities for those which are not in compliance.
In response to Council Member Hothi and Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh and City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding existing tobacco retailers within 500 feet of a youth‑oriented facility.
In response to Council Member Hothi, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh and City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the nightclub definition, Use Permits, and expansion.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding the letter received from the California Housing Defense Fund (CalHDF) about ADUs, ancillary sale of tobacco products, and sale of tobacco products in locations near youth‑oriented facilities, and enforcement.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding ADU amendments.
Mayor Bregman opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:38 p.m.
Scott Hamilton, a member of the public, spoke regarding the Historic Building Code and the need for a local register.
In response to Mayor Bregman, Deputy Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding upcoming historic sections for the Zoning Code.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the Historical Building Code, the need for a local inventory of properties, the importance related to economic development, and incorporation of the Mills Act.
Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez spoke regarding protection of the buildings being balanced with the needs of development.
In response to Council Member Hothi, Council Member Craig‑Hensley and City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the California Historic Building Code in relation to the Sunset Theater.
Brian Campbell, a member of the public, spoke regarding the need for middle housing.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Bregman closed the public hearing at 8:48 p.m.
Council Member Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig‑Hensley, to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2034 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), 17.36.220 (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), and 17.78.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases) (Applicant: City of Lodi; File Number: 2024‑07 Z).
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Receive a Presentation from the Library Board President Regarding the Library’s Role in Investing in Our Community’s Future (LIB)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ PowerPoint Presentation
Library Board President Brian Campbell and Library Director Jennifer Fontanilla provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Library’s Role in Investing in Our Community’s Future. Specific topics of discussion included members of the Library Board of Trustees; role of the Board; role of the Library in the community; fiscal responsibility; community partnerships and support; Friends of the Lodi Public Library; Lodi Public Library Foundation; the Library's next chapter; priorities ‑ space optimization, expanded outreach efforts, strengthening the literacy program, and innovative collections; and why the Library matters to the City.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Library Director Fontanilla provided information regarding outreach to the schools.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the presentation of local historical documents, work force development, potential partnership with San Joaquin Partnership for Families, and space for the Poet Laureate.
Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez spoke regarding support of the Library and the need for expanded hours.
No Council action was required on this item.
G.2 Informational Presentation for American Legion Park Hazard Tree Removal and Replacement (EU)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ American Legion Park Hazard Tree Removal
Electric Utility Superintendent Tim Combs provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the American Legion Park hazard tree removal and replacement. Specific topics of discussion included location, current tree status, historic details, proposed removal plan, Tree Lodi support letter, partnership with Tree Lodi and the Parks Division for tree replacement, utility‑friendly trees, and proposed schedule.
No Council action was required on this item.
G.3 Provide Information and Receive Direction on the Lodi Electric Utility Community Benefits Incentive Discount Available to Non‑Profit Entities (EU)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ CBID Presentation
Assistant Electric Utility Director Melissa Price provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Lodi Electric Utility Community Benefits Incentive Discount (CBID) available to non‑profit entities. Specific topics of discussion included CBID program, background, public benefits funding, options to consider, and next steps.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Assistant Electric Utility Director Price provided information regarding self‑certification for service to low‑income disadvantaged communities.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, Assistant Electric Utility Director Price provided information regarding the research and development component of Public Benefits and where the Public Benefits funding would go if the program was discontinued.
Mayor Bregman spoke in favor of Option 1 with expanded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recipient status.
In response to Mayor Bregman, Assistant Electric Utility Director Price provided information regarding public outreach regarding the program and the level of funding.
Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez stated that he would support the program but felt that eliminating the program and using the funds to support economic development would benefit the City more than supporting non‑profits.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Assistant Electric Utility Director Price provided information regarding support for business development.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Hothi, to direct staff to implement Option 1 changing the funding source for the Lodi Electric Utility Community Benefits Incentive Discount (CBID) to Public Benefits and expanding the CDBG recipient status to include demonstration of non‑profits serving the local low‑income disadvantaged community.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
G.4 Receive Presentation on Sidewalk Vendor Regulations and City Enforcement Practices (CA)
City Attorney Lucchesi provided a brief introduction. Deputy City Attorney William Baird and Police Chief Ricardo Garcia provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding sidewalk vendor regulations and City enforcement practices. Specific topics of discussion included changes in State law, current situation, arguments in favor of allowing vendors, potential problems and public safety concerns, applicable State law, Lodi Municipal Code (LMC) regulations, total regulatory requirements, City enforcement for violations, collective enforcement problems, Lodi Police Department response to vendors, Lodi Community Improvement response, Fire Department response, San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department response, and next steps.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, City Lucchesi provided information regarding City liability for street vendors, noting that the San Joaquin County Environmental Health Department has jurisdiction over food safety.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Chief Garcia stated that the Police Department does not issue administrative citations.
City Attorney Lucchesi clarified that currently enforcement in the form of issuance of administrative citations, by default, is handled only by Community Improvement.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the cost of encroachment permits and vendor permits.
In response to Council Member Hothi, City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding the hours of availability for Community Improvement Officers.
Council Member Hothi spoke in favor of expanding the hours of Community Improvement Officer enforcement.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke in favor of having weekend and evening Code enforcement.
Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez concurred with Council Member Hothi and Council Member Craig‑Hensley regarding enforcement.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley suggested the next steps of updating LMC Chapter 9.19 to match Senate Bill 972 revisions, enforcing Code violations by conducting more sting operations, and starting Code enforcement on the weekends, noting that the Police Department is already enforcing criminal violations associated with vending and the Fire Department is already enforcing the Fire Code violations.
Mayor Bregman concurred with Council Member Craig‑Hensley's suggestions.
No further Council action was required on this item.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, to continue Items G.5, G.6, and G.7 to the November 5, 2025, agenda.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
G.5 Discuss and Provide Direction to Staff Regarding Designated “No Parking” Times on Tokay Street to Address Traffic Congestion During Pick‑Up and Drop‑Off Times at Vinewood School (PW/PD)
Per the Council vote, this item was continued to the November 5, 2025, agenda.
G.6 Provide Direction to Staff Regarding the Establishment of Volunteer/Non‑Paid Position of “Wine Ambassador” (CLK)
Per the Council vote, this item was continued to the November 5, 2025, agenda.
G.7 Adopt a Resolution Repealing and Replacing Resolution No. 80‑101 and Directing the City Clerk to Attend Closed Sessions of the City Council, to Keep and Enter in a Minute Book a Record of Topics Discussed and Decisions Made by the City Council (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution No. 80‑101
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution (Redlined)
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution (Clean)
Per the Council vote, this item was continued to the November 5, 2025, agenda.
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk