LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025 – 6:15 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of December 3, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Nakanishi at 6:20 p.m.
Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, and Mayor Nakanishi
Absent: Council Member Hothi and Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez
Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
NOTE: Council Member Hothi and Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez arrived at 6:25.
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 ‑ THREATENED LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2). One Case: Government Claim No. 25‑45 Submitted by Claimant Scott Carney.
c) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ‑ ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2). Two cases.
C‑3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:21 p.m., Mayor Nakanishi adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:18 p.m., Mayor Nakanishi 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 December 3, 2025, was called to order by Mayor Nakanishi at 7:22 p.m.
Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Nakanishi
Absent: None
Also Present: Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the recent tragedy in Stockton and asked for a moment of silence in honor of those who lost their lives.
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Mayor’s Community Service Awards (CLK)
Former Mayor Bregman, who completed his term on November 19, 2025, presented the Mayor's Award to this year's recipients, Scott Hamilton and the Lodi Lions Club, represented by Joshua Lydon. Mr. Hamilton was chosen for this award in acknowledgement of his service on the Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee and for his commitment to the restoration of the historic Lodi Fire House and City Hall. The Lodi Lions Club was chosen for this award in acknowledgement of its continuing support of Emerson Park and Legion Park.
Former Mayor Bregman also acknowledged the long service of Mayor Nakanishi to the Lodi community.
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 Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Nakanishi Noes: None
Absent: None
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
C.1 Approve Minutes
a) June 4, 2025 (Regular Meeting)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ June 4, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
This item was pulled by Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated that the minutes are sometimes a reminder of unfinished business. She requested an update regarding the County funds for the skate park and an update on the grants program for non-profits.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
The minutes of June 4, 2025 (Regular Meeting) were approved as written.
C.2 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 5 Non‑Profit Funds to Wrestling Booster Club of Tokay High (Total $5,000) (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Reso 2025‑120 and Adopted Nonprofit Fund Policy Attachment 2 ‑ Proposal Letter
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
This item was pulled by Council Member Hothi.
In response to Council Member Hothi, City Clerk Nashed verified that members of the Wrestling Booster Club of Tokay High were not in attendance and that they would receive the Public Benefit Non-Profit Funds check in January.
Council Member Hothi spoke briefly regarding the benefits provided by the Wrestling Booster Club of Tokay High.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑209 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 5 Non‑Profit Funds to Wrestling Booster Club of Tokay High, in the total amount of $5,000.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Reviewing and Maintaining the Current Lodi Electric Utility Reserve Policy (EU)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑210 reviewing and maintaining the current Lodi Electric Utility Reserve Policy.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with Kone, Inc., for Citywide Elevator Services ($40,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No 1
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑211 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Kone, Inc., for Citywide elevator services, in the amount of $40,000.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Additional Change Orders to 2025‑27 Block Wall Repair Program ($42,625), and Appropriating Funds ($36,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ CIP
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑212 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute additional change orders to the 2025‑27 Block Wall Repair Program, in the amount of $42,625, and appropriating funds in the amount of $36,000.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with Bickford Ventures Inc., dba Division 01 Construction Management Services of Lodi, for Construction Management Services for the City of Lodi Animal Shelter Project ($75,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No 1
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Bregman.
Council Member Bregman recused himself from the vote on this item due to a conflict of interest and left the dais.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Hothi, to adopt Resolution No. 2025‑213 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Bickford Ventures, Inc., dba Division 01 Construction Management Services, of Lodi, for construction management services for the City of Lodi Animal Shelter Project, in the amount of $75,000.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Nakanishi Noes: None
Absent: None
NOTE: Council Member Bregman recused himself from the vote on this item.
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
Following the vote on this item, Council Member Bregman returned to the dais.
C.7 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Two 35‑Foot Compressed Natural Gas, Low‑Floor Buses from Gillig, LLC, of Livermore (Not‑to‑Exceed $1,750,000), Utilizing Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (Master Contract No. 06719), Appropriating Additional funds ($400,000) and Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute All Necessary Documents (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Purchase Contract
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑214 authorizing the purchase of two 35‑foot compressed natural gas, low‑floor buses from Gillig, LLC, of Livermore, in an amount not to exceed $1,750,000, utilizing Washington State Department of Enterprise Services Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (Master Contract No. 06719), appropriating additional funds in the amount of $400,000, and authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Accept Payment of $19,500 From, and Dedicate Easement to, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Property (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A ‑ Photo of Existing Pole Line Attachment 2 ‑ Exhibit B ‑ Request from PG&E
Attachment 3 ‑ Exhibit C ‑ Valuation Estimate
Attachment 4 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑215 authorizing the Interim City Manager to accept payment of $19,500 from, and dedicate an easement to, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility property.
C.9 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Award Contract for Citywide Window and Glass Repair and Replacement to Mountain Valley Glass, Inc. of Valley Springs ($72,700) and Execute Change Orders ($20,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Contract
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the Purchasing Policy and the need to award contracts to local businesses whenever possible.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2025‑216 authorizing the Interim City Manager to award the contract for Citywide window and glass repair and replacement to Mountain Valley Glass, Inc., of Valley Springs, in the amount of $72,700, and execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $20,000.
C.10 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Traffic Signal and Lighting Project ‑ Victor Road (SR 12) and Guild Avenue (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A ‑ Before & After Photos
Accepted the improvements under the contract for the Traffic Signal and Lighting Project – Victor Road (SR 12) and Guild Avenue.
C.11 Set a Public Hearing for December 17, 2025 to Consider Adoption of the 2025 California Building Code, California Existing Building Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, Green Building Standard Code, and Fire Code (CD)
Set a public hearing for December 17, 2025, to consider adoption of the 2025 California Building Code, California Existing Building Code, Mechanical Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Residential Code, Green Building Standard Code, and Fire Code.
C.12 Set a Public Hearing for December 17, 2025 to Consider Waiving the First Reading and Introducing an Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code, Title 1 (General Provisions) Chapter
1.10 “Administrative Enforcement Provision” and Title 6 (Animals) Chapter 6.04 “Impoundment,” Chapter 6.08 “Prohibited Animals,” Chapter 6.12 “Dogs and Cats,” Chapter
6.14 “Keeping and Sanitation”; and Chapter 6.15 “Vicious/Potentially Dangerous Dog.” (CA)
Set a public hearing for December 17, 2025, to consider waiving the first reading and introducing an ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 1 (General Provisions) Chapter 1.10 “Administrative Enforcement Provision” and Title 6 (Animals) Chapter 6.04 “Impoundment,” Chapter 6.08 “Prohibited Animals,” Chapter 6.12 “Dogs and Cats,” Chapter 6.14 “Keeping and Sanitation;” and Chapter 6.15 “Vicious/Potentially Dangerous Dog.”
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Tanya Hansford, an AFSCME Local 146 City of Lodi Chapter Board Member, spoke regarding the union and recognized the members in attendance.
Jeremiah Miller, Union Representative of the AFSCME Local 146 City of Lodi Chapter, spoke regarding the union and the City's dedicated employees.
Bailey Caswell, representing the Downtown Business Alliance, spoke regarding upcoming holiday events in Downtown.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the Salvation Army's Red Kettle fundraiser and its recent culinary academy graduation, the recent Boards and Commissions recognition event, and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission's upcoming announcement of its new CEO and the inaugural run of the region's 7th train.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding his attendance at the recent Tree Lodi event celebrating 23 years of service to the Lodi community.
F. Public Hearings ‑ None
G. Regular Calendar ‑ None
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Reorganization
I.1 Presentation to Outgoing Mayor and Adopting Resolutions for Reorganization of the Lodi City Council by Selecting a Mayor and a Mayor Pro Tempore (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution for Mayor
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution for Mayor Pro Tempore
Mayor Nakanishi presented plaques to the City Council Members, Interim City Manager Lindsay, City Attorney Lucchesi, City Clerk Nashed, retired Public Works Director Charlie Swimley, and Community Development Director John Della Monica.
City Clerk Nashed, serving as Chair, conducted the election for the office of Mayor as follows:
NOMINATION(S) FOR MAYOR / VOTE
Mayor Nakanishi, seconded by Council Member Bregman, nominated Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez for the office of Mayor.
There being no further nominations for the office of Mayor, the nominations were closed.
JP Ducette, President of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, spoke regarding the Chamber's support of the nomination of Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez.
Bertha Castro, president of Unidos Progresando, spoke regarding the organization's support of the nomination of Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez.
Maria Rufino, a member of the public, spoke regarding the community’s efforts in cleaning the local parks.
Resolution No. 2025‑217 electing Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez for the position of Mayor carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Nakanishi Noes: None
Absent: None
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
Mayor Yepez thanked his supporters.
City Clerk Nashed turned over the gavel to newly‑elected Mayor Yepez who then conducted the election for the office of Mayor Pro Tempore.
NOMINATION(S) FOR MAYOR PRO TEMPORE / VOTE:
Mayor Yepez, seconded by Council Member Craig‑Hensley, nominated Council Member Hothi for the office of Mayor Pro Tempore.
There being no further nominations for the office of Mayor Pro Tempore, the nominations were closed.
Maria Rufino, a member of the public, spoke in Spanish.
Resolution No. 2025‑218 electing Council Member Hothi for the office of Mayor Pro Tempore carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Hothi, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None
Absent: None
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
J. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk