LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026 ‑ 7:00 PM
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session of March 18, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi at 5:35 p.m.
Present: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Absent: Council Member Bregman, and Mayor Yepez
Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
C‑2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b). Title: City Manager Recruitment Update.
b) PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b).
Title: City Attorney Recruitment, and Interim City Attorney Appointment.
c) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2).
One case.
C‑3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 5:36 p.m., Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:01 p.m., Mayor Yepez reconvened the City Council Meeting, and City Attorney Lucchesi disclosed that there was no reportable action.
NOTE: Mayor Yepez and Council Member Bregman arrived following adjournment to Closed Session but participated following arrival.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The regular City Council meeting of March 18, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 7:01 p.m.
Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Absent: None
Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing and Honoring Judith Halstead, as the 2026 Women in the Arts Honoree (PRCS)
Mayor Yepez and members of the Lodi Arts Commission presented a proclamation to Judith Halstead honoring her as the 2026 Women in the Arts Honoree.
B.2 Presentation of Non‑Profit Allocation Check to Lodi Sister City (CLK)
Mayor Yepez and Council Member Nakanishi presented a Non‑Profit Allocation Check to President Bill Hinkel and members of the Lodi Sister City Committee for use in the construction of the Lodi Lake Peace Park.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
A motion was made by Council Member Bregman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore 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, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Yepez, and Mayor Bregman Noes: None
Absent: None
C.1 Adopt a Resolution Waiving Bid Process and Authorizing Purchase of Power Press and Head Assemblies from DMC Power and Appropriating Funds in the Amount of $75,000, for a Total Not to Exceed Amount of $125,000 (EU)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑48 waiving the bid process and authorizing the purchase of power press and head assemblies from DMC Power and appropriating funds in the amount of $75,000, for a total not to exceed the amount of $125,000.
C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Waive the Bid Process, Utilize the Houston‑Galveston Area Council Contract No. HGAC FS 12‑23, and Award a Purchase Order to Golden State Fire Apparatus Inc., of Sacramento, for the Purchase of a Pierce Enforcer Engine and Appropriate ($35,000) (FD)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑49 authorizing the Interim City Manager to waive the bid process, utilize the Houston‑Galveston Area Council Contract No. HGAC FS 12‑23, and award a purchase order to Golden State Fire Apparatus, Inc., of Sacramento, for the purchase of a Pierce Enforcer Engine, and appropriate funds in the amount of $35,000.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 with Waterproofing Associates, Inc., for Citywide Roof Repairs ($40,000) (PW)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan addressed Council Member Craig‑Hensley's questions.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑50 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the contract with Waterproofing Associates, Inc., for Citywide Roof Repairs, in the amount of $40,000.
C.4 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Salas Park Sports Lighting Improvements (Phase 2) (PW)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi.
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan and Parks Superintendent Steve Virrey addressed the questions concerning this item.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Accepted Improvements under the contract for Salas Park Sports Lighting Improvements (Phase 2).
C.5 Appoint Hector Soto to the Lodi Improvement Committee (CLK)
Directed the City Clerk to make the following appointment.
APPOINTMENT:
Lodi Improvement Committee
Hector Soto – Term to expire March 2, 2028
Following the approval of the Consent Calendar, City Clerk Nashed gave the oath of office to Hector Soto for the Lodi Improvement Committee.
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON‑AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
Armando Valerio, Delta College Trustee, provided an update on Measure K and invited representatives from the City of Lodi to meet with the Delta College Board of Trustees regarding the possible use of Measure K funds within the Lodi community.
Olivia Miller, a member of the public, spoke regarding the parking difficulties for employees of Downtown businesses.
Ellon Brittingham, PG&E Government Affairs Representative to the City of Lodi, stated she was available to provide assistance to the City.
Catha Pfister spoke regarding increasing the number of permits issued within the City to mobile food vendors.
Steve Dutra, President of Tree Lodi, spoke regarding the upcoming Arbor Day celebration and thanked Council for their support of the Lodi Electric Shade Tree Program.
Hugo Gutierrez, a resident of the River Point community, spoke regarding the lack of public outreach regarding the impacts of the Stormwater Phase 5 project.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding her attendance at the recent Lodi City Employee Association (LCEA) event which recognized the employees who were selected as Employee of the Quarter for 2025 and acknowledged Tyson Mordhorst for being selected as Employee of Year.
Council Member Bregman also spoke regarding the LCEA event and about concerns he has been hearing from local citizens regarding members other communities, some with criminal histories, coming into Lodi for rehab programs and other services.
In response to Mayor Yepez, City Attorney Lucchesi clarified the notification requirements of people on probation moving into Lodi.
F. Public Hearings
F.1 Public Hearing to Consider a Motion to Approve the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress
Report and Direct Staff to Transmit the Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (CD)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Yepez called for the public hearing to consider a motion to approve the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and direct staff to transmit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
Interim Director of Community Development Cynthia Marsh provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report. Specific topics of discussion included program implementation, Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), summary of Housing Permits in 2025, second year of RHNA progress for 6th cycle, Housing Element Program implementation highlights, and recommendation.
Mayor Yepez opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:11 p.m.
There being no public comment, Mayor Yepez closed the public hearing at 8:11 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Bregman, seconded by Council Member Nakanishi, to approve the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report and direct staff to transmit the report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
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.2 Public Hearing to Consider Resolution Adopting Pre‑Approved, Proposition 218 Consumer Price Index‑Based Annual Adjustment to Rates for Solid Waste Collection (PW)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Yepez called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting pre‑approved, Proposition 218 Consumer Price Index‑based annual adjustment to rates for solid waste collection.
Public Works Management Analyst Rebecca Areida provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the pre‑approved, Proposition 218 Consumer Price Index‑based annual adjustment to rates for solid waste collection. Specific topics of discussion included overview; contract with Waste Management; Consumer Price Index rate adjustment factor; North County Landfill gate fees; residential monthly rate changes; local rate comparisons; recommended action; and introduction of recently‑appointed Management Analyst Beatriz Delgado, the point of contact for all issues regarding solid waste and recycling.
Mayor Yepez opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:17 p.m.
There being no public comment, Mayor Yepez closed the public hearing at 8:17 p.m.
A motion was made by Council Member Nakanishi, seconded by Council Member Craig-Hensley, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑51 adopting pre‑approved, Proposition 218 Consumer Price Index‑based annual adjustment to rates for solid waste collection.
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 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Lodi and the Lodi Professional Firefighters for the Period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028 (IS ‑ HR)
Interim Human Resources Manager Cristina Gonzales provided a presentation regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Lodi and the Lodi Professional Firefighters for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. Specific topics of discussion included the bargaining process and a summary of the terms of the MOU.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, seconded by Council Member Bregman, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑52 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lodi and the Lodi Professional Firefighters for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
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 Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Lodi and the AFSCME ‑ General Services for the Period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028 (IS ‑ HR)
Interim Human Resources Manager Cristina Gonzales provided a presentation which included a summary of the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Lodi and the AFSCME ‑ General Services for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, seconded by Council Member Bregman,to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑52 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lodi and the AFSCME ‑ General Services for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
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.3 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Lodi and the AFSCME ‑ Maintenance and Operators for the Period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028 (IS ‑ HR)
Interim Human Resources Manager Cristina Gonzales provided a presentation which included a summary of the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lodi and the AFSCME ‑ Maintenance and Operators for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
Jeremiah Miller, AFSCME Business Agent and Union Representative, expressed appreciation for the work done between the City and the AFSCME bargaining teams during the negotiation process and introduced members of the AFSCME bargaining teams who were present at the meeting.
A motion was made by Council Member Bregman, seconded by Council Member Craig-Hensley, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑54 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lodi and the AFSCME ‑ Maintenance and Operators for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
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.4 Fiscal Year 2025/26 Electric Utility Quarterly Financial Update Report (EU)
Assistant Electric Utility (EU) Director Melissa Price provided a PowerPoint presentation for the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Electric Utility Quarterly Financial Update Report. Following discussion of the Electric Utility fund cash flow summary, EU Assistant Director Price paused her presentation to allow Council comments and questions.
Assistant EU Director Price answered questions for Council Member Nakanishi, Council Member Bregman, and Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Assistant EU Director Price continued her PowerPoint presentation. Specific topics of discussion included Risk Oversight Committee meeting and activity highlights.
This was an informational item with no action required by City Council.
G.5 Provide Direction to Staff on the Improvement Deferral Agreement at 1230 South Central Avenue (Lodi Academy) (PW)
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Improvement Deferral Agreement for 1230 South Central Avenue (Lodi Academy). Specific topics of discussion included background, Poplar Street frontage improvements, and staff recommendation to uphold the Lodi Municipal Code requirement holding the property owner responsible for the frontage improvements by requiring the sidewalk to be complete and allowing the curb and gutter requirements to be extended further through an additional amendment.
Fred Bunch, Chairman of the Board of Lodi Academy, spoke regarding some background information, the school's efforts to meet the terms of the Improvement Deferral Agreement, the previous promise of no‑cost design services from the City, and Lodi Academy's desire to defer the curb and gutter requirements at this time.
Discussion ensued among the Council, Interim Public Works Director Nathan, and City Attorney Lucchesi.
There was no public comment on the item.
A motion was made by Council Member Craig-Hensley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, that Lodi Academy will have the sidewalk improvements as described in the Improvement Deferral Agreement for 1230 South Central Avenue (Lodi Academy) designed and installed by the end of 2026 and following completion of the approved installation of the sidewalk, the remainder of the Improvement Deferral Agreement will be terminated.
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.6 Receive Status Report on Non‑Profit Fund Program Applications and Allocations Approved to Date (CLK)
City Clerk Nashed provided a presentation regarding the status report on the non‑profit program applications and allocations approved to date. Specific topics of discussion included background, proposals received, proposal letters received and requested funding, allocations by City Council, remaining funds available, required reporting, and recommendations for Fiscal Year 2026‑2027.
Kristen Birtwhistle, President and CEO of United Way of San Joaquin; Janelle Wilkinson, of LOEL Center; Lynsay Nuss, member of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and Deputy Director of the Community Partnership for Families (CPF); Janet Vargas, of Community Partnership for Families; Joshua Alvares, a recipient of the CPF Works program; and Crystal Joy, a recipient of the CPF Works program thanked City Council for their support of the non‑profit community.
This was an informational item with no action required by City Council.
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m.
ATTEST:
________________________
Olivia Nashed,
City Clerk