LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 – 6:15 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of April 1, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 6:16 p.m.
Present: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Absent: Council Member Bregman and Council Member Nakanishi
Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, City Attorney Lucchesi, and City Clerk Nashed
NOTE: Council Member Nakanishi arrived at 6:17 p.m.
NOTE: Council Member Bregman arrived at 6:49 p.m.
C‑2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ‑ ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2). Two Cases.
b) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b). One Position: City Manager Recruitment.
c) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b).
Title: City Attorney Recruitment and Interim City Attorney Appointment.
C‑3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:17 p.m., Mayor Yepez 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, Mayor Yepez 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 April 1, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 7:06 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 Proclaiming April 4, 2026, as Arbor Day in Lodi (PRCS)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation
Mayor Yepez and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Christina Jaromay presented a proclamation to Steve Dutra and Bill Nantt, of Tree Lodi, proclaiming April 4, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Lodi.
B.2 Presentation of Non‑Profit Allocation Check to Lodi Boys and Girls Club (CLK)
Mayor Yepez and Council Member Nakanishi presented a Non‑Profit Allocation Check in the amount of $4,130 to Roger Coover, of the Lodi Boys and Girls Club.
B.3 Presentation of Non‑Profit Allocation Check to Lodi Community Church (“Love Lodi”) (CLK)
Mayor Yepez and Council Member Craig‑Hensley presented a Non‑Profit Allocation Check in the amount of $7,500 to Timothy and Tara Stewart, of Lodi Community Church (“Love Lodi”); Christine Alberg, Principal of Lawrence Elementary School; and Jamie Moso, Principal of Heritage Elementary School.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, 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 Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None
Absent: None
C.1 Adopt a Resolution Approving Renewal of Chiropractic Benefit Administration Agreement with Landmark Healthplan of California and Further Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Agreement (Not to Exceed $130,000) (IS ‑ HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Landmark Healthplan of California Inc. Contract Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑55 approving the renewal of the Chiropractic Benefit Administration Agreement with Landmark Healthplan of California and further authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute the agreement, in an amount not to exceed $130,000.
C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 2 with a Two‑Year Term Extension for the Professional Services Agreement with Business Recovery Services Inc., of Alameda, CA, for Utility Payment Lockbox Services for a Sum Not‑To‑Exceed $138,942 (IS‑FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No. 2 Business Recovery Services PSA Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑56 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 with a two‑year term extension for the Professional Services Agreement with Business Recovery Services, Inc., of Alameda, for utility payment lockbox services, for a total not to exceed $138,942.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Approving New Professional Services Agreement with Loomis for Comprehensive Cash Handling Machine and Armored Transport Services ($165,000) (IS ‑ FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
This item was pulled at the request of staff.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Reclassification of the Literacy and Programs Manager Position to Librarian II (LIB)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Literacy and Program Manager Job Description Attachment 2 ‑ Librarian II Job Description
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑57 approving the reclassification of the Literacy and Programs Manager position to Librarian II.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the City Manager’s Approval of Three Replacement Vehicles from Sanborn Chevrolet Inc and Approve the Purchase of One Replacement Vehicle from Lodi Motors, Inc dba Lodi Honda, Emergency Equipment Installation from Lehr Upfitters OpCo LLC, and Radio Equipment from Dailey‑Wells Communications, Inc in the Amount of $212,804.46 (PD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Vehicle 05‑077
Attachment 2 ‑ Vehicle 05‑104
Attachment 3 ‑ Vehicle 05‑091
Attachment 4 ‑ Vehicle 05‑076
Attachment 5 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑58 ratifying the City Manager’s approval of three replacement vehicles from Sanborn Chevrolet, Inc., and approving the purchase of one replacement vehicle from Lodi Motors, Inc., dba Lodi Honda, emergency equipment installation from Lehr Upfitters OpCo, LLC, and radio equipment from Dailey‑Wells Communications, Inc., in the amount of $212,804.46.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreement with EagleShield Pest Control, Inc., for Squirrel Abatement and Maintenance Program at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility ($229,827) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑59 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with EagleShield Pest Control, Inc., for squirrel abatement and maintenance program at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility, in the amount of $229,827.
C.7 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $3,500 from District 4 Non‑Profit Funds to Unidos Progresando ‑ Progressing Together (Total $3,500) (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Reso 2025‑120 and Adopted Nonprofit Fund Policy Attachment 2 ‑ Proposal Letter
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑60 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $3,500 from District 4 Non‑Profit Funds to Unidos Progresando ‑ Progressing Together.
C.8 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 5 Non‑Profit Funds to Beckman Elementary School (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 at the request of Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi provided information regarding his choice of Beckman Elementary School to receive the allocation of Public Benefit Funds from his District.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑61 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 5 Non‑Profit Funds to Beckman Elementary School.
C.9 Appoint Christopher Anderson to the Library Board of Trustees (CLK)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Bregman.
Council Member Bregman recused himself from voting on this item and left the dais for the vote.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Yepez, to appoint Christopher Anderson to the Library Board of Trustees.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Yepez
Noes: Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Absent: None
* Council Member Bregman recused himself from the vote.
Directed the City Clerk to make the following appointment.
APPOINTMENT:
Library Board of Trustees
Christopher Anderson – Term to expire July 1, 2027
City Clerk Nashed administered the Oath of Office to Christopher Anderson, appointee to the Library Board of Trustees.
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items ‑ None
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items ‑ None
F. Public Hearings ‑ None
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Adopt a Resolution Appointing John Luebberke as Interim City Attorney and Approving the Corresponding Legal Services Agreement with Law Firm Herum Crabtree Suntag (CA)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Legal Services Agreement
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
City Attorney Lucchesi provided a presentation regarding the appointment of John Luebberke as Interim City Attorney. Specific topics of discussion included interview of candidates, selection of Mr. Luebberke, negotiation of agreement terms, hourly rate, and authority.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig‑Hensley, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑62 appointing John Luebberke as Interim City Attorney and approving the corresponding Legal Services Agreement with Law Firm Herum Crabtree Suntag.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None
Absent: None
G.2 Adopt the Following Resolutions Pertaining to the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election (CLK)
(a) Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of the General Municipal Election;
(b) Resolution Requesting the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors to Render Specified Services for the Conduct of a General Municipal Election;
(c) Resolution Setting Forth the Council’s Policy Regarding Impartial Analysis, Arguments, and Rebuttal Arguments for Any Measure(s) that May Qualify to be Placed on the Ballot; and
(d) Resolution Adopting Regulations for Candidates for Elective Office Pertaining to Candidates’ Statements Submitted to the Voters at the General Municipal Election
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ City of Lodi Offices' Schedule Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution Calling for Election
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution to Consolidate with SJCROV
Attachment 4 ‑ Resolution Regarding Measures
Attachment 5 ‑ Resolution Regarding Candidate Statements
City Clerk Nashed proided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the adoption of resolutions pertaining to the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election. Specific topics of discussion included 2026 elections for Districts 1, 2, and 3; General Municipal Election timeline; and current actions before Council: (1) call for an election on November 3, 2026, (2) consolidation of election with San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters, (3) set policy for impartial analysis, arguments, and rebuttal arguments for Measures, and (4) adopt regulations regarding Candidates’ Statements.
In response to Council Member Bregman, City Clerk Nashed provided information regarding the consolidation of the election with San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, City Clerk Nashed provided information regarding services provided to candidates for City Council.
In response to Mayor Yepez, City Clerk Nashed provided information regarding the use of promotional videos and social media to increase public awareness about the election.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, City Clerk Nashed and City Attorney Lucchesi provided information regarding candidates speaking with elected officials.
Council Member Bregman made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt the following resolutions pertaining to the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election:
(a) Resolution No. 2026‑63 calling and giving notice of the General Municipal Election;
(b) Resolution No. 2026‑64 requesting the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors to render specified services for the conduct of a General Municipal Election;
(c) Resolution No. 2026‑65 setting forth the Council’s policy regarding the impartial analysis, arguments, and rebuttal arguments for any Measure(s) that may qualify to be placed on the ballot; and
(d) Resolution No. 2026‑66 adopting regulations for Candidates for elective office pertaining to Candidates’ Statements submitted to the voters at the General Municipal Election.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez 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 7:47 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk