LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of April 15, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 5:37 p.m.
Present: Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Absent: Council Member Bregman
Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and City Clerk Nashed
NOTE: Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi participated in the meeting via teleconference.
NOTE: Council Member Bregman arrived at 6:03 p.m.
C‑2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b). One Position: City Manager Recruitment.
b) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ‑ ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2). One Case.
C‑3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 5:38 p.m., Mayor Yepez adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 6:40 p.m., Mayor Yepez reconvened the City Council meeting, and Interim City Attorney Luebberke disclosed that there was no reportable action.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of April 15, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 7:03 p.m.
Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, and Mayor Yepez
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and City Clerk Nashed
NOTE: Council Member Nakanishi joined the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 12‑18, 2026, as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in Lodi (PD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation
Mayor Yepez presented a proclamation to Police Chief Ricardo Garcia, Animal Services Manager Megan Ramczyk, and other Animal Services staff proclaiming the week of April 12‑18, 2026, as Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week in the City of Lodi.
B.2 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 12‑18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week in Lodi (PD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation
Mayor Yepez presented a proclamation to Police Chief Ricardo Garcia and Police Dispatcher Kelly Michaels proclaiming the week of April 12‑18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week in the City of Lodi.
B.3 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 19‑25, 2026, as National Volunteers Week in Lodi (PD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation
Mayor Yepez and Police Chief Ricardo Garcia presented a proclamation to volunteers representing groups providing services to the Lodi Public Library; the Public Works Department; the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department; the Lodi City Employees Association; the Lodi Fire Department; the Lodi Animal Shelter; the Police Cadet Program; the Police Chaplaincy Program; and the Partners Foundation proclaiming the week of April 19‑25, 2026, as National Volunteers Week in the City of Lodi.
B.4 Presentation of Non‑Profit Allocation Check to Unidos Progresando ‑ Progressing Together (CLK)
Mayor Yepez presented a Non‑Profit Allocation check to Berta Castro and members of Unidos Progresando ‑ Progressing Together.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman, 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 Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
C.1 Receive and File the Treasurer’s Report and Register of Claims for the Month of February 2026 (IS ‑ FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Treasurer's Report Feb 2026 Attachment 2 ‑ Register of Claims Feb 2026
Claims were approved in the amount of $13,635.905.
C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Contract Amendment Number Two with UBEO Midco, LLC dba. Ray Morgan Company of Chico, CA for City‑Wide Copier Maintenance ($125,000) (IS ‑ BUD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ UBEO Contract
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑67 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Contract Amendment No. 2 with UBEO Midco, LLC, dba Ray Morgan Company, of Chico, for City‑wide copier maintenance, in the amount of $125,000.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Approving Purchase of License Renewal of IT Security End Point Protection Software from CDW‑G, of Vernon Hills, Illinois ($89,256) (IS ‑ IT)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Purchase Quote
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑68 approving the purchase of license renewal of IT Security End Point Protection Software from CDW‑G, of Vernon Hills, Illinois, in the amount of $89,256.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager or Designee to Execute a Lease Agreement in a Form Acceptable by the City Attorney with the County of San Joaquin for Spaces Identified for San Joaquin Health Centers (“SJ Health”) within 710 N. Sacramento Street (CD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Draft Lease Agreement
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑69 authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to execute a Lease Agreement in a form acceptable by the City Attorney with the County of San Joaquin for spaces identified for San Joaquin Health Centers (“SJ Health”) within 710 North Sacramento Street.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to File Claim for Fiscal Year 2024/25 Transportation Development Act Funds from Local Transportation Fund ($3,754,081) and State Transit Assistance Fund ($89,223) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ TDA Claim
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑70 authorizing the Interim City Manager to file a claim for Fiscal Year 2024/25 Transportation Development Act Funds from Local Transportation Fund, in the amount of $3,754,081, and State Transit Assistance Fund, in the amount of $89,223.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Transdev Services, Inc., of Lombard, Illinois, for Best Value Operation of Lodi’s General Public Fixed Route, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Paratransit, and Dial‑A‑Ride Transit Services ($15,507,775) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Transportation Manager Julia Tyack provided information regarding additional services being provided by Transdev Services.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley noted that Transdev Services will be providing education and outreach services to the senior population.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑71 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Transdev Services, Inc., of Lombard, Illinois, for best value operation of Lodi’s general public fixed route, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit, and Dial‑A‑Ride transit services, in the amount of $15,507,775.
C.7 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, CHTD (NCE) of Sacramento, for Roadway Pavement Assessment Services ($150,500) and Execute Amendments ($49,500) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑72 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, CHTD (NCE) of Sacramento, for roadway pavement assessment services, in the amount of $150,500, and execute amendments in an amount not to exceed $49,500.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Waive the Bid Process and Execute a Three‑Year Professional Services Agreement with Calgon Carbon of Moon Township, PA for Custom Regeneration Granular Activated Carbon Services ($900,000) and Appropriate Funds ($900,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2 ‑ CIP
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑73 authorizing the Interim City Manager to waive the bid process and execute a three‑year Professional Services Agreement with Calgon Carbon, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, for custom regeneration granular activated carbon services, in the amount of $900,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $900,000.
C.9 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2026‑2028 Tree Maintenance Project; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder ($900,000), and Execute Change Orders ($100,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Approved the specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for the 2026‑2028 Tree Maintenance Project; adopted Resolution No. 2026‑74 authorizing the Interim City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder, in an amount not to exceed $900,000, and execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $100,000.
C.10 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 3 Non‑Profit Funds to the Lodi Chaplaincy Association (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 Council Member Bregman.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding Items C.10 and C.11, which are funded by his Council District funds, and explained his reasons for supporting these non-profit groups.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑75 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 3 Non‑Profit Funds to the Lodi Chaplaincy Association, in the total amount of $5,000.
C.11 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $15,000 from District 3 Non‑Profit Funds to the Lodi Police PARTNERS’ Foundation (Total $15,000) (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 Council Member Bregman.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding Items C.10 and C.11, which are funded by his Council District funds, and explained his reasons for supporting these non-profit groups.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑76 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $15,000 from District 3 Non‑Profit Funds to the Lodi Police PARTNERS’ Foundation, in the total amount of $15,000.
C.12 Set a Public Hearing for May 6, 2026, to Consider an Ordinance to enter a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to Install, Maintain, and Operate Electronic Message Signs on City‑Owned Properties (CD)
Set a public hearing for May 6, 2026, to consider an ordinance to enter into a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to install, maintain, and operate electronic message signs on City‑owned properties.
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Olivia Miller, a Downtown employee, spoke regarding Downtown parking issues and the Lodi Improvement Committee's support of finding a solution.
Lyndsy Davis, a member of the public, spoke regarding Downtown parking issues.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding the possible solutions for the Downtown parking issues discussed by Ms. Davis.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley expressed her appreciation to Ms. Miller for bringing the parking issue to the Lodi Improvement Committee. She also spoke regarding the solutions discussed by Ms. Davis and the need for the solutions to align with the Short‑Term Transit Plan. She requested that Interim City Manager Busch work with the Lodi Improvement Committee, the Downtown Lodi Business Alliance (DBA) and the Lodi Chamber of Commerce to evaluate solutions.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Transportation Manager Julia Tyack provided information regarding the background of previous Downtown shuttle services, parking structure security, and Transit operating budget.
Mayor Yepez asked Interim City Manager Busch to evaluate the issue and report back to Council after working with business owners, the DBA, the Chamber of Commerce, and City staff.
City Manager Busch stated that City departments are already working on the issue and he will gather the information to bring the item back on a future agenda.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding working with the DBA and the Chamber of Commerce. She stated the business community is responsible for employees having a safe environment.
Council Member Bregman stated that he supported working with the DBA on this issue. He further noted, that being a representative for Downtown, he is available should the community want to reach out to him regarding this issue.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding AB 1585, Wine and Labeling. He also stated that he had attended the funeral of Lorraine Katzakian, the wife of former City Mayor Bo Katzakian.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding attendance at the San Joaquin County Historical Society Museum presentation in recognition of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which is sponsoring an American 250 celebration traveling exhibit and encouraged everyone to stop by to view the exhibit.
F. Public Hearings ‑ None
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Receive Presentation and Report from Hoslett Forensics on the Forensic Accounting Audit of the City’s Utility Deposit Account, Procurement Card Charges, and Amazon Account Purchases (IS ‑ BUD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Hoslett Forensics Final Report (3‑31‑26) Attachment 2 ‑ City Council Presentation
Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided a brief introduction. Steve Hoslett, of Hoslett Forensics, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the forensic accounting audit of the City’s Utility deposit account, procurement card charges, and Amazon account purchases. Specific topics of discussion included project scope; Utility Testing: initial Finance Division discrepancy, consultant's discrepancy analysis, and required adjustments; Cal Card Testing: internal testing results, and Hoslett testing; Amazon Testing: Hoslett testing; and the recommendation for either hiring an internal auditor or having an external service perform an internal audit.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hoslett confirmed the accounting system is working but needs to be reconciled.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mr. Hoslett provided information regarding the accounts which have deposits which are several years old.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mr. Hoslett and Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the City policy requiring that deposits be held until account closure in cases where proper identification is not presented.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mr. Hoslett provided information regarding accounts which should receive a deposit refund.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Mr. Hoslett provided information regarding accounts which have held a deposit more than ten years.
Mayor Yepez asked Interim City Manager Busch to look into changing the policy to return deposits after five years of service.
Mr. Hoslett stated that if such a policy change was made, the system would need to be completely reprogrammed.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Mr. Hoslett provided information regarding the previous analysis.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hoslett clarified that this is the only audit he performed for the City.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim City Attorney Luebberke provided information regarding provision of credit card purchase records to the public.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mr. Hoslett and Interim City Manager Busch provided information regarding other municipalities’ average annual dollar amount of Cal Card purchases and number of Cal Cards issued.
Budget Manager Baker stated that a quarterly report is prepared by the State showing Cal Card use and she will provide that to Council.
Mayor Yepez requested that Council also receive the budget information for the cities shown on the report.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim City Manager Busch stated that he believes having an external service perform an internal audit is a good recommendation.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated that she would support an external firm performing the internal audit, with a possible transition to an internal auditor once policies are in place.
In response to Lyndsy Davis, a member of the public, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding interest accrual on the funds being held for deposit on the utility accounts.
No action was required by Council on this item.
G.2 Presentation on Credit Card Convenience Fees: Discussion and Council Direction ‑ Follow‑Up to February 4, 2026 Council Meeting (IS ‑ FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Convenience Fees Presentation
As a follow‑up to the February 4, 2026, Council meeting, Revenue Manager Tarra Sumner provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding credit card convenience fees. Specific topics of discussion included overview, current payment vendors, current convenience fee costs, convenience fee costs by department, front counter payments by type, online/kiosk payments by type, what other cities do, options, and staff recommendation.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Revenue Manager Sumner provided information regarding cost recovery by different vendors.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Revenue Manager Sumner confirmed local businesses are recovering credit card convenience fees from customers.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Revenue Manager Sumner provided information on the amount of convenience fee costs in the General Fund.
Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided information regarding the Electric Utility customers paying by cash or check subsidizing those who pay by credit card.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated there are other fee‑free options to pay City bills. She further stated that the roll‑out of the fee recovery program must let City customers know when changes are occurring and what their options are.
Interim City Manager Busch spoke regarding working with the vendors and potentially having a start date at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Lyndsy Davis, a member of the public, stated that some people use their credit card for their utility bill because they do not have the cash to pay it and expressed concern that these people now have an extra fee. She spoke regarding the need to have a cap on the fee.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Yepez, to approve Option 3: full cost recovery of credit card convenience fees.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Yepez
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
G.3 Discussion and Direction Regarding Potential Amendment to Lodi Municipal Code Section
9.18.045 (Vendor Permit Caps) (CD)
Interim Community Development Director Cynthia Marsh provided a brief introduction. Senior Community Improvement Officer Jonique Andrews provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding a potential amendment to Lodi Municipal Code Section 9.18.045 (Vendor Permit Caps). Specific topics of discussion included food truck vendor caps policy and impacts, key issues, policy options, key considerations, policy tradeoffs, and request for staff direction.
Amar Ali, a member of the public, spoke in favor of raising or removing the cap.
Roger Khan, a member of the public, spoke in favor of approving certain ethnic food vendors.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke in favor of having no cap, but stated hours and location need to be considered.
In response to Interim Community Development Director Marsh, Council Member Craig‑Hensley provided clarification regarding her preferred restrictions.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Senior Community Improvement Officer Andrews provided information regarding this code's application for vendors on private property only and removal of the cap would not change that condition. He stated that vending in the public right‑of‑way is managed through the Public Works Department.
Council Member Bregman spoke in favor of keeping vendors on private property.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley concurred with Council Member Bregman.
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan clarified that there was an old encroachment permit for the Post Office Plaza but stated the Public Works Department's preference is not to have vendors in the public right‑of‑way.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated the benefit of having more permit availability is the decrease in un‑permitted, illegal activity.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke in favor of having no cap, as long as vendors are not permitted in residential areas.
Mayor Yepez clarified that the preference is to remove the cap and regulate through zoning.
Interim City Manager Busch stated that it is sometimes helpful to have a one‑year pilot program when making changes to current policy.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim City Manager Busch provided information regarding the approximate timeline for an ordinance change and the potential for those on the waiting list to be able to become temporarily permitted before the ordinance takes effect.
Mayor Yepez concurred with Council Member Craig‑Hensley regarding those vendors who have been on the waiting list.
Mr. Ali spoke regarding those vendors who have been on the waiting list.
Christopher Anderson, a member of the public, spoke regarding an incremental increase in permits to avoid over‑saturation.
Interim Community Development Director Marsh clarified that Council direction is to limit hours and locations, specifically the Downtown mixed‑use area except for the Main Street corridor, potentially east of the tracks where there are fewer restaurants available, with exceptions for events, introducing this as a one‑year pilot program, and removal of the cap.
Council Member Bregman spoke against having a pilot program due to the potential of shutting down businesses.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley concurred with Council Member Bregman but spoke in favor of a review in one year.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim Community Development Director Marsh gave an estimate of late September for the ordinance to take effect.
Interim City Manager Busch stated that the process outlined by Interim Community Director Marsh is mandated by State law but there is the potential for those businesses on the wait list to begin vending in June, following Planning Commission approval, as he had outlined earlier.
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk