LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026 - 6:30 P.M.
C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of May 6, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi at 6:18 p.m.
Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi and Mayor Yepez
Also Present: Interim City Manager Busch, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and City Clerk Nashed
C-2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) ACTUAL LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(a). One case. People of the State of California; and the City of Lodi, California v. M & P Investments, et al.
United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. CIV-S-00-2441 FCD JFM.
b) ACTUAL LITIGATION, Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9. Two Applications:
Christian Kaufman v. City of Lodi, Workers’ Compensation, WCAB Case No.
ADJ18033478 (DOI: 4/21/2023 CT), WCAB Case No. ADJ15158044 (DOI: 4/1/2020) (CA)
c) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b). One Position: City Manager recruitment.
C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:19 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 Pro Tempore Hothi 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 May 6, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi 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, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and City Clerk Nashed
NOTE: Mayor Yepez participated in the meeting via teleconference.
NOTE: Mayor Yepez left the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of May 3-9, 2026, as National Small Business Week in Lodi (ED)
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi presented a proclamation to Sarai Campos, of MOKA Jewels, Economic Development Director Luis Aguilar, and JP Doucette, President of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, proclaiming the week of May 3-9, 2026, as National Small Business Week in the City of Lodi.
B.2 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of May 3-9, 2026, as National Travel and Tourism Week in Lodi (CLK)
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi presented a proclamation to Wes Rhea, President of Visit Lodi, proclaiming the week of May 3-9, 2026, as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City Lodi.
B.3 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in Lodi (PD)
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi presented a proclamation to Lodi Police Chief Ricardo Garcia proclaiming the week of May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in the City of Lodi and acknowledging the service of Lodi Motor Officer Rick Cromwell who died in the line of duty.
B.4 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of May 17 - 23, 2026, as “National Public Works Week” in Lodi (PW)
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi presented a proclamation to Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan proclaiming the week of May 17 - 23, 2026, as “National Public Works Week” in the City of Lodi.
Due to Mayor Yepez's attendance at the San Joaquin Council of Governments' One Voice trip in Washington, D.C., he requested that Item G.1 be moved directly after the Consent Calendar so he could sign off following the vote on Item G.1, due to the three-hour time difference.
Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman, to move Item G.1 to directly after the Consent Calendar on the agenda.
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
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
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, 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
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
C.1 Receive and File the Treasurer’s Report and Register of Claims for the Month of March 2026 (IS - FIN)
Claims were approved in the amount of $19,405,916.
C.2 Approve Minutes
a) November 19, 2025 (Regular Meeting)
The minutes of November 19, 2025 (Regular Meeting) and March 18, 2026 (Regular Meeting) were approved as written.
C.3 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $5,000 from District 5 Non-Profit Funds to Booster of Boys and Girls Sports, AKA BOBS (Total $5,000) (CLK)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-77 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds in the amount of $5,000 from District 5 Non-Profit Funds to the Booster of Boys and Girls Sports (BOBS) in the total amount of $5,000.
C.4 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $3,000 from District 4 Non-Profit Funds to Community Partnership for Families (Total Allocation $21,500) (CLK)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-78 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds in the amount of $3,000 from District 4 Non-Profit Funds to the Community Partnership for Families, in the total allocation amount of $21,500.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution to Ratify the Execution of the Professional Services Agreement for Liability
Claims Third-Party Administrator with George Hills Company, Inc., for the Period of April 15, 2026 through November 30, 2028 (with Two Optional One-Year Extensions) (CA)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-79 to ratify the execution of the Professional Services Agreement for liability claims third-party administration with George Hills Company, Inc., for the period of April 15, 2026 through November 30, 2028, with two optional one-year extensions.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager or Designee to Execute Amendment No. 9 to the Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc. (MBI) for Community Development Block Grant Administration and Housing Program Support Services to Extend the Term of the Agreement through June 30, 2027 and Roll Any Unexpended Funds to Fiscal Year 2027 (CD)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig-Hensley.
In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided information regarding the continuation of projects that require labor compliance for various grant resources which precluded rebidding the contract at this time.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-80 authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to execute Amendment No. 9 to the Professional Services Agreement with Michael Baker International, Inc., (MBI) for Community Development Block Grant administration and Housing Program support services to extend the term of the agreement through June 30, 2027, and roll any unexpended funds to Fiscal Year 2027.
C.7 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager or Designee to Execute Amendment No.7 to the Professional Services Agreement with NJ Associates, Inc., of Lodi for Construction Administration and Additional Architectural Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $65,000, for a Total Amount Not to Exceed of $1,436,430 and Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Terracon Consultants, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $20,000 for a Total Not to Exceed of $150,020 and Approve Additional Change Order Authority in the Amount of $125,000 to Bobo Construction, Inc for Solar Design and Installation for a Total Not to Exceed Amount of $11,991,433 for the Access Center project currently under construction. (CD)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig-Hensley.
In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided information regarding change orders and the budget status for the Access Center.
Council Member Craig-Hensley requested that the Council be supplied a monthly update on the Access Center Project budget.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding expenditure deadlines.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-81 authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to execute Amendment No. 7 to the Professional Services Agreement with NJ Associates, Inc., of Lodi, for construction administration and additional architectural services in an amount not to exceed $65,000, for a total amount not to exceed $1,436,430; execute Amendment No. 2 to the
Professional Services Agreement with Terracon Consultants, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for a total amount not to exceed of $150,020; and approve additional change order authority in the amount of $125,000 to Bobo Construction, Inc., for solar design and installation, for a total amount not to exceed $11,991,433 for the Access Center project currently under construction.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with LSL, LLP for Financial Auditing Services in the Amount of $84,910, for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $523,328 (IS - FIN)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-82 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with LSL, LLP, for financial auditing services in the amount of $84,910, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $523,328.
C.9 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 3 to Professional Service Agreement with A1 Protective Services, LLC of Rancho Cordova to Reduce Service Hours at City Hall Campus, Apply Changes to the Safety Ambassador Program and Extend the Term of the Agreement to October 31, 2026 (FIN)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig-Hensley.
In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided information regarding security service changes at the Access Center.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-83 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Service Agreement with A1 Protective Services, LLC, of Rancho Cordova, to reduce service hours at the City Hall Campus, apply changes to the Safety Ambassador Program, and extend the term of the agreement to October 31, 2026.
C.10 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 for the Professional Services Agreement with Mosaic Public Partners LLC, to Perform Recruitment Services for a Total Agreement Not-To-Exceed $72,500 (IS - HR)
This item was not printed on the agenda due to a system error, so the item was not heard by Council.
C.11 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Classification, Job Description, and Salary Range of the New Position of Senior Utility Billing Specialist, Add One Senior Utility Billing Specialist and Delete One Customer Service Representative Position in the Internal Services Department Budget After a Promotional Recruitment (IS - HR)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-84 approving the classification, job description, and salary range of the new position of Senior Utility Billing Specialist, adding one Senior Utility Billing Specialist, and deleting one Customer Service Representative position in the Internal Services Department budget after a promotional recruitment.
C.12 Adopt a Resolution to Establish the Painted Pianos Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Appropriate Funding from Arts in Public Places (AiPP) in the Amount of $6,000 Annually (PRCS)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-85 to establish the Painted Pianos Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and appropriating funding from Arts in Public Places (AiPP) in the amount of $6,000 annually.
C.13 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 With Axon Enterprise, Inc., to Expand the Scope Of Services to Include Installation of Cameras in Police Interview Rooms, Increase the Contract Amount by $264,301.89 for a Total Not To Exceed Amount of $2,483,255.65, and Extend the Term of the Contract Through April 30, 2036 (PD)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-86 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., to expand the scope of services to include installation of cameras in the Police Department interview rooms, increase the contract amount by $264,301.89 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $2,483,255.65, and extend the term of the agreement through April 30, 2036.
C.14 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute a 3-Year Professional Services Agreement with SCA of CA, LLC for Street Sweeping Services ($129,100) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-87 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a three-year Professional Services Agreement with SCA of CA, LLC, for street sweeping services, in the amount of $129,100.
C.15 Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the San Joaquin Council of Governments’ Annual Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 2026/27 (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-88 ratifying the San Joaquin Council of Governments’ Annual Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 2026/27.
C.16 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Chemical Supply 3-Year Professional Services Agreements with Multiple Vendors ($620,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-89 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute chemical supply three-year Professional Services Agreements with multiple vendors, in the amount of $620,000.
C.17 Adopt a Resolution Awarding Contract to Vestis Uniform and Workplace Supplies, Inc., a Delaware corporation qualified to do business in California for Rental and Cleaning of Uniforms for Certain Field and Warehouse Employees ($143,893.36), and Authorize Change Orders ($150,000.00) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-90 awarding a contract to Vestis Uniform and Workplace Supplies, Inc., a Delaware corporation qualified to do business in California, for the rental and cleaning of uniforms for certain field and warehouse employees, in the amount of $143,893.36, and authorizing change orders in an amount not to exceed $150,000.
C.18 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager or Designee to Award the Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder and Execute Change Orders for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Compressor Procurement and Fueling Station Improvements ($1,700,000); and Appropriate Funds ($500,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-91 authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder and execute change orders for the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Compressor Procurement and Fueling Station Improvements, in an amount not to exceed $1,700,000; and appropriating funds in the amount of $500,000.
C.19 Adopt a Resolution Approving Specifications for Hutchins Street Square Pool Repair, Authorizing Interim City Manager to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder and Execute Change Orders ($40,000 Combined), Accepting Donations from Hutchins Street Square
Foundation ($40,000), and Appropriating Funds ($40,000) (PW)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig-Hensley.
In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding repairs at the Hutchins Street Square pool being funded by the Hutchins Street Square Foundation donation.
Council Member Craig-Hensley thanked the Hutchins Street Square Foundation for their donation and ongoing support.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the costs for the short-to-mid-term fix vs. the ultimate fix and the Foundation's goal of funding the ultimate fix within the next year.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026-92 approving the specifications for the Hutchins Street Square Pool Repair project, authorizing the Interim City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder and execute change orders in a combined amount not to exceed $40,000, accepting donations from the Hutchins Street Square Foundation in the amount of $40,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $40,000.
Following approval of the Consent Calendar, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Director Christina Jaromay introduced Daphne Felde, Vice Chair of the Hutchins Street Square Foundation. PRCS Director Jaromay thanked the Foundation for their donation and acknowledged their ongoing support. Ms. Felde spoke regarding the Foundation's nearly 50-year history and their aim of supporting emergency and long-term projects at Hutchins Street Square.
C.20 Accept the Quarterly Report of Purchases between $30,000 and $60,000 through March 31, 2026 (IS - FIN)
Accepted the Quarterly Report of Purchases between $30,000 and $60,000 through March 31, 2026.
C.21 Accept the Quarterly Investment Report for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2026 (IS - FIN)
Accepted the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ending March 31, 2026.
C.22 Set Public Hearing for June 17, 2026 to Consider Adopting a Resolution Setting Pre-Approved Engineering News Record Adjustment Index for Wastewater Rates for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Customers (PW)
Set a public hearing for June 17, 2026 to consider adopting a resolution setting pre-approved Engineering News Record adjustment index for wastewater rates for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
D. Comments by the Public on Non-Agenda Items
Donna Phillips, a member of the public, spoke regarding parking and traffic issues on Laurel Avenue.
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding signage on Laurel Avenue and stated staff would look at the situation.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non-Agenda Items
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding his attendance at the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) federal conference and Love Lodi. He also spoke about recent help received from the Interim City Manager and the City Clerk for a resident regarding an easement.
Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding her attendance at the CenCal meeting and congratulated Fire Chief Ken Johnson on the CenCal start date. She also spoke regarding her participation in Love Lodi and the Reimagined Housing Transitional Housing ribbon cutting.
In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided information regarding the Reimagined Housing Transitional Housing referrals.
In response to Council Member Craig-Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding the Lodi Academy sidewalk project and deferral agreement.
Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding an approaching Measure K amendment and the need for the prioritization and addition of projects.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke regarding the excellent job done by current Interim City Manager Busch, and his predecessor, Mr. James Lindsay.
F. Public Hearings
F.1 Public Hearing to Consider Waiving the First Reading and Introducing an Ordinance to enter a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to Install, Maintain, and Operate Electronic Message Signs on City-Owned Properties (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 Pro Tempore Hothi called for the public hearing to consider waiving the first reading and introducing an ordinance to enter into a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to install, maintain, and operate electronic message signs on City-owned properties.
Interim City Attorney Luebberke recused himself from this item due to a conflict of interest and left the dais.
Deputy City Attorney Baird came to the dais to assume the duties of City Attorney for this item.
Interim Community Development Director Cynthia Marsh provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the introduction of an ordinance to enter into a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to install, maintain, and operate electronic message signs on City-owned properties. Specific topics of discussion included background, Lodi Municipal Code (LMC) amendment in 2022, request for proposals, current situation, LMC 17.34.070(H) requirements for community electronic message signs on City property, request for proposals, photo of sample sign, Development Agreement terms, aerial view of three sign locations, sign simulations, West Kettleman Lane/Westgate site, environmental assessment, and staff recommendation.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Interim Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding potential hacking issues on the signs and advertising restrictions.
Deputy City Attorney Baird provided information regarding agreement terms in relation to display limitations.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:13 p.m.
There being no public comments, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi closed the public hearing at 8:14 p.m.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim Community Development Director Marsh provided information regarding the background of the operation of electronic message signs on City-owned properties.
Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman, to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2047 to enter into a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to install, maintain, and operate electronic message signs on City-owned properties.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Yepez
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Adopt a Resolution Appointing Kara Reddig to the Position of City Manager and Approving the Related Employment Agreement (Mayor)
Per the Council vote, this item was heard immediately following the Consent Calendar.
Interim City Attorney Luebberke provided a presentation regarding the appointment of Kara Reddig to the position of City Manager and approving the related Employment Agreement.
Specific topics of discussion included an overview of the compensation of the Employment Agreement, pursuant to Government Code 54953.
All Council Members spoke in favor of appointing Ms. Reddig as City Manager.
JP Doucette, President of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Ms. Reddig to the community.
Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-93 appointing Kara Reddig to the position of City Manager and approving the related Employment Agreement.
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
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
At Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi’s invitation, newly-appointed City Manager Reddig spoke briefly to the City Council.
G.2 Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the Interim City Manager’s Employment of Jamie Bandy as Director of Administrative Services and Approving the Employment Agreement, effective May 12, 2026 (IS - HR)
Interim City Attorney Luebberke assumed the dais for the remainder of the meeting.
Human Resources Manager James Peavey provided a presentation regarding the ratification of the Interim City Manager’s employment of Jamie Bandy as Director of Administrative Services and approving the Employment Agreement, effective May 12, 2026. Specific items of discussion included background, responsibilities of position, recruitment, and staff recommendation.
Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding codification of City treasurer qualifications.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke in favor of approving this item.
Interim City Attorney Luebberke provided salary information for Employment Agreement, pursuant to Government Code 54953.
Council Member Bregman made a motion, second by Council Member Craig-Hensley, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-94 ratifying the Interim City Manager’s employment of Jamie Bandy as Director of Administrative Services and approving the Employment Agreement, effective May 12, 2026.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi.
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Yepez
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
At Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi's invitation, newly-appointed Director of Administrative Services Jamie Bandy spoke briefly to the City Council.
G.3 Adopt a Resolution Appointing Jamie Bandy to the Position of City Treasurer of the City of Lodi (CM)
Interim City Manager Busch provided a presentation regarding the appointment of Jamie Bandy to the position of City Treasurer. Specific topics of discussion included the need for a City Treasurer, background, assignment of duties to the newly-appointed Director of Administrative
Services, and staff recommendation.
Council Member Bregman and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi thanked Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Christina Jaromay for her service as the Interim City Treasurer.
Council Member Nakanishi made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-95 appointing Jamie Bandy to the position of City Treasurer of the City of Lodi.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Yepez
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
G.4 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Exception to the 180-day Waiting Period for Appointing a Retired Annuitant to the Economic Development Department (ED)
Economic Development Director Luis Aguilar provided a presentation regarding the approval of the exception to the 180-day waiting period for appointing a retired annuitant to the Economic Development Department. Specific topics of discussion included the proposal to hire Donald Burrus to assist with the implementation of the strategic plan, Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013's required 180-day waiting period for hiring of a retired annuitant, Council approval of an exception to the waiting period, Mr. Burrus' qualifications, salary, 960-hour limitation per fiscal year, approximate duration of employment, and staff recommendation.
Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke in favor of approval of the item.
Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-96 approving the exception to the 180-day waiting period for appointing a retired annuitant to the Economic Development Department.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Yepez
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
G.5 Discuss and Provide Staff Direction for the Lodi Armory Building (ED)
Economic Development Director Luis Aguilar provided a presentation regarding the Lodi Armory building. Specific topics of discussion included background, opportunity to purchase the Lodi Armory from the State, non-binding letter of interest, inclusion in Downtown planning area and the Visit Lodi Supports Tourism Strategic Plan and Facility Recommendations Report, and site
potential.
Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke in favor of pursuing discussion regarding the acquisition of the Lodi Armory building for use as a sports complex.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Economic Development Director Aguilar stated the property will be sold at fair market value.
Council Member Bregman stated that he is not opposed to opening conversations with the State regarding purchase of the Lodi Armory but is concerned regarding the state of disrepair of the current City park facilities.
Council Member Craig-Hensley spoke regarding past purchases such as the electric utility and water treatment plant, that have helped the City; possibility for a public-private partnership for acquisition and development; run-down condition of the adjacent area; and the need to provide for the youth and the community.
Council Member Nakanishi stated he agreed with both views but that the City needs to move forward with discussions with the State to determine if the purchase is realistic.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim City Manager Busch provided information regarding the Government Code, the City's first right of refusal, and the potential for staff to find a creative way to finance the purchase.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke in favor of pursuing the opportunity and evaluating the information received.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding the Grape Bowl as an example of a beautiful City- owned facility that is not being properly maintained due to budget constraints.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Economic Development Director Aguilar stated that a fair market value would need to be determined for the property and provided information regarding the anticipated timeline with the State.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke in favor of opening a dialogue with the State.
Council Member Craig-Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman, to move forward with discussions with the State of California regarding the possible purchase of the Lodi Armory building.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig-Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Yepez
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
G.6 Discuss and Provide Direction to Staff Regarding Data Centers in Lodi (CLK)
Council Member Bregman provided a presentation regarding data centers in Lodi. Specific topics of discussion included the public's concern regarding data centers in Lodi, reasons for opposition to data centers, creation of a policy for not having data centers within City limits, and the Lodi Energy Center (LEC) as a possible location outside of City limits for a data center.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Electric Utility Director Jeff Berkheimer provided information regarding the necessary steps for LEC as a power generating facility to provide retail service to customers.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility property.
Council Member Bregman stated that with the power plant capabilities and available land in the area, he feels that the feasibility of a data center should be explored as a revenue generating project, similar to what was done with the peaker plant.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke regarding potential hurdles that would need to be addressed with the Northern California Power Agency (NCPA).
In response to Council Member Craig- Hensley, Economic Development Director Luis Aguilar provided information regarding the economic development plan, including the focus area of clean energy.
Council Member Craig- Hensley spoke regarding her hesitancy to become involved with data centers due to the high use of energy and water and the lack of jobs created. She also spoke regarding the need to focus on the Downtown P lan, the E conomic Development Plan and priority projects.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding the funding information he had received from the Electric Utility Director of Santa Clara and the potential revenue for the City.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi provided information regarding the closest data centers to Lodi.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Council Member Bregman spoke regarding his reasoning behind exploring data center options.
Interim City Manager Busch spoke regar ding the need for Council direction, the necessity of diverting staff resources from current project in order to research data center options, and future Council discussions on new growth and revenue opportunities.
Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that she does not support distracting staff from current priorities. She further stated that she has no objection to the City's two NCPA representatives having their own discussions with NCPA on data centers, but staff time should be devoted to the strategic priorities identified by Council.
Council Member Bregman reiterated that data centers are a possible solution for funding, rather than taxation.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi stated he would work with Council Member Bregman and the NCPA to do some fact finding.
Scott Hamilton, a member of the public, spoke regarding the need to analyze the possibilities of data centers.
Christopher Anderson, a member of the public, spoke regarding the environmental impacts and other concerns related data centers.
No Council action was required on this item.
G.7 Receive Presentation Regarding Fiscal Year 2025/26 3rd Quarter Budget Review and Fiscal Year 2026/27 Study Session 1 (IS - BUD)
Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Third Quarter budget review and Fiscal Year 2026/27 Study Session 1. Specific topics of discussion included Fiscal Year 2025/26 Third Quarter budget review: overview, General Fund revenue performance, pie chart of General Fund revenue, property tax trends, sales tax revenue, expenditures across departments, expenditures by category, personnel -related costs, expenditure trends, and General Fund revenue and expenditure projections; and Fiscal Year 2026/27 Study Session 1: budget roadmap, budget challenges, development of FY 27 budget, preliminary General Fund budget year -over-year, unfunded requests, department budgets cuts, unfunded personnel requests - General Fund, draft five- year forecast, revenue forecast, expenditure forecast, budget assumptions, five- year General Fund revenue forecast, five- year General Fund expenditure forecast, Catastrophic Reserve, Economic Reserve, Measure L Reserves, Pension Stabilization Fund, overview of available reserve and stabilization resources, and Pension Stabilization Fund balances if drawn down.
In response to Council Member Craig- Hensley, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the use of the unreserved fund ba lance to provide funding through the MOU expiration dates.
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan spoke regarding the Public Works Department's request for an Engineering Technician.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the difference between the collection of regular sales tax and Measure L sales tax.
In response to Council Member Craig- Hensley, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the ARPA funds.
In response to Council Member Crai g-Hensley, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the Measure L fund balance reserves.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding reserves.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding more optimis tic projections for sales and property tax revenue.
In response to Council Member Craig- Hensley, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding housing growth and permitting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi requested that Council receive a copy of the presentation.
No Council action was required on this item.
H. Ordinances - None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk