LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026 ‑ 7:00 P.M.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of May 20, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 7:03 p.m.
Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Absent: Council Member Nakanishi
Also Present: Acting City Manager Jaromay, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and City Clerk Nashed
NOTE: Council Member Nakanishi arrived at 7:05 p.m.
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in Lodi (PD)
Mayor Yepez presented a proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month in the City of Lodi, in honor of retired Police Officer Chuck Fromm who recently lost his battle with ALS, to Lodi Police Chief Rick Garcia and ALS advocate Tere Wilson.
B.2 Presentation of Non‑Profit Allocation Check to Booster of Boys and Girls Sports (CLK)
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi presented a Non‑Profit Allocation Check in the amount of $5,000 to Vice President Dawson Hayre and other members of the Boosters of Boys and Girls Sports (BOBS) to be utilized for the restoration of the Salas Park concession stand.
B.3 Presentation of Non‑Profit Allocation Check to the Lodi Chaplaincy Association (CLK)
Council Member Bregman presented a Non‑Profit Allocation Check in the amount of $5,000 to Chaplain Coordinator Chet Somera, Dan Lane, and Scott Delay, representing the Lodi Chaplaincy Association, be utilized for training.
B.4 Presentation of Non‑Profit Allocation Check to the Lodi Police PARTNERS Foundation (CLK)
Council Member Bregman presented a Non‑Profit Allocation Check in the amount of $15,000 to Volunteer Programs Supervisor Lawrence Seiler and Partners Foundation President Frank Smart, along with other members of the Lodi Police PARTNERS Foundation, to be utilized for the purchase of a new pickup.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second 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 Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez Noes: None
Absent: None
C.1 Approve Minutes
a) January 2, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
b) January 9, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
c) January 16, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session
d) January 23, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
e) January 30, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
f) February 6, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
g) February 13, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
h) February 20, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
i) February 27, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
j) March 5, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
k) March 12, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
l) March 19, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
m) March 26, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
The minutes of January 2, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), January 9, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), January 16, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), January 23, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), January 30, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), February 6, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), February 13, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), February 20, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), February 27, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), March 5, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), March 12, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), and March 26, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written.
C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 4 with Granicus, LLC, for an Additional Three‑Year Term, In an Amount Not to Exceed $189,271.31 (CLK)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑97 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 with Granicus, LLC, for an additional three‑year term, in an amount not to exceed $189,271.31.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 4 with Complete Paperless Solutions for Records Management Services for a Total not to Exceed $74,332.10 (CLK)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that she had the same comment for Items C.3, C.8, and C.10, which involves the update of the procurement ordinance. She stated that she would prefer that contracts be routinely brought back to Council for rebid after five years, rather than renewing for longer periods, and that the City should prioritize the patronage of local and small businesses.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Acting City Manager Jaromay provided an update on the procurement ordinance review.
City Clerk Nashed provided information regarding the renewal of the Complete Paperless Solutions contract.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑98 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement with Complete Paperless Solutions for records management services for a total not‑to‑exceed amount of $74,332.10.
C.4 Authorize City Clerk to Grant Request for Leave to Present Late Claim, by Misheel Chuluun, Pursuant to Government Code Section 911.6(a) (CA)
Authorized the City Clerk to grant the request for leave to present a late claim, by Misheel Chuluun, pursuant to Government Code Section 911.6(a).
C.5 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Reimagined Housing on Main (Phase 2) (CD)
This item was pulled at the request of Mayor Yepez.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne provided information regarding the Reimagined Housing on Main project and the feasibility of moving the project to another location in the future.
At the request of Mayor Yepez, this item was not included in the vote for the Consent Calendar.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, to accept the improvements under the contract for the Reimagined Housing on Main (Phase 2) project.
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: Mayor Yepez
Absent: None
Accepted the improvements under the contract for Reimagined Housing on Main (Phase 2).
C.6 Adopt a Resolution of the Lodi City Council Accepting the Lodi Fire Department’s Annual Compliance Report Regarding Hotel, Apartment, and School Inspections as Mandated by Senate Bill No. 1205 (FD)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑99 accepting the Lodi Fire Department’s Annual Compliance Report regarding hotel, apartment, and school inspections as mandated by Senate Bill No. 1205.
C.7 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)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑100 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.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Waive the Bid Process, Purchase Four (4) John Deere Pro Gator 2030A Diesel Model Utility Vehicles from BELKORP AG of Stockton, California Using Cooperative Agreement with Sourcewell Grounds Maintenance Equipment Contract No. #112624‑ DAC and Appropriate Funds ($180,000) (PRCS)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that she had the same comment for Items C.3, C.8, and C.10, which involves the update of the procurement ordinance. She stated that she would prefer that contracts be routinely brought back to Council for rebid after five years, rather than renewing for longer periods, and that the City should prioritize the patronage of local and small businesses.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Acting City Manager Jaromay provided an update on the procurement ordinance review.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑101 authorizing the Interim City Manager to waive the bid process, purchase four John Deere Pro Gator 2030A diesel model utility vehicles from BELKORP AG, of Stockton, using cooperative agreement with Sourcewell Grounds Maintenance Equipment Contract No. 112624‑ DAC and appropriating funds in the amount of $180,000.
C.9 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Lodi Police Department to Participate in the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)‑Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Grant Program Approving the Execution of the Grant Documents by the Chief of Police on Behalf of the City of Lodi and Appropriating Funds ($30,000) (PD)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑102 authorizing the Lodi Police Department to participate in the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) ‑ Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) grant program, approving the execution of the grant documents by the Chief of Police on behalf of the City of Lodi and appropriating funds in the amount of $30,000.
C.10 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Purchase and Installation of Office Systems Furniture from Durst Contract Interiors, of Stockton, to Furnish the New Animal Services Facility, in the Amount of $99,843.78 (PD)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig-Hensley stated that she had the same comment for Items C.3, C.8, and C.10, which involves the update of the procurement ordinance. She stated that she would prefer that contracts be routinely brought back to Council for rebid after five years, rather than renewing for longer periods, and that the City should prioritize the patronage of local and small businesses.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Acting City Manager Jaromay provided an update on the procurement ordinance review.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑103 authorizing the purchase and installation of office systems furniture from Durst Contract Interiors, of Stockton, to furnish the new Animal Services Facility, in the amount of $99,843.78.
C.11 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute Additional Change Orders to the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Electrical Building Associated Improvements Project ($700,000) and Appropriate Funds ($1,300,000) and Authorizing Electric Utility to Obtain Bids and Purchase Power Cable from Lowest Responsive Bidder ($400,000) (PW/EU)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑104 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute additional change orders to the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Electrical Building Associated Improvements Project, in the amount of $700,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $1,300,000, and authorizing the Electric Utility Department to obtain bids and purchase power cable from the lowest responsive bidder, in an amount not to exceed $400,000.
C.12 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Execute 3‑Year Professional Services Agreement with Websoft Developers, Inc., of Davis, for Public Works Asset Management Software ($233,697) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑105 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a three‑year Professional Services Agreement with Websoft Developers, Inc., of Davis, for Public Works asset management software, in the amount of $233,697.
C.13 Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2026 Pavement Resurfacing Project, and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Interim City Manager to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder, Execute Change Orders ($1,800,000 Combined) and Appropriate Funds ($1,800,000) (PW)
Approved the plans and specifications and authorized the advertisement for bids for the 2026 Pavement Resurfacing Project and adopted Resolution No. 2026‑106 authorizing the Interim City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder, execute change orders in a combined amount not to exceed $1,800,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $1,800,000.
C.14 Post for Vacancies and an Expiring Terms on the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission (CLK)
Directed the City Clerk to post for the following vacancies and expiring terms.
POSTINGS:
Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission ‑ Student Members
Ansley Chen – Term to expire June 1, 2027
Scott Spencer – Term to expire June 1, 2027
Kaitlyn Armknecht – Term to expire June 1, 2026
Maisie McCosker – Term to expire June 1, 2026
Gavin Moran – Term to expire June 1, 2026
Katherine LeStrange – Term to expire June 1, 2026
Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission ‑ Adult Advisor
Molly R. Wahl – Term to expire June 1, 2026
C.15 Set a Public Hearing for June 3, 2026, to Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Draft 2026‑2027 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) (CD)
Set a public hearing for June 3, 2026, to consider adopting a resolution approving the Draft 2026‑2027 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).
C.16 Set a Public Hearing for June 3, 2026 to Consider a Resolution Adopting the Downtown Specific Plan (CD)
Set a public hearing for June 3, 2026 to consider a resolution adopting the Downtown Specific Plan.
C.17 Set a Public Hearing for June 3, 2026, to Conduct the Annual Review of Ordinance 2001, Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 2.26, and Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Annual Review and Report of the Military Equipment Use Policy (PD)
Set a public hearing for June 3, 2026, to conduct the Annual Review of Ordinance 2001, Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 2.26, and consider adopting a resolution approving the Annual Review and Report of the Military Equipment Use Policy.
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Randy Stewart, a member of the public, provided supplemental documents and spoke regarding the circulation of a petition to change the charter of the City of Lodi to a strong mayor system.
Dan Stanley, a member of the public, provided supplemental documents and spoke in opposition to the proposed lighting at the cricket field at Beckman Park.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding Small Business Week activities and thanked the Police Department for signage on Laurel Avenue.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Director Christina Jaromay provided an update on the Lodi Lake Nature Area and the recent demise of deer in the area.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley also spoke regarding the recent traffic deaths that occurred at the Highway 99/Harney Lane underpass and noted that the City is currently using Measure K funds to increase traffic safety in that area.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, PRCS Director Jaromay provided information regarding deer signage at the Lodi Lake Nature Area.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding public comment he has received about data centers, lease options for the White Slough acreage, the future connection from the hydrogen hub to PG&E, and an upcoming townhall meeting that he will be hosting at the Chamber of Commerce on the topic of animal services provided by the City.
F. Public Hearings ‑ None
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Receive and File City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024/25 by LSL, LLP (IS ‑ FIN)
Accounting Manager Chia Lor provided a brief introduction. Christian Townes and Jamie Lambert, of LSL, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024/25 by LSL, LLP. Specific topics of discussion included scope of engagement, results of the audit, changes from prior year, and financial highlights.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Accounting Manager Lor confirmed that the audit was done by LSL, an outside auditor.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley asked to receive information regarding the difference between revenue received in the past from the business license tax versus revenue now received from business licenses.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Accounting Manager Lor provided information regarding the inclusion of the value of buildings under construction in Capital Assets.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Accounting Manager Lor, Library Director Jennifer Fontanilla, and Acting City Manager Jaromay provided information regarding the Library's investment fund, the Board of Trustees Fund, and Library fund auditing.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Accounting Manager Lor and Ms. Townes provided information regarding forensic audits.
Mayor Yepez requested hard copies of the forensic audit be provided to all Council Members.
There was no action required by Council on this item.
G.2 Receive Presentation Regarding Fiscal Year 2026/27 Enterprise, Special Revenue and Capital Outlay (IS ‑ BUD)
Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding Fiscal Year 2026/27 Enterprise, Special Revenue, and Capital Outlay. Specific topics of discussion included Enterprise Funds overview; Electric Utility overview, revenue highlights, expenditure highlights, capital projects, vehicle requests, and equipment requests; Water Utility overview, revenue highlights, expenditure highlights, capital projects, and vehicle and equipment requests; Wastewater Utility overview, revenue highlights, expenditure highlights, capital projects, and vehicle requests; Transit overview, revenue highlights, expenditure highlights, capital projects; and Special Revenue funds overview; Streets overview, operational vs. restricted funds, revenue highlights, expenditure highlights, and Capital projects; Community Development overview, revenue highlights, and expenditure highlights; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) overview, revenue highlights, expenditure highlights, maintenance projects (Hutchins Street Square, parks restrooms, playgrounds, service‑based budget, and summary); and Library overview, revenue highlights, and expense highlights.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Budget Manager Baker and Electric Utility Director Jeff Berkheimer provided information regarding the Electric Utility reserve target.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Electric Utility Director Berkheimer provided information regarding the lease of poles for broadband services, and diesel vehicle replacement mandates.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Electric Utility Director Berkheimer provided additional information regarding the lease fees for the Electric Utility poles and the Joint Pole Agency.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Electric Utility Director Berkheimer provided information regarding the programs provided by Electric Utility.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding PCE/TCE oversight.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan and Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding Wastewater Utility intrafund transfers.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the movement of Public Works employees from the General Fund to the Enterprise funds.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the requested street sweeper.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information on the fluctuation of Capital Project funds.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Interim Public Works Director Nathan and Transportation Manager Julia Tyack provided information regarding cash reserves, cash flow, and the upcoming need for zero‑emission buses which remains unfunded at this time.
Council Member Bregman requested more detailed information regarding the Transit budget and financial status.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding funding of EV buses being an issue for all transit agencies.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Transportation Manager Tyack provided information regarding fare box revenue; use of TDA funds for Dial‑a‑Ride operation expenses; fare increase history; and Transit Station Parking Structure repairs, use, and security.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding use of State and Federal grants, rather than General Fund revenue, for operation of the Transit System.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Transportation Manager Tyack and Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the use of Federal Transit Administration grants and Transportation Development Act funds.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding funding for street repairs and the uniform rating of streets.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding Downtown maintenance, TDA pedestrian and bike funds, Measure K funding, and Ham Lane/Turner Road traffic safety improvements.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan and Electric Utility Director Berkheimer provided information regarding repairs and improvements for Downtown trees, planters, and up‑lighting.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the transfer of Measure K funds in the Street fund.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information on alley repairs and street resurfacing.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim Community Development Director Cynthia Marsh provided information on building permit trends.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim Community Development Director Marsh provided information on the General Plan update as a Capital project, the related allocation, technology fee for planning applications, and streamlining procedures within the department.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim Community Development Director Marsh, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and Budget Manager Baker provided information on the possible reallocation of the General Plan update funds to a different use.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke in support of holding a special session to discuss which areas of the General Plan need to be updated.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, PRCS Director Christina Jaromay confirmed that the Parks and Recreation Commission is informed on the PRCS budget process and stated she would provide data to Council regarding Parks programs, based on where participants live.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, PRCS Director Jaromay provided information regarding playground maintenance and an update on the park sponsorship program.
In response to Mayor Yepez, PRCS Director Jaromay stated that the Blakely Park pool is not included in the projects listed on the report.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the General Fund contribution to the Library.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Library Director Jenny Fontanilla confirmed that Lodi is the only city within San Joaquin County to have its own library.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Library Director Fontanilla provided information regarding funds received from the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Library Director Fontanilla provided information regarding expansion of Library hours.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke in favor of having the Library open when cooling centers are needed in the City.
There was no action required by Council on this item.
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk