LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026 – 6:30 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of June 17, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 6:32 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
C‑2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): Scott R. Carney v. City of Lodi, San Joaquin County Superior Court Case No. STK‑CV‑UWM‑2026‑0003828.
b) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): Scott R. Carney v. City of Lodi, San Joaquin County Superior Court Case No. STK‑CV‑UOE‑2026‑0044713.
c) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to California Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2). One Case.
C‑3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:33 p.m., Mayor Yepez adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:14 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 June 17, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 7:15 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
B. Presentations
B.1 Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation: The Power of Parks and Recreation
Mayor Yepez presented a proclamation to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Director Christina Jaromay, Parks Commissioner Mike Carouba, and members of the PRCS staff proclaiming the month of July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Lodi, with this year's theme being the Power of Parks and Recreation.
B.2 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming June 6, 2026 as California Adopt‑a‑Pet Day in Lodi (CLK)
Mayor Yepez presented a proclamation to David Gode proclaiming June 6, 2026, as California Adopt-a-Pet Day in the City of Lodi.
B.3 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Month of June 2026 as Pride Month in Lodi (CLK)
Mayor Yepez presented a proclamation to Jess Moreno and other members of A New Lodi proclaiming the month of June 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Lodi.
Christopher Anderson, a founding member A New Lodi, spoke in support of the proclamation.
B.4 Presentation of Recognition to Outgoing Interim City Manager, Aaron Busch (CLK)
Mayor Yepez presented of certificate of recognition and gift to outgoing Interim City Manager Aaron Busch.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi made a motion, second by Mayor Yepez, 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) May 20, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated that at the May 20, 2026, meeting, she had requested that Council receive information regarding the difference between revenue received from the business license tax vs. revenue received from business licenses and for information relative to financial reports for the Library Investment Fund and the Library Board of Trustees Fund, including any audits done on these funds. She noted that both items remain outstanding.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
The minutes of May 20, 2026, were approved as written.
C.2 Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the Allocation of Public Benefit Funds of $3,000 from District 5 Non‑Profit Funds to the Child Abuse Prevention Council (Total $3,000) (CLK)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑123 approving the allocation of Public Benefit Funds in the amount of $3,000 from District 5 Non‑Profit Funds to the Child Abuse Prevention Council, in the total amount of $3,000.
C.3 Receive and File an Informational Report Regarding Corrections to the City's 2024 and 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Reports (CD)
Received and filed an informational report regarding corrections to the City's 2024 and 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Reports.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager or Designee to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Industrial Waste Connection MOU with Van Ruiten Family Winery, LLC (ED)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑124 authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Industrial Waste Connection MOU with Van Ruiten Family Winery, LLC.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager or Designee to Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Industrial Waste Connection MOU with Michael/David Winery (ED)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑125 authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Industrial Waste Connection MOU with Michael/David Winery.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Approving and Accepting Lodi Electric Utility 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan (EU)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑126 approving and accepting the Lodi Electric Utility 2026 Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
C.7 Adopt a Resolution Approving the Purchase of Dell Computer Equipment for Annual Computer Refresh Project from Dell Technologies Inc., of Round Rock, Texas and Appropriate Funds in the Amount Not To Exceed $537,000 (IT)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑127 approving the purchase of Dell computer equipment for the annual computer refresh project from Dell Technologies, Inc., of Round Rock, Texas, and appropriating funds in an amount not to exceed $537,000.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment with Placer.ai Labs, Inc., of Los Altos, CA, for a Total not to Exceed $72,500 (ISD ‑ IT)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑128 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement with Placer.ai Labs, Inc., of Los Altos, for a total amount not to exceed $72,500.
C.9 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Purchase Three Patrol Vehicle Replacements from Folsom Lake Ford of Folsom, CA, One Patrol Vehicle Replacement from Winner Chevrolet Inc of Sacramento, CA, and Emergency Equipment and Installation from LEHR Upfitters OpCo LLC, of Sacramento, CA, in the Amount of $338,788.82 (PD)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the importance supporting local businesses and the update of the Procurement Policy.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑129 authorizing the Interim City Manager to purchase three patrol vehicle replacements from Folsom Lake Ford, of Folsom, one patrol vehicle replacement from Winner Chevrolet, Inc., of Sacramento, and emergency equipment and installation from LEHR Upfitters OpCo, LLC, of Sacramento, in the amount of $338,788.82.
C.10 Adopt a Resolution of the Lodi City Council Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Purchase Agreement for Personnel Safety Equipment with LC Action Police Supply of San Jose, CA, in the Amount of $500,000 Over Five Years (PD)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑130 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Purchase Agreement for personnel safety equipment with LC Action Police Supply, of San Jose, in the amount of $500,000 over five years.
C.11 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 2 to Professional Services Agreement with Telstar Instruments, of Concord, for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, Instrumentation, Maintenance, and Integration Services ($175,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑131 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Telstar Instruments, of Concord, for supervisory control and data acquisition, instrumentation, maintenance, and integration services, in the amount of $175,000.
C.12 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Execute Contracts for Fiscal Year 2026/27 Contracts with United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties for Downtown Cleaning ($125,139.25), Transit Facility Cleaning ($97,123.00), and Hutchins Street Square Landscape Maintenance ($26,028.00) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑132 authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute contracts for Fiscal Year 2026/27 with United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties for Downtown cleaning, in the amount of $125,139.25; Transit Facility cleaning, in the amount of $97,123, and Hutchins Street Square landscape maintenance, in the amount of $26,028.
C.13 Adopt a Resolution Approving 2026/2027 Pavement Resurfacing Project for Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Funding FY 2026/27 (PW)
This item was pulled at the request of Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the need for a complete road condition assessment report.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding the status of the road condition assessment.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke regarding the recent road striping project.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑133 approving the 2026/2027 Pavement Resurfacing Project for Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 funding for Fiscal Year 2026/27.
C.14 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Appropriation Adjustments for Hutchins Street Resurfacing Project ($129,165) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑134 authorizing appropriation adjustments for the Hutchins Street Resurfacing Project, in the amount of $129,165.
C.15 Adopt a Resolution Rejecting Protest and Awarding Contract for 2026‑2028 Tree Maintenance Project to Elite Maintenance & Tree Service, of Ceres ($616,700), and Authorizing City Manager to Execute Change Orders ($100,000) (PW)
This item was pulled at the request of Jason Pinegar, of West Coast Arborists.
Mr. Pinegar spoke regarding the protest submitted by West Coast Arborists, qualifications of the lowest bidder, concerns regarding emergency response, and West Coast Arborists’ twenty‑year history with the City of Lodi.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim City Attorney Luebberke stated Council has the ability to postpone the contract award.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding the ability to terminate the contract if services do not meet standards.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding not favoring evergreen contracts, supporting staff's decisions on bid evaluations, and moving forward with the award if there is the ability to terminate the contract if necessary.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the bid history of the Tree Maintenance Project, the bid process, and bid evaluations.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Budget Manager Jennelle Baker and Interim City Attorney Luebberke provided information regarding the Finance's Committee's recommendation on the updated Procurement Policy's local preference differential.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the cities provided as references by the low bidder.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Mr. Pinegar stated West Coast Arborists is the current tree maintenance provider of some of the agencies listed as references by the low bidder, further clarifying the low bidder does provide landscape services to those agencies and noting the low bidder has not completed an entire year of tree maintenance service for a city.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the outstanding service provided by West Coast Arborists and staff's perspective on the bid evaluation.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim City Manager Busch asked Council for clarification on specific items for staff to investigate if the item was moved to the next Council meeting.
Council Member Bregman asked for verification of tree maintenance work with the agencies provided as references.
Mr. Pinegar stated that he has requested information regarding the tree management software utilized by the low bidder but has not received anything to date.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the work West Coast Arborists has provided to local non‑profits and stated she feels this needs to be taken into account.
Mr. Pinegar provided information regarding the ranking of the bids for the City of Roseville, in which both West Coast Arborists and the low bidder participated.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke in favor of awarding the bid to West Coast Arborists.
Interim City Manager Busch spoke regarding confirmation of the information provided by the low bidder and bringing the item back to the next Council meeting.
No action was taken on this item. Staff will bring the item back to Council on the July 1, 2026 agenda.
C.16 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2026‑2028 Citywide On‑Call HVAC Services; Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder ($700,000) (PW)
Approved the specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for 2026‑2028 Citywide on‑call HVAC services; and adopted Resolution No. 2026‑136 authorizing the City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder, in an amount not to exceed $700,000.
C.17 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2026‑2029 Citywide Fire Alarm Monitoring; Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder ($200,000) (PW)
Approved the specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for 2026‑2029 Citywide fire alarm monitoring; and adopted Resolution No. 2026‑137 authorizing the City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder, in an amount not to exceed $200,000.
C.18 Appoint Eve Melton and Nancy Gonzalez St. Claire to the Library Board of Trustees (CLK)
Directed the City Clerk to make the following appointments.
APPOINTMENTS:
Library Board of Trustees
Eve Melton – Term to expire July 1, 2029
Nancy Gonzalez St. Claire ‑ Term to expire July 1, 2027
Following the passage of the Consent Calendar, City Clerk Nashed administered the Oath of Office to Nancy Gonzalez St. Claire, appointee to the Library Board of Trustees.
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Michele Weeks, a member of the public, spoke regarding support of animal services in the budget.
Alex Aliferas, a member of the public, spoke regarding data centers and pets on the East Side.
Jim Miller, Vice President of Race Communications, provided a status update for bringing fiber optic telecommunications to the City of Lodi and information regarding upcoming construction in local neighborhoods.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mr. Miller stated that Council would receive copies of the information distributed to the public.
Gordon Schmierer, Vice President Emeritus of Tree Lodi, spoke regarding support of West Coast Arborists for the tree maintenance contract.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Council Member Nakanishi acknowledged the hard work of Interim City Manager Busch and Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley congratulated Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne on her new position and thanked her for her service to the City of Lodi.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the United Way of San Joaquin County's recent event for the Lodi Alliance of Nonprofits; thanked Police Chief Ricardo Garcia for the Youth Academy which recently held its graduation; and reported on her representation of the City for the Laura DeForce Gordon Day proclamation, the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission's award of a CRISI grant for the planning and design of the new Lodi station on Highway 12, and her meeting with the Lodi Independent Lodging Association regarding the update of the ordinance for the registration of AirBNBs.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding his meeting with Peter Ragsdale, of the San Joaquin County Housing Authority, regarding the senior housing project near Salas Park and attendance at the Lodi City Employees Association's recent employee picnic.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Council Member Bregman declined to pull his item, G.3.
F. Public Hearings
F.1 Public Hearing to Consider Resolution Adopting Final Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for Lodi Consolidated Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2003-1, Fiscal Year 2026/27; and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments (PW)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Yepez called for the public hearing to consider a resolution adopting the Final Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for Lodi Consolidated Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2003‑1, Fiscal Year 2026/27; and ordering the levy and collection of assessments.
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Final Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for Lodi Consolidated Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2003‑1, Fiscal Year 2026/27. Specific topics of discussion included overview, map of zones, budget, and comparison of annual assessments by zone.
Mayor Yepez opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:28 p.m.
Council Member Nakanishi stated that this is a routine, annual item.
There being no public comments, Mayor Yepez closed the public hearing at 8:29 p.m.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑138 adopting the Final Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for Lodi Consolidated Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2003‑1, Fiscal Year 2026/27; and ordering the levy and collection of assessments.
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
F.2 Public Hearing to Consider Adopting a Resolution Setting Pre‑Approved Engineering News Record Adjustment Index for Wastewater Rates for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Customers (PW)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Yepez called for the public hearing to consider adopting a resolution setting pre‑approved Engineering News Record (ENR) adjustment index for wastewater rates for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Public Works Management Analyst Rebecca Areida provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding setting pre‑approved Engineering News Record adjustment index for wastewater rates for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Specific topics of discussion included background, rate recommendation, rate increase history, wastewater comparative rates, wastewater rate comparisons with other local municipalities, planned Capital projects, and recommended action.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided information regarding the rate adjustment cap and the ENR adjustment.
Mayor Yepez opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:34 p.m.
Alex Aliferas, a member of the public, spoke against the rate increase.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Yepez closed the public hearing at 8:36 p.m.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the Wastewater Rehabilitation Project.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding the importance of the wastewater rates supporting maintenance of the City's infrastructure.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Yepez, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑139 setting pre‑approved Engineering News Record adjustment index for wastewater rates for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
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
F.3 Public Hearing Pursuant to Government Code Section 3502.3 to Receive a Report on the Status of Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts (IS ‑ HR)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Yepez called for the public hearing for the Report on the Status of Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts.
Human Resources Manager James Peavey provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Report on the Status of Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts. Specific topics of discussion included background; Citywide vacancy rate of 7.6 percent; vacancies by bargaining unit as of June 10, 2026; breakdown of current vacancies; no current recommendations for changes to recruitment policies or procedures; Human Resources Division's activities to increase success of recruitments; and staff recommendation.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Police Chief Ricardo Garcia spoke regarding current Police Officer vacancies.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided information regarding vacancies and cost savings reflected in the budget.
Council Member Bregman requested a report showing the five‑year vacancy average from Human Resources Manager Peavey.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke in favor of the transparency provided by the requirement of this reporting and concurred with Council Member Bregman's request in order to have a full financial picture of the impact of the current vacancies.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley also concurred with the request, particularly for information on the impact to the General Fund.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Human Resources Manager Peavey provided information regarding the position of Management Analyst ‑ Confidential.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley requested an up‑to‑date list of vacancies funded through the General Fund.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim City Manager Busch provided information regarding some jurisdictions using vacancies as a budget‑balancing tool, possible evaluation of current vacancies, the challenge in filling some of the vacancies, and the need to move forward with this item to remain in compliance with State law.
Mayor Yepez opened the public hearing for public comment at 8:50 p.m.
There being no public comments, Mayor Yepez closed the public hearing at 8:50 p.m.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke in favor of moving forward with this item and possible review of positions once the new City Manager and Department Directors are on board.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Bregman, to receive the Report on the Status of Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts.
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. Regular Calendar
G.1 Receive Temporary Access Center and Emergency Shelter Quarterly Update, Construction Update, and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Interim City Manager or Designee to Execute an Agreement with Outreach Ministries International for Operation of the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter (CD)
Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne, along with Jason McEachron and Johnny Coughran of Outreach Ministries International, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Temporary Access Center and Emergency Shelter quarterly update, construction update, and agreement with Outreach Ministries International for operation of the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter. Specific topics of discussion included purpose of the presentation; pictures of Access Center construction; construction budget and schedule update; Temporary Access Center budget status overview; Point in Time (PIT) count San Joaquin County update, demographics, and statistics; success statistics; The Tree to Success; workforce development program; success story; gap in service for seniors; Access Center operator agreement highlights; fiscal overview; performance and accountability; and staff recommendation.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information on the recent change orders, potential uses for any unexpended construction funds, PIT count for Lodi, and the count of unsheltered veterans.
Council Member Nakanishi and Council Member Bregman thanked Mr. McEachron and Mr. Coughran for their service to the community.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding operations funding, grant opportunities, and contingency funding.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services Chief Mental Health Clinician Sasha Jackson provided information regarding the relationship between the transitional housing project and the Access Center and qualifications for the programs.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding funding received from other entities.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne stated that Council would be provided a report regarding funds expended by all City departments on expenses related to the homeless and the potential expense reductions once the Access Center is operating.
Lisa Meyers Hill spoke in support of the Lodi Access Center.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, San Joaquin County Supervisor Steve Ding provided information regarding potential State and Federal funding for homelessness.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Neighborhood Services Manager Rhyne provided information regarding operational funding and contract provisions for lack of funding.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑140 authorizing the Interim City Manager or designee to execute an agreement with Outreach Ministries International for operation of the Lodi Access Center and Emergency Shelter.
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
G.2 Adopt a Resolution Approving Fiscal Year 2026/27 Financial Plan and Budget; Approving the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Appropriation Spending Limit; Approving new Job Classifications, and Reclass Studies for Requested Positions, Approving the Budget and Fiscal Policies, Approving the Investment Policy and Approving the Annual Gann Spending Limit (IS ‑ BUD)
Budget Manager Jennelle Baker provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Financial Plan and Budget. Specific topics of discussion included overview; additional Council‑requested information: Measure L expense history and Measure L distribution; updates from Budget Book: Public Works ‑ General Fund, Public Works Management Analyst reassignment and personnel cost transfers from General Fund to Enterprise funds, and Transit balanced budget with TDA allocations; position requests: three new requests and three reclass reviews in Enterprise and Special Funds; Capital improvements; Citywide expenditures; Gann appropriations spending limit; investment, budget and fiscal policies; Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) requirements; Executive salary schedule; and recommended action.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding the partial Measure L funding of a Public Works Street Maintenance Worker.
In response to Council Member Bregman, Budget Manager Baker provided information regarding investment policies.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley requested that the public have an opportunity to speak before Council provides comments.
Scott Hamilton, a member of the public, spoke regarding Lodi's recognition as America's Favorite Small Town and the award's value towards tourism in the City, the $5 million deficit and depletion of savings, deferred maintenance, and revenue enhancement.
Christopher Anderson, a member of the public, spoke regarding improvement of the permitting process and raising revenue.
JP Doucette, President of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, spoke regarding constraints on staff to maintain the current level of service, leveraging community involvement, and partnership with the Chamber.
Mike Carouba, a member of the public, spoke regarding the need for economic activity to support City services and infrastructure and the lack of change following the passage of Measure L.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding expectations from a full‑service city, increase of staff size over the past six years, not keeping up with the economics to support the services, deferred maintenance, use of reserves, monetization of assets, public/private collaborations, and special sessions to discuss revenue.
Mayor Yepez spoke regarding long‑term planning, efficiencies, and revenue generation.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding the need to conduct sessions to consider different means of revenue generation.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke regarding a committee to consider revenue generation.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke regarding other local municipalities having the same type of budget problems and the need to consider different types of revenue generation.
Interim City Manager Busch spoke regarding Council's willingness to address the problems and focus priorities.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑141 approving the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Financial Plan and Budget; approving the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Appropriation Spending Limit; approving new job classifications and reclass studies for requested positions, approving the Budget and Fiscal Policies, approving the Investment Policy, and approving the annual Gann Spending Limit.
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.3 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 initial proposal of a data center at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility (WSWPCF) as a revenue‑generating project and the proposal of a moratorium on data centers in Lodi due to potential future problems within City limits.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi provided information regarding Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) and data centers.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Bregman clarified that his position has always been against data centers within City limits, that he initially supported a data center at WSWPCF for revenue generation but no longer supports that proposal, and that he now supports a moratorium on data centers in Lodi.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated that she does not support moratoriums and that in the future, technology might make data centers viable.
Mayor Yepez stated he does not support spending staff time on a moratorium and suggested the item be tabled indefinitely.
Scott Hamilton, a member of the public, spoke against a moratorium on data centers.
Christopher Anderson, a member of the public, spoke against a moratorium on data centers and against the construction of a data center at WSWPCF.
Alex Aliferas, a member of the public, spoke against data centers.
JP Doucette, President of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favor of tabling the item.
No action was taken on this item.
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
Olivia Nashed
City Clerk