LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026 ‑ 7:00 P.M.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of August 5, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Yepez at 7:04 p.m.
Present: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Absent: Council Member Bregman
Also Present: Acting City Manager Jaromay, Assistant City Attorney Krattiger, and Interim City Clerk Solorzano
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to Annabelle Ebbs, Andrew Kanas, Landon Shaw, Austin Bates, Emily Melton, LaCrissa Black, and Camille Gillespie for Life Saving Efforts (FD)
Mayor Yepez, Fire Chief Ken Johnson, and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Recreation Manager Laura Whitely presented certificates of recognition to Annabelle Ebbs, Andrew Kanas, Landon Shaw, Austin Bates, Emily Melton, LaCrissa Black, and Camille Gillespie for life saving efforts on July 9, 2026, at Lodi Lake.
B.2 Presentation of Recognition to Fire Department, Police Department and Electric Utility for Response to Fire in the 400 Block of Harold Street (CLK)
Mayor Yepez presented a certificate of recognition to the Fire Department, Police Department, and Electric Utility Department for response to a fire in the 400 block of Harold Street on June 25, 2026.
B.3 Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Visit Lodi Conference & Visitors Bureau on Lodi’s designation as America’s Favorite Small Town 2026. (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Certificate
Mayor Yepez presented a Certificate of Recognition to Wes Rhea, President of Visit Lodi Conference & Visitors Bureau, on Lodi’s designation as America’s Favorite Small Town 2026.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Nakanishi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig‑Hensley, to approve the following items hereinafter set forth, in accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Bregman
C.1 Approve Minutes
a) September 17, 2025 (Regular Meeting)
b) January 7, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
c) February 4, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
d) February 11, 2026 (Special Meeting)
e) February 18, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
f) February 18, 2026 (Special Meeting)
g) March 4, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
h) April 1, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
i) June 17, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
j) May 7, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
k) May 14, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
l) May 21, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
m) May 28, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
n) June 4, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
o) June 11, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
p) June 18, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
q) June 25, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
r) July 2, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ September 17, 2025 (Regular Meeting) Attachment 2 ‑ January 7, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
Attachment 3 ‑ February 4, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
Attachment 4 ‑ February 11, 2026 (Special Meeting)
Attachment 5 ‑ February 18, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
Attachment 6 ‑ February 18, 2026 (Special Meeting)
Attachment 7 ‑ March 4, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
Attachment 8 ‑ April 1, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
Attachment 9 ‑ June 17, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
Attachment 10 ‑ May 7, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachment 11 ‑ May 14, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachment 12 ‑ May 21, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachment 13 ‑ May 28, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachment 14 ‑ June 4, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachment 15 ‑ June 11, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachment 16 ‑ June 18, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachment 17 ‑ June 25, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
Attachment 18 ‑ July 2, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session)
This item was pulled by Council Member Craig‑Hensley.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley stated that there was followed needed on action items noted in the minutes in which Council Members had requested information from staff.
This item was included in the vote on the Consent Calendar.
The minutes of September 17, 2025 (Regular Meeting), January 7, 2026 (Regular Meeting), February 4, 2026 (Regular Meeting), February 11, 2026 (Special Meeting), February 18, 2026 (Regular Meeting), February 18, 2026 (Special Meeting), March 4, 2026 (Regular Meeting), April 1, 2026 (Regular Meeting), June 17, 2026 (Regular Meeting), May 7, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), May 14, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), May 21, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), May 28, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), June 4, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), June 11, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), June 18, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), June 25, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session), and July 2, 2024 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written.
C.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Change Order 1 to City of Lodi ‑ Cyber Maturity Support Agreement with SEL Engineering Services, Inc. of New York ($49,535) (EU)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Change Order 1
Attachment 2 ‑ Vendor Proposal
Attachment 3 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑161 authorizing the City Manager to execute Change Order 1 to City of Lodi ‑ Cyber Maturity Support Agreement with SEL Engineering Services, Inc., of New York, in the amount of $49,535.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Granting Signature Authority to Certain City Staff for Investment of Monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund (IS ‑ BUD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Authorized Signers
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑162 granting signature authority to certain City staff for investment of monies in the Local Agency Investment Fund.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 2 to SAAS Service Agreement with Fifth Asset, Inc. of Charlotte, North Carolina to Provide Application and Support Services for the DebtBook Software to Renew the Software Subscription and Add Funds of $46,500 For a Total Agreement Not to Exceed $92,250 (IS‑FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No. 2
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑163 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the SAAS Service Agreement with Fifth Asset, Inc., of Charlotte, North Carolina, to provide application and support services for the DebtBook Software to renew the software subscription and add funds in the amount of $46,500, for a total agreement not to exceed $92,250.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Lodi Police Department to Participate in the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program Funded by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 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 $67,896.00 (PD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ FY 26‑27 CTFGP Law Enforcement COL PD Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑164 authorizing the Lodi Police Department to participate in the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program funded by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 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 $67,896.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Awarding Contract for the Carnegie Forum Boiler Replacement to Mesa Energy Systems, Inc., of West Sacramento ($94,363), Authorizing City Manager to Execute Change Orders ($15,000) and Appropriate Funds from Facilities Office Remodel Project in the Amount of $10,000 and Fire Station 4 Stucco Project in the Amount of $36,183 ($46,183) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Contract
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑165 awarding the contract for the Carnegie Forum Boiler Replacement to Mesa Energy Systems, Inc., of West Sacramento, in the amount of $94,363, authorizing the City Manager to execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $15,000, and appropriating funds from the Facilities Office Remodel Project in the amount of $10,000 and from the Fire Station 4 Stucco Project in the amount of $36,183, for a total appropriation in the amount of $46,183.
C.7 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Bus Transfer Agreement Between the San Joaquin Council of Governments and the City of Lodi for Improved Regional Transportation Connectivity in San Joaquin County (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Agreement
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑166 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Bus Transfer Agreement between the San Joaquin Council of Governments and the City of Lodi for improved regional transportation connectivity in San Joaquin County.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Public Works Director to Execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lodi and Lodi Unified School District for Curb Painting and Pavement Markings within the Public Right‑of‑Way and Reimbursement of Sign Modifications (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Memorandum of Understanding Between City of Lodi and Lodi Unified School District Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑167 authorizing the Public Works Director to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Lodi and Lodi Unified School District for curb painting and pavement markings within the public right‑of‑way and reimbursement of sign modifications.
C.9 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with Solenis, LLC, of Wilmington, DE, for Biosolids Dewatering Polymer ($70,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Amendment No. 1
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑168 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Solenis, LLC, of Wilmington, Delaware, for biosolids dewatering polymer, in the amount of $70,000.
C.10 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Alley Improvement Project ‑ Phase 10 (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A (Location Map)
Attachment 2 ‑ Exhibit B (Photos)
Accepted the improvements under the contract for Alley Improvement Project ‑ Phase 10.
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Alane Dashner and Lisa Meyers Hill, members of the public, thanked Council for proclaiming August 17 as Laura DeForce Gordon Day in Lodi and invited Council and the public to the celebration on August 15, 2026, at the Lodi Women's Club.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding Economic Development meetings with the stakeholder team, San Joaquin County's development of a Resource Center in Lodi, attendance of a virtual meeting with Union Pacific Railroad's Community Liaison regarding the Downtown Specific Plan, grant application training for local nonprofits, attendance at San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission’s and San Joaquin Joint Power Authority’s ribbon cutting celebrating the Amtrak daily train service to Sacramento, and participation in National Night Out.
Mayor Yepez spoke regarding participation in National Night Out.
F. Public Hearings ‑ None
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Informational Report on Approved Library Hours of Operation (LIB)
Attachments: PPT for City Council Presentation on Hours
Library Director Jennifer Fontanilla provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Library Board of Directors‑approved hours of operation. Specific topics of discussion included background, operational assessment, goals of revised schedule, current vs. approved hours, regional library operating hours, service delivery model, fiscal impact, benefits to the community, and implementation.
Council Member Nakanishi commended Library Director Fontanilla on increasing the Library hours of operation.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Library Director Fontanilla provided information regarding local organizations' ability to meet in the Community Room.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Library Director Fontanilla provided information regarding public outreach about the new Library hours.
Mayor Yepez spoke regarding his goal of the Library being open on Fridays.
Eve Melton, member of the Library Board of Trustees, spoke regarding her appreciation of Library Director Fontanilla's efforts on revising the hours of operation.
Dr. Christopher Anderson, member of the Library Board of Trustees, spoke regarding the goal of being open on Fridays and his appreciation of Library Director Fontanilla's efforts.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Library Director Fontanilla provided information regarding the timeline for implementation of the revised hours of operation.
No Council action was required on this item.
G.2 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Waive the Formal Bid Process and Execute a Professional Services Agreement with CityWise Strategies, LLC, for the Development Services Operational Initiative in an Amount Not to Exceed $115,000 (CM)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Director of Administrative Services Jamie Bandy provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding a Professional Services Agreement with CityWise Strategies, LLC, for development services operational initiative. Specific topics of discussion included purpose, goal, scope of work, project timeline, benefits, budget, and staff recommendation.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke in favor of the item.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley and Mayor Yepez concurred with Council Member Nakanishi.
At Mayor Yepez's invitation, Aaron Busch, of CityWise Strategies and former Interim City Manager, spoke regarding his eagerness to work on the project and the importance of the objectives.
Council Member Nakanishi made a motion, second by Council Member Craig‑Hensley, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑169 authorizing the City Manager to waive the formal bid process and execute a Professional Services Agreement with CityWise Strategies, LLC, for development services operational initiative in an amount not to exceed $115,000.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Bregman
G.3 Adopt a Resolution Rejecting Protest and Awarding Contract for 2026‑2028 Tree Maintenance Project to Elite Maintenance & Tree Service, of Ceres ($616,700), and Execute Change Orders ($100,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A (Protest Letter from WCA) Attachment 2 ‑ Exhibit B (City's Response to Protest Letter) Attachment 3 ‑ Exhibit C (Letter from Elite Maintenance) Attachment 4 ‑ Resolution
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the contract for the 2026‑2028 Tree Maintenance Project. Specific topics of discussion included contract procurement overview, Tree Maintenance contract ‑ specific requirements, bid results, West Coast Arborist (WCA) bid protest, staff verifications, potential options, and staff recommendation.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the timeline and costs for rejecting all bids and rebidding the project.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding her concerns in rebidding the project.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan and Assistant City Attorney Krattiger confirmed that all protest items have been sufficiently addressed.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding supporting staff's recommendations and the monetary difference between the two bids. She further voiced her support of the staff recommendation.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the staff time spent investigating the bid protest.
Council Member Nakanishi voiced his support of the staff recommendation.
Luis Hernandez, President of Laborers' International Union of North America, Local No. 73, spoke in favor of supporting local workers through rebidding the contract with language supporting local businesses to allow a local company to provide the service.
Steve Dutra, President of Tree Lodi, spoke regarding WCA's service and commitment to Lodi's urban forest, Tree Lodi's support regardless of contract award, and the benefits of including Tree Lodi in urban forest management.
Tim Patterson, Area Manager of West Coast Arborists, spoke regarding WCA's long history with Lodi, the importance of the trees to the City's image, the importance of the WCA‑developed GIS system, the cities that WCA maintains, and the need to rebid the project.
Jose Flores, Regional Manager of Elite Maintenance & Tree Service, spoke regarding the company's ability to deliver service to the City and encouraged Council to award the contract.
Mayor Yepez spoke in favor of rebidding the project.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the duration of the previous WCA contracts, the evaluation of the services provided, and contract extensions.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Assistant City Attorney Krattiger provided information regarding Council approval of contract extensions.
In response to Mayor Yepez, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding change order authority.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke regarding the service provided by WCA, its extracurricular activities supporting the community, and the local residents employed by WCA. He further voiced his intent to vote to reject the bids and rebid the project.
Mayor Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding Tree Lodi's comments and the City's partnership with the organization.
Council Member Nakanishi spoke regarding the partnership with Tree Lodi and the investigation into the bid protest. He voiced his support for the staff recommendation.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt a resolution rejecting the protest and awarding the contract for the 2026‑2028 Tree Maintenance Project to Elite Maintenance & Tree Service, of Ceres, in the amount of $616,700, and execute change orders in an amount not to exceed $100,000.
VOTE:
The above motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley and Council Member Nakanishi Noes: Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi and Mayor Yepez
Absent: Council Member Bregman
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke in favor of directing staff to bring the item to Council on the August 19, 2026 agenda, when the full Council would be in attendance.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the current Tree Maintenance contract.
Mayor Yepez spoke in favor of rejecting the bids.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding her concerns on rebidding the contract.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding bid evaluation.
Mayor Yepez suggested adding additional criteria to the new bid.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke in favor of bringing the item back to the next meeting when five Council Members are available to decide.
Mayor Yepez stated that he will be out of town during the next Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi spoke regarding local preference and the local citizens employed by WCA.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the local preference.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the importance of the local WCA employees and the commitment of Elite Maintenance & Tree Service to localize their business.
Discussion ensued with Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Mayor Yepez, and Assistant City Attorney Krattiger regarding risks to the City associated with rejecting all of the bids.
Mayor Yepez agreed to participate in the August 19 meeting via teleconference in order to vote on this item.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Assistant City Attorney Krattiger provided information regarding the rejection of bids.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to direct staff to bring the item back to Council on the August 19, 2026 agenda.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Bregman
G.4 Adopt a Resolution Ratifying the City Manager’s Employment of David Hanham as Community Development Director and Approving the Employment Agreement effective September 7, 2026 (IS ‑ HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ David Hanham ‑ Employment Contract Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Human Resources Manager James Peavey provided a presentation regarding the ratification of the City Manager’s employment of David Hanham as Community Development Director. Specific topics of discussion included background, fiscal impact, terms, and staff recommendation.
At Mayor Yepez's invitation, Mr. Hanham introduced himself, provided background information, and thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the Lodi community.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley and Mayor Yepez welcomed Mr. Hanham to the City.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Yepez, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑170 ratifying the City Manager’s employment of David Hanham as Community Development Director and approving the Employment Agreement effective September 7, 2026.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Bregman
G.5 Adopt a Resolution of Intention to Approve an Amendment to the Contract between the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Lodi; and Waive the First Reading and Introduce an Ordinance Amending the Contract Between the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Lodi (IS ‑ HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Attachment 3 ‑ Ordinance
Human Resources Manager James Peavey provided a presentation regarding an amendment to the contract between the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Lodi. Specific topics of discussion included background, reduction of employee cost share, required Resolution of Intention and ordinance, fiscal impact, and staff recommendation.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑171 as a Resolution of Intention to approve an amendment to the contract between the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Lodi; and waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2049 amending the contract between the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the City Council of the City of Lodi.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Bregman
G.6 Waive the First Reading and Introduce an Ordinance Amending Chapter 2.13 of the Municipal Code to Transfer the Appointment Authority for the City Clerk to the City Manager (IS ‑ HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proposed Changes to LMC 2.13 City Clerk Reporting Structure (Redlined)
Attachment 2 ‑ Proposed Changes to LMC 2.13 City Clerk
Reporting Structure (Clean)
Human Resources Manager James Peavey provided a presentation regarding the introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 2.13 of the Lodi Municipal Code to transfer the appointment authority for the City Clerk to the City Manager. Specific topics of discussion included background, proposed amendment, benefits, required ordinance amendment for implementation, and staff recommendation.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Assistant City Attorney Krattiger provided information regarding the proposed ordinance amendment's effect on the timeline for advertisement for the vacant City Clerk position.
Interim City Clerk Solorzano stated that for transparency, he may not be with the City at the time the ordinance goes into effect.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Human Resources Manager Peavey and Assistant City Attorney Krattiger provided information regarding the timeline for the hiring of a new City Clerk.
Discussion ensued with Mayor Yepez, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Assistant City Attorney Krattiger, and Human Resources Manager Peavey regarding the recruitment timeline and the changes to the job description related to the ordinance amendment.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2050 amending Chapter 2.13 of the Municipal Code to transfer the appointment authority for the City Clerk to the City Manager.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Yepez
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Bregman
H. Ordinances ‑ None
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
ATTEST:
Walfred Solorzano
Interim City Clerk