LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM
305 WEST PINE STREET, LODI
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026 ‑ 6:00 P.M.
C‑1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of August 19, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi at 6:05 p.m.
Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Absent: Mayor Yepez
Also Present: City Manager Reddig, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and Interim City Clerk Solorzano
NOTE: Council Member Bregman participated in the meeting via teleconference.
C‑2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). Name of Case: Christopher Bennitt v. City of Lodi, et. al, San Joaquin County Superior Court Case No. STK‑CV‑UCP‑2025‑1701.
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‑UWM‑2026‑0003828.
c) 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.
d) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: One Appointed Position. Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b). Initial Review of Interim City Attorney.
e) PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b). Title: Interim City Clerk Recruitment.
C‑3 Adjournment to Closed Session
At 6:07 p.m., Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
C‑4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:16 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 August 19, 2026, was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi at 7:16 p.m.
Present: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Reddig, Interim City Attorney Luebberke, and Interim City Clerk Solorzano
NOTE: Mayor Yepez participated in the meeting via teleconference.
NOTE: Council Member Bregman participated in the meeting via teleconference.
NOTE: Mayor Yepez left the meeting at 8:16 p.m.
B. Presentations
B.1 Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Day of September 1, 2026, as Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day (CD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Proclamation ‑ Building & Code Staff Appreciation Day
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi presented a proclamation to Interim Community Development Director Cynthia Marsh and Chief Building Official Derek Poe proclaiming September 1, 2026, as Building and Code Staff Appreciation in the City of Lodi.
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 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 April 2026 (IS‑FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1_Treasurer's Report Apr 2026
Attachment 2_Register of Claims Apr 2026
Claims were approved in the amount of $25,280,648.
C.2 Receive and File the Treasurer’s Report and Register of Claims for the Month of May 2026 (IS‑FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1_Treasurer's Report May 26
Attachment 2_Register of Claims May 2026
Claims were approved in the amount of $19,187,660.
C.3 Adopt a Resolution Amending the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 Appropriations Spending Limit (IS‑FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ FY 26‑27 Spending Limits Calculation Document (GANN) Attachment 2 ‑ Gann Limit Correction Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑172 amending the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 Appropriations Spending Limit.
C.4 Adopt a Resolution Approving City of Lodi Pay Schedule Dated August 19, 2026 (IS‑HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Salary Schedule
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑174 approving the City of Lodi Pay Schedule dated August 19, 2026.
C.5 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with ePlus Technology, Inc., of Herndon, VA for the Purchase of the Armis Essentials Asset Vulnerability Management Cybersecurity Platform ($75,748) (IS‑IT)
Attachments: Attachment 1‑ ePlus Technology Inc. Amendment No. 1 Attachment 2‑ 2026 Reso Item ‑ ePlus Armis ‑V3
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑173 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with ePlus Technology, Inc., of Herndon, Virginia, for the purchase of the Armis Essentials Asset Vulnerability Management Cybersecurity Platform, in the amount of $75,748.
C.6 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Mosaic Partners LLC to Perform Recruitment Services for a Total Agreement Amount Not to Exceed $103,000 (IS‑HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Professional Services Agreement Attachment 2 ‑ Amendment No. 1
Attachment 3 ‑ Amendment No. 2
Attachment 4 ‑ Resolution Exhibit 2 to Attachment 3 ‑ Mosaic ‑ Proposal for City Clerk Recruitment
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑175 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with Mosaic Partners, LLC, to perform recruitment services for a total agreement amount not to exceed $103,000.
C.7 Accept Quarterly Report of Purchases between $30,000 and $60,000 through June 30, 2026 (IS‑FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1_CY 26 Q2 2026 $30k to $60k Purchases Final
Accepted the Quarterly Report of Purchases between $30,000 and $60,000 through June 30, 2026.
C.8 Adopt a Resolution of the Lodi City Council Authorizing the City Manager to Accept a Cash Donation from the Lodi Police PARTNERS' Foundation for the Purchase of a Chevrolet Colorado Pickup and Appropriating Funds in the Amount of $37,015.26 (PD)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Donation and Disposition
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑176 authorizing the City Manager to accept a cash donation from the Lodi Police PARTNERS' Foundation for the purchase of a Chevrolet Colorado pickup and appropriating funds in the amount of $37,015.26.
C.9 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Stormwater Trash Collection Project ‑ Phase 5 (2025) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A
Accepted the improvements under the contract for the Stormwater Trash Collection Project ‑ Phase 5 (2025).
C.10 Accept Improvements Under Contract for 2025 Hale Park Court Improvements (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A Photos
Accepted the improvements under the contract for the 2025 Hale Park Court Improvements.
C.11 Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Additional Change Orders to 2025‑2027 Sidewalk and Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Program ($400,000), and Appropriate Funds ($180,000) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ CIP 344 CIP PWST‑26001 Sidewalk Repairs Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Adopted Resolution No. 2026‑177 authorizing the City Manager to execute additional change orders to the 2025‑2027 Sidewalk and Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Program, in the amount of $400,000, and appropriating funds in the amount of $180,000.
C.12 Set a Public Hearing for September 2, 2026 to Consider Adopting a Resolution Approving the 2025‑26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (CD)
Set a public hearing for September 2, 2026, to consider adopting a resolution approving the 2025‑26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
C.13 Accept Improvements Under Contract for the Parking Structure Stair Re‑sealing Project and Adopt a Resolution Updating the Contract Award Amount from $76,980 to $79,680 (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Exhibit A (Photos)
Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Accepted the improvements under the contract for the Parking Structure Stair Re‑sealing Project and adopted Resolution No. 2026‑178 updating the contract award amount from $76,980 to $79,680.
C.14 Approve $20,000 Non-Profit Fund Allocation to the Downtown Lodi Business Alliance for the 2026 Downtown Lodi Holiday Program (CLK)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Request Letter
Approved $20,000 Non‑Profit Fund allocation to the Downtown Lodi Business Alliance for the 2026 Downtown Lodi Holiday Program.
D. Comments by the Public on Non‑Agenda Items
Maria Rufino, a member of the public, spoke regarding the homeless and the parks.
John Slaughterback, a member of the public, welcomed City Manager Reddig, thanked Mayor Yepez for meeting with him, and thanked Council Member Craig‑Hensley for attending National Night Out.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non‑Agenda Items
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding the groundbreaking for the Police Department Training Facility, a recent meeting with the Lodi Improvement Committee, attendance at the Lodi Planning Commission meeting, and attendance at the Women's Club’s celebration of Laura DeForce Gordon Day.
F. Public Hearings ‑ None
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 Adopt a Resolution of the Lodi City Council Appointing Taryn Jones to the Position of City Attorney and Approving the Related Employment Agreement Effective September 21, 2026 (IS‑HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Jones Taryn (employment agreement) Attachment 2 ‑ Resolution
Human Resources Manager James Peavey provided a presentation regarding the appointment of Taryn Jones to the position of City Attorney. Specific topics of discussion included background, provisions of Employment Agreement, effective date, salary, funding, and staff recommendation.
At Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi's invitation, Ms. Jones introduced herself and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to work for the City of Lodi.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi welcomed Ms. Jones.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley welcomed Ms. Jones, noting that she lives in the City of Lodi.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑179 appointing Taryn Jones to the position of City Attorney and approving the related Employment Agreement effective September 21, 2026.
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).
G.2 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 information regarding potential procurement methods and noted that the PowerPoint presentation from the August 5, 2026 meeting was available should Council need to review any of the slides.
Council Member Bregman spoke regarding his recent positive experience with West Coast Arborists but stated due to the City's budget deficit, he felt it was necessary to go with the low bidder.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding Electric Utility's contract with West Coast Arborists.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding her desire to not undermine staff's recommendation in the selection process and voiced her support for awarding the contract to Elite Maintenance & Tree Service(EMTS).
Mayor Yepez spoke regarding the importance of this item and stated that he will vote to rebid the contract.
Council Member Nakanishi voiced his support for awarding the contract to EMTS.
Ben Canterbury, representing EMTS, spoke regarding the ability of EMTS to provide the service expected by the City.
Ian Ashby, Regional Arborist for EMTS, provided his credentials as an arborist and shared a letter from the Chief Executive Officer of Tree Fresno in support of EMTS.
Jose Flores, Regional Manager of EMTS, requested that Council support the recommendation of City staff and award the contract to EMTS and spoke regarding work performed for other jurisdictions.
Tim Patterson, Area Manager of West Coast Arborists (WCA), spoke regarding WCA's twenty‑year history with the City of Lodi, concerns over the gap in bids, information not provided in the bid, and the right of Council to set aside bids.
Kenji Ota, of WCA, spoke regarding WCA's involvement in the Lodi community, the WCA employees who live in Lodi, and the benefit of keeping the contract dollars local.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the price differential between the two bids.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑180 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 authorizing the execution of change orders in an amount not to exceed $100,000.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Bregman, Council Member Craig‑Hensley, and Council Member Nakanishi
Noes: Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi and Mayor Yepez
Absent: None
ROLL CALL VOTE
The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes).
G.3 Adopt a Resolution Repealing and Replacing the Finance Committee Resolution to Update Committee Membership, Objectives, and Appointment Guidelines (IS‑FIN)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Director of Administrative Services Jamie Bandy provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding repealing and replacing the Finance Committee resolution to update Committee membership, objectives, and appointment guidelines. Specific topics of discussion included background, proposed membership expansion, proposed membership, Committee scope, and staff recommendation.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi stated that he serves on the Finance Committee and supports the recommendation.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke in favor of amending the language relative to qualifications to state, "residents or individuals who work or have a business interest in Lodi."
Scott Hamilton, a member of the public, spoke in favor of the proposed change and suggested having advisors to analyze the budget document each year for the Committee and financial literacy training for members.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi provided information regarding the frequency of the meetings and the presence of staff members.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Director of Administrative Services Bandy provided information regarding required fiscal accountability training.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley spoke regarding Mr. Hamilton's suggestions.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑181 repealing and replacing the Finance Committee resolution to update Committee membership, objectives, and appointment guidelines.
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).
NOTE: Mayor Yepez left the meeting at 8:16 p.m.
G.4 Approve Plans and Specifications, Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Lodi Parking Structure Vehicle Security Upgrades and Adopt a Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Award Contract to Lowest Responsive Bidder and Execute Change Orders ($250,000 Combined) (PW)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ Resolution
Interim Public Works Director Sean Nathan provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Lodi Parking Structure Vehicle Security Upgrades project. Specific topics of discussion included background, swing gate on the Pine Street entrance, roll‑up vehicle gate on the Elm Street entrance, and re-opening of the third floor following completion of security upgrades.
In response to Council Member Craig‑Hensley, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the Pine Street entrance and potential traffic issues.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, Interim Public Works Director Nathan provided information regarding the security protocol for incidents at the Parking Structure and the contract for security services.
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to approve the plans and specifications, authorize advertisement for bids for the Lodi Parking Structure Vehicle Security Upgrades and adopt Resolution No. 2026‑182 authorizing the City Manager to award the contract to the lowest responsive bidder and execute change orders in a combined amount not to exceed $250,000.
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).
H. Ordinances
H.1 Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2049 Amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 2.13 Of The Municipal Code To Transfer the Oversight, Direction, And Control, Of the City Clerk From the City Council To The City Manager (IS‑HR)
Attachments: Attachment 1 ‑ City Clerk Ordinance Amendment (proposed) Attachment 2 ‑ City Clerk Ordinance Amendment (redline)
Council Member Craig‑Hensley made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, (following reading of the title) to waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print Ordinance No. 2049 amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 2.13 to transfer the oversight, direction, and control of the City Clerk from the City Council to the City Manager, which was introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held August 5, 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).
I. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
ATTEST:
Walfred Solorzano
Interim City Clerk