HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 20, 2009 Public Comments 2Continued May 20,2009
THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON -AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE
PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES. The Citv Council cannot deliberate or take an
indicatinathat the subiect brouaht uD by the Dublic does fall into one of the exceptions
under Government Code Section 54954.2 in that (a) there is an emeraencv situation. or (b)
the need to take action on the item arose subsequent to the agenda's being Posted.
Unless the City Council is presented with this factual evidence. the Citv Council will refer
the matterfor review and placement on a future Citv Council agenda.
Steve Jarrett, Vice Chair of the Lodi Improvement Committee (LIC), read a prepared letter (filed)
by LIC Chair Bob Takeuchi regarding the establishment of an Eastside Summit for the
improvement and funding of the infrastructure, appearance, and private investment into Lodi's
eastside and requesting the appointment of a City Council representativeto work with LIC on this
effort. Mr. Jarrett requested the matter be placed on a future Council agenda.
Suga Moriwaki distributed to Council a booklet prepared by the San Joaquin Historian regarding
Lodi's Japantown and further provided a brief history of Lodi's Japanese community.
Ms. Moriwaki requested that the City consider including an historical time line on its Website to
includethe diverse ethnic communities in Lodi, which have contributed greatly to the culture and
economics of this City.
Louise Fassio distributed information regarding rebates for synthetic turf (filed) and urged Council
to consider offering such a program in Lodi. In responseto Mayor Hansen, Ms. Fassio confirmed
that she is involved with the installation of synthetic turf and works for Valley Landscaping and
Maintenance. To date, the company has completed four projects in Lodi.
Ann Cerney expressed concern regardingthe suggestion of synthetic turf, stating that
groundwater is recharged by seepage of rain from the water table and any covering that impedes
that process should be taken into consideration.
G. Comments by the Citv Council Members on Non-Aaenda Items
Council Member Johnson commented on a recent meeting of the San Joaquin County Board of
Supervisors, at which the Board discussed the allocation of Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG)funds. Several disparaging comments were made about the City of Lodi and its decision
to become an entitlement city, which puts the City outside of the County's control of CDBG funds,
and he expressed disappointment in the implicationsthat were made.
Council Member Mounce announced that the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission will once
again host Teen Lead, which helps foster leadership for young people in Lodi. She provided
application packets to each Council Member and encouraged them to share the information.
Anyone wishing to participate or be a sponsor was encouraged to contact the Lodi Youth
Commission at 333-6800x2424. Ms. Mounce further reminded Council that the upcoming
League of California Cities meeting will be held on June 11 at Wine and Roses; guest speaker
will be California State ControllerJohn Chiang. Steven Qualls, League of California Cities
representative, added that due to the generosity of local sponsors there will be no charge for
dinner.
Council Member Hitchcock requested that the Council decision to install synthetic turf at the
Grape Bowl be agendized for reconsideration. Since the action was taken, she has received
further information and feedback and is uncomfortablewith the decision that was made.
Ms. Hitchcock requested a more detailed report regarding synthetic turf be provided to Council to
include cost, cost savings, and any controversy.
5
LODI IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
221 West Pine Street
LODI, CALIFORNIA 95240
May 20,2009
To: Lodi City Council
Your Lodi Improvement Committee (LIC) respectfully requests your approval and
support of our establishment of an Eastside Summit for the improvement and
funding of the infrastructure, appearance and private investment into Lodi's
eastside and your active involvement in the planning and implementation of such
Eastside Forum through your appointment of a City Council representative or
representatives to work closely with us and to assist us through the City's staff
and assets. We feel this is particularly timely and of particular importance with
the recent failure of Measure W at the polls and the tough economic times that
our entire Lodi community faces. Specifically, the LIC is asking that the City
Council endorse the Eastside Summit, that the LIC be designated as its
facilitator, that the City Council appoint a Councilmember(s) to work directly with
the LIC to plan for and implement this Eastside Summit, and that the foregoing
items be placed on the City Council agenda for one of its next meetings.
In this Eastside Summit, the LIC hopes to reach out to the entire Lodi community
for valuable input on what is needed to improve our Eastside and how funds can
be generated to finance same. Then, as specific needs are recognized and
specific proposals are adopted, we plan to form sub -groups to formulate specific
plans to resolve these issues. Clearly, we intend this to embrace the best parts
of community activism so that the people of Lodi will be able to participate
directly in the dramatic improvement of their City.
We hope to work closely with the Lodi News -Sentinel, the Lodi Chamber of
Commerce, other community groups and organizations, and the City itself, and
we urge your important individual and collective support of this endeavor.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert H. Takeuchi, Chair
Lodi Improvement Committee