HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - February 18, 1998LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1998
7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members - Land, Mann, Pennino and Sieglock (Mayor)
(Warner resigned 2W8)
Absent: Council Members - None
Also Present: City Manager Flynn, Deputy City Manager Keeter, Public Works Director Ronsko,
City Engineer Prima, Community Development Director Bartlam, Finance Director
McAthie, City Attorney Hays and City Clerk Reimche
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Pastor Steve Darling, First United Methodist Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Sieglock.
4. AWARDS / PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
a) Mayor Sieglock presented a proclamation to Iver Anderson with the Senior Citizens Club
celebrating the "Senior Citizens Club 401' Anniversary".
b) Mayor Sieglock presented a proclamation to Diane Kannenberg with the Lodi News
Sentinel proclaiming the week of March 1 - 7, 1998 as "Newspaper In Education Week" in
the City of Lodi.
C) Mayor Sieglock presented a proclamation to Jessalle Blackwell, President, and Leon
Johnson proclaiming the week of February 21 - 28, 1998 as "Future Farmers of America
Week' in the City of Lodi.
d) Mayor Sieglock presented a Certificate of Excellence to Larry Gust, owner of
Abrahamson Printing, Inc., for the quality of work they have displayed during the many
years of doing business with the City of Lodi in providing outstanding workmanship in
printing a myriad of documents for various City departments.
e) Charlie Tyler with the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission acknowledged the Teen of
the Month, Amina Shah from Delta College. The Honorary Teen of the Month is Susan
Revillar from Bear Creek High School.
f) Public Works Director Jack Ronsko shared some parting words with the City Council, staff
and the public as he retires from the City of Lodi after 27 years. Mayor Sieglock
presented Jack Ronsko with a Resolution of Appreciation for his dedicated and loyal
service to the City and to the people of this community. Jerry Adams, President of the
Rivergate Homeowners Association, along with Don Walter, also made a presentation to
Mr. Ronsko.
Continued February 18, 1998
COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a) Agenda item #E-11 entitled, "Professional services agreement for public education,
marketing and media services, electric utility (two years 1$200,000)".
Robert E. Riggle, 712 North Cross Street, Lodi, asked the City Council not to approve this
agreement and to think in terms that the citizens of Lodi will be able to make the best
choice as it pertains to deregulation. Mr. Riggle asked that the citizens of Lodi not be
burdened with another $200,000 that could be used by Parks and Recreation instead of
having to cut the budget 2%.
6. ACTION ON ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
These items were removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon prior to the
adoption of the Consent Calendar.
a) Agenda item #E-15 entitled, "Proposed donation of office equipment to the Chamber of
Commerce".
Deputy City Manager Keeter provided the following report.
The City of Lodi received a letter from the Chamber of Commerce requesting that the City
donate office equipment, previously purchased for the now defunct Lodi Conference and
Visitors Bureau (LCVB), to the Chamber. The estimated value of the equipment is $4,750
and as referenced in the letter, is a few years old. If Council will recall, the City donated
$60,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year to the LCVB to be used as seed
money for establishing the Bureau. Simultaneously, the City decreased its contribution to
the Chamber of Commerce from $25,000 to $15,000 the first year and from $15,000 to
$10,000 the second year. The Chamber has felt the impacts of these reductions over the
past two years and is anxious to realize any business efficiencies possible as might be
afforded by the equipment acquisition.
Addressing the City Council regarding this matter were the following persons:
Shawna McCabe, 1025 South Pleasant Avenue, Lodi, stated that she was the
Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee which is now looking
over a plan to develop an ad hoc tourism commission in the City of Lodi. She
stated that she feels the City needs a new marketing commission and that it is
extremely important they work with the Chamber. She asked if there is going to
be a time when the Chamber is going to have to give an accounting for the
monies spent and indicated that there should be some money left over following
the disbanding of the Chambers Visitors and Conference Center.
City Manager Flynn indicated that an accounting will be made regarding all the
funds and that this should be available around the end of March. Mr. Flynn
indicated that during the period that the City had provided $75,000 a year to
promote tourism and conferencing in Lodi, it had decreased its over-all
contributions to the Chamber. Mr. Flynn indicated that this was not considered as
a separate entity. He further indicated that this entire subject will be coming back
to the City Council in the near future for discussion.
Del Smith, 2505 West Turner Road, Lodi, stated that he feels the same way and
supported the idea of the need for marketing. He stated that the group is very
anxious to go forward and that this equipment would be useful to the committee.
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Continued February 18, 1998
3. Les Dabritz, President and CEO of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce,
addressed the City Council stating that it was the Chamber's aim to cooperate
with the group. He indicated that the Chamber's Tourism Committee will be
handling some items relating to tourism.
Further, Mr. Dabritz stated that he had delivered a check to City Hall in the
amount of $20,000 today and that following a review, he thought another
$4,000 - $5,000 could be repaid.
Mr. Dabritz stated that the Chamber is not out of the promotion business and
gave an update on promotional activities presently being looked at. He stated
that the equipment would be of tremendous help to them and that they would be
willing to share any information that had previously been gathered. He further
stated that these are tough times for non-profit organizations and that the
Chamber has a real need for this equipment.
A lengthy discussion followed with questions being directed to staff. It was pointed out
that the subject equipment is now several years old.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Pennino second, unanimously
determined to keep things status quo and not donate the office equipment to the Chamber
of Commerce at this time. The Chamber will be allowed to continue using the equipment
until such time as the City determines other uses for said equipment.
b) Agenda item #E-16 entitled, "Proposed Old Lodi Union High School Site Foundation loan
repayment incentive".
City Manager Flynn reminded the City Council that the Old Lodi Union High School Site
Foundation has partnered with the City to build a $10 million Performing Arts and
Conference Center at Hutchins Street Square. The Foundation relies on donations and
fund-raisers to generate revenues for repayment to the City.
To encourage the Foundation to pay of the loan in a timely fashion, staff recommends that
the Council approve the offsetting dollars. The Foundation is not required to pay interest
on the outstanding debt, so it is therefore advantageous to the City to collect present day
dollars whose value will be greater than dollars collected in the future. The Foundation,
with this new marketing tool of a "dollar -for -a -dollar" should be extra motivated to conduct
a fundraising campaign soliciting contributions for the loan repayment.
Addressing the City Council regarding the matter was Old Lodi Union High School Site
Foundation Chairperson, Dennis Bennett. Mr. Bennett stated the in-kind funds referred to
would be used for various amenities for the Performing Arts and Conference Center. Mr.
Bennett assured the City Council that the Foundation will continue to raise funds to repay
the debt.
A lengthy discussion followed with the City Council addressing questions regarding the
matter to staff.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Mann, Sieglock second, unanimously
adopted Resolution No. 98-30 approving a dollar -for -dollar offset including in kind
services and products, of the loan beginning March 1, 1998 through March 1, 2001 and a
50 cents on the dollar offset including in kind services and products of the loan beginning
March 1, 2001 through March 1, 2004. The offsets will be used for only those projects
included in the $10 million capital improvement project plan for Hutchins Street Square.
Further, Council directed that an inventory of the in-kind services and products be
developed as an attachment to the resolution, and that the City Manager be given the
authority to approve or disapprove the items listed. The motion carried by unanimous
vote.
Continued February 18, 1998
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
In accordance with report and recommendation of the City Manager, Council, on motion of Mayor
Sieglock, Land second, unanimously approved the following items hereinafter set forth except
those otherwise noted:
a) Claims were approved in the amount of $2,870,250.88 and Disbursements Through Wire
Transfer in the amount of $2,552,088.74.
b) The minutes of February 4, 1998 (Regular Meeting) and February 10, 1998 (Special
meeting) were approved as written.
C) Received report of sale of scrap metal to the high bidder, Modesto Junk Company, in the
amount of $1,982.79.
d) Approved the plans and specifications for Legion Park basketball court and authorized
advertising for bids.
e) Authorized the Electric Utility Department to advertise for bids for various overhead
construction materials. (Council Member Pennino abstained from discussion and
voting on this matter.)
fj Accepted the improvements under the "Pleasant Avenue Telecommunications Conduit,
Elm Street to 300 Feet North of Locust Street" contract and directed the City Engineer to
file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder's Office.
g) Adopted Resolution No. 98-25 accepting the development improvements for Lodi West,
Unit No. 4, Tract No. 2660.
h) Received for information Contract Change Orders for Central City Revitalization
Improvement Project, Downtown and Cherokee Lane.
Appropriated all the additional interest earned on the $10 million Certificates of
Participation (COP) to the Hutchins Street Square Conference and Performing Arts
Center Project.
D Authorized staff to solicit proposals for audit services.
k) Agenda item #E-11 entitled, "Professional services agreement for public education,
marketing and media services, electric utility (two years / $200,000)" was pulled from the
agenda pursuant to staffs request.
Adopted Resolution No. 98-27 approving the initial Board of Directors for the Downtown
Lodi Business Partnership in accordance with Ordinance No. 1654, Section 1, Chapter
12.06 - 4.0 of "Downtown Lodi Business Improvement Area No. 1".
m) Adopted Resolution No. 98-28 establishing a fee for the processing of an initiative petition
for any municipal measure.
n) Agenda item #E-14 entitled, "Resolution in support of the City of Tracy regarding Alameda
County's legal action" was pulled from the agenda pursuant to staffs request.
o) Agenda item #E-15 entitled, "Proposed donation of office equipment to the Chamber of
Commerce" was removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon
prior to adoption of the Consent Calendar.
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Continued February 18, 1998
P) Agenda item #E-16 entitled, "Proposed Old Lodi Union High School Site Foundation loan
repayment incentive" was removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted
upon prior to adoption of the Consent Calendar.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
9. RECESS
Mayor Sieglock called for a ten-minute recess and the City Council meeting reconvened at
approximately 8:25 p.m.
10. COMMUNICATIONS (CITY CLERK)
a) On recommendation of the City's Risk Manager and/or the City's contract administrator,
Insurance Consulting Associates, Inc. (ICA), the City Council, on motion of Council
Member Pennino, Sieglock second, unanimously rejected the following claims:
1. Ebenezer Congregational Church, date of loss 9/10/97
2. John Bobian, date of loss 11/27/97
3. Anna Lopez (a minor), date of loss 7/14197
4. Paul Shultz, date of loss 12/23/97
b) The following report was presented to the City Council:
1. Planning Commission report of January 28, 1998
C) The City Council, on motion of Mayor Sieglock, Pennino second, unanimously made the
following reappointments to the East Side Improvement Committee
East Side Improvement Committee
Joann Mounce Term to expire March 1, 2001
Dawn Squires Term to expire March 1, 2001
11. REGULAR CALENDAR
a) Agenda item #H-1 entitled, "Report to the Council - Financial Audit for Fiscal Year
1996-97".
Finance Director McAthie reminded the Council that the annual audit was conducted to
reassure the City Council and other interested parties that the City's financial records and
reports are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP), that internal controls are adequate and safeguard the City against loss from
unauthorized use or disposition of assets and that the City has complied with all
agreements and covenants to obtain grant funds and debt financing. KPMG Peat
Marwick has issued an "unqualified opinion".
The reports will be provided to Federal and State oversight agencies, bond trustees and
insurance companies for their review and evaluation.
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Continued February 18, 1998
The City received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Reporting from the
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and the California Society of Municipal
Finance Officers (CSMFO) for the fourth year in a row.
Ruby Paiste and Jamie Moso of the Accounting section of the Finance Department are to
be commended for their hard work and professionalism in preparing the City's Annual
Financial Reports. It is due to their dedication to excellence and to the City that Lodi has
been recognized by the auditors and other professional financial organizations.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Mann, Pennino second, unanimously
received for file the following reports and financial statements submitted by KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP and the Finance Department for Fiscal Year 1996-97:
• The Combined Annual Financial & Single Audit Report
• The No Material Weakness Report (Internal Control)
• The SAS 61 Report (Report to City Council)
b) Agenda item #H-2 entitled, "Vehicles for sale on City streets - discussion and direction".
City Engineer Prima provided this report at Council's request based on concerns related
to vehicles parked for sale along Lower Sacramento Road between Vine Street and
Cochran Road. The concerns expressed include visibility problems exiting Cochran Road
created by cars parked (and double-parked) on Lower Sacramento Road, unsafe
pedestrian and driving maneuvers, such as U-turns, and slowing or stopping in the
roadway. This issue has generated numerous phone calls and letters supporting the
options presented. Background material was provided to the City Council regarding
existing conditions, traffic accident information, previous Council actions pertaining to
vehicles for sale and local ordinances and State law.
Over the past several years there has been much controversy over the parking of
vehicles for sale on public streets. As evident by the comments received by staff and
letters and articles in the newspaper, a ban on parking of vehicles for sale is perceived by
some as a violation of constitutional rights or unnecessary governmental intrusion into
conduct of private affairs. However, based on the review of traffic accidents occurring on
Lower Sacramento Road, and observations made of unsafe vehicle maneuvers, it is also
clear that there are safety issues to consider. It is staffs opinion that vehicles parked
along the roadway constitute an increased safety hazard by creating distractions for
drivers. While distractions can create problems on any street, it is even more significant
on arterial streets due to high traffic volumes and vehicle speeds. Although arterial
streets provide vehicle sellers more exposure to passing motorists and pedestrians, these
streets also require a high level of attention when being driven.
While problem areas can be addressed on a case-by-case basis, past experience
indicates that this will only result in moving the vehicles for sale to other locations. Since
there will continue to be available parking areas along streets, such as Lodi Avenue,
Sargent Road, Ham Lane, Hutchins Street, and Cherokee Lane, unless a Citywide
restriction is enacted, it is certain this issue will be back before Council in the future.
OPTIONS: Based on the findings of this report, the following three options are
presented for Council consideration:
Option 1 - Amend Section 10.44.040 of the Lodi Municipal Code to restrict the parking of
vehicles for sale in the public right-of-way, with the exception of in front of the owner's
residence, and set a public hearing date.
D
Continued February 18, 1998
This option, while controversial, is in place elsewhere in California. While the State law
provides some basis for supporting such an ordinance, it is quite possible that someone
could successfully challenge the ordinance on constitutional grounds. The City Attorney's
office is ready to pursue this Option should the Council so desire. Note that such an
ordinance does not ban placement of a "for sale" sign in a vehicle window, and someone
would not be cited for parking on the street while on errands, etc. The ordinance would
prohibit such parking for the purpose of advertising the vehicle and some discretion is
necessary on the part of enforcement officers.
Option 2 - Adopt a resolution restricting parking on all or portions of Lower Sacramento
Road. This option includes a number of alternatives:
A. Prohibit Parking Entirely - Since Lower Sacramento Road will eventually
have no parking on its entire length, it is reasonable to implement it now in
problem areas. If no parking along the entire segment south of the
Woodbridge Irrigation District Canal is selected, signs would only be posted
along segments with wide shoulders or other appropriate areas. Other
areas would be signed as they develop. Council may wish to exclude
locations in front of properties that face Lower Sacramento Road.
An alternative to this option would be to only restrict parking on the east
side of Lower Sacramento Road between Vine Street and Cochran Road,
where the current problem is located.
B. Restrict Parking - The alternatives include prohibiting parking during certain
hours of the day, or just prohibiting vehicles for sale as was done on
Lakeshore Drive. These restrictions are relatively easy to enforce and
generally receive the best compliance. One concern with this action is the
potential for proliferation of these signs as we chase the problem around
town.
C. Implement Some Restrictions to Allow the Vehicles for Sale but Minimize
the Associated Problems - This alternative would be to extend the
no -parking zones at the intersections to improve sight distance, establish
short -time zones at each end (for "buyers") and allow the parking to
continue in the middle of the block. This would minimize the number of
vehicles parked for sale but not eliminate the practice totally.
Staff recommends one of the above options, or some variation of them, be adopted.
Option 3 - Take no action. Vehicles for sale can continue to park in all areas that are not
otherwise restricted.
Staff does not recommend this option.
Addressing the City Council regarding this matter were the following persons:
Carl Rosich, 2380 Brittany Lane, Lodi, stated that he feels the City should give
the little guy a break and allow him to park on the east side of the road. He feels
that this is the ideal location in that it does not block driveways, that the street is
wide enough and the fact that it is parallel to the hospital building parking lot. Mr.
Rosich stated that he lives only two blocks away and this does not bother him at
all. Mr. Rosich stated that if these restrictions are enacted it would be giving
away a freedom. He does not feel that this is any more of a hazard than what is
happening on Cherokee Lane. Mr. Rosich stated that he likes Option 3 as
presented by staff.
City Clerk Reimche informed the City Council that prior to the meeting a petition had been
submitted protesting the parking of vehicles for sale along the east side of Lower
Sacramento Road from Vine Street north to Tokay Street.
Continued February 18, 1998
Lodi Police Department Captain Adams addressed the City Council responding to
questions from the City Council as to problems that have been encountered by the Police
Department regarding this matter.
Community Development Director Bartlam responded to Council questions regarding the
matter indicating that most of the cities he worked in did not allow parking overnight even
in residential areas.
A very lengthy discussion followed with questions being directed to staff and the City
Attorney.
Council Member Mann made a motion, seconded by Sieglock, to prohibit parking entirely;
however, the motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members: Mann and Sieglock (Mayor)
Noes: Council Members - Land and Pennino
Absent: Council Members - None
Following additional discussion, Council Member Pennino moved that staff take a look at
what other cities are doing as it relates to this type of situation and asked that staff be
given the authority to address the safety issues that had been raised. Further Council
Member Pennino asked that staff bring back to the Council a long-term solution. It was
suggested that this subject be brought back to the Council at a May 1998 Shirtsleeve
Session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Mann and carried by the
following vote:
Ayes: Council Members - Land, Mann and Pennino
Noes: Council Members - Sieglock (Mayor)
Absent: Council Members - None
C) Agenda item #H-3 entitled, "Traffic resolution amendment - angle parking on Pine Street
and Oak Street, between Church Street and Sacramento Street'.
City Engineer Prima in his report to Council reminded them that the revitalization plan was
created to visually improve the atmosphere and aesthetics of historic Downtown and
increase its economic vitality. The plan called for tree -lined roadways and additional
street lighting to create a more pedestrian -friendly atmosphere during day and evening
hours. The intent was for Downtown shoppers to park and walk to many stores. Planters
were constructed in the street to narrow the visual appearance of the traveled way and
widen the sidewalks, which reduced the number of parking stalls. However, one of the
major concerns of the newly revitalized Downtown is the shortage of parking spaces.
At the January 7, 1998 meeting, City Council requested staff review additional angle
parking to increase the number of stalls. The street improvements reduced the number of
parking spaces by approximately twenty percent. Downtown business owners have
shared their concerns that many patrons are elderly and want to park in front of stores or
they will take their business elsewhere. The following report addresses these concerns
as well as existing conditions, advantages and disadvantages of angle parking, accident
data, and discussion/recommendation.
Existing Conditions As it relates to angle parking, Pine Street and Oak Street have
different functions and varying traffic speeds and volumes.
Pine Street is designated as a minor collector with a 30 mph posted speed limit and
carries approximately 6,200 vehicles per day. The street's function is to carry higher
traffic volumes and more through traffic. The street width is 56 feet (curb face to curb
face). Currently, it is striped for 8 -foot wide parallel parking stalls and 20 -foot travel lanes.
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Continued February 18, 1998
There are 38 parking spaces on Pine Street between Church Street and Sacramento
Street. A SMART and GrapeLine bus stop is located on the south side of Pine Street,
east of Church Street, and the routes extend through from Church Street to
Sacramento Street. Also, the SCT/Link transit buses travel eastbound on Pine Street.
Oak Street is a local street with a 25 mph speed limit and carries 3,500 vehicles per day.
The majority of the traffic using this street is Downtown patrons and post office motorists.
The street width is also 56 feet (curb face to curb face). Currently, angle parking is
striped on the north side, and the south side was designed for parallel parking. There are
31 parking spaces and two loading zones on Oak Street between Church Street and
Sacramento Street. Oak Street ends at Sacramento Street. On the south side of Oak
Street, the types of businesses are automotive, appliance and specialty stores, a
restaurant, the post office parking lot/drop mailboxes, and an office. A GrapeLine bus
stop is located on the south side east of Church Street. The bus route also extends to
Sacramento Street.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Angle Parking Angle parking usually accommodates
more parked vehicles than parallel parking but provides less street capacity for moving
traffic. The following describes advantages and disadvantages of angle parking:
Advantages
• more stalls
• stalls are easier to enter
• bollards will not be knocked down
• a traffic -calming feature, slower
vehicle speeds
Disadvantages
• delays traveling motorists
• backing maneuver is difficult
• increased backing -type accidents
• pass-through motorists who use
street may reroute to other streets
to avoid delays
• affects transit system, buses
delayed waiting for vehicles parking
• double-parked delivery vehicles
block street more
Although the angle parking provides more stalls per block face, there is no room for
motorists to travel through without stopping for vehicles either entering or backing out of
parking stalls. Currently, on Pine Street there is room for motorists to maneuver to park
without affecting the moving traffic. One of the major concerns with providing angle
parking on both sides of the street is the effect it will have on the traveling motorists and
potential accident problems.
Accident Data The majority of the angle -parking accidents in Lodi involve vehicles
backing into parked cars on the opposite side of the street, and vehicles backing and
hitting their front ends with rear ends of the car parked in the next stall. A concern of
angle parking is the lack of adequate visibility for the back -out maneuver. Another
potential conflict occurs when drivers suddenly stop upon seeing a vehicle ahead in the
process of backing out. Because empty parking stalls are difficult to see with angle
parking, motorists drive slowly to see empty stalls or abruptly stop when they find an
empty stall.
These types of accidents have occurred on streets that currently have angle parking,
such as on School Street in the downtown area and on Central Avenue near Tokay Street
and Vine Street. Detailed accident data will be presented at the Council meeting.
Discussion/Recommendation
In reviewing advantages and disadvantages, staff has reservations about recommending
angle parking on both sides of Pine Street and Oak Street. Their concern is that the
increased number of spaces will not outweigh the potential delays and accidents.
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Continued February 18, 1998
Implementing angle parking may create a congested parking lot on our Downtown streets.
However, staff also wants to provide adequate parking so customers will be able to shop
Downtown. There are no set rules or parking standards that can be applied to our
Downtown parking situation.
The streets that have angle parking, such as Central Avenue, School Street, and other
Downtown streets, have been well received by the traveling public. However, these
streets have experienced parking accidents. Central Avenue has the same street width
as Pine and Oak streets; however, in the Downtown there are more businesses per block,
and the blocks are shorter. Central Avenue does not experience the parking turnover that
Downtown experiences.
The following table shows the number of parking spaces per block faces for parallel
versus angle parking;
Church Street to School Street to Gain with
School Street Sacramento Street Angle
Parking
Street Parallel Angle Parallel Angle
Pine Street (north side) 10 14 10 14 8
Pine Street (south side) 8 12 10 14 8
Oak Street (south side) 6 8 5 8 5
The number of spaces varies per block face due to parking lot driveways and bus stops.
On Oak Street, the eight angle spaces shown in the above table are actually six angle
and two parallel stalls, as described in the following text.
The options available for Pine Street are angle parking on both sides, one side, or no
change. On Oak Street, since the north side has angle parking, the options are angle
parking on the south side or no change.
Pine Street Since Pine Street carries through traffic, staff recommends installing angle
parking on only one street side. This allows the motorists traveling through to experience
fewer delays. Due to the intersection bow -outs at School Street, it is recommended to
implement angle parking on the same street side from Church to Sacramento streets to
avoid transition conflicts. Since the parking gain is the same for either side of the street,
staff gave preference to the transit system's operations. Due to the predominately
eastbound transit use, it is recommended to install the angle parking on the north side of
Pine Street. Parallel spaces will remain on the south side allowing the SMART,
GrapeLine, and STC/Link buses to continue on schedule traveling eastbound and
minimize delays.
Oak Street Staff recommends adding angle parking on the south side. Even though this
will provide angle parking on both sides, this street functions differently than Pine Street
and should not cause significant problems. It is recommended to leave a few parallel
spaces just east of School Street. These spaces are too short to gain any additional
parking stalls and diagonally parked cars will interfere with the driveway and bus stop.
This change may affect the GrapeLine buses that currently travel eastbound on Oak
Street. The Transportation Manager has reviewed staffs recommendation and feels the
buses can still operate on a timely schedule.
With both of these recommendations, a total of 13 spaces will be gained. These changes
should have minimal effect on the future transit systems. Both Pine and Oak streets will
be the main east -west streets to the proposed multimodal station east of Sacramento
Street. The recommended angle parking on Pine Street may affect future bus routes.
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Continued February 18, 1998
Staff can evaluate the parking and bus routes as changes in bus routes occur. The City
may also find that the experience on Oak Street is positive and that angle parking can be
added to the south side of Pine Street as well.
Currently, the transit transfer station is temporarily located on the north side of Walnut
Street, east of School Street. When the multimodal station is constructed, additional
parking spaces will be gained on Walnut Street. Staff will evaluate installing angle spaces
in that area once the bus stops are removed.
These recommendations have been reviewed with the outgoing Lodi Downtown Business
Association Board. They concurred with the recommendations and indicated that the new
Business Improvement Association will have an ongoing parking committee. Public
Works staff has indicated its willingness to work with this committee on managing
Downtown parking.
Staff also reviewed the existing City parking lots to determine if improvements can be
made to increase parking usage and circulation.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Mann, Land second, unanimously
adopted Resolution No. 98-26 amending Section 4 of the Traffic Resolution No. 97-148 by
approving angle parking on the north side of Pine Street and the south side of Oak Street,
between Church and Sacramento streets.
d) Agenda item #H-4 entitled, "Certify mitigated Negative 'Declaration as adequate
environmental documentation for Highway 12/99 Interchange Improvement Project".
Community Development Director Bartlam informed the City Council that in his report the
Public Works Department is proposing an improvement plan for the Highway 12 and State
Route 99 interchange. The purpose of the project is to improve the flow of traffic on
Highway 12 (Kettleman Lane) between Cherokee Lane and Beckman Road, reduce traffic
delays at intersections and reduce traffic accidents. The project includes widening
Kettleman Lane between the southbound State Route 99 ramp and Beckman Road, to
provide two westbound through lanes, both a westbound and an eastbound left -turn lane,
and one eastbound through lane. East of Beckman Road, Kettleman Lane would
transition back to the existing two-lane section.
The intersection of Kettleman Lane and Route 99 northbound and southbound ramps
would be signalized and the off -ramps widened. The project also includes the relocation
of a section of the north leg of Beckman Road approximately 400 feet to the east of its
present location. Currently, Beckman Road is approximately 225 feet east of the
northbound State Route 99 ramp, a distance too close to the two proposed signalized
intersections. The new Beckman Road (north -leg) and Kettleman Lane intersection will
be a signalized "T" intersection.
The Community Development Department conducted an environmental review and
determined that there were no significant environmental impacts that could not be
adequately mitigated. Based on this review, staff recommended the certification of a
Negative Declaration as adequate environmental documentation.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Pennino, Land second, unanimously
adopted Resolution No. 98-29 certifying as adequate environmental documentation, the
filing of a Negative Declaration for the Highway 12 (Kettleman Lane)/Highway 99
interchange improvement project.
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Continued February 18, 1998
12. ORDINANCES
a) (Due to a conflict of interest, Council Member Pennino abstained from discussion
and voting on the following matter.)
Ordinance No. 1655 entitled, "An Ordinance of the Lodi City Council Repealing Ordinance
Nos. 1525, 1638 and 1641 and Enacting a New Ordinance Establishing Rates for the
Sale of Electric Energy by the City of Lodi to Become Effective on Applicable Electric
Utility Billings Prepared by the City on or After May 1, 1998" having been introduced at a
regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held February 4, 1998 was brought up for
passage on motion of Council Member Mann, Land second. Second reading of the
ordinance was omitted after reading by title, and the ordinance was then adopted and
ordered to print by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members - Land, Mann and Sieglock (Mayor)
Noes: Council Members - None
Absent: Council Members - None
Abstain: Council Members - Pennino
13. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
a) Robert Riggle, 712 North Cross Street, Lodi, complimented the City Council on the action
they had taken on agenda item #H-2 regarding the vehicles for sale on City streets and
stated that if it is restricted then the problems will go elsewhere in the City. Mr. Riggle
also stated that if there is a workable ordinance, it will allow the Police Department to
manage the problem.
14. COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
a) Council Member Pennino stated that two days ago he was able to look at the Altamont
Commuter Express (ACE) train and locomotive and stated that the service will start up in
about a month and a half. Council Member Pennino stated that he feels that ACE has
great potential for success.
Following an inquiry by Council Member Pennino, City Engineer Prima gave a brief
update on the status of moving the tracks presently located on Lodi Avenue to Lockeford
Street_ City Engineer Prima also gave an update on the railroad station moving and
refurbishing.
b) Council Member Land announced that the Lodi Adopt -A -Child Program regarding its
"Safari Night" will be held on March 22, 1998 at Legends to raise funds for clothing and
back to school supplies.
Council Member Land stated that he had been contacted by the Loel Center asking for
signage to locate the center. Following questions regarding the matter being directed to
staff, City Manager Flynn stated that he feels there is a policy in place that would allow
the City to do this and that he would contact Loel Center regarding the request.
C) Mayor Sieglock indicated that the City Council will be interviewing applicants to fill the
Council seat vacated by David Warner at a Special Meeting to be held at 7:00 a.m. on
February 19, 1998. The Mayor indicated his appreciation to all those who applied and
stated that the selection will be at a Special Meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 24,
1998 at 7:00 a.m. Mayor Sieglock encouraged the press to contact the applicants to be
interviewed with questions of interest to the community.
d) Council Member Mann invited public comments as to the choice of applicants.
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Continued February 18, 1998
15. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Sieglock adjourned the City Council meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the following
matters:
a) Conference with labor negotiator, Human Resources Director Joanne Narloch,
regarding International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) pursuant to
Government Code §54957.6
b) Actual Litigation - Government Code §54956.9(a). Henry Howard v. City of Lodi et
San Joaquin County Superior Court No. 002379
16. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION / DISCLOSURE OF ACTION
The City Council meeting reconvened at approximately 10:40 p.m. and Mayor Sieglock
announced that the Closed Session as it pertains to item (a) set forth above will be continued to
7:00 a.m., Thursday, February 19, 1998. In regards to item (b), there was no final action taken in
this matter.
17. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Sieglock adjourned the
meeting at approximately 10:40 p.m. to Thursday, February 19, 1998 at 7:00 a.m. to discuss the
Closed Session regarding International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
ATTEST:
Alice M. Reimche
City Clerk
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