HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 20, 1999LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20,1999
7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members — Hitchcock, Mann, Nakanishi, Pennino and Land (Mayor)
Absent: Council Members — None
Also Present: City Manager Flynn, Deputy City Manager Keeter, Public Works Director Prima,
Community Development Director Bartlam, City Attorney Hays and City Clerk
Reimche
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Pastor Ron Carlson, Fairmont Seventh Day Adventist Church,
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Land.
4. AWARDS / PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
a) Police Chief Hansen made a special presentation of a plaque honoring Officer Rick
Cromwell to his widow, Mrs. Cindy Cromwell, and to his parents, Chuck and Mary
Cromwell. Further, presentations of Certificates of Appreciation also were made to the
two citizens (although not in attendance), Billy Jo Layton and James F. Panis who, at the
scene of Officer Cromwell's accident, lifted the motorcycle off of him. Additionally, Citizen
Award Medals were presented to the two citizens, Don Irvin and Lisa Donati who, at the
accident scene, administered CPR to Officer Cromwell and notified the Department of the
accident via police radio.
b) Community Improvement Officer Wood made a brief presentation regarding a new
program designed to acknowledge the efforts and positive accomplishments of property
owners, residents and apartment and property managers in combating blight throughout
the City. Mayor Land presented the program's very first recipients, Michael and Joanne
Meek, with the Community Improvement Award.
C) Agenda item #D -3(a) entitled, "Presentation by the Stockton Ports" was pulled from the
agenda and will be brought back at the February 3, 1999 City Council meeting.
d) Charlie Tyler with the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission acknowledged the Teen of
the Month, Chris Morita from Tokay High School, and the Honorary Teen of the Month,
Toni Hoang from Tokay High School.
e) Dennis Bennett, Chairman of the Old Lodi Union High School Site Foundation, presented
Mayor Land with a check in the amount of $75,000 toward repayment of the loan on the
Performing Arts and Conference Center at Hutchins Street Square.
f) Paul Donovan, representing the Lodi Rotary Club, presented Mayor Land with a check in
the amount of $2,500 toward repayment of the City's loan for Van Buskirk Park
improvements.
g) Rob Lechner, Chairman of the Year 2000 Steering Committee, announced the two
winners of the Track A Place Mat Contest, Glenn Laforteza and Kelsey Skaggs. Mayor
Land, Mr. Lechner, and Alice Reimche, staff liaison to the Year 2000 Steering Committee,
presented each winner with a Gift Certificate from Barnes & Noble in the amount of $50
and with a Certificate of Recognition.
Continued January 20, 1999
h) Alice Reimche, staff liaison, to the Year 2000 Steering Committee, made a brief
presentation regarding the Ready... Set... Go! — Lodi 2000 Family Event scheduled for
Saturday, January 23, 1999.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
In accordance with report and recommendation of the City Manager, Council, on motion of
Council Member Pennino, Hitchcock second, unanimously approved the following items
hereinafter set forth except those otherwise noted:
a) Claims were approved in the amount of $6,958,457.89.
b) The minutes of December 15, 1998 (Special Meeting), December 16, 1998 (Regular
Meeting), January 5, 1999 (Special Meeting) and January 12, 1999 (Special Meeting)
were approved as written.
C) Adopted Resolution No. 99-01 awarding the bid for the purchase of four sizes of electrical
cable to the low bidders as follows:
20,000 It #2/0 15kV Underground Primary $23,187.80
8,000 ft #750 600V XHHW Aluminum $10.533.64
Pirelli Cable Company, Colusa. CA $33,721.44
10,000 ft #1/0 600V Underground Triplex $ 6,637.40
20,000 ft #350 600V Underground Triplex $30.945.80
Western States Electric, Portland. OR $37,583.20
d) Adopted Resolution No. 99-02 awarding a contract to produce and deliver printed
envelopes, as required by the City during calendar year 1999, to the 1997-98 contractor,
Envelope Products Company of Vallejo, in the amount of $11,892.21.
e) Adopted Resolution No. 99-03 awarding the contract for 1999 Sidewalk Repair Program
and Miscellaneous Concrete Work to Popuch Concrete Contracting, Inc., of Lodi, in the
amount of $64,825.00, and appropriated funds in accordance with staff recommendation.
f) Agenda item #E-6 entitled, "Award contract for Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter
Systems for Wells No. 18 and 20" was removed from the Consent Calendar and
discussed and acted upon following approval of the Consent Calendar.
g) Adopted Resolution No. 99-05 accepting the development improvements for Bangs
Ranch, Unit No. 3, Tract No. 2869.
h) Adopted Resolution No. 99-06 accepting the improvements under Industrial Substation
Transformer #3 Addition contract and directed the Electric Utility Director to file a Notice of
Completion with the County Recorder's Office.
i) Approved the establishment of the Lodi Residential Energy Efficient Refrigerator Rebate
Program, a component of the Public Benefits Program administered by the City of Lodi
Electric Utility Department, and approved a maximum of $75,000 for the program.
P Agenda item #E-10 entitled, "Award agreement for a major revision to the City's Zoning
Ordinance to the firm of Crawford, Multari & Clark, Associates" was removed from the
Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon following approval of the Consent
Calendar.
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Continued January 20, 1999
k) Authorized the Community Development Department to reallocate $100,000 of the
$128,131.91 in Federal HOME Funds currently allocated to the Rental Rehabilitation
Program, to the Down Payment Assistance and Owner Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Programs.
1) Agenda item #E-12 entitled, "Authorize issuance of Request for Qualifications for design
of Downtown park-and-ride structure at old railroad depot site" was removed from the
Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon following approval of the Consent
Calendar.
m) Authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services contract with J -Mar
Services to prepare the plans and specifications for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
station at the Municipal Service Center (MSC), and appropriated funds in accordance with
staff recommendation.
n) Adopted Resolution No. 99-07 approving the Program Supplement to the Administering
Agency -State Agreement for Federal -aid Projects No. 10-5154 for preliminary engineering
for the Stockton Street Reconstruction, Tokay Street to Lodi Avenue project, and
appropriated funds for the preliminary engineering.
o) Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Wenell Mattheis Bowe, of
Stockton, for the design of the Loel Center Bus Stop Shelter; executed an agreement for
Sheila Ghidini, of San Francisco, for the "Art in Public Places" component of the shelter;
and appropriated funds in accordance with staff recommendation.
P) Authorized the Purchasing Officer to negotiate with FleetStar for the purchase of a used
natural gas compressor and storage vessels.
q) Agenda item #E-17 entitled, "Authorize City Manager to execute lease agreement with
AirTouch Cellular at water tower, 125 North Stockton Street" was removed from the
Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon following approval of the Consent
Calendar.
r) Adopted Resolution No. 99-08 authorizing the City Manager to submit the Bicycle Lane
Account (BLA) Grant Application for the Lodi Lake Bike Trail.
S) Adopted Resolution No. 99-09 approving the destruction of certain records retained by the
Police Department in excess of five years of age.
t) Adopted Resolution No. 99-10 approving the destruction of certain records retained by the
City Clerk's office.
U) Set Public Hearing for February 3, 1999 to review Cost Report for City Weed Abatement
Program for 1998 and to hear any objections of the property owners liable to be assessed
for the abatement.
6. ACTION ON ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Agenda item #E-6 entitled, "Award contract for Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filter
Systems for Wells No. 18 and 20".
Public Works Director Prima informed the City Council that as a part of the City of Lodi's
DBCP litigation settlement, money was received to pay for the design and construction of
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters at water well sites 18 and 20. Well 18 is located
at the intersection of Church Street and Century Boulevard. Well 20's address is 2126
Continued January 20, 1999
West Kettleman Lane. The settlement agreement also stated that the City must install
GAC filters at water well sites 18 and 20 before the City would receive any further funding
for GAC filters at other water well sites. The GAC vessels will be a "low profile" design
similar to the vessels at Well 16 (Beckman Park).
Plans and specifications for this project were approved on December 18, 1996, when
Council approved the hiring of Brown and Caldwell to prepare the plans and
specifications. The City received the following eleven bids for this project:
Bidder
Location
Bid
Engineer's Estimate
$925,000
Rutherford & Smith
Sacramento
$731,755
Northwestern Resources
Red Bluff
$739,000
Conco West
Manteca
$746,500
Pacific Mechanical
Concord
$759,000
Auburn Constructors
Sacramento
$785,300
Diede Construction
Woodbridge
$788,000
Arrow Trenchless
Sacramento
$799,997
HK Merron
Rancho Cordova
$834,883
Kirkwood Bly
Santa Rosa
$849,000
Falco Construction
Stockton
$871,542
Engineering Systems
Corona
$926,243
Council Member Nakanishi requested this brief synopsis of the project in order to better
inform the public.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Pennino, Nakanishi second, unanimously
adopted Resolution No. 99-04 awarding the contract for Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Filter Systems for Wells No. 18 and 20 to Rutherford and Smith, of Sacramento, in the
amount of $731,755, and appropriated funds in accordance with staff recommendation.
b) Agenda item #E-10 entitled, "Award agreement for a major revision to the City's Zoning
Ordinance to the firm of Crawford, Multari & Clark, Associates".
Community Development Director Bartlam reminded the City Council that the City's
zoning ordinance was originally adopted in 1952. While the ordinance has been amended
numerous times in the past 47 years, the basic format and language of the document has
remained unchanged. Because there has not been a comprehensive revision of the
zoning ordinance, the document has become increasingly difficult for both the public and
staff to work with and understand. The ordinance is difficult to interpret, has internal
inconsistencies and does not always reflect current planning practices or community
values.
In order to resolve these problems, the City has determined that a comprehensive
revision of the zoning ordinance is required. The City Council has agreed and this task
was budgeted as a part of the City's 1997-1999 Financial Plan and Budget as a Major
City Project to be started during this period. An estimated time frame of 18 months was
given for this project.
The Community Development Department has prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP)
that was sent to a dozen Northern California planning firms that do this type of work.
From this list, and after an interview consisting of the Community Development Director,
Public Works Director, Economic Development Coordinator and Senior Planner, City staff
selected the firm of Crawford, Multari & Clark, Associates of San Luis Opispo, California.
This firm has extensive experience in the preparation of zoning ordinances and has done
this type of work for many jurisdictions throughout California. Staff is confident that CMC
can accomplish the task and produce a zoning ordinance that will serve the City well into
the next century.
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Continued January 20, 1999
The Community Development Department requested that the City Council authorize the
City Manager to sign an agreement for $111,780 with the firm of Crawford, Multari &
Clark, Associates so that work can begin immediately. Staff also requested an additional
$10,000 for contingencies for a total budget of $121,780.
Council Member Hitchcock removed this item and posed questions regarding the
agreement, which were responded to by Community Development Director Bartlam.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hitchcock, Nakanishi second,
unanimously approved the awarding of a professional services agreement to the
consulting firm of Crawford, Multari & Clark, Associates for a major revision of the City's
Zoning Ordinance.
C) Agenda item #E-12 entitled, "Authorize issuance of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for
design of Downtown park-and-ride structure at old railroad depot site".
Public Works Director Prima presented the following report.
The land the City of Lodi purchased from Union Pacific Railroad is intended to be used as
a parking lot for buses and Downtown employees/shoppers. However, with the pending
Amtrak service between Stockton and Sacramento, and the future potential for Altamont
Commuter Express service, more parking in the vicinity of the multimodal station will be
required. To accommodate more parking at the site, bound by Sacramento Street, the
railroad tracks, Elm and Pine Street, staff has submitted a Letter of Intent to the Federal
Highway Administration for the Transportation and Community and Systems Preservation
Pilot Program. Staff has requested $3.2 million under this program. Because Amtrak,
ACE, SMART and other transit providers will be taking advantage of the parking structure,
it is a Federal Transit Administration -eligible project. Currently, staff would like to pursue
$3.2 million, or 80% of the estimated project cost, from federal sources. The remaining
20% of the funds for this project is still yet unidentified. Staff is recommending
constructing a three- to four-story parking structure which would include ground -floor retail
space in accordance with the Downtown concept plan. Rental revenue could serve as a
source to secure the remaining 20% funding.
By authorizing staff to proceed with an RFQ, the City Council sends a message to
Caltrans, Lodi's administrator of federal funds, that we are ready to proceed with this
project and thereby enhances the likelihood of securing the $3.2 million that has been
requested.
Council Member Hitchcock removed this matter to pose questions, which were responded
to by Public Works Director Prima.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Pennino, Hitchcock second, unanimously
authorized issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the design of a Downtown
park-and-ride structure on Sacramento Street at the old railroad depot site.
d) Agenda item #E-17 entitled, "Authorize City Manager to execute lease agreement with
AirTouch Cellular at water tower, 125 North Stockton Street".
Public Works Director Prima informed the City Council that AirTouch, who is looking for
an antenna site in or near the Downtown area, recently approached the City. Staff
considered using the existing radio tower at City Hall, but could not identify a suitable
place for the 12 -foot x 20 -foot equipment building. The stadium property was also
considered, but AirTouch said it was too far from the Downtown core for their needs. We
settled on the Parks and Recreation yard/water tank as an acceptable site as long as the
antenna could be mounted on the tower column. AirTouch proposes that three panels (8
Continued January 20, 1999
feet tall, 1 foot wide), painted to match the tower, be installed vertically at 95 feet, just
below the tank. The equipment building will be located on the ground north of the tower,
inside the fenced area. Wires will run up the inside of the tower and will not be easily
visible. The proposed terms of the lease include the following:
• $550 per month, payable in advance each year.
4%, or CPI, annual increase, whichever is greater.
20 -year term with three 5 -year additional options.
$2,500 one-time processing fee.
• Provision for AirTouch participation on a square -footage pro -rated basis on costs to
improve the site frontage, fencing or landscaping, not including City building
improvements.
In addition, AirTouch will take out a building permit and satisfy any structural or code
requirements regarding attachments to the tower.
Council Member Mann expressed a concern about the aesthetics of this installation and
about how the City arrived at the proposed dollar amounts.
Following additional discussion, the City Council, on motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Mann,
Hitchcock second, unanimously tabled this matter until the next City Council meeting.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a) Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is
on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Land called for the Public Hearing being held
pursuant to Section 147(F) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 on the proposal of the
Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) to issue revenue bonds.
City Attorney Hays presented the following report.
NCPA issued revenue bonds in 1992 to finance the cost of construction of its combustion
turbine generating station located within the City limits of Lodi at White Slough. The
bonds were issued on behalf of the four NCPA members — Alameda ($19.0%), Lodi
(39.5%), Lompoc (5.0%) and Roseville (36.5%).
In an effort to meet the challenges associated with electric industry deregulation, the
NCPA Commission has authorized and directed NCPA staff to take specific actions to
reduce the costs of all NCPA projects. The single largest cost component of NCPA
projects is debt service. With interest rates at historically low levels, significant cost
savings have been achieved by refinancing existing NCPA project bonds in the current
interest rate market. The last of the NCPA project bonds to be refinanced are the bonds
associated with NCPA's combustion turbine project at White Slough.
All NCPA projects are financed with tax-exempt bonds. While tax-exempt bond financing
significantly lowers project cost compared to taxable equivalents, there are certain
restrictions placed on the use of projects financed in this manner. The most important of
these restrictions, is the so-called private use limitations. In general, private use
limitations prohibit a non -tax exempt entity from using, controlling or benefiting from the
output of a tax exempt financed project. The limitation does not generally apply to
transactions of 30 days or less. In the past, this limitation was of minimal importance
since all projects were built with the intent of serving the current and future needs of
project participants. If surplus output existed at any time, the output was sold to other tax-
exempt entities or on the wholesale short-term market.
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Continued January 20, 1999
As the generation market has become more competitive, NCPA has been able to
significantly lower its member power costs by engaging in market-based transactions.
These market-based transactions have lead to greater opportunities for NCPA to optimize
the use of its generating facilities. One such use includes possible future transactions
with the newly formed California Independent System Operator (ISO), the operator of the
majority of California's high voltage transmission grid. Private use limitations, however,
also apply to certain transactions with the ISO.
Although we have not been able to find a way to remove private use limitations in their
entirety, we have found a means by which we can refinance the debt of the combustion
turbine at White Slough using tax exempt bonds while gaining the ability to enter into
certain long term arrangements with the ISO. This added flexibility is achieved by issuing
the bonds as "qualified 501 (c) (3) bonds". "501 (c) (3)" refers to the section in the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 relating to certain non-profit corporations, such as the
ISO. The Code and the Treasury Regulations require that a public hearing be held under
Section 147(f) of the Code in order for the bonds to be issued as qualified 501 (c) (3)
bonds. The purpose of the public hearing is to afford the public opportunity to be heard
on the question as to the nature and location of the facilities to be either financed or
refinanced by the issuance of the bonds. Since the facilities are located within the City
limits of Lodi and since Lodi is the major project participant, the Lodi City Council is the
appropriate jurisdictional body to hold such a public hearing.
Issuance of bonds as qualified 501 (c) (3) bonds has no adverse impact on bond interest
rate, debt service savings nor term of the debt service payments. The only identified
impact is increased operational flexibility of the facilities. This added flexibility could result
in significant decreases in the cost of power from the project above and beyond the
savings associated with the refinancing of the project.
Hearing Opened to the Public
There was no one wishing to speak on this matter.
Public Portion of Hearing Closed
ACTION:
Following additional discussion, the City Council, on motion of Council Member Hitchcock,
Nakanishi second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 99-11 entitled, "A Resolution Of
The Lodi City Council Approving The Issuance Of Bonds By The Northern California
Power Agency (NCPA) For The Refinancing Of A Combustion Turbine Power Generating
Plant Located In Lodi, California".
8. 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, Hitchcock second, unanimously rejected the following claims:
1. Arthur Cohn, date of loss 9121/98
2. Gloria Harvey, date of loss 9/6/98
3. Tim Konschak, date of loss 11/7/98
4. Dorothy Schmidke, date of loss 11/12/98
5. Rodger Patterson, date of loss 11/20/98
6. Crystal Rieger, date of loss 4/23/98
7. Oskar Johanson, date of loss 12/4/98
8. Robert Casalegno, date of loss 12/03/98
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Continued January 20, 1999
b) City Clerk Reimche read the following ABC License:
1. Lyon's Restaurants, Inc., Lyon's Restaurant, 233 South School Street, Lodi,
On -Sale General Eating Place, Reduced Fee Transfer
C) The following report was presented to the City Council:
Planning Commission report of December 9, 1998
d) The City Council, on motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Mann, Hitchcock second,
unanimously directed the City Clerk to post for the following vacancies:
Year 2000 Steering Committee
Erin lanni Unspecified term
East Side Improvement Committee
Jane Lea Term to expire March 1, 1999
e) The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hitchcock, Nakanishi second,
unanimously made the following reappointments/appointments:
Parks and Recreation Commission
Ken Sasaki Term to expire December 31, 2002
Ed Wall, Jr. Term to expire December 31, 2002
Robert J. Johnson Term to expire December 31, 2002
f) City Clerk Reimche informed the City Council that her office received a notice from Pacific
Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison Company and San Diego Gas
and Electric Company that it tendered for filing their compliance filing in accordance with
Opinion No. 389-A.
9. RECESS
Mayor Land called for a ten-minute recess, and the City Council meeting reconvened at
approximately 8:40 p.m.
10, REGULAR CALENDAR
a) Agenda item #H-1 entitled, "Kettleman Lane Traffic Safety Improvements",
Public Works Director Prima informed the City Council that the Public Works Department
has received several requests to make safety improvements to Kettleman Lane fronting
the Vineyard Shopping Center. The purpose of this communication is to report to Council
the status of plans for Kettleman Lane as well as seek Council direction. The following
report addresses the existing conditions, current plans/programs, interim improvement
options, long-term improvements, and recommendations.
Existing Conditions
Based on Caltrans 1997 Traffic Volumes on California State Highways, Kettleman Lane
carries between 10,800 to 26,500 vehicles per day (vpd). The highest traffic volumes
occur at Hutchins Street. Traffic volumes at the west end, near Lower Sacramento Road,
are 10,800 vpd and the east end, near Cherokee Lane, are 18,900 vpd.
Continued January 20,1999
The posted speeds on Kettleman Lane are 40 mph from the west city limits to the
Woodbridge Irrigation Canal (WID), and 35 mph from the WID to Highway 99.
For a three-year period, between July 1995 through June 1998, Caltrans has indicated
the actual accident rate along Kettleman Lane (Lower Sacramento Road to Highway 99)
is 6.48 accidents per million -vehicle -miles and similar facilities statewide have a rate of
3.02 accidents per million -vehicle -miles. Based on the city's pin map for a 5 -year period,
there have been a total of 111 collisions between Fairmont Avenue and 100 feet west of
Hutchins Street in that same time period.
Current Plans/Programs
• Lodi Police Department — Enforcement Currently, the Lodi Police Department is
providing enhanced enforcement on Kettleman Lane to reduce the high number of
speed and right-of-way violations. The Police Department has indicated they issued
approximately 90 citations on Kettleman Lane during an enhanced enforcement day in
December 1998. During these enforcement days, all motor officers concentrate their
efforts to reduce certain types of collisions.
• California Highway Patrol (CHP). Highway 12 Safety Task Force and Office of Traffic
Safety (OTS) Grant In October 1998, the CHP established a task force to identify and
address traffic safety issues on State Route 12, between Interstate 80 and State Route
88 in San Joaquin County. This project is funded through a grant issued to the CHP
by the OTS. CHP is working with the Lodi Police Department on a contract ($19,232)
for additional enhanced enforcement and equipment using the OTS funds. The Police
Department will be bringing this item to Council in the near future.
• Hazard Elimination and Safety (HES) Program Proiect In May 1998, the Public Works
staff requested funds from Caltrans for raised medians on Kettleman Lane, between
Fairmont Avenue and Hutchins Street, and a signal at Kettleman Lane and Crescent
Avenue. Staff has been told informally that funding for this project is earmarked for the
2000/2001 cycle. The HES Program provides funds for safety improvements on all
public roads and highways. The funds serve to eliminate or reduce the number and
severity of traffic accidents at hazardous highway locations. The total estimated cost
of this project is $220,000. Caltrans has indicated the raised median would need to
extend from Ham Lane to Hutchins Street since both intersections are signalized.
Additional left -turn "in only" openings in the raised median could be considered with a
detailed operating analysis.
• Vineyard Shopping Center Notification about Signal at Crescent Avenue In April 1998,
staff sent a letter and sketch, as shown in Exhibit A, to all the shopping center property
owners requesting comments on a possible new signalized access at the Crescent
Avenue intersection. Staff suggested a meeting to discuss timing and possible cost
sharing for this project. Staff received little response from the property owners.
• San Joaquin County Council of Governments (SJCOG). Route 12 in San Joaquin
County Corridor Study In February 1995, SJCOG undertook the Route 12 Corridor
Study. The purpose of this study was to examine traffic and travel conditions on Route
12 from the Sacramento County line to the Calaveras County line, and identify and
prioritize long-range improvement alternatives. An oversight committee was formed
with representatives from Caltrans, San Joaquin County, City of Lodi Public Works,
Highway 12 Association, and SJCOG staff. The study was completed in June 1997
and recommended Highway 12, from the west city limits to Route 99, be widened and
restriped to six lanes and a signal be installed between Ham Lane and Hutchins Street.
This project was in the Priority A category which contains projects in need of
improvements by year 2010.
Z
Continued January 20, 1999
Interim Improvement Options
Since Kettleman Lane is a State Highway, Caltrans is owner and operator of this facility.
Staff has been working with Caltrans on several issues regarding Kettleman Lane for
years. Recently, staff arranged to meet with Caltrans District 10 Deputy Director and
Safety Engineer to discuss ultimate and interim safety improvements. Due to the high
accident rate, Caltrans is willing to make safety improvements; however, since these will
reduce existing access, Caltrans requested the City hold a meeting to receive public
comment. The interim improvements, listed below, can be installed immediately.
Option 1 Painted Median between Ham Lane and Hutchins Street
This option would restrict all the left -turning movements entering and exiting the
driveways and can be installed early this year. This would eliminate left -versus -through
collisions at all Vineyard Shopping Center driveways as well as at the Beckman Ranch
Shopping Center and other driveways on the north side. A variation of this option is to
allow left turns in (but not out) of the shopping centers at one or more driveways.
The disadvantage is that all exiting traffic will be restricted to right -tum movements which
will increase traffic on adjacent streets. However, since the median is not raised,
increased enforcement will be necessary to prohibit motorists from making illegal turning
movements over the painted median.
Option 2 Install No -Parking Restrictions on the South Side from Fairmont Avenue to
Hutchins Street
This option can be done immediately to improve visibility for motorists exiting the
driveways. There are existing no -parking zones adjacent to the driveways which were
installed based on safe stopping distances/visibility studies. Any additional no -parking
would improve visibility and increase the safe stopping speeds for motorists.
The disadvantage is any vehicle wanting to park on Kettleman Lane and patronize the
fast food restaurants or banks will need to use the on-site parking lots. However, in the
future, parking on all of Kettleman Lane will likely be removed to accommodate the six
lanes.
Long -Term Improvements
The best long-term solution is to install raised medians between Ham Lane and Hutchins
Street (and eventually all of Kettleman Lane) and create a new four -legged signalized
access at Crescent Avenue and the Vineyard Shopping Center. The City Council can
wait until the raised medians and signal are installed or they can direct staff to request
Caltrans install interim improvements. Staff discussed the variations for openings in the
painted median.
Given the high traffic volumes and collision history, the existing two-way left -turn lane is
not functioning well. Some traffic reference materials indicate two-way left -turn lanes
work well when traffic volumes are less than 24,000 vpd with few concentrated access
points, such as at shopping center driveways. Since Kettleman Lane near Hutchins
Street carries over 26,000 vpd, staff recommends Caltrans pursue installing a painted
median. This will provide an immediate safety improvement by eliminating the left -versus -
through collisions until the signal and raised median can be installed. Adjacent roadways
will experience additional traffic temporarily until ultimate improvements can be
constructed. Since left turns will be restricted, this will also encourage the shopping
center property owners to cooperate with the City on designing and financing the new
shopping center access opposite Crescent Avenue. However, the signal and raised
median project should proceed with or without the new access. Staff will continue to work
with the shopping center property owners and proceed with plans to install the raised
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Continued January 20, 1999
medians and signal. Staff has also requested Caltrans move the raised median and
signal project to an earlier year. It would be helpful if the Council formally made this
request.
Recommendations
Staff recommended that Council take the following actions:
Request that Caltrans install a painted median at the appropriate locations
on Kettleman Lane, allowing left turns "in only" where practical.
Approve no -parking zones on the south side of Kettleman Lane between
Ham Lane and Hutchins Street.
• Request that Caltrans provide funding for the Crescent Avenue
signal/median project as soon as possible.
Addressing the City Council regarding the matter were the following persons:
Vic Heinrichs, 19378 Rosewood Way, Woodbridge, indicated that he was a
licensed contractor who owns a company that stripes parking lots, installs
signage, etc. He implied that he would be willing, with the permission of the
property owners, to install no left tum signs on the three parking mall exits of
concern at no cost to the City. He indicated that it would take only three days for
him to complete this work.
It was pointed out that before the City could take him up on his generous offer, it
had to ensure that all legal requirements for such signage was in place.
Ken Jeffers, 2145 West Kettleman Lane, #329, Lodi.
3. Wilbert Ruhl, 265 Almond Drive, Lodi.
4 John Sutphin, 321 East Century Boulevard, Lodi.
A lengthy discussion followed by the City Council with questions being directed to staff.
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Pennino, Nakanishi second, unanimously
approved requesting that Caltrans install a painted median at the appropriate locations on
Kettleman Lane, allowing left turns "in only" where practical, and that Caltrans provide
funding for the Crescent Avenue signal/median project as soon as possible.
Further, the City Council, on motion of Council Member Hitchcock, Land second,
approved requesting that Caltrans install no -parking zones on the south side of Kettleman
Lane between Ham Lane and Hutchins Street by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Members — Hitchcock, Mann, Nakanishi and Land (Mayor)
Noes: Council Members — Pennino
Absent: Council Members — None
11. RECESS
Mayor Land called for a five-minute recess, and the City Council meeting reconvened at
approximately 10:25 p.m.
11
Continued January 10,1999
12. REGULAR CALENDAR (Continued)
a) Agenda item #H-2 entitled, "Master Plan for Bozant 'Bo' Katzakian Park".
Parks and Recreation Director Williamson informed the City Council that the Parks and
Recreation Department held a public workshop on August 20, 1998 to solicit public input
for this park on the conceptual master plan developed by staff. A second presentation
was made by staff at the annual homeowners association meeting on October 27, 1998
where staff presented the proposed plan to all the residents of the development. A final
public presentation was made by staff to the Parks and Recreation Commission on
November 5, 1998 to approve the plan and move it forward for City Council approval.
The master plan to be presented to Council for approval has incorporated those features
developed through the public comment meetings and in keeping with the needs of the
department. Two elements requested at the meetings are not incorporated in the plan
and will be discussed during the presentation by staff. One of these elements, a fence
along Turner Road, was requested by property owners and recommended by the Parks
and Recreation Commission with a 3-2 vote. The Commission also recommended on a
3-2 vote to include a restroom. Department staff does not recommend either of these
elements.
Staff does recommend the following features for this 5.5 acre park: an 18 -space off-street
parking lot; tot lot with play equipment; covered picnic shelter; basketball court; practice
softball diamond with overlapping soccer field; area for portable restrooms; individual
picnic tables and barbecues; bike rack; benches; drinking fountain; open play fields; and a
well site. The site is mounded along Turner Road as well as internally to create spaces
and visual barriers.
The park as designed is estimated to cost $480,000 with funds available through park
impact fees. The schedule for development is as follows:
Council approval of master plan: January 20, 1999
Construction drawings and specifications by staff: January -February
Authorization for advertisement of bids: March
Awarding of contract: May
Addressing the City Council regarding this matter were the following persons:
Fred Baker, 317 West Lodi Avenue, Lodi.
Jeffrey J. Zarifis, 1108 Waterford Way, Lodi.
Following discussion, the City Council, on motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Mann, Pennino
second, unanimously approved the master plan for Bozant "Bo" Katzakian Park as
presented by staff with the following two exceptions: 1) that no fence be installed along
Turner Road and 2) that a permanent restroom facility be installed using the cost savings
from not including the fence.
13. VOTE TO CONTINUE WITH THE MEETING FOLLOWING THE 11 P.M. HOUR
Pursuant to the Lodi Municipal Code, the City Council, on motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Mann,
Hitchcock second, unanimously voted to continue with the remainder of the meeting following the
11:00 p.m. hour.
12
Continued January 20,1999
14. REGULAR CALENDAR (Continued)
a) Agenda item #H-3 entitled, "Report on Evergreen Drive at Elm Street Intersection Study".
Public Works Director Prima presented the following report.
The intersection of Evergreen Drive and Elm Street has been studied based on concerns
received related to traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.
The intersection of Evergreen Drive and Elm Street is a "T" intersection, with Elm Street
terminating at Evergreen Drive. Elm Street traffic is controlled by a stop sign and
Evergreen Drive traffic is not controlled. A marked crosswalk was installed across Elm
Street and across the south leg of Evergreen Drive in March of this year. Traffic volumes
entering the intersection on Elm Street and Evergreen Drive are 1,105 and 1,920 vehicles
per day, respectively. These counts were performed on a weekday and include the
additional traffic generated at the park due to soccer practice. Available accident records
for the four-plus years from 1994 to the present indicate that there have been two
accidents at the intersection, both occurring in 1994. Both of these accidents were solo -
vehicle accidents occurring during daylight hours; the drivers failed to stop at the posted
stop sign on Elm Street at Evergreen Drive, striking the curb in front of the park. One of
the drivers was intoxicated, and the other was only 15 years old. Based on these
accidents, a warning sign was installed at the west end of Elm Street in May 1995. There
have been no accidents at the intersection since that time.
Staff's field review of the area adjacent to the intersection of Evergreen Drive and Elm
Street indicated that high pedestrian activity and vehicle congestion problems occur
primarily during sporting events at Peterson Park. As this neighborhood park has no
parking lot, parking demand in the adjacent residential area is high, and there are a
number of pedestrians crossing at various locations along Evergreen Drive. Staff also
observed that due to the congested conditions, vehicles were traveling very slowly and
drivers were yielding to the pedestrians crossing the street.
STUDY RESULTS
The intersection of Evergreen Drive and Elm Street was reviewed for the installation of
multi -way stop controls. State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
guidelines are used when considering the installation of multi way stop controls. These
guidelines consider traffic volumes, accident history, and critical (85th percentile) speeds.
These guidelines are not met.
Staff also considered other actions that would improve conditions at the intersection, such
as driver and pedestrian visibility. The visibility of drivers stopped on Elm Street at
Evergreen Drive can be improved by restricting parking adjacent to the intersection. Also,
the removal of parking immediately adjacent to the marked crosswalks will improve
pedestrians' ability to see approaching vehicles, as well as the ability of drivers to see
pedestrians.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the relatively low traffic volumes, lack of an accident problem, and short
congestion periods, staff does not recommend the installation of multi -way stops at this
intersection. A multi -way stop control is also likely to lengthen the period of congestion by
increasing the time it takes drivers to make drop offs and pick ups because all vehicles
will be required to stop at the intersection. However, we do feel that restricting parking in
some areas will enhance safety during the congested periods without affecting traffic flow
at other times of the day. Based on these factors, we will be installing no -parking zones
adjacent to the intersection and marked crosswalks. Per Section 10.44.020(F) of the
Traffic Ordinance, the Public Works Director has the authority to install lengths of no -
parking zones up to 20 feet without Council approval; therefore, no City Council action is
needed.
13
Continued January 20, 1999
As an additional measure to reduce parking congestion and aid pedestrian safety during
sporting events, Council may wish to consider expanding the small paved area at the
north end of the park to provide an on-site parking lot. A parking lot can be
accommodated within the area between the fence and Evergreen Drive. The example
shown, utilizing the existing driveway for the pump station, provides twenty-five parking
stalls. The lot will require the relocation of some picnic tables and immature trees. If the
addition of a parking lot is going to be considered, it should either be constructed while the
immature trees can still be moved or the trees should be moved now to accommodate the
future lot. A more detailed layout and cost estimate can be prepared for presentation at a
future meeting at Council's request.
This matter was for information only, and there was no Council action required.
15. ORDINANCES
a) None,
16. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
a) Frank Hall, 1419 Lake Street, Lodi, addressed the City Council regarding property that he
owns at 15 West Elm Street in which the City of Lodi has indicated an interest in
purchasing. Mr. Hall gave background information regarding his negotiations for this
property with the City and stated that he felt the fair market value of his property is
$53,500, which he would find acceptable at this time.
Several members of the City Council posed questions to Mr. Hall regarding the subject.
b) Philip D. White, 411 Evergreen Drive, Lodi, and owner of property located at 232 South
Hutchins Street, Lodi, presented the City Council with a petition signed by approximately
33 residents living in the area of the Jack -In -The -Box Restaurant located on the northeast
corner of the intersection of Lodi Avenue and Hutchins Street which reads as follows:
'We, the undersigned residents and property owners of the neighborhood adjacent to the
Jack -In -The -Box Restaurant located on the northeast comer of the intersection of Lodi
Avenue and Hutchins Street, do hereby inform and petition the City of Lodi as follows:
Since Jack -in -The Box Restaurant changed its hours to include all-night window service
on weekends, the neighborhood has suffered from excessive noise, dangerous
conditions, property destruction, and great personal distress and inconvenience to local
residents. This has resulted from an undesirable element being drawn into the area with
a total lack of supervision or controls to maintain proper and legal peace, order and quiet.
Crowds of juveniles drinking alcoholic beverages, yelling obscenities, fighting, honking car
homs, playing loud music and 'boom boxes' and otherwise disturbing the peace have
become commonplace on weekend nights. This situation must be corrected!
The City of Lodi is hereby petitioned to restrict the hours of legal operation of said Jack -In -
The -Box restaurant to no later than 11 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday nights and no
later than 12 midnight on Friday through Saturday nights.'"
C) Hal Jones, 235 South Hutchins Street, Lodi, also spoke about the Jack -In -The Box
Restaurant located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Lodi Avenue and
Hutchins Street.
d) Larry Nathan, 247 Y2 Lee Avenue, Lodi, also expressed opposition to the business hours
of Jack -In -The Box.
14
Continued January 20, 1999
Mayor Land and other members of the City Council indicated their concern for the plight
of these citizens and directed that the matter be brought to the attention of the Police
Department and any other City department having authorization in dealing with complaints
of this type. It was requested that a list of options be made available to the City Council
regarding this matter at the next Council meeting.
17. COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
None.
18. CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Land adjourned the City Council meeting at 11:45 p.m. to a Closed Session to discuss the
following matters:
a) Actual litigation: Government Code §54956.9(a). One case. Anna Lopez v. City of Lodi,
San Joaquin County Superior Court, Stockton Branch, Case No. CV 005447
b) Prospective acquisition of two potential real property sites for Fire Station at Lockeford
and School Streets (APN #043-023-04) and at Lockeford and Hutchins Streets (APN
#037-260-01, 02 and 03), the negotiating parties are the City Manager and Tokay
Players, Inc., a California Corporation (Parcel 04); Ione Taunton Tr. (Parcel 03); and
Oskar & Beverly Hess Tr. (Parcels 01 and 02). Negotiators to discuss price and terms of
payment. Government Code §54956.8.
C) Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(c). Conference with legal counsel. Anticipated
litigation / initiation of litigation regarding 15 West Elm Street, Lodi, CA (APN #043-026-
11). One potential case.
19. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION / DISCLOSURE OF ACTION
The City Council meeting reconvened at approximately 12:40 a.m., and Mayor Land disclosed
that there was no final action taken in these matters.
20. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Land adjourned the
meeting at approximately 12:40 a.m., Thursday, January 21, 1999.
ATTEST:
Alice M. Reimche
City Clerk
15