HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 17, 2001LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2001
A. ROLL CALL
The Regular City Council meeting of January 17, 2001 was called to order by Mayor Nakanishi at
7:02 p.m.
Present: Council Members — Hitchcock, Howard, Land, Pennino and Mayor Nakanishi
Absent: Council Members — None
Also Present: City Manager Flynn, City Attorney Hays, and City Clerk Blackston
B. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Auxiliary Captain Gerald Pigeon with the Lodi Salvation Army.
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Nakanishi.
Electric Utility Update
Electric Utility Director Vallow reported that California Independent System Operator (ISO)
announced a stage 3 alert today, which meant that energy reserves within the State from all
sources had fallen below 1.5%. ISO ordered Electric Utility to curtail about 5% of their load.
Mr. Vallow explained that Lodi is connected to the state grid and must participate in the alerts
when they are legitimate emergencies. He emphasized the importance of drivers coming to a
complete stop at intersections when the traffic signals are out.
In response to questions by Council Member Land, Mr. Vallow stated that the City's long term
contracts are secure. Ninety percent of Electric Utility's transactions are bilateral trades that do
not clear through the California Power Exchange or ISO. Electric Utility is under order by the
Secretary of Energy to sell power to the ISO. They currently owe $1.5 million to Lodi, for which
repayment remains uncertain. Today, Electric Utility had all their generation running, including the
hydroelectric plant, using water that was earmarked for the summer. In an effort to help out the
state, Lodi was producing nearly twice the capacity today over what they were consuming.
Electric Utility has recently received calls from several customers about gas curtailments. Holz
Rubber has indicated that they will not have a gas supply after June.
D. AWARDS / PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
D-1 None.
D-2 (a) Mayor Nakanishi presented a proclamation to Dr. Benjamin Spindler, Dr. Norman King
and Lorraine Kohr with Delta Blood Bank proclaiming the month of January 2001 as
'Volunteer Blood Donor Month" in the City of Lodi.
D-3 (a) City Manager Flynn introduced the newly appointed Fire Chief Michael Pretz and Parks
and Recreation Director Roger Baltz.
D-3 (b) Pat Stockar, member of the Lodi Arts Commission, updated the City Council on the
activities and accomplishments of the Arts Commission.
D-3 (c) Meagan Hawley, member of the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission, acknowledged the
Teen of the Month, Ted Driscoll from St. Marys High School.
D-3 (d) Mayor Nakanishi presented Certificates of Appreciation to Richard Prima, representing
the Public Works Department, and Sondra Huff, representing the Electric Utility
Department, in appreciation for the dedication and hard work of their staff and crews.
Ms. Huff distributed copies of the Quarterly Communicator (filed) to the Council, noting
that Electric Utility was featured on the cover for their participation in the Parade of Lights
event.
Continued January 17, 2001
D-3 (e) Mayor Nakanishi presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dennis Lewis, Lodi Police
Officer and President of Lodi Adopt -A -Child. Officer Lewis reported that 1,270 children
benefited from the program this year and over 340 bikes, tricycles, and scooters were
given away.
D-3 (f) Dan Phelps, Board Member of the Lodi Sports Foundation, updated the Council on the
Zupo Field restoration project. In response to Council Member Pennino, Mr. Phelps
stated that John Johnson had submitted a report to the City Manager regarding the
unfinished seating.
E. CONSENT CALENDAR
In accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager, Council, on motion of
Council Member Land, Pennino second, unanimously approved the following items hereinafter set
forth except those otherwise noted:
E-1 Claims were approved in the amount of $10,503,539.41.
E-2 The minutes of December 12, 2000 (Shirtsleeve Session), December 19, 2000
(Shirtsleeve Session), December 26, 2000 (Shirtsleeve Session), January 2, 2001
(Shirtsleeve Session), January 3, 2001 (Regular Meeting), January 9, 2001 (Shirtsleeve
Session), and January 9, 2001 (Special Meeting) were approved as written.
E-3 Authorized the sale of scrap wire and metal at periodic intervals during the calendar year
2001.
E-4 Approved the plans and specifications for design, construction and delivery of two steel
transmission poles and authorized advertising for bids.
E-5 Approved request for proposal for concession operations at the Softball Complex and
Armory Park and authorized advertising for bids.
E-6 Authorized advertising for bids for asbestos abatement and demolition of the residential
structures and detached accessory structure located at 220 E. Pine Street, 222 E. Pine
Street, and 11 S. Washington (APN 043-074-06).
E-7 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-02 awarding the bid for one engineering inkjet plotter for the
Parks Division of the Parks and Recreation Department to the low bidder, Sehi Computer
Products, of San Clemente, California, in the amount of $5,741.58.
E-8 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-03 authorizing the purchase of security software for the
AS/400 to SafeStone Technologies, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $15,000.
E-9 "Adopt resolution awarding the contract for the Lower Sacramento Road Widening
Project, Kettleman Lane to Turner Road, to George Reed, Inc.; authorize the City
Manager to execute a Work Order for design consultant, Mark Thomas and Company;
and appropriate $7,030,000 for the project (PW)" was removed from the Consent
Calendar and discussed and acted upon under the Regular Calendar.
E-10 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-04 awarding the contract for installation of utility conduits
under the Woodbridge Irrigation District's canal to the low bidder, Clayborn Contracting
Group, Inc., of Auburn, California, in the amount of $42,587.00.
E-11 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-05 accepting the development improvements for
Bridgetowne, Unit No. 4, Tract No. 3007.
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Continued January 17, 2001
E-12 "Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a consulting services agreement
for an Electric Utility Cost of Service Study with EES Consulting, Inc. (not to exceed
$32,000) (EUD)" was removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted
upon under the Regular Calendar.
E-13 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-06 authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional
services agreement with Y&C Transportation Consultants, Inc. for a Traffic Signal
Location Study for Turner Road and Loma Drive; and appropriated funds in accordance
with staff recommendation.
E-14 Received Contract Change Order for CHEC Engineering Consultants for Pavement
Management System Rate City Street Network, and approved request to appropriate
funds in the amount of $29,330.
E-15 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-07 certifying that the City of Lodi will sustain its level of
expenditures for transportation purposes for the allocation of funds from the State under
Assembly Bill (AB) 2928.
E-16 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-08 authorizing the destruction of the following records
retained by the Lodi Police Department:
• Background investigations and employment records of previous employees who have
left employment with the City over five years ago (this does not include retirees);
• Background investigations of previous applicants not hired, over five years old;
• Crime reports, incident reports and traffic reports over five years old, except for those
with pending court action and all homicide investigations; and
• Investigations of Citizens Complaints over five years old.
E-17 Approved the donation of two retired police cars to the San Joaquin Delta College Basic
Peace Officer Academy for training purposes.
E-18 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-09 establishing fees for the processing of Adult -Oriented
Business Licenses.
E-19 Set Public Hearing for February 7, 2001 to consider the Planning Commission's
recommendation that the City Council 1) adopt a General Plan Amendment to change
from PR, Planned Residential to NCC, Neighborhood Community Commercial; and 2) a
Prezoning from AU -20, Agriculture Urban Reserve to CS, Commercial Shopping, for a
15.5 acre portion of the property located at 302 State Route Highway 12, APN No. 058-
030-01 and to initiate annexation of the property into the City of Lodi.
E-20 Set Public Hearing for February 7, 2001 to consider the Planning Commission's
recommendation that the City Council approve the prezoning of parcels 015-170-10 and
015-230-07 from San Joaquin County P -F, Public Facilities to PUB, Public for property
located at 18500 N. Lilac Street, Woodbridge (Woodbridge Middle School) and to initiate
annexation of the properties into the City of Lodi.
E-21 Set Public Hearing for February 7, 2001 to hold necessary hearing to assist Lustre -Cal
Nameplate Corp. in securing tax-exempt financing.
E-22 Adopted Resolution of Intention No. 2001-10 to abandon the public utility easement along
the north six feet of Lot 189 of Lakewood Subdivision, Unit No. 4; referred the matter to
the Planning Commission for approval; and set a Public Hearing for the regular Council
meeting of February 21, 2001.
E-23 Set Public Hearing for February 21, 2001 to consider a resolution establishing an area of
benefit and reimbursable costs for Tienda Drive improvements (APN 027-040-17 and
APN 027-040-79, respectively).
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Continued January 17, 2001
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
G. COMMUNICATIONS
G-1 On recommendation of the City's contract administrator, Insurance Consulting
Associates, Inc. (ICA), and Human Resources staff, the City Council, on motion of
Council Member Land, Hitchcock second, unanimously rejected the following claims:
a) Bank of America, date of loss 11 /99
b) William Hall, date of loss 8/1/00
G-2 City Clerk Blackston read the following ABC License:
a) Bark Hong Low, Pineapple Restaurant, 2314 W. Kettleman Lane, Suite 103 and
104, Lodi, On -Sale Beer and Wine, Original License
G-3 The following report was presented to the City Council:
a) Planning Commission report of December 13, 2000
G-4 The following postings/appointments were made:
a) The City Council, on motion of Council Member Pennino, Hitchcock second,
unanimously made the following appointment:
San Joaquin County Water Advisory Commission
Alan Nakanishi Term to expire January 19, 2002
G-5 Miscellaneous — None
H. REGULAR CALENDAR
H-1 "Report to the City Council — Financial Audit for Fiscal Year 1999-2000 (FIN)" was pulled
from the agenda pursuant to staff's request.
H-2 "Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with George
Miers & Associates for design and construction administration services for the new Police
Building, 200 block of West Elm Street ($902,000), and execute Contract Change Orders
as needed (PW)"
Public Works Director Prima recalled that the feasibility study for this project began in
1996. Property acquisition has begun, with one parcel still left to acquire. The key
element of the overall project is to construct a new police facility on the north side of Elm
Street. With Council approval of this item tonight it is anticipated that the project will go
out to bid late this year with completion of construction in early 2003. Other elements of
the project involve dealing with the old public safety building and remodeling Station 2 to
accommodate Fire Department staff during construction and completion of a parking
structure in the lot along the corner of Elm and Church Streets. Staff plans to do more
detailed concept work and preliminary engineering on those elements of the project so
that they can come back to Council with the final financing at the time they are ready to
award the bid on the police building.
Mr. Prima reported that the 44,000 sq. ft. police building has been designed to
accommodate anticipated growth in staff for the next 30 years. From the public entry
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Continued January 17, 2001
visitors will see three directional options: 1) to the right will be the property and evidence
area; 2) straight ahead will be a large room for training activities, an area for an
emergency operations center, press briefings, and a community room with outside
access; and 3) to the left would be the entry to the receptionist. The upper floors are
secure areas, which include the Police Chief's office, detectives, investigations section,
and other administrative offices. A report writing area will be located in the back of the
building off the secure parking area. The jail will be located on the far west -end with a
separate entrance. In order to provide a building that has a second floor the same size as
the ground floor, there is approximately 8,000 ft. of extra space that may be leased to
tenants. The building does not have a pistol range, as it was decided that an outdoor
range at some other location would better serve the needs of the department and the
community.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino, Mr. Prima stated that the rental space
revenue would be returned to the City's general fund. There will be some unfinished
space in the investigations unit, which cannot be rented because it is in a secure area.
In reply to Council Member Hitchcock's concern regarding cost and financing, City
Manager Flynn stated that taking what he believed to be a very conservative approach to
the City's anticipated future revenues and expenditures, staff was able to demonstrate
that the City can comfortably support a debt financing of $18-19 million. If costs were to
exceed that amount, modifications to the parking structure and renovations to the old
public safety building would be considered to keep the project within budget. Prior to
awarding the construction project staff will come back to Council with a long-term
strategic plan.
Council Member Howard stated that she has reviewed the City s ten-year budget plan and
has shared thoughts with staff regarding the cost effectiveness of some of the secondary
and tertiary items (i.e. the parking structure, etc.) to ensure that the main structure is
completed as appropriate.
Council Member Land stated that the jail should be safe, efficient, and clean, but without
unessential amenities. In reference to the issue of cost, he reported that the Council has
appropriated funds for the design phase. The City's tax revenues in 1990 were
approximately $22 million, and today are $37 million. He pointed out that public safety is
the number one concern of the Council.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino, Police Chief Adams stated that the benefits
of Lodi having a jail are savings in staff time, transportation costs, and booking fees by
not having to transport prisoners to the County jail. He also emphasized the importance
of the educational value to individuals who immediately spend time in jail after being
arrested.
City Manager Flynn noted that it would cost the City $500,000 to $600,000 per year to
house prisoners at the County jail.
Chief Adams reported that he has reviewed hundreds of plans in the last few years and
feels confident that the plan now presented to Council is one of the best functionally laid
out police departments that he has seen and will meet the Department's need now and
for 30 years into the future. He noted the importance of having space designed into the
plan for future expansion.
Council Member Hitchcock expressed concern that using money from the general fund
will negatively impact services and operational costs needed for the City. She asked the
City Manager to provide her with a copy of the City's ten-year plan.
Continued January 17, 2001
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
• Robert Silva, 24700 Suttenfield Road, Acampo, spoke in support of Lodi having its
own jail and being independent from the surrounding area.
MOTION /VOTE:
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Howard second, unanimously
authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with George Miers & Associates, of
Moraga, for the final design of the new Police Building (including construction drawings,
specifications, and construction administration), and execute Contract Change Orders as
needed.
H-3 "Adopt resolution approving no -parking zones on Ham Lane, from 230 feet south of
Cardinal Street to Vine Street, to accommodate the installation of a continuous two-way,
left -turn lane (PW)"
Paula Hernandez, Traffic Engineer, stated that a number of collisions and complaints
about accidents have been reported at the intersections of Ham Lane and Park Street,
and Ham Lane and Cardinal Street. Compared to other streets, Ham Lane has one of the
higher accident per mile rates. The collision diagram showed 21 collisions out of 39
involved turning vehicles. Staff recommends installing a left turn lane with no parking
areas to allow for it.
Council Member Hitchcock and Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino suggested that staff look at
the entire length of Ham Lane to Lodi Avenue.
MOTION / VOTE:
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Pennino, Hitchcock second, unanimously
adopted Resolution No. 2001-11 approving the restriction of parking along both sides of
Ham Lane, from 230 feet south of Cardinal Street to Vine Street, to accommodate the
installation of a continuous two-way, left -turn lane.
RECESS
At 8:50 p.m., Mayor Nakanishi called for a recess and the City Council meeting reconvened at
9:05 P.M.
H. REGULAR CALENDAR (Continued)
H-4 "Approve specifications and advertisement for bids for Annual Tree Trimming Contract
(Power Line Clearing) for Electric Utility Department ($180,000) (EUD)"
Carl Lindstrom, Electric Utility Superintendent, explained that the reason staff is
requesting to go out to bid for tree trimming in the middle of a fiscal year is because their
tree trimming contractor declined renewal of their contract stating that a 17% increase
was needed to cover higher insurance and fuel costs.
MOTION / VOTE:
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Pennino, Howard second, unanimously
approved the specifications for a tree trimming contract for power line clearing and
authorized advertising for bids.
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Continued January 17, 2001
H-5 "Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services
agreement with Scott W. Kenley for purposes of labor negotiations (HR)" was pulled
from the agenda pursuant to staffs request.
City Manager Flynn reported that staff will solicit proposals for this service and come back
to Council with a recommendation.
H-6 "Adopt resolution awarding the contract for the Lower Sacramento Road Widening
Project, Kettleman Lane to Turner Road, to George Reed, Inc.; authorize the City
Manager to execute a Work Order for design consultant, Mark Thomas and Company;
and appropriate $7,030,000 for the project (PW)" formerly E-9
Public Works Director Prima reported that in the 1960s a specific plan was adopted
establishing a width for four lanes on Lower Sacramento Road from Kettleman Lane up to
Turner Road. The area has developed over the years; however, the road was never
widened. Policies provided for subdividers to dedicate the right of way and build their
projects set back from the main roadway. Through funding from Measure K, impact fees,
and state allocations the City is now ready to move forward on the road widening project.
The environmental process has been completed, as well as all required public hearings.
He described the project in detail and stated that it is anticipated to begin in April and be
completed by Thanksgiving.
Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino commended staff for their efforts on the project and
success in obtaining funding. He noted that the City receives its fair share of
transportation dollars from the Council of Governments (COG).
Council Member Land outlined the work that has been done by staff and previous
discussions at Council meetings concerning this project: Site plan review, discussions
regarding the median, light standards, egress for the Fire Department, plants, trees,
shrubs, turn lanes, and public comments from the residents of Taylor Road and Corbin
Lane. The project was delayed while the State determined whether there were historic
buildings located along Lower Sacramento Road. He emphasized the thorough amount
of reports and review that have taken place previously before Council on this subject.
Council Member Howard expressed thanks to Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino for serving as
Lodi's representative on COG and being instrumental in bringing funds to the City.
Council Member Hitchcock responded to Mr. Land's intimation that it was not necessary
to pull this item from the consent calendar. She concluded that there is a philosophical
difference in approaches. Ms. Hitchcock stated that she feels the constituency she
represents wants to have knowledge, and in her effort to ensure this happens,
discussions before the Council sometimes have to take place on a repetitive basis.
Council Member Land disagreed, stating that this project has been comprehensively
discussed during two public meetings and one entire Council meeting that was devoted to
the subject. He supported staff's decision to place the matter on the consent calendar
and noted that he had spent a considerable amount of time prior to the meeting reviewing
volumes of past information on the subject to ensure that every detail had been fully
reported and discussed openly.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
• Otto Krueger, 632 N. Church Street, Lodi, commented that he has an old map that
indicates Lower Sacramento Road was part of the Lincoln Highway, which was the
first continental highway across the United States.
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Continued January 17, 2001
Robert Silva, 24700 Suttenfield Road, Acampo,
landmark signs on Lower Sacramento Road to
Lincoln Highway.
MOTION / VOTE:
stated that the City of Galt placed
identify that it was originally the
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Pennino, Land second, unanimously
adopted Resolution No. 2001-12 awarding the contract for the Lower Sacramento Road
Widening Project, Kettleman Lane to Turner Road, to George Reed, Inc., of Lodi, in the
amount of $5,474,479; authorized the City Manager to execute a Work Order for
construction management services; and appropriated additional funds in accordance with
staff recommendation.
H-7 "Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a consulting services agreement
for an Electric Utility Cost of Service Study with EES Consulting, Inc. (not to exceed
$32,000) (EUD)" formerly E-12
Electric Utility Director Vallow explained that this item is related to deregulation, in that it
has made it necessary to evaluate costs in detail by delineating individual costs for each
customer, customer class, and new customer. He commented that he has been very
critical of the recent actions of the California Public Utilities Commission for
disproportionately burdening businesses with higher rates.
Jim Doyle, Electric Utility Rates & Resources Manager, reported that through the
recommended cost of service study, Electric Utility will get a software program enabling
them to continue to do these types of studies in the future. An anticipated outcome of this
study will be recasting expenses and determining whether revenues are being collected
from the right people. The industry and the City have changed considerably since the last
time a study of this type was done in 1993.
MOTION / VOTE:
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hitchcock, Land second, unanimously
adopted Resolution No. 2001-13 authorizing the City Manager to sign a consulting
services agreement for an Electric Utility Cost of Service Study with EES Consulting, Inc.
ORDINANCES
None.
COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
• Otto Krueger, 632 N. Church Street, Lodi, spoke about pedestrian safety. He stated that the
corner of Locust Street and Pleasant Avenue has a ramp with ridges on the sides, which he
described as a "trough". He recently fell at that location and urged the Council to look into the
unevenness of this walking area. Mr. Krueger also complained of sidewalks being blocked by
cars and garbage cans.
Public Works Director Prima surmised that Mr. Krueger was describing a handicap ramp and
stated that the City must meet ADA requirements.
City Manager Flynn stated that staff will look at the corner of Locust Street and Pleasant
Avenue for pedestrian safety issues and report back to Council on their findings.
K. COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
• Council Member Hitchcock stated that the Mayor represented the Council well during the
Unity Day Celebration in honor of Martin Luther King's birthday. She commented that
speakers Megan Holly and Richard Jones did an outstanding job at the event. Ms. Hitchcock
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Continued January 17, 2001
asked when a report from the Mokelumne River Task Force would be presented to Council.
She noted that a written report from the County had been received and one of the
recommendations involved boating in Lodi Lake.
City Manager Flynn replied that the Mokelumne River Task Force was a committee formed by
the County. The City merely offered names of individuals from Lodi who were willing to serve
on the committee.
Council Member Hitchcock felt that a presentation before the Council would be appropriate
because the recommendations impact Lodi Lake and many members of the community have
expressed concerns.
City Manager Flynn stated that staff would arrange for a presentation.
Mayor Nakanishi pointed out that the Mokelumne River is under the jurisdiction of San
Joaquin County and the Coast Guard.
Council Member Hitchcock recalled that Bob Johnson previously reminded the Council that a
prior committee had made a recommendation to limit water craft speed on the river to 5 mph.
She also stated it was her understanding that two past task force committees, as well as the
Parks and Recreation Department, have studied this issue and made recommendations to the
Council. Ms. Hitchcock reiterated her desire to have a presentation from the County on the
Mokelumne River Task Force recommendations to provide an opportunity for Council
comment and input.
Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino emphasized the importance of clarifying on the agenda that
Council would be looking at the issue from an advisory standpoint, so as not to mislead the
public into thinking that they have jurisdictional authority.
• Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino suggested that the Council encourage Caltrans to do the
landscaping on Kettleman Lane.
Public Works Director Prima reported that staff has to go through an encroachment permit
process and will approach Caltrans on the landscaping. If a problem arises they will report
back to Council.
• Mayor Nakanishi reported that today he attended the Local Area Formation Commission
(LAFCO) City Selection Committee meeting. He learned that AB2838 requires that LAFCO
become independent which will result in shared costs to cities, county, and special districts.
Lodi's share of the cost will be $13,000. He noted that Keith Land was appointed on LAFCO
as an alternate member.
• City Manager Flynn made the following announcements:
1) Richard Prima and Carlos Tobar were recognized by Lodi Unified School District for their
efforts in raising $1.6 million for the purchase of 14 school buses and a fueling station.
2) This weekend a crab feed will be held as a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club.
3) In October the City received the San Joaquin County Mayors Committee Employer of the
Month award for its support of disabled persons programs.
L. CLOSED SESSION — None
E
Continued January 17, 2001
M. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
9:55 p.m.
ATTEST:
Susan J. Blackston
City Clerk
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