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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - August 15, 2001LODI CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2001 A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The Regular City Council meeting of August 15, 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 Natalie Reyes, representative of the Baha'i. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Nakanishi. D. AWARDS / PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS D-1 (a) Awards — None D-2 (a) Proclamations — None D-3 (a) Yuba Grant, member of the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission, acknowledged the Teen of the Month, Melissa Harnack from Jim Elliot Christian High School. D-3 (b) Yvette Maragliano, Special Projects Coordinator, introduced current Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission members and advisors, newly appointed members, and retiring members. Mayor Nakanishi presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following retiring Youth Commissioners: • Jeffrey Jauregui • Matthew Johnston • Ashleigh Krueger • Julia Rough • Alisha Thawley D-3 (c) Mayor Nakanishi presented a Resolution of Appreciation to Assembly Member Anthony Pescetti for his tireless efforts in supporting the California State Budget and its continued provisional funding for law enforcement and education, specifically $4 million toward the construction of a new Public Safety Building for the Lodi Police Department. Police Chief Adams thanked Assembly Member Pescetti. D-3 (d) Community Improvement Manager Joseph Wood presented the Community Improvement Award to Pastor Glenn Foo Sum, on behalf of Century Assembly Church, for their efforts and accomplishments in the Adopt -A -Block project in the northern portion of Lodi's East Side residential neighborhood. Pastor Glenn Foo Sum noted that the Adopt -A -Block project continues to grow. They plan to begin a new block next week and are also starting a food center on the east side. D-3 (e) Lodi Firefighter Rod Cordero made a presentation to the Council regarding its "Fill the Boot' campaign, which took place on July 28, 2001, through the combined efforts of the Lodi and Woodbridge firefighters. He introduced Justine Muus, Project Coordinator with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Terra Holman, a Lodi resident who directly benefits from the Association, and presented a check in the amount of $7,297. Firefighter Cordaro reported that a total of $69,000 was raised throughout San Joaquin County, which is the largest single -day amount collected in the entire state. Continued August 15, 2001 D-3 (f) Lizbeth De Alba appeared on behalf of Corrine Cervantez, Executive Director of Success By 6, and made a presentation to the Council regarding this parent education program. Success By 6 has been granted funds of $252,000 by the San Joaquin County Children and Family Commission to provide four parent educators and a project coordinator to introduce the Parents as Teachers Curriculum into East Lodi. D-3 (g) Tom Horton, Integrated Waste Manager for San Joaquin County, gave a detailed presentation covering the history of the agency from 1992 to present, waste diversion requirements of AB939, and the Household Hazardous Waste program. In answer to Council questions, Mr. Horton reported that Manteca has its own hazardous waste program and offers curbside collection of used oil. He estimated that the County's Household Hazardous Waste program captures 5% of the people. He expected that number to increase when they open a permanent hazardous waste collection facility. Alison Hudson, from the Solid Waste Division of San Joaquin County Public Works, distributed information (filed) regarding the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste event at Salas Park in Lodi on August 24 and 25. E. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: In accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager, Council, Council Member Land made a motion, Pennino second, to approve the following items hereinafter set forth except those otherwise noted. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino noted that communication was received today from JoAnne Mounce regarding DeBenedetti Park, which will be forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Department. VOTE: The above motion carried by a unanimous vote. E-1 Claims were approved in the amount of $6,755,950.37. E-2 The minutes of July 24, 2001 (Shirtsleeve Session), July 24, 2001 (Special Meeting), July 31, 2001 (Shirtsleeve Session), and August 1, 2001 (Regular Meeting) were approved as written. E-3 Approved the plans and specifications for Traffic Signal and Lighting Improvements at Intersection of Harney Lane and Stockton Street and authorized advertisement for bids. E-4 Approved the plans and specifications for Hale Park Resurfacing Improvements and authorized advertisement for bids. E-5 Approved the specifications for the purchase of 20,000 feet of 750kcmil XLPE primary underground cable and authorized advertisement for bids. E-6 Approved the request for proposal for the Armory Park Bleacher Replacement project and authorized advertisement for bids. E-7 Approved and authorized the issuance of request for qualifications for the design of an indoor sports center. E-8 Approved and authorized the issuance of request for qualifications for the design of an aquatic complex. FA Continued August 15, 2001 E-9 "Approve and authorize issuance of request for qualifications for the design of DeBenedetti Park" was removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon under the Regular Calendar. E-10 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-192 authorizing the sole -source purchase of a 15kV Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breaker SDV4A from Siemens in the amount of $29,619.58. E-11 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-193 awarding the contract for asphalt materials for fiscal year 2001/02 to Granite Construction Company, of Stockton, in the amount of $141,920 for 4,000 Tons/FOB Plant. E-12 Accepted the improvements under the "Salas Park Playground Improvements, 2001 South Stockton Street, Hutchins Street Square, 600 West Oak Street, Century Park Playground Improvements, Century Boulevard and Church Street" contract. E-13 Accepted the improvements under the "Lodi Lake Bicycle/Pedestrian Corridor Project (Phase 1), 1101 West Turner Road" contract. E-14 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-194 accepting the Almond Drive and Stockton Street improvements in Colvin Ranch, Tract No. 2430. E-15 Took the following actions with regard to the Parisis Ranch development: • Approved the final map for Parisis Ranch, Tract No. 3111, and directed the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Improvement Agreement and map on behalf of the City. • Appropriated funds for applicable fee credits. • Authorized the City Manager to execute an addendum to the Improvement Agreement without further Council action, if necessary to coordinate the construction of the Parisis Ranch project improvements with the improvements to be installed with the City traffic signal project at the intersection of Stockton Street and Harney Lane. E-16 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-195 authorizing the City Manager to execute an encroachment agreement with Union Pacific Railroad and appropriated funds in the amount of $76,600. E-17 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-196 approving the Established Overall Annual DBE Goal of 7% for Federal Fiscal Year 2001/02, and authorized the City Manager to execute such adoption, to facilitate timely submission to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for funding authority approval by September 1, 2001, on behalf of the City of Lodi. E-18 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-197 authorizing the City Manager to accept and sign the Master Agreement for State Funded Projects No. 000154 and all agreements and related documents for state transportation projects; and adopted Resolution No. 2001-198 authorizing the City Manager to accept and sign all agreements and related documents for federal aid projects, effective August 1, 2001, and all future master agreements for federal and state transportation projects. E-19 "Adopt resolution declaring the City of Lodi's intent to reimburse certain expenditures from proceeds of indebtedness for the City's White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility' was removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon under the Regular Calendar. E-20 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-199 approving the allocation formula for providing the City of Lodi's portion of the operating costs for the Local Agency Formation Commission ($13,300). Continued August 15, 2001 E-21 Authorized the City to join the Amicus Brief in the case of Barden v. City of Sacramento, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. E-22 Authorized the City to join the Amicus Brief in the case of Charter Communications, inc., v. County of Santa Cruz, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. F. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS • None. G. PUBLIC HEARINGS G-1 Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Nakanishi called for the Public Hearing regarding appeal received from Wayne Ogren regarding Notice and Order to Repair and Notice and Order to Vacate issued for his property located at 225 N. Rush Street, Lodi. MOTION / VOTE: It was noted for the record that Mr. Ogren submitted a letter (filed) withdrawing his appeal; therefore, no action by the City Council was necessary. H. COMMUNICATIONS H-1 On recommendation of the City's contract administrator, Insurance Consulting Associates, Inc. (ICA), and Human Resources staff, the City Council, on motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino, Land second, unanimously rejected the following claim: a) Emma Gonzalez, date of loss 3/12/01 H-2 Reports: Boards/Commissions/Task Forces/Committees — None H-3 Appointments — None H-4 Miscellaneous — None REGULAR CALENDAR 1-1 "Adopt resolution ratifying the 2001/02 Annual Financial Plan for the San Joaquin County Council of Governments" Steve Dial, Director of Administration and Chief Financial Officer for the San Joaquin Council of Governments (COG), reported that the COG Board of Directors annually adopts an overall work program that describes the activity the agency intends to undertake in the coming fiscal year. At the same time, the Board adopts an annual financial plan, which is the budget that implements the overall work program. The COG has fiduciary responsibility for over $200 million in federal, state, and local funding for the County of San Joaquin, with an operating budget of just under $5.1 million. The current budget was increased 1.8% over the previous fiscal year, which amounts to a $90,000 increase in the operating budget. According the Joint Powers Agreement, the COG budget must be ratified by a majority of the members of the Joint Powers. In answer to Council questions, Mr. Dial reported that Manteca and the County of San Joaquin have not yet voted on the 2001/02 Annual Financial Plan. The annual salary of the Chief Executive Officer of COG is approximately $120,000. 4 Continued August 15, 2001 MOTION: Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino made a motion, Howard second, to adopt Resolution No. 2001-200 ratifying the 2001/02 Annual Financial Plan (AFP) for the San Joaquin County Council of Governments (COG). DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Dial stated that COG programs and projects include Measure K, San Joaquin A+, administration of the Transportation Development Act, region -wide planning efforts, intergovernmental coordination, advocacy work on behalf of member agencies, Stockton Street rehabilitation, Park -and -Ride lot on Highway 99, transit center, parking structure, and the Habitat Plan, which was developed over a period of eight years. Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino added that COG is also involved in the ACE train going into San Jose, widening of Highway 99 over the next three years, Arch/Sperry Road, widening of Interstate 205 in Tracy, safety measure on Highway 12, and administration regarding the Kentucky Line project. VOTE: The above motion carried by a unanimous vote. 1-2 "Adopt resolution approving access to criminal history information (fingerprinting) for employment (including volunteers) to the Human Resources Director and/or his/her designee(s)" Human Resources Director Narloch reported that during a recent audit staff was informed that a Council resolution needs to be obtained to approve the Department's access to employee fingerprinting results. In response to inquiries by the Council, Ms. Narloch stated that staff hopes to expand the fingerprinting program to include all prospective City employees and volunteers. Though this would be beyond what is required by law, Ms. Narloch stated that Lodi is one of few cities that are not fingerprinting all employees and volunteers. In reply to Council Member Howard, City Attorney Hays explained that any negative fingerprint results would not necessarily preclude a volunteer from serving, as it would depend on the nature of the activity. If possible they would be placed in a position best suited for them. Police Chief Adams reported that the Department of Justice provides funds to cover fingerprinting of volunteers. Through the use of two INDENTIX machines, fingerprints are electronically sent to Sacramento and results are received within 24 hours. He anticipated receiving $67,000 from San Joaquin County Remote Access Network (RAN) Committee funds for the purchase of a third INDENTIX machine. If these funds are received, they would place one machine at the Parks and Recreation Department, as they have a large number of volunteers. The Police Department has one full-time staff person for fingerprinting and also uses Police Partner volunteers for assistance. Chief Adams recommended that the City begin fingerprinting all prospective City employees and volunteers. Mayor Nakanishi and Council Member Hitchcock expressed some apprehension about the negative/offensive connotation that could be perceived in mandatory fingerprinting of volunteers (including Council appointees to Boards and Commissions), regardless of whether their service would involve working with minors. Continued August 15, 2001 MOTION /VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Howard second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2001-201 approving access to criminal history information (fingerprinting) for employment (including volunteers) to the Human Resources Director and/or his/her designee(s). 1-3 "Adopt resolution authorizing Lodi to join the San Joaquin County Vehicle Abatement Service Authority, approve the Joint Powers Agreement, authorize the imposition of a one -dollar Vehicle Registration Fee, and appoint a Council representative to the Service Authority' Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino reported that he voted no on this issue when the concept was first brought to Council last April, and voted against it again on July 18, 2001. Since that time he discovered that there is no other way that it can be funded, and because it has already been approved by the County and other cities, the citizens of Lodi will be taxed $1 per vehicle registration whether or not Lodi joins the San Joaquin County Vehicle Abatement Service Authority. Joining the Authority would allow Lodi to collect approximately $35,000, and for this reason, Mr. Pennino had asked that the issue be brought back to Council for reconsideration. MOTION (#1): Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino made a motion, Land second, to adopt Resolution No. 2001-202 authorizing the City of Lodi to join the San Joaquin County Vehicle Abatement Service Authority, to approve the Joint Powers Agreement, and to authorize the imposition of a one -dollar Vehicle Registration Fee. DISCUSSION: Council Member Land felt that the situation leaves no alternative for Lodi except to join the Authority. He opposed the tax and pointed out the unfairness that Lodi citizens will pay approximately $50,000, and yet the Citys return from the Authority would be only $35,000 to $40,000. Council Member Hitchcock felt that the $1 per vehicle registration was a reasonable amount to clean up abandoned vehicles in San Joaquin County. Mayor Nakanishi and Council Member Howard opposed the tax due to principle, and felt that individual cities should have been allowed not to have their citizens taxed if they chose not to join the Authority. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Hitchcock, Land and Pennino Noes: Council Members — Howard and Mayor Nakanishi Absent: Council Members — None MOTION / VOTE (#2): Further, the City Council on motion of Council Member Land, Nakanishi second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2001-203 appointing Council Member Howard to serve as the City's representative to the San Joaquin County Vehicle Abatement Service Authority. 14 `Review Intersection Study for Central Avenue at Eden Street" Paula Fernandez, Associate Traffic Engineer, thanked Senior Engineering Technician Rick Kiriu and intern Eric Billups who helped prepare and gather data for the report on this item. Ms. Fernandez reported that two months ago the East Side Improvement 6 Continued August 15, 2001 Committee asked Public Works to review the Central Avenue and Eden Street intersection for safety reasons. Public Works conducted the review and reported back to the committee, after which the committee asked that the matter be brought before Council for consideration. Ms. Fernandez stated that residents in the area signed a petition requesting that a four-way stop be installed at the intersection for the safety of children walking to and from Heritage Elementary School. Ms. Fernandez reported that Central Avenue has 5,400 vehicles per day, and Eden Street has 1,000 a day, which amounts to an 85/15% split. There is already a four-way stop 350 feet south on Tokay Street. Reports show that there have been 10 collisions at the intersection during the past four years and seven months. The School District has indicated that it would fund a crossing guard for the intersection, with or without a four- way stop. For increased visibility staff recommends installing a ladder design crosswalk, and lime yellow school crossing zone and W63 signs in each traffic direction. In response to questions by the Council, Ms. Fernandez stated that only two parking spaces would be eliminated with staffs recommendation to increase the visibility. Reports indicate that when traffic disparities such as an 85/15% split occur, often motorists will roll through a four-way stop sign, as it appears to be unnecessary. PUBLIC COMMENTS: • Maria Cervantes, Heritage School principal, explained that due to stores in the vicinity of the intersection of Central Avenue and Eden Street, it attracts a large number of children and creates a safety hazard when they attempt to cross the street. She emphasized the need for a four-way stop sign. In reply to questions by the Council, Ms. Cervantes stated that she has received reports from parents about near casualties at the intersection. She felt that due to the stores at this location, it was more important to have a four-way stop sign at Central Avenue and Eden Street, than at Flora Avenue and Hilborn Street. Public Works Director Prima stated that if four-way stop signs are installed, regulations will not allow for pedestrian crossing signs or paving markings that indicate it is a school crossing. • Rosie Ortiz stated that she presented the petition to the City, was very concerned about safety at the intersection. She recommended that a four-way stop be installed. • Virginia Lahr stated that as a member of the East Side Improvement Committee she also recommends a four-way stop for the safety of the children in the area. Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino supported staff's recommendation. He stated that at 4:30 p.m. today he spent time watching traffic at the intersection of Central Avenue and Eden Street. He expressed concern about the 85115% traffic split and did not believe that a four-way stop would reduce accidents, as it may be taken as a false sense of security for pedestrians. Council Member Howard suggested placing a stop sign on Central Avenue and not on Eden Street. Ms. Fernandez advised that this would cause frustration to the 5,400 vehicles on Central Avenue that would have to stop for the 1,000 vehicles crossing Eden Street. She believed this would exacerbate the rolling stop issue. Council Member Hitchcock stated that she would support the four-way stop due to the number of children in the area. 7 Continued August 1 S, 2001 MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Nakanishi second, adopted Resolution No. 2001-204 approving a four-way stop at the intersection of Central Avenue and Eden Street. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Hitchcock, Howard, Land and Mayor Nakanishi Noes: Council Members — Pennino Absent: Council Members — None RECESS At 9:02 p.m., Mayor Nakanishi called for a recess, and the City Council meeting reconvened at 9:17 p.m. REGULAR CALENDAR (Continued) 1-5 "Adopt resolution approving the application to apply for grant funds for the Roberti-Z'Berg- Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation Program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000" Parks and Recreation Director Baltz explained that the Roberti-Z'Berg-Harris grant allocation is on a population criteria based formula. Thirty percent of the total project cost must be absorbed by the local match. The City's local match amount is $72,250. The grant money can be used for acquisition, development or rehabilitation of parks and recreation facilities. Thirty percent of the grant can be used for special major maintenance, or for innovative recreation programs. In response to Council Member Howard, Mr. Baltz reported that the State has a three- step process in place for the grant that consists of: 1) the resolution; 2) a contract that must be entered into by 2003; and, 3) application for the specific projects. Mr. Baltz stated that the deadline of 2008 for utilizing the grant will not be an issue. In reply to Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Baltz explained that staff has been assured by the grant officer that developer impact fees can apply toward the 10% of funding that must come from private money. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino, Land second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2001-205 approving the application to apply for grant funds for the Roberti-Z'Berg-Harris Urban Open Space and Recreation Program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000. 1-6 "Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the State of California for the 2000 Park Bond Act Per Capita Grant Program" Parks and Recreation Director Baltz reported that this item is the second step in the process for the 2000 Park Bond Act Per Capita Grant Program grant in the amount of $525,000. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Hitchcock second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2001-206 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the State of California for the 2000 Park Bond Act Per Capita Grant Program. Continued August 1 S, 2001 1-7 "Adopt Resolution of Authority and Resolution of Public Interest and Necessity, thereby formally authorizing the acquisition of property through the Eminent Domain process (Tienda Drive extension — Nakamura)" was pulled from the agenda pursuant to staffs request. City Attorney Hays commented that this matter has been resolved and he is in possession of deeds for the property, which will allow Tienda Drive to be extended. He also reported that the same result occurred for the property involving the extension of Mills Avenue. 1-8 "Discussion of disposal of surplus vehicles" Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino stated that he asked that this matter be brought back for consideration and pointed out that according to policy it requires agreement by two Council Members. Council Member Land agreed to hear the issue. Finance Director McAthie reported that the current fleet policy states that vehicles can be disposed of by being sold at auction, through sealed bids, or trade-ins. Occasionally in the past, with Council concurrence, vehicles have been sold to other agencies, e.g., California Highway Patrol and donated to groups like the Police Partners. Joel Harris, Purchasing Officer, stated that staff made contact with 8 out of 20 used car dealers, four of which did not do consignment. Of the four that did do consignment, two indicated that they were not interested, one said that they believed the City would fair better selling the vehicles at auction, and one pointed out that liability insurance would be an issue. The seller must maintain liability insurance on the vehicle in instances where a potential buyer test drives the vehicle and gets into an accident. Mr. Harris estimated that the number of potential buyers on a used car lot would amount to 15-25 per day, whereas auctions can attract between 500-3,000 daily. In reply to Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Harris reported that Ernst Auction in Modesto takes 10% of the purchase price, which includes transportation of the vehicle to the auction site, detailing the vehicle, and handling the Department of Motor Vehicle paperwork. The Nationwide auction company in Benecia takes 7% of vehicle purchase price. Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino stated that staff should continually look at ways to enhance revenue. Mr. Harris commented that on occasion staff sells vehicles through the sealed bid process. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council took no action on this matter. E-9 "Approve and authorize issuance of request for qualifications for the design of DeBenedetti Park" Council Member Howard noted that a `blue sheet" communication (filed) was distributed this evening, which asked Council to consider adding a walking path to the proposed plan for DeBenedetti Park. Council Member Land noted that public input will be sought for the Indoor Sports Center, the Aquatic Complex, and DeBenedetti Park. The public will be notified of when the Council will consider these projects via a newspaper announcement. City Manager Flynn confirmed that the public will be invited to participate in the design of all three projects. 9 Continued August 1 S, 2001 MOTION: Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino made a motion, Hitchcock second, to approve and authorize the issuance of request for qualifications for the design of DeBenedetti Park. DISCUSSION: Council Member Hitchcock voiced support for the walking path at DeBenedetti Park. Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino added that the Woodbridge Canal would be a nice area for a public walkway also. In response to comments, Mr. Pennino asked the City Clerk to research minutes for past Council action or discussion related to a bike or pedestrian path on the Woodbridge Canal. VOTE: The above motion carried by a unanimous vote. E-19 "Adopt resolution declaring the City of Lodi's intent to reimburse certain expenditures from proceeds of indebtedness for the City's White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility' In response to Council Member Hitchcock, City Manager Flynn explained that this item relates to rates and is solely within the Wastewater Fund, the General Fund is not involved. Spreading the cost out over time benefits the ratepayers. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hitchcock, Pennino second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2001-207 declaring the City of Lodi's intent to reimburse certain expenditures from proceeds of indebtedness for the City's White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility (WSWPCF). ORDINANCES None. K. COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS • Council Member Land stated that it is an honor to serve under the great leadership of Mayor Nakanishi. • Council Member Hitchcock thanked Police Lieutenant Monroe who she participated with in National Night Out. She commented on the improvements that have been made to the River's Edge Apartments. She reminded everyone about the upcoming Adopt -A -Child golf tournament. Mayor Nakanishi read the following press release which he sent to the Lodi News -Sentinel and The Record newspapers on August 14, 2001: The initial visit to Japan was planned as a small business trip to promote the products of this area. It was to be City promoted, but not City funded. There has been a push recently to be able to use City funds for the trip. I want to make this clear, I do not want to use City funds in any way. Our first responsibility is to be fiscally responsible to the people of Lodi. What we do as City leaders should be guaranteed to benefit the community. The costs for such a trip have escalated and become too expensive to justify at this time. In addition, it takes many months of planning and scheduling to properly plan and coordinate such a trip, which is not now possible. 10 Continued August 15, 2001 There are more vital issues that need to be addressed by the City, and I have therefore recommended that the trip to Japan be canceled. Those previously planning to participate in the visit to Japan have accepted my recommendation. Perhaps in the future, with proper funding and time to plan, a visit to our Sister City Kofu might be made possible for City representatives. L. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS • City Manager Flynn announced the following birthdays: Community Development Director Bartlam, August 18; and Parks and Recreation Director Baltz, August 30. M. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. ATTEST: Susan J. Blackston City Clerk 11