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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - November 21, 2001LODI CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2001 C-1 CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The City Council Closed Session meeting of November 21, 2001 was called to order by Mayor Nakanishi at 6:22 p.m. Present: Council Members — Howard, Land and Pennino Absent: Council Members — Hitchcock and Mayor Nakanishi Also Present: City Manager Flynn, City Attorney Hays, and City Clerk Blackston C-2 ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION a) Threatened litigation: Government Code §54956.9(b); one case; potential suit by Jack Alquist against City of Lodi of based on alleged trespass C-3 ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION At 6:22 p.m., the Council adjourned to Closed Session to discuss the above matter. The Closed Session adjourned at 6:43 p.m. C-4 RETURN TO OPEN SESSION / DISCLOSURE OF ACTION At 7:02 p.m., Mayor Nakanishi reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Hays disclosed the following action. In regard to Item C-2 (a), there was no reportable action taken by the City Council. A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The Regular City Council meeting of November 21, 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 Pastor Gene Napier, Temple Baptist Church. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Nakanishi. D. AWARDS / PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS D-1 Awards — None D-2 Proclamations — None D-3 (a) Katie Whitmire, member of the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission, acknowledged the Teen of the Month, Stacie Jenkins from Lodi High School. E. CONSENT CALENDAR In accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager, Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Howard second, unanimously approved the following items hereinafter set forth except those otherwise noted: E-1 Claims were approved in the amount of $7,598,984.21. Continued November 21, 2001 E-2 The minutes of September 11, 2001 (Shirtsleeve Session), October 16, 2001 (Shirtsleeve Session), October 16, 2001 (Special Meeting), and November 6, 2001 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written. E-3 Received the report of the sale of surplus vehicles in the amount of $8,961. E-4 Approved the specifications for Maintenance of Landscape Areas for 2002 and authorized advertisement for bids. E-5 Approved the specifications for Mistletoe Removal and Tree Trimming and authorized advertisement for bids. E-6 Approved the specifications for eleven 70 -watt metal halide Holophane PrismasphereO globe -style luminaires for the Veterans' Memorial Mall and authorized advertisement for bids. E-7 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-259 authorizing the purchase of the following Arson and Bomb Unit safety equipment using state COPS grant funds: "Safeco" EOD 2000 Bomb Suit $ 9,844 (includes suit, helmet, visor, battery packs and carry bag) "PAN" disrupter (deluxe kit includes protective case and stand) $ 3,048 "Paramedic" brand jumpsuits (2) (with "Fire Investigator" back plaque) $ 203 "PAN" disrupter ammunition (AVON, high velocity blanks, steel slugs) $ 191 "PAN" disrupter initiator shock tube (one 2500' roll) $ 271 Ballistic face shields (2) 621 Total price (includes shipping and taxes) E-8 "Adopt resolution authorizing the purchase of a Mobile Command Platform for the Police and Fire Departments using grant funds ($172,235)" was removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon under the Regular Calendar. E-9 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-260 authorizing the purchase of a loader/tool carrier with options for the Street Division of the Public Works Department from GCS Western, of Sacramento, in the amount of $51,999.09; and appropriated funds in accordance with staff recommendation. E-10 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-261 authorizing the City of Lodi to participate in a nationwide purchasing program sponsored by the Western States Contracting Alliance. E-11 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-262 awarding the bid for the purchase of twenty-five Holophane Prismasphere® globe -style luminaires to the low bidder, Wille Electric Company, of Stockton, in the amount of $13,713.24. E-12 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-263 awarding the bid for ten 55 -foot Class 1, twenty 45 -foot Class 3, and ten 35 -foot Class 3 wood utility poles to the low bidder, McFarland Cascade, of Tacoma, Washington, in the amount of $17,372.00, and further authorized the purchase of an additional ten 60 -foot Class 1 wood utility poles from McFarland Cascade for $8,266.75, for a total purchase of $25,638.75. E-13 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-264 awarding the contract for Hale Park Court Resurfacing Improvements, 209 E. Locust Street, to The Thompson Group, of Emeryville, CA, in the amount of $26,756, and appropriated funds in accordance with staff recommendation. E-14 Received Contract Change Order report for Katzakian Park Improvements, 2735 West Turner Road. 2 Continued November 21, 2001 E-15 Approved the improvement agreement for the public improvements of 233 and 267 North Mills Avenue (APN 029-400-03 and 029-400-03); and directed the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the improvement agreement on behalf of the City. E-16 Took the following actions with regard to the Century Meadows Three, Unit No. 5 development: • Approved the final map and improvement agreement for the public improvements of Century Meadows Three, Unit No. 5, Tract No. 2976, and directed the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the final map and improvement agreement on behalf of the City. • Appropriated funds for applicable fee credits. E-17 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-265 accepting the public water main improvements at 1055 South Lower Sacramento Road. E-18 Approved the improvement deferral agreement for streetlights and sidewalk for 2350 Cabrillo Circle and authorized the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. E-19 Adopted resolution No. 2001-266 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Landscape Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans for Highway 12 landscaping, and approved the plans and specifications for the project and authorized advertisement for bids. E-20 "Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to extend the consulting services agreement with Borismetrics to provide professional services to the Electric Utility Department in the amount of $100,000" was removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon under the Regular Calendar. E-21 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-267 authorizing the City Manager to extend the Public Benefits Program — Lodi Appliance Rebate Program in the amount of $75,000. E-22 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-268 authorizing the City Manager to extend the Public Benefits Program — Lodi Energy Efficient Windows and Shade Screen Program in the amount of $30,000. E-23 Adopted Resolution No. 2001-269 approving the contract for the Roberti-Z'Berg-Harris Block Grant Program in the amount of $168,584. E-24 Received the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership (DLBP) 2001/2002 Annual Report as submitted by the DLBP Board of Directors and in accordance with Section 11.0 of City Ordinance No. 1654; adopted Resolution of Intention No. 2001-270 to levy an annual assessment for that fiscal year; and set a public hearing for December 19, 2001 confirming the Report and the Intent to Levy Annual Assessment. DISCUSSION: Council Member Hitchcock asked City Attorney Hays whether the boundaries for the business improvement area are being approved as part of the action for Item E-24. City Attorney Hays explained that the boundaries were established years ago and changes are not being considered as part of this item, nor will they be during the upcoming public hearing. Council Member Hitchcock read the following statement from the Council Communication, "The City Council may, however, order changes in any of the matters provided in the report, including changes in the proposed assessments, the proposed improvements and activities to be funded with the revenues derived from the levy of the assessments, and the proposed boundaries of the area and any benefit zones within the area." Continued November 21, 2001 Mr. Hays stated that appropriate editing was not made in the Council Communication. He confirmed that boundary changes could not be made through this process. Council Member Hitchcock noted that most of the area around Elm Street, where the City recently invested $450,000, is either in Zone B or not in either Zone. She stated that the boundaries should be adjusted so that this area is in Zone A, and asked if this issue could be considered on December 19. Mr. Hays replied that staff needs to determine the procedure for boundary adjustments and report back to Council. City Manager Flynn added that the report could be completed prior to December 19. F. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS Georgianna Reichelt stated that she was extremely upset at the last Council meeting when the City Manager misinterpreted her comments. She had specifically asked at the meeting that her statements not be taken out of context. She pointed out that there are understandable reasons why alcoholics go to bars and drive under the influence, and why people without money, steal; however, laws pertaining to these activities are enforced, whereas laws prohibiting illegal immigrants are not. She felt this was particularly relevant toward immigrants who do not support our country. Ms. Reichelt reminded Council that she came from Manteca to support taco truck businesses in Lodi, at a time when there was consideration to prohibit them. She has supported farm workers and marched with Cesar Chavez, noting that she was the only white person invited to a banquet in his honor. She believed children should be in school, not out illegally picking crops, and toilet facilities should be provided to field workers. Additionally, Ms. Reichelt charged that Lodi's water rates are in violation of Proposition 218 laws. She submitted copies of material related to Proposition 218 to the City Manager and Mayor and read the statement, "no fee or charge may be imposed for general governmental services including, but not limited to police, fire, ambulance, and library where the service is available to the public at large." G. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 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 Council Member Land, Pennino second, unanimously rejected the following claims: a) Patricia Duncan, date of loss 10/6/01 b) Brian Bader, date of loss 5/8/01 H-2 Reports: Boards/Commissions/Task Forces/Committees — None H-3 Appointments — None H-4 Miscellaneous a) The City Council received the Monthly Protocol Account Report through October 31, 2001. In response to the Mayor's inquiry, City Clerk Blackston clarified that each year $22,000 is designated for the Protocol Account. Currently $3,745.11 has been expended, and the remaining balance is $18,254.89. REGULAR CALENDAR 1-1 "Adopt resolution approving Veterans' Preference Policy for job applicants in accordance with California Government Code §50088" 4 Continued November 21, 2001 Human Resources Director Narloch reported that based on legislative action, each agency is required to evaluate and determine whether or not they want to add a veterans preference system within its organization. Staff believes it is a good idea to reward and acknowledge veterans by implementing such a system, and have developed a preference point system allowing five points for veterans who apply for entry level jobs in the City. MOTION: Council Member Land made a motion, Hitchcock second, to adopt Resolution No. 2001-271 approving the Veterans' Preference Policy for job applicants in accordance with California Government Code §50088. DISCUSSION: Mayor Nakanishi asked why the policy was not instituted in 1999 when the legislative action occurred. Ms. Narloch explained that the delay was due to staff reviewing the state's policy, discussing the issue with bargaining units, and determining the appropriate policy for the City. VOTE: The above motion carried by a unanimous vote. 1-2 "Adopt resolution approving reallocation of Administrative Clerk — Confidential to Administrative Secretary — Confidential, and approving salary range for Administrative Secretary — Confidential" Human Resources Director Narloch explained that this item addresses a position in her department. She stated that the individual currently serving in the capacity of Administrative Clerk has been assigned and is performing work comparable with the Administrative Secretary classification. For this reason, Ms. Narloch asked that the request for reallocation be approved and noted that the change would result in a relatively minor department monetary expenditure. In response to Council Member Howard, Ms. Narloch reported that confidential status is granted to those positions that work with labor relations matters. She stated that the following positions are designated as confidential: Secretary to the City Manager, Legal Secretary, Deputy City Clerk, and all clerical staff in the Human Resources Department. In reply to questions by Council Member Hitchcock, Ms. Narloch explained that the increase in responsibilities of the Administrative Clerk was due to incremental growth of the City's workforce and the mid -year change in medical insurance and broker. The individual has taken on the responsibility of reconciliation of medical bills, which is a significant and complicated task. Council Member Hitchcock stated that for positions that grow over time, promotions should be requested at the time the budget is being discussed. There are likely other similar situations in the City, which should all be considered at the same time, rather than separately throughout the year. In response to Council Member Land, Ms. Narloch stated that a cost savings to the City resulted at the time the insurance broker services were decreased. She confirmed that costs related to the reallocation are within the current Human Resources budget. MOTION: Council Member Land made a motion, Pennino second, to adopt Resolution No. 2001-272 approving the reallocation of one position of Administrative Clerk — Confidential to Administrative Secretary — Confidential, and approving the following salary range for Administrative Secretary — Confidential. A B C D E $2,891.31 $3,035.88 $3,187.67 $3,347.06 $3,514.41 Continued November 21, 2001 DISCUSSION: In reply to Mayor Nakanishi, Ms. Narloch explained that there is a 5% increase for classifications that are designated as confidential. VOTE: The above motion carried by the vote shown below: Ayes: Council Members — Howard, Land, Pennino and Mayor Nakanishi Noes: Council Members — Hitchcock Absent: Council Members — None 1-3 "Adopt resolution approving job specification and salary range for the position of Utility Equipment Specialist in Electric Utility' Human Resources Director Narloch reported that funding for the position of Utility Equipment Specialist was approved in the Electric Utility operating budget. This classification will assist the line personnel in the department. A contract position will be converted into a regular position. Council Member Hitchcock pointed out that the position was approved in the 1999-2000 budget and questioned why it took two years to complete the job specification. Ms. Narloch replied that the delay was due to the time needed for the Electric Utility department to evaluate staff, develop the position, and set a salary range. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hitchcock, Howard second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2001-273 approving the job specification and following salary range for the position of Utility Equipment Specialist in Electric Utility: A B C D E $3,666.00 $3,849.30 $4,041.76 $4,243.85 $4,456.04 1-4 "Introduce ordinance adding Chapter 15.68 to the City of Lodi Municipal Code by establishing Development Fees pursuant to the San Joaquin Multi -Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan" Community Development Director Bartlam explained that this is an implementing ordinance of the San Joaquin County Multi -Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan that Council approved last February. This is the ordinance that establishes the process for determining the fee that would be collected by the development of property and outlines how the money would be spent. At the time of the second reading, staff will bring back for Council consideration, a resolution, which sets the actual dollar amount, as well as the study that associates the amount of money to the impact created by development. The fee resolution will be brought to Council at the regular meeting of December 19. In response to Council Member Howard, Mr. Bartlam reported that the fees have been designed so that new development would pay 60% of the value of the impact. The upcoming fee resolution will be to approve a dollar amount pursuant to the categories. The fee for multi-purpose habitat lands is $845 an acre, habitat land will be $1,690 an acre, and vernal pool land will be $3,300 an acre. In reply to Council Member Land, Mr. Bartlam stated that developers have the option of paying the fee or going through a process of study and analysis with State Fish and Game, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Paying the fee would be a streamlining option for most development projects in the county. 3 Continued November 21, 2001 Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino reminded Council that it had reviewed and approved the fees earlier this year. An economic study for the fees was done in 1998, and this process would bring the fees up to current 2002 dollar value. In answer to Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Bartlam explained that the 60% mitigation percentage was negotiated based on how lands have historically been converted in the county. It was also based on the understanding that grants and other sources of funds for mitigation will be obtained. Vernal pool lands were designated at 100%. State Fish and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor progress and will require adjustment if fees are not deemed adequate according to mitigation needs. Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino added that an annual fee escalation is built into the plan. After three years, it must be reevaluated. If fees remain insufficient after year four the State Fish and Game and U.S. Fish and Wildlife have the authority to pull the permit. He noted that a $5 million request has been made to non-profit organizations. Andy Chesley, Deputy Executive Director of the San Joaquin Council of Governments, reported that over $500,000 of grant money has been obtained for the plan. By January 2002, all 350 acres of the necessary advance will be acquired. Council Member Hitchcock asked what the probability is that the land that will be purchased to mitigate environmental impact might be within the greenbelt that Lodi, Stockton, and the County are working on. Mr. Chesley replied that it is possible, and stated that one of the aspects of acquiring land for mitigation purposes is to match it to the habitat lost. Mr. Bartlam noted that a benefit could be achieved if the City could accommodate a willing property owner in that area that wanted to take advantage of donating or granting their development rights, which would be a way of devaluing the acquisition. In answer to Council inquiries, Mr. Chesley explained that when a developer comes to the counter, staff will determine what quality of habitat the land is, and assess the mitigation fee. A set of requirements will be given to the developer based on the type of habitat. The Multi -Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan is important because it allows for the ability to tap into a process that does not eliminate potential for developing property, while at the same time, creates a tool for preserving fairy shrimp habitat in certain areas. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino made a motion, Land second, to introduce Ordinance No. 1707 entitled, "An Ordinance Of The Lodi City Council Adding Chapter 15.68 To The City Of Lodi Municipal Code By Establishing Development Fees Pursuant To The San Joaquin County Multi -Species Habitat Conservation And Open Space Plan." DISCUSSION: Council Member Hitchcock asked Mr. Chesley if he is comfortable with the fees for each of the habitat categories, to which he replied in the affirmative. VOTE: The above motion carried by a unanimous vote. 1-5 "Approve amendment to the Northeastern San Joaquin County Groundwater Banking Authority Joint Powers Agreement (JPA)" Public Works Director Prima reminded Council that this subject was discussed last August at the time approval of financial participation in the Groundwater Banking Authority was made. Since that time, all other members have approved the amendment to include the Central Delta Water Agency and the South Delta Water Agency in the JPA, and the voting requirement change from unanimous to a majority vote. Staff now recommends that Council approve the amendment to the JPA. 7 Continued November 21, 2001 MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Mayor Nakanishi, Pennino second, unanimously approved the amended Northeastern San Joaquin County Groundwater Banking Authority Joint Powers Agreement. 1-6 "Review and consider participation in the Mokelumne River Water and Power Authority" Public Works Director Prima reported that a number of years ago, the County of San Joaquin, acting as the Mokelumne River Water and Power Authority, formed its own Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to make a filing with the state, as well as an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. They located a spot on the Mokelumne River called Middlebar, upstream from Pardee Dam, and filed for water rights and the rights to build a power producing dam. In addition, an alternative project was an off -stream storage facility known as Duck Creek. Since those filings, the activity has been minimal. A few months ago the County retained CDM Engineering to update its studies and determine what cost would be required to go forward with the filings. The deadline to make the final filings is November 2002. Preliminary meetings have been held with staff from the County, Lodi, Stockton, and Stockton East Water District, who have agreed that action should be taken to proceed. Mr. Prima asked for Council direction related to whether or not to participate in the JPA, and at what level. There is no financial obligation at this point; however, if the City joined the JPA it would likely look for voting authority commensurate with financial participation. In answer to questions by Council Member Land, Mr. Prima stated that the last time Lodi filed for additional water rights was in the 1930s. The purpose of this project would be to provide additional storage to supplement surface supplies when it is available. There is a fair amount of water lost in what is considered flood flows, that are short in duration, but a relatively high flow. The ability to capture these flood flows requires storage. The water could be stored for injection later on, or for agriculture irrigation, or municipal use. There is also the potential of building a hydroelectric plant. The cost could be $2 to $4 million to make all the necessary filings and prepare the Environmental Impact Report. Mr. Prima believed that the County has financed everything thus far out of Zone 2, which is a County assessment for water supply planning activities. City Manager Flynn clarified that the level of participation and the cost to the City would be brought back to Council for consideration prior to moving forward. Council Members Hitchcock and Land voiced concern about the potential cost. In response to Council Member Hitchcock, Mr. Flynn recommended that Council direct staff to move forward and continue negotiations with the County to join the JPA. Council Member Howard spoke in support of moving forward and commented that the beginning of this century is presenting itself as a time when the City needs to do long-term planning and have foresight related to the careful use, capturing, and treatment of water. Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino agreed that the City should move cautiously forward. He suggested that discussions should take place with East Bay Municipal Utility District regarding this issue. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino made a motion, Land second, to move forward toward possible participation in the Mokelumne River Water and Power Authority and review rules and regulations. 0 Continued November 21, 2001 DISCUSSION: Mayor Nakanishi reported that San Joaquin County lacks 270,000 acres of water. VOTE: The above motion carried by a unanimous vote. Public Works Director Prima suggested that Council representatives who serve on the Groundwater Banking Authority also attend meetings related to this issue when necessary. Mayor Nakanishi and Council Member Hitchcock agreed to do so. E-8 "Adopt resolution authorizing the purchase of a Mobile Command Platform for the Police and Fire Departments using grant funds ($172,235y' At the request of Council Member Hitchcock, Police Chief Adams reported that the Mobile Command Platform would serve as a Police and Fire Department command post. A committee that was formed three years ago, selected a 30 -foot fifth -wheel, which will be used for critical incidents and major fire scenes, as well as the 4`h of July, the Grape Festival, Meet the Beats events, etc. It will allow staff a safe place to work. Funding will be from state COPS grants. The company selected for the Platform is the only one on the west coast that could meet the specifications staff was looking for. Fire Division Chief Verne Person stated that the Mobile Command Platform would allow Police and Fire personnel to be under the same roof and form a unified command. It will be used for major fires, hazardous materials incidents, and public relations. MOTION: Council Member Hitchcock made a motion, Howard second, to adopt Resolution No. 2001-274 authorizing the purchase of a fully -equipped Mobile Command Platform for the Lodi Police and Fire Departments from Universal Specialty Vehicles, Inc. using grant funds in the amount of $172,235. DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Nakanishi, Division Chief Person reported that the Platform would be housed at Fire Station 4 and maintained by the Fire Department. VOTE: The above motion carried by a unanimous vote. E-20 "Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to extend the consulting services agreement with Borismetrics to provide professional services to the Electric Utility Department in the amount of $100,000" At the request of Council Member Hitchcock, Electric Utility Director Vallow stated that $100,000 would be for a six-month period. The previous $90,000 that Council approved, was exhausted over a nine-month period. Borismetrics' specialty is rate design. Electric Utility is trying to finish an overall redesign of rates with a focus on economic development. He stated that Lodi does not have the pay structure to acquire needed managers in the department. He estimated that an annual salary of $115,000 to $120,000 would be needed to be competitive. In addition, the candidate pool is inadequate, as is necessary workspace in the department. He hoped to bring long-term recommendations to Council within the next six months. Council Member Hitchcock pointed out that $16,000 a month is being spent for a consultant, when hiring an employee at the salary that Mr. Vallow estimated, would cost $10,000 a month. She emphasized the need for Mr. Vallow to hire key personnel so that costs could be saved. 6 Continued November 21, 2001 Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino concurred with Ms. Hitchcock and added that he would not like to see another extension of this contract brought back to Council. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tempore Pennino made a motion, Hitchcock second, to adopt Resolution No. 2001-275 authorizing the City Manager to extend the consulting services agreement with Borismetrics to provide professional services to the Electric Utility Department in the amount of $100,000. DISCUSSION: Mayor Nakanishi spoke in support of Mr. Vallow's use of a consultant, noting that they are at -will and can be terminated easily when their services are no longer needed or desired. VOTE: The above motion carried by a unanimous vote. ORDINANCES None. K. COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS • Council Member Howard wished everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. • Council Member Land wished the Mayor, Council, staff, and citizens of Lodi a happy Thanksgiving. He asked everyone to remember the men and women who are currently serving in the military, in their thoughts, heart, and prayers tomorrow. He announced that Omega Nu of Lodi will be presenting its Holiday Home Tours on Sunday, December 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Six homes will be toured and all of the proceeds will benefit local charities. He thanked the Mayor for what he has done during his term and commented that he has enjoyed working with him. • Council Member Hitchcock also thanked the Mayor, stating that he has done a great job and is a real gentleman. He has been respectful and courteous to everyone even when it has been difficult to do so. She stated that he will be a great assembly member as well. Thanksgiving has become more meaningful since the September 11 terrorist attacks. She acknowledged her excitement and happiness for Council Member Howard, and wished her son a happy birthday. • Council Member Pennino wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. • Mayor Nakanishi stated that Lodi has been blessed, and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS • City Manager Flynn announced that Lodi News -Sentinel reporter Jennifer Bonnett's birthday is November 27. New Police Officer Mike Manetti was recently hired. He is the son of Lodi Police Officer, Larry Manetti. Janet Hamilton submitted photos of construction work that is taking place on what formerly was a garbage filled lot on the east side of Lodi. Council Member Land commented that this is a project that Community Development Director Bartlam has been working on. He reported that the City has brought five government agencies and one private company together to identify 13 pieces of property (12 on the east side, 1 on the west side) that are either blighted vacant lots or homes that are not currently occupied. The Housing Authority purchases the homes, EDD provides funding, the Human Services Agency provides individuals to work, and the Office of Education provides a iff Continued November 21, 2001 classroom for training. This program will clean up blighted areas, improve neighborhoods, provide work training for individuals, and affordable housing. The homes will be sold by the Housing Authority to individuals of low or moderate income. This program was highlighted at the California Bankers Association in October and an application has been made for an award through the Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank. City Manager Flynn reported that a tentative commitment was made by John Vera, Human Services Agency Director, to pay the full cost of the Armory renovation so that City funds will not have to be used. They are also considering providing lease money to Lodi Adopt -A -Child so that they will have a permanent facility for their Boys and Girls Scout programs. M. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M. ATTEST: Susan J. Blackston City Clerk 11