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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 19, 2003LODI CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2003 A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The Regular City Council meeting of March 19, 2003, was called to order by Mayor Hitchcock at 7:02 p.m. Present: Council Members — Beckman, Hansen, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Absent: Council Members — Howard" Also Present: City Manager Flynn, City Attorney Hays, and City Clerk Blackston "Absent due to attendance at the San Joaquin Council of Government One Voice in Washington, D.C. B. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Pastor Richard Wheeler, Living Truth Christian Church. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Hitchcock. D. AWARDS / PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS D-1 Awards — None D-2 Proclamations — None D-3 (a) Mayor Hitchcock presented a Certificate of Recognition to Trella Areida, retiring member of the Lodi Senior Citizens Commission. D-3 (b) Katie Wagenman, member of the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission, recognized the Teen of the Month, Anthony Moore from Lodi High School, and reported on accomplishments and upcoming activities of the Commission. E. CONSENT CALENDAR In accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager, Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Beckman second, approved the following items hereinafter set forth by the vote shown below: Ayes: Council Members — Beckman, Hansen, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Noes: Council Members — None Absent: Council Members — Howard E-1 Claims were approved in the amount of $5,607,393.94. E-2 The minutes of February 5, 2003 (Regular Meeting), February 19, 2003 (Regular Meeting), and March 10, 2003 (Special Meeting) were approved as written. E-3 Approved the plans and specifications for the Fire Station #3 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Replacement Project, 2141 South Ham Lane, and authorized advertisement for bids. E-4 Approved the specifications for underground utility vaults, risers, and lids and authorized advertisement for bids. E-5 Adopted Resolution No. 2003-38 authorizing the sale of surplus vehicles and equipment. Continued March 19, 2003 E-6 Adopted Resolution No. 2003-39 awarding the bid for the purchase of 100 Holophane Prismasphere® globe -style luminaires to the low bidder, Wille Electric Supply Company, of Stockton, in the amount of $55,868.38. E-7 Approved improvement agreement for the public improvements of 1115 East Lockeford Street, directed the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City, and appropriated funds for the reimbursement for City -funded facilities ($55,000). E-8 Adopted Resolution No. 2003-40 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 $55,000 at the reduced billing rate. E-9 Adopted Resolution No. 2003-41 approving the application for grant funds from the Watershed, Wildlife, and Parks Improvement Bond Act of 2000 (Proposition 12) for City- wide tree planting for fiscal year 2003-04. E-10 Adopted Resolution No. 2003-42 approving renewal of a two-year contract with Options for employee assistance program in the amount of $10,800 per year. E-11 Adopted Resolution No. 2003-43 approving renewal of a two-year contract with ABD Insurance and Financial Services for benefits administration consulting services in the amount of $25,000 per year. E-12 Adopted Resolution No. 2003-44 approving Memorandum of Understanding between City of Lodi and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1245 (Electric Utility Unit). E-13 Set public hearing for April 2, 2003, to consider a resolution approving the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Lower Sacramento Road Widening, Harney Lane to Kettleman Lane, Project. E-14 Set public hearing for April 16, 2003, to consider a net energy metering rate ordinance. F. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS None. G. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. H. COMMUNICATIONS H-1 Claims filed against the City of Lodi — None H-2 Reports: Boards/Commissions/Task Forces/Committees — None H-3 Appointments — None H-4 Miscellaneous a) City Clerk Blackston presented the cumulative Monthly Protocol Account Report through February 28, 2003. REGULAR CALENDAR 1-1 "Update on State budget' City Manager Flynn stated that a recent release from the League of California Cities contained the State Controller's legal opinion regarding Vehicle License Fees (VLF). The legislature and Governor will not have to take action to reinstate the VLF. The VLF will 2 Continued March 19, 2003 automatically go into place after the revenue projections come in at the end of April. If the state does not have sufficient revenue to backfill, then the trigger will automatically be implemented. If the VLF is reinstated, the impact to citizens will be a tripling of the car tax. Mr. Flynn reported on the following bills that are currently before the legislature: ➢ AB94 — circumvents Proposition 13 by allowing local agencies to impose a higher property tax rate to make payments in support of the public employee pension program; estimated cost is $1 billion; ➢ AB1412 — authorizes certain cities to increase their sales tax by .25% or 5% upon approval by the voters in those cities; ➢ ABX4 — provides for the tripling of the car tax; ➢ ACA4 — reduces the voting threshold to pass local parcel tax from two thirds to 55%; ➢ ACA7 — reduces the voting threshold to pass local transportation tax from two thirds to 55%; ➢ ACA9 — reduces the voting threshold to pass local special tax from two thirds to 55%; ➢ S132 — requires California taxpayers to provide health insurance to all employees and their dependents or pay a tax; ➢ SB17 — increases corporate property taxes by as much as $1 billion; ➢ SIB 103 — establishes a nexus for certain out of state retailers for collection of sales tax on internet purchases; ➢ SB400 — extends the sales tax to specialized services. Mr. Flynn stated that the bills are supposed to be finalized by the legislature in May and will go to the Governor September 12. He anticipated that the state budget would not be completed until early September at the earliest. Council Member Hansen commented that it appears much of the legislation shifts the burden from the state to local government to ask the taxpayers for increases. Mr. Flynn added that this type of legislation will drive businesses from the state. Council Member Land warned that AB1221 would require 50% of sales tax brought in by cities to be sent to the state and in return the state would give the money back if the cities were meeting their housing element plans. MOTION/ VOTE: There was no Council action necessary on this matter. 1-2 "Adopt resolution approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for Replacement of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Carpet for Fire Station #1 Living Quarters; and authorize the City Manager to award the contract and appropriate funds not to exceed $85,000" Wally Sandelin, City Engineer, reported that the air quality on the second floor of Fire Station #1 in the public safety building has been a source of concern for the Fire Department staff for an extended period of time. Testing on two separate occasions has not identified a potential cause of the complaints; however, the air quality consultant has recommended that the City consider replacing the carpet in the dormitory area. A number of alternative HVAC improvements and modifications have been reviewed with the architect for the remodel of the public safety building. The recommended project is to replace the existing HVAC units in the five areas occupied by the Fire Department in the upstairs portion of the public safety building. Council Member Land asked whether the HVAC could be incorporated into the anticipated remodel of the old public safety building, to which Mr. Sandelin replied that it could not; however, it might be reused elsewhere. Continued March I9, 2003 City Manager Flynn estimated that the remodel of the old public safety building would take place in three or four years. He acknowledged that firefighters at Fire Station #1 have been complaining of respiratory problems for a number of years. Council Member Hansen inquired if the carpet could be used in the eventual remodel project, to which Mr. Sandelin replied that it could not. Mr. Sandelin also stated that there is currently no plan in place to reuse the air conditioning units. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Land second, adopted Resolution No. 2003-45 approving the plans and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for the Replacement of HVAC and Carpet for Fire Station #1 Living Quarters, authorizing the City Manager to award the contract, and appropriating funds not to exceed $85,000. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Beckman, Hansen, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Noes: Council Members — None Absent: Council Members — Howard 1-3 "Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve changes in project scope for Public Safety Building/Civic Center Renovation Concept Plan contract with Wenell Mattheis Bowe for tenant improvements for the Finance Department and for the Information Systems Division; and appropriate funds for design and construction ($404,000)" Wally Sandelin, City Engineer, reported that Wenell Mattheis Bowe is under contract with the City to provide concept planning services for the public safety building and civic center renovation projects. Staff is recommending that the scope of services be amended to include the tenant improvement design for the relocation of the Finance Department to the parking structure and the relocation of the Information Systems Division (ISD) to the Carnegie Forum basement. He recalled that in January 2003 Council directed staff to pursue moving the Finance Department to the office space at the parking structure. The next step is to proceed with the design of the tenant improvements. It is requested that Council approve the contract amendment in the amount of $20,215 for these services. Staff will return to Council for construction authorization at a later date. The relocation of the Finance Department is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2003. Mr. Sandelin stated that design of the tenant improvements for the Carnegie Forum basement can begin at this time; however, relocation of ISD cannot take place until the police detectives move into the new police building in 2004. It is requested that Council approve the amendment to the Wenell Mattheis Bowe civic center contract in the amount of $15,740 to cover design of the tenant improvements. It is the intent of staff to avoid an interim move of ISD to the Sak's building, which would result in a savings to the City of $62,000. It is estimated to take six to eight months to prepare the Carnegie Forum basement for the ISD relocation. In response to Council Member Hansen, City Manager Flynn confirmed that City departments will not remain permanently at the parking structure. The long-term plan is to move the Finance Department back into the civic center complex. He estimated that Finance would be located in office space at the parking structure for three to five years. Council Member Hansen questioned whether Council made the right decision to allow City offices to be housed at the parking structure, which was designed to bring businesses downtown. He noted, however, that the economy may improve and if funds become available the Finance Department could move out of the space sooner than five years. In reply to Council Member Hansen, Community Development Director Bartlam reported that space on the north and south end of the parking structure still remains available for commercial lease. He stated that negotiations have continued with an entity for a master 4 Continued Murch 19, 2003 lease. They will work within the confines of the two vacant spaces and transition into the space the City is occupying when it becomes available. Mr. Bartlam stated that staff has attempted to make the tenant improvements as minimal as possible. In answer to Council Member Land, Mr. Flynn reported that under transit rules, the City must rent all of the office space at the parking structure. He estimated the annual cost at $44,000. Mayor Hitchcock noted that only a small portion of the Beckman annex building is being utilized and questioned if it, or the Sak's building, could be released in an effort to save rent money. She recalled that Council had previously directed that ISD would move into the Sak's building so that the annex building could be vacated. Deputy City Manager Keeter replied that it has been determined to be cost prohibitive to move all of the ISD equipment and do further tenant improvements to the Sak's building. Mr. Flynn indicated that it would be more cost effective to continue to pay rent and allow ISD to remain in the Beckman building for another six to eight months. Council Member Hansen recalled that when this matter originally came before Council he had suggested that ISD not be moved twice; however, because of concerns expressed by staff about the Beckman building and the fact that full rent would have to be paid for utilization of only a small portion of the building, it was decided to move ISD to the Sak's building. He expressed support for staff's current recommendation, due to the increased potential for damaging the computer equipment if ISD were relocated twice. MOTION: Council Member Land made a motion, Hansen second, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-46 authorizing the City Manager to approve changes in the project scope for the Public Safety Building/Civic Center Renovation Concept Plan contract with Wenell Mattheis Bowe for tenant improvements to the Parking Structure for office space for the Finance Department ($20,215) and tenant improvements to the Carnegie Basement for office space for ISD ($15,740); and appropriating $404,000 in accordance with staff recommendation. DISCUSSION: Council Member Beckman stated that he remains opposed to City offices being housed in the parking structure. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Hansen, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Noes: Council Members — Beckman Absent: Council Members — Howard 1-4 "Adopt Resolution of Intention to Vacate the east 200 feet of the alley west of Central Avenue and north of Oak Street; refer the matter to the Planning Commission; and set a public hearing for May 7, 2003" Wally Sandelin, City Engineer, reported that Lodi Unified School District (LUSD) has submitted an application for a lot merger for the parcels located at 338-348 East Pine Street. The parcels comprise the Joe Serna Jr. Charter School campus. Conditions of approval issued by the Public Works Department for the lot merger require abandonment of the alley that bisects the parcels affected by the merger. Abandonment of the easterly portion of the alley is desired by LUSD to allow for the school site to be fenced for security purposes. Improvement plans and legal descriptions for the realignment of the alley have been submitted and approved by staff. A private six-foot masonry wall would be constructed and maintained by LUSD along the west side of the proposed realigned alley it Continued March 19, 2003 to separate vehicular traffic from the adjacent residence. To date there have been two Planning Commission meetings, one Site Plan and Architectural Review meeting, and a public meeting conducted by LUSD to address the project issues and receive input from the public. Public Works has received no comments from the residents opposing the proposed alley vacation or realignment. Council Member Land asked whether the City still carries a deed restriction on the portion of the alley being abandoned to allow access to perform work on the property if needed, to which Mr. Sandelin answered in the affirmative. At the request of Mayor Hitchcock, Community Development Director Bartlam reported that written notification was sent to property owners within a 300 foot radius regarding the two Planning Commission public hearings and the LUSD public meeting. The public hearings were for the basis of establishing the charter school and amending the use permit to establish the charter school, both of which anticipated the realignment of the alley. The LUSD public meeting specifically addressed realigning the alley. Notification will again be sent to property owners regarding the next Planning Commission meeting on this topic, as well as the public hearing before the Council on May 7. Mayor Hitchcock asked whether there has been input from the property owner of the parcel identified on the map (filed) as #11. Mr. Bartlam replied that there has been no public opposition expressed at either of the public hearings or at the LUSD public meeting. He noted that a masonry wall will be built along the property line, which will mitigate any additional noise or traffic that will occur as a result of the alley relocation. Mayor Hitchcock asked whether there has been input from the property owner of the parcel identified on the map as #4. Mr. Bartlam responded that he had not received input from this property owner; however, Ms. Starr of LUSD has met with them and they expressed a desire for the District to buy their property at some point in the future. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Beckman second, adopted Resolution No. 2003-47 of Intention to Vacate the east 200 feet of the alley west of Central Avenue and north of Oak Street; referred the matter to the Planning Commission; and set a public hearing for May 7, 2003. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Beckman, Hansen, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Noes: Council Members — None Absent: Council Members — Howard 1-5 "Discuss and take appropriate action, if desired, for Council Members to contribute a share of cost toward their medical insurance premiums" Mayor Hitchcock recommended that this item be pulled from the agenda, as the subject matter affects all Council Members and one member is absent from this meeting. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Hansen second, continued the matter to the regular City Council meeting of April 2, 2003. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Beckman, Hansen, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Noes: Council Members — None Absent: Council Members — Howard 6 Continued March l9, 2003 1-6 "Adopt resolution to set fixed employer's contribution for retirees under the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act" Joanne Narloch, Human Resources Director, recalled that in February 2001 the City was faced with a prospect of losing access to medical care in Lodi. For this reason entry into the medical program administered by the CalPERS agency was discussed. During meetings with CaIPERS it was explained that the City had to comply with requirements of the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA). One of the requirements was to offer the insurance and pay a portion of the retirees' premiums. Options available were to pay 100% of the medical premiums for the retirees, or because the City had a cafeteria plan, it could set an artificial cap to be no less than $1 and be at a maximum of $16 on behalf of the retirees. Ms. Narloch stated that the City decided to go with the cap of $16. This information was communicated to the retirees and to CalPERS. Subsequently an ordinance was provided to the City by CalPERS and was adopted by Council. Recently staff became aware that the resolution established a contribution outside what was authorized, ranging from $18 to $63 on behalf of the retirees. CalPERS has indicated that the only way to make a change is to bring an amended resolution forward to Council. Notification has been mailed to retirees about the status of this matter. Ms. Narloch explained that if the City were to set the $16 contribution the annual cost would be $20,000. If it were to be frozen at the cost the City is currently paying today it would cost $54,684 annually. Council Member Hansen asked counsel if he had a conflict of interest as a retired City employee. City Attorney Hays stated that he reviewed Government Code 1090 et seq. and reached the conclusion that Mr. Hansen's interest is remote and therefore not a conflict. In reply to questions posed by Council Member Hansen, Ms. Narloch explained that in January 2003 the PEMHCA changed to raise the cap to $97 a month. In addition, it set an incremental schedule to reach that goal. The schedule becomes effective January 2004, at which time the $16 cap would be increased to $32.20 and subsequently increased for following years up until 2008, in which the cap would be $97. Ms. Narloch stated that in 2006, if capped where it is now, the City would catch up to the new minimum requirements that will be in place. City Manager Flynn explained that the two choices are to y -rate, in concept, now at current cost or drop back to the $16 limit, which reduces the City's cost to $19,000. Mr. Flynn stated that the City's labor attorney has suggested that the City bill CalPERS for the cost of its error. Mr. Flynn reported that Yuba City had the same resolution as Lodi, yet it is within the $16. CalPERS is interpreting the same resolution two different ways. Council Member Beckman asked whether staying at the $16 cap or y -rating it would affect the City's ability to bill CalPERS, to which Mr. Hays answered that it should not make any difference. Mayor Hitchcock recalled that the City had agreed to put in $1 for the first year, $2 for the second year, etc. until it reached the cap of $16. Mr. Flynn stated that staff understood it to be a starting contribution of $1 and it would increase 5% each year until it reached $16. What has actually happened is that CalPERS applied 5% to the existing medical rates. He explained that insurance policy costs differ according to the type of plan, e.g. single, couple, family. Contributions for retirees range from $18.05 to $63.91 because CalPERS applies 5% to whatever plan rate the person has. Mayor Hitchcock felt that the contribution amount should be consistent. VA Continued March 19, 2003 Ms. Narloch stated that the only way to be consistent is if the City set it at a $16 flat rate and it would increase in subsequent years in accordance with the proposed schedule. By law everyone would be up to $32.20 in 2004. If the City were to freeze it at where everyone was currently, the rate in the resolution would have to be set at $65. Everyone would move up gradually according to what plan they had, not to exceed $65. Ms. Narloch stated that the change would be prospectively, and would likely be May when it would go into effect. Council Member Hansen was not in favor of a flat rate of $16 because it would pass additional cost on to retirees. He voiced support for y -rating it. By 2006 it would be capped at the $97 rate. He commented that the formula would likely change again before 2006. Mayor Hitchcock stated that it was not Council's original intent to pay medical benefits for retirees; it was to allow them to be in the system. Mr. Flynn added that the City was required to include retirees when it changed to CaIPERS. MOTION #1: Council Member Hansen made a motion that Council approve the resolution to set a fixed amount of the employees' contribution at an amount not less than the amount required under Section 22825 of the PEMHCA and that the amount would be currently set at a maximum of $65 per month. The motion died for lack of a second. MOTION #2: Mayor Hitchcock made a motion, Land second, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-48 setting the employer's contribution at $16.00 per month, which will be increased to $97 over a five-year period to be fully implemented in 2008, for retirees under PEMHCA. PUBLIC COMMENTS: • Addressing Council Member Hansen, Eileen St. Yves stated, 'Welcome to the real world." She commented that what has become good for business has now become good for government. Many retirees nationwide that are not in the public sector are finding their funds decreasing. She stated that increases this year on private business have been horrendous. Ms. St. Yves expressed support for Mayor Hitchcock's motion. DISCUSSION: Council Member Hansen expressed concern that no one is addressing the health care crisis and felt it was tragic that elected officials are waiting to be forced by the system to deal with it. He noted that retirees in both the public and private sector are facing a grave situation. The City Manager has been informed that in five years the cost of medical insurance will increase by 100%. Mayor Hitchcock pointed out that people do not complain about increasing medical costs as long as their employers are paying for it. Now that employees have to pay more of the cost, they may voice their objection, which may in turn cause changes to be made in the health care system. VOTE: The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Beckman, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Noes: Council Members — Hansen Absent: Council Members — Howard 0 Continued March 19, 2003 1-7 "Adopt Resolution of Intention to amend contract between Public Employees' Retirement System and City of Lodi to provide Section 21024 (Military Service Credit as Public Service) for local miscellaneous members and safety members and introduce ordinance" Human Resources Director Narloch reported that as a result of the negotiations with IBEW the Council authorized staff to amend the City's contract with CalPERS to provide the opportunity for employees to purchase military service credit as public service. The cost would be borne by the employee. MOTION #1 /VOTE: Council Member Land made a motion, Beckman second, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-49 of Intention to amend the City of Lodi's contract to provide Section 21024 (Military Service Credit as Public Service) for local miscellaneous and safety members. DISCUSSION: Council Member Hansen recalled that the Council had an opportunity to do this previously, but chose not to. He felt it was unfortunate that it took this long to take action on the matter and voiced support for the contract amendment. VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Beckman, Hansen, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Noes: Council Members — None Absent: Council Members — Howard MOTION #2 / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Beckman second, introduced Ordinance No. 1728 authorizing amendment to the contract between the City of Lodi and the Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Beckman, Hansen, Land, and Mayor Hitchcock Noes: Council Members — None Absent: Council Members — Howard ORDINANCES None. K. COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS Council Member Land made the following comments: 1. He read the following e-mail message received today from Vi Eckroth: "Since we are possibly within hours of a war it is my opinion that the City of Lodi should fly flags as if it were the Fourth of July holiday. Whether we agree with the war or not we have to show support for our troops, our President, and our Country." He encouraged all citizens to display the American flag. 2. A letter of appreciation was sent to Fran Forkas, Water/Wastewater Superintendent, thanking the following staff members for work done in front of a citizen's residence: David Towne, Robert York, and Joe Ferrante. 3. Addressing Mayor Hitchcock, he commented that the greenbelt, open space issue seems to have stalled. He reported that he spoke with Mark Lewis, City Manager of Stockton, about establishing an urban growth limit. He had heard that Stockton is planning to build two large shopping malls near the intersections of Eight Mile Road and Interstate 5 and Highway 99. He suggested that discussion take place between the City Managers of Lodi and Stockton and two Council Members from each city. He offered to participate in the discussions. He reported that he attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting with grape growers on the greenbelt topic and they indicated that they were not willing to pursue it. The County Board of Supervisors recently voted not to participate in the study for a greenbelt. 9 Continued March 19, 2003 4. He stated that whether citizens believe in the war or not, it is important to support the men and women serving in the military. He recalled that during his service in the 1960s during the Vietnam conflict, those wearing a uniform were ridiculed. He hoped that a parade would be held for the military when they return home from the war in Iraq. • Council Member Hansen made the following comments: 1. He disagreed with Council Member Land's comments regarding the reception received by the military during the 1960's, as he served in the Navy during this period and did not experience derision for wearing his uniform in the United States. 2. He noted that an error was published in a recent article in the Lodi News -Sentinel, in which it indicated that the City was considering getting out of the Public Employees Retirement System. Discussion at the Shirtsleeve Session on March 18 regarding this topic was merely to point out that it would not be feasible, or cost effective, and a city of Lodi's size would not have the wherewithal to set up its own retirement system. 3. He announced that the new Tokay Dialysis Center at 312 South Fairmont Street will be opening tomorrow. He commented that his wife will be employed at the Center. 4. Addressing the City Manager, he asked that Mr. Flynn coordinate a meeting between representatives of the Police Department, Public Works, Lodi Unified School District, and other appropriate staff members regarding a safety concern at Pacific Avenue and Elm Street. Mr. Hansen reported that he has seen many near collisions at the intersection when students of Lodi High School are attempting to come into or exit the area. He noted that the problem is worsened because motorists are not cognizant of the high school, as it is not visible from Elm Street. In addition, students often wear hooded jackets, which impair their vision. He reported that Public Works Director Prima has also acknowledged a similar traffic issue at the high school's second outlet at the intersection of Walnut Street and Ham Lane. 5. He concurred with the suggestion to display American flags in support of the military and stated that thoughts and prayers will be with the families who suffer a loss in this conflict. • Council Member Beckman concurred with Council Member Land's comments regarding the greenbelt issue. He did not believe it was reasonable or realistic to think that Lodi could be successful in establishing a greenbelt, without cooperation from other interested parties. He stated that in 2000 he was the Lodi campaign manager for then Presidential candidate George Bush. He noted that he is a huge fan of the President and supports his position regarding the war with Iraq. • Mayor Hitchcock made the following comments: 1. She disagreed with statements made about the greenbelt issue and believed that the City still has options available to it. She hoped that Council Member Land as a representative on LAFCO would seek a community separator. She noted that Community Development Director Bartlam and City Planner J. D. Hightower were still pursuing the issue. She recently attended the Farmland Trust Conference and was informed that there is a lot of potential and funding available. She believed the focus should be to bring stakeholders together. She acknowledged the fear that farmers have expressed, and stated that they would be supportive if they can keep their farming operations viable. 2. She announced that a representative from Senator Poochigian's office will be at the Carnegie Forum tomorrow from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. 3. She stated her prayer is that there is a speedy end to the war in Iraq. L. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Flynn announced that Janet Keeter's birthday is on March 29. An article was published in the San Joaquin County Redevelopment magazine about Lodi's successful downtown revitalization efforts and the benefits from the multi -screen theater. He questioned Stockton's sincerity in supporting its downtown area, when it is considering the construction of large commercial complexes near Eight Mile Road, which will undermine the existing businesses on Pacific Avenue and elsewhere in Stockton. Mr. Flynn resented the fact that the City Manager of Stockton lobbied a Lodi Council Member without speaking to him first. 10 Continued March 19, 2003 M. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. ATTEST: Susan J. Blackston City Clerk 11