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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 5, 2005LODI CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2005 C-1 CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The City Council Closed Session meeting of January 5, 2005, was called to order by Mayor Beckman at 5:00 p.m. Present: Council Members — Hansen, Hitchcock (arrived at 5:05 p.m.), Johnson, Mounce, and Mayor Beckman Absent: Council Members — None Also Present: Interim City Manager Keeter, City Attorney Schwabauer, and City Clerk Blackston C-2 ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION a) Actual litigation: Government Code §54956.9(a); one case; Quesada v. City of Lodi et al., Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, Stockton Branch; Case No. CV 016631 b) Prospective acquisition of real property located at 14320 N. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi, California (APN #058-140-13); the negotiating parties are City of Lodi and M. Bill Peterson; Government Code §54956.8 C) Prospective acquisition of real property located at 232 N. Washington Street (APN #043- 087-17) and 242 Rush Street (APN #043-090-13), Lodi, California; the negotiating parties are City of Lodi and Union Pacific Railroad Company; Government Code §54956.8 d) Actual litigation: Government Code §54956.9(a); one case; People of the State of California: and the City of Lodi. California v. M & P Investments, et al.; United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. CIV -S-00-2441 FCD JFM e) Actual litigation: Government Code §54956.9(a); one case; Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company, et al. v. City of Lodi, et al., Superior Court, County of San Francisco, Case No. 323658 f) Conference with legal counsel — initiation of litigation: Government Code §54956.9(c); two cases g) Conference with legal counsel — anticipated litigation — significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 54956.9; one case; pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(b)(3)(A) facts, due to not being known to potential plaintiffs, shall not be disclosed h) Actual litigation: Government Code §54956.9(a); one case; City of Lodi. a California Municipal Corporation. and Lodi Financing Corporation. a California nonprofit corporation v. Lehman Brothers. Inc. and US Bank National Association, United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. CIV. S-04-0606 MCE-KJM i) Actual litigation: Government Code §54956.9(a); one case; Lehman Brothers Inc.. v. City of Lodi and Lodi Financing Corporation, United States District Court, Eastern District of California Case No. CIV -S-04-0850 FCD/JFM j) Actual litigation: Government Code §54956.9(a); one case; Fireman's Fund Insurance Company v. City of Lodi, et al.. United States District Court, Eastern District of California Case No. CIV -S-98-1489 FCD JFM C-3 ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION At 5:00 p.m., Mayor Beckman adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Continued January 5, 2005 C-4 RETURN TO OPEN SESSION / DISCLOSURE OF ACTION At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Beckman reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Schwabauer disclosed the following actions. In regard to Item C-2 (a), Council gave settlement direction. In regard to Item C-2 (b) and (c), Council gave negotiation direction. In regard to Item G2 (d), Council gave direction on a settlement in the amount of $44,000 with the Rose parties in the Busy Bee plume matter; Council gave settlement direction regarding Beckman Investment Securities Corporation in the central plume matter; Council approved filing an amendment of the complaint in the M&P action to resolve issues arising from the Supreme Court's decision in Cooper Industries v. Aviall Services; Council approved a conflict waiver for Folger, Levin & Kahn for its services as counsel to the City at the same time that it serves as counsel to Geomatrix, which does environmental consulting work for the City. In regard to Item G2 (f), Council approved filing an action against Michael Donovan and Envision Law Group. In regard to Item C-2 (e), (g), (h), (i), and 0), no reportable action was taken in closed session. A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL The Regular City Council meeting of January 5, 2005, was called to order by Mayor Beckman at 7:00 p.m. Present: Council Members — Hansen, Hitchcock, Johnson, Mounce, and Mayor Beckman Absent: Council Members — None Also Present: Interim City Manager Keeter, City Attorney Schwabauer, and City Clerk Blackston B. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Pastor Paul Zimmerman, St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Pastor Dale Edwards commended Council for its dedication b the City and emphasized that integrity is the most important aspect of leadership. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Beckman. D. AWARDS / PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS D-1 Awards — None D-2 (a) Mayor Beckman presented a proclamation to Taj Khan and Captain David Main proclaiming January 17, 2005, as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the City of Lodi. D-3 (a) Pamela Hayn, Executive Director of the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership (DLBP), and Peter Westbrook, President of the DLBP, presented awards to the following first place winners of the 2004 Parade of Lights, held December 2, 2004: Mounted Equestrian Units — Loree Lagomarsino Walking Groups / Dance Troops — Lodi Unified Elementary Physical Education Specialist School Bands / Marching Groups — Tokay Royal Bengal Regiment Band Motorcycle Golf Carts — Tokay High School Campus Security Autos — New/Classic — Geweke Paint Body & Tow Trucks & Recreational Vehicles (in the no float category) — Geweke RV Floats with Trucks — Lodi Memorial Hospital 2004 Best of Show Winners — Dance Dynamics and Kaehler Dairy W Continued January 5, 2005 E. CONSENT CALENDAR In accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager, Council, on motion of Mayor Beckman, Hitchcock second, unanimously approved the following items hereinafter set forth except those otherwise noted: E-1 Claims were approved in the amount of $8,363,593.70. E-2 The minutes of November 3, 2004 (Regular Meeting), November 17, 2004 (Regular Meeting), December 10, 2004 (Special Meeting), December 11, 2004 (Special Meeting), December 14, 2004 (Shirtsleeve Session), December 14, 2004 (Special Meeting), December 21, 2004 (Shirtsleeve Session), December 21, 2004 (Special Meeting), and December 28, 2004 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written. E-3 Adopted Resolution No. 2005-01 awarding the purchase of ten 37.5kVA polemount transformers to Kuhlman Electric, the bidder whose proposal and equipment met City of Lodi specifications and whose transformers are expected to yield the lowest overall life- cycle costs, in the amount of $7,962.73; purchase would be made through Sierra Sales Engineering, of Pleasanton, California, Kuhlman's local representative. E-4 Adopted Resolution No. 2005-02 awarding contract for Lighted Crosswalk System Project at Lockeford Street and Calaveras Street to Collins Electrical Company, of Stockton, in the amount of $41,380, and appropriated funds in the amount of $45,500 in accordance with staff recommendation. E-5 Adopted Resolution No. 2005-03 awarding the contract for Blakely Park/Enze Pool Plastering Project, 1050 S. Stockton Street, to Burkett Pool Plastering, of Salida, in the amount of $50,148 in accordance with staff recommendation. E-6 Adopted Resolution No. 2005-04 taking the following action with regard to the development at 1745 West Kettleman Lane: Approving the Improvement Agreement for the Public Improvements of 1745 West Kettleman Lane, subject to direction regarding reimbursable costs, and directing the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Improvement Agreement on behalf of the City. 2. Appropriating funds for applicable reimbursements. 3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the Agreement for Maintenance of Landscape Area within State Highway Right of Way, State Route 12 in the City of Lodi with Caltrans, and a Maintenance Agreement with the developer covering developer's responsibilities for landscape improvements in the Kettleman Lane right-of-way. E-7 "Adopt resolution approving Improvement Agreement for Public Improvements for 1020 South Beckman Road and appropriating funds for required reimbursements ($4,385)" was pulled from the agenda pursuant to staff's request. E-8 Adopted Resolution No. 2005-05 approving the final map for Kirst Estates No. 5, Tract No. 3459, and directing the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the map on behalf of the City. E-9 Adopted Resolution No. 2005-06 approving the final map and Improvement Agreement br Woodlake Meadow, Tract No. 3451, and directing the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Improvement Agreement and map on behalf of the City. E-10 Adopted Resolution No. 2005-07 approving a rental agreement between the City of Lodi and Sherry Beltz and Emily Wolfe, dba Jazzerise Fitness Center, for use of 111 N. Stockton Street, Unit B, Lodi. Continued January 5, 2005 E-11 "Adopt resolution approving the job specification and salary range for the position of Manager, Customer Service and Programs" was removed from the Consent Calendar and discussed and acted upon following approval of the Consent Calendar. E-12 Approved the annual membership dues to the League of California Cities in the amount of $16,043. E-13 Set public hearing for January 19, 2005, to consider two appeals of the Planning Commission's decision regarding the Lodi Shopping Center project (Wal-Mart Supercenter) located at 2640 West Kettleman Lane. E-14 Set public hearing for February 2, 2005, to consider resolution establishing an area of benefit and reimbursable costs for design and construction required to underground aerial facilities for 1833 West Kettleman Lane (APN 031-040-20) and 1811 West Kettleman Lane (APN 031-040-40). ACTION ON ITEM REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR E-11 "Adopt resolution approving the job specification and salary range for the position of Manager, Customer Service and Programs" Interim City Manager Keeter recalled that Electric Utility Manager of Customer Service & Programs was the only position presented during the 2004-05 budget that Council approved for adding to the number of fully authorized permanent positions. An individual has been filling the position on a contract basis, with full benefits, for the past seven years. The salary range was set commensurate to what the contract employee is earning. Ms. Keeter confirmed that the position would be posted and an open recruitment process would take place. Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock expressed reservations about adding a position in light of the City's current budget constraints. She felt that the salary of $88,000 a year plus benefits seemed high considering that it had no supervisory responsibilities. She questioned how it compared to other positions in the City. Mel Grandi, Electric Services Manager, replied that the salary range was comparable to other positions in the Electric Utility Department with similar responsibilities. The position oversees state mandated programs, contracts, and develops new programs. The contract employee has nearly seven years experience interfacing with customers and vendors. Mr. Grandi felt that it was an opportune time to fill the position on a permanent basis and noted that it would not affect the electric rate base. Ms. Keeter noted that the City no longer has an Economic Development Coordinator position, and the Manager of Customer Service & Programs has become part of the City's economic development outreach. City Attorney Schwabauer explained that it is not necessarily true that the position would be easy to terminate solely on the basis of it being a contract position. It would be a "fact and circumstances" inquiry and could be argued that this was a permanent position. Generally, temporary short-term projects have contract based employees. In reply to Council Member Johnson, Ms. Keeter reported that the City has three contract employees in the General Fund and six contract employees in Electric Utility. She noted that the City's budget policy addresses contract employees. al Continued January 5, 2005 MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Beckman second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2005-08 approving the job specification and following salary range for the position of Manager, Customer Service and Programs: Step A Step B Step C Step D Step E $6,034.91 $6,336.65 $6,653.49 $6,986.16 $7,335.47 COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS None. G. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. H. COMMUNICATIONS H-1 On recommendation of the City's contract administrator and Human Resources staff, the City Council, on motion of Mayor Beckman, Hansen second, unanimously rejected the following claims: a) Frederick Nicholas Dohring, Sr., date of loss 6/14/04 b) Frederick Nicholas Dohring, Jr., date of loss 6/14/04 C) Katherine Ann Dohring, date of loss 6/14/04 H-2 Reports: Boards/Commissions/Task Forces/Committees — None H-3 The following postings/appointments were made: a) The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Hitchcock second, unanimously made the following appointments: Senior Citizens Commission Judy Bader Term to expire December 31, 2008 David Hinchman Term to expire December 31, 2008 Kathryn Siddle Term to expire December 31, 2006 Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee Mitchell Slater Term to expire January 1, 2006 Mayor Beckman commented that he and Council Member Mounce had communicated about the makeup of the Senior Citizen Commission and noted that future discussions may take place regarding its relationship with the Loel Center. b) The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Mounce second, unanimously directed the City Clerk to post for the following vacancy: Lodi Arts Commission William Crabtree Term to expire July 1, 2006 H-4 Miscellaneous — None REGULAR CALENDAR 1-1 "Fiscal year 2005-06 budget strategy update and discussion" Finance Director Krueger reported that the City's budget is strained due to the state and national economy and Lodi faces a significant structural imbalance. He reviewed figures in the staff report (filed) and noted that there is a surplus of only $417,990 for this fiscal year. He stated that a one-time transfer was done to resolve the deficit in 2004-05. Mr. Krueger explained how on November 3, 2004, he arrived at a net structural imbalance of $1,336,778 5 Continued January 5, 2005 and later calculated the budget imbalance to be $1,692,100. He stated that when first reporting on the deficit he was not aware of the full cost associated with the bargaining unit increases or the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) rate increases. Bargaining unit increases were originally estimated at $981,833, but will actually cost $1,350,000. The cost of health and other insurance has increased $450,000. Previously, it was estimated that employees' contribution toward health insurance would amount to $500,000; however, the actual figure is only $250,000. Also not accounted for previously were estimated cost of living increases of $440,000 and step increases of $250,000. Additionally, the PERS rate increases totaled $900,000. In answer to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. Krueger stated that another reason for the budget deficit change was due to "other sources and uses" budgeted at $981,000 in 2004- 05. He stated that this was an imprecise number, which was not specifically delineated at the time it was put into the budget. In reply to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Krueger confirmed that if Council does not approve the amortization of PERS rate increases over 30 years (to save $650,000) and eliminate the utility charges for public facilities (to save $560,000) then the total deficit would be $2,902,100. Ms. Keeter noted that not all of the frozen positions were netted out of the budget, so there would be some savings associated with that. Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock stated that, as was documented in the annual audit report, for four years the General Fund reserve has been decreasing. It appears as though the budgets were balanced because of "other sources and uses," which were never defined. Mr. Krueger recommended that Community Development, Parks & Recreation, and the Community Center be taken out of the General Fund because expenditures they incur are predominantly offset by direct revenue. He stated that this would help to delineate how the rest of the imbalance in the City is approached. Council Member Hansen recalled that Council was told money had been budgeted for the bargaining unit increases. He pointed out that an important question to be considered is what level of service taxpayers can expect for their tax dollar. Mr. Hansen stated that he was much more inclined to reduce overall expenses as opposed to raising revenues, i.e. taxes. Mr. Krueger acknowledged that he initially had recommended an equal percentage of reductions to all departments; however, due to having recently witnessed the aftermath of a traffic accident he realized the importance of public safety. Because of that incident and the results of the citizen survey which rated public safety as a high priority, he recommended that they sustain a lesser budget reduction percentage than other departments. In addition, Mr. Krueger noted that he began his career as an internal auditor and suggested that such a function be conducted in the City to look for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness within all departments. Mr. Krueger also suggested that outsourcing options should be considered. Council Member Johnson stated that employee salary and benefits comprise 80% of the City's overall budget and pointed out that neither of the two recommendations being offered tonight would address that systemic problem. Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock noted that, since there is virtually no financial reserve, it might be more advantageous to keep one of the two recommendations Mr. Krueger has offered so that the money/savings could be infused quickly into the budget in the event of a downturn. In reference to eliminating utility charges for public facilities, Ms. Hitchcock Con Continued January 5, 2005 suggested that if the utilities can absorb the $560,000 then they must be overcharging the ratepayers. If not, and the utilities will be cutting back on services equating to $560,000, then the ratepayers will be paying for a service that they will no longer be getting. Ms. Hitchcock asked whether proposition 218 applied. City Attorney Schwabauer replied that the Electric Utility is exempt from proposition 218. Mr. Schwabauer noted, however, that he had not considered the matter in the context of raising rates and would research the issue and report back to Council. Ms. Keeter explained that departments need to know what their target budget numbers are and the two recommendations tonight would affect it. In addition, this information would need to be known before going to bargaining units to ask for concessions. In answer to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Krueger recommended a long-term approach to PERS by maintaining higher rates even if the situation improved and conceivably build up reserves to use during difficult times in the future. Council Member Hansen voiced support for both of Mr. Krueger's recommendations; however, he did not want a decision made until the new City Manager had an opportunity to consider it. He agreed with Ms. Hitchcock's suggestion to keep one of the options in reserve in case some of the projections did not come to fruition. Ms. Keeter reported that mid -year budget adjustments would be brought to Council at its regularly scheduled meeting on February 2. In answer to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Krueger reported that there was a financing cost of 7.75% interest rate to amortize the PERS rate increases over 30 years. Human Resources Director Narloch stated that the PERS rate increases could be re - amortized at any time. It currently is amortized for a 13 -year period. Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock stated that she would be in support of eliminating utility charges for public facilities if it were legal to do. In reference to the amortization of the PERS rate increases, she felt that 15 or 20 years might be more reasonable. Council Member Mounce agreed with Ms. Hitchcock. She preferred that budget reduction percentages occur equally across all departments. PUBLIC COMMENTS: 0o Judy Steinke of American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees recalled that seven years ago a number of employers became superfunded. Some chose to take the money and save it, some placed the money in the general fund, and some enhanced their current retirement fund. She felt Lodi should have kept the money for employees, rather than placing it in the general fund. She asked Council to fairly consider General Services and Maintenance & Operators groups during badget deficit discussions, as Ms. Steinke noted that they tend to sustain most of the burden when cuts are made. She asked for a report on how much money the City did not have to pay because of superfunding and how long it occurred, to which staff indicated it would be provided at a future date. MOTION/ VOTE: There was no Council action taken on this matter. RECESS At 9:13 p.m., Mayor Beckman called for a recess, and the City Council meeting reconvened at 9:25 p.m. 7 Continued January 5, 2005 REGULAR CALENDAR (Continued) 1-2 "Approve California Statewide Communities Development Authority Vehicle License Fee Gap Loan Financing Program Application" Interim City Manager Keeter noted that a "blue sheet" was distributed to Council regarding this item (filed). Finance Director Krueger reported that the League of California Cities, in conjunction with the California Statewide Communities Development Authority, have developed a program whereby cities can be repaid Vehicle License Fees (VLF) that the state took away in 2003- 04. Lodi is owed $1,020,000, which the state has scheduled for repayment in August 2006. Mr. Krueger recommended that the City take the money now on a discounted basis, i.e. 91% of the amount, which totals $930,000. If done on a taxable basis the City could use the proceeds for any general fund purpose. If done on a non-taxable basis it would increase the amount by $10,000, but would restrict the use of the funds for capital outlay. There is no primary or secondary liability associated with this bond issue to cities participating in the program. A resolution will be brought before Council regarding this matter on February 2. Council Member Mounce voiced support for Mr. Krueger's recommendation. In response to Council Member Hansen, Mr. Krueger explained that the VLF was recognized as revenue in 2003-04 and a receivable is shown offsetting that recognition of revenue. He stated that the money will end up going into the City's cash balance, i.e. it will offset the receivable that is on the books. He noted that until the City gets property tax collections it has little cash in the general fund. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Mounce second, unanimously approved the California Statewide Communities Development Authority Vehicle License Fee Gap Loan Financing Program Application. 1-3 "Adopt resolution authorizing the reallocation of six Firefighter positions to three Fire Captains and three Fire Engineers" Interim City Manager Keeter recalled that during the 2000-01 budget presentation it was conveyed to Council that, the intent when Fire Station 4 was opened, was to bring the engine back downtown. The Fire Department now has the unit and needs the requested personnel reallocation so it can be utilized. Amy Flores, Management Analyst Trainee, requested authorization to reallocate six firefighter positions to three fire captains and three fire engineers. She stated that there would be no added positions and the cost for the reallocation this fiscal year would come from vacancies and salary savings. In reply to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Fire Chief Pretz explained that if the allocation were not done then either the engine could not be used or he could place employees in "acting" positions, which would essentially cost the same amount of money. Chief Pretz noted that Fire Station 1 is the busiest company. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Mounce, Hansen second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2005-09 authorizing the reallocation of six Firefighter positions to three Fire Captains and three Fire Engineers. Continued January 5, 2005 1-4 "Authorize $5,000 payment to the San Joaquin Partnership for an Economic Development Strategic Plan through AngelouEconomics" Interim City Manager Keeter reported that at last month's San Joaquin Partnership board meeting, Angeles Angelou made a presentation about developing a countywide economic development strategic plan. The Partnership is asking its membership to help pay for the $100,000 study. The Partnership's executive director stated that commitments of $55,000 have been made from the private sector and he hopes to raise $20,000 from the public sector. She asked Council to authorize a $5,000 contribution to the strategic plan from the Electric Utility, as it would benefit the department in its marketing and outreach program. MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Hitchcock second, unanimously authorized $5,000 payment to the San Joaquin Partnership for an Economic Development Strategic Plan through AngelouEconomics. 1-5 "Approve expenses incurred by outside counsel/consultants relative to the Environmental Abatement Program litigation ($209,994.80) and State oversight costs ($7,530.56)" City Attorney Schwabauer reviewed the invoices as described in the staff report for this item (filed). MOTION / VOTE: The City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Beckman second, unanimously approved payment for the expenses incurred by 1) Folger, Levin & Kahn in the amount of $209,597.30, 2) consultant Malcolm Pirnie in the amount of $397.50, and 3) the State Regional Water Quality Control Board in the amount of $7,530.56, as detailed below: October 1— 31, 2004 Matter Invoice Description Amount No. No. 2001 84985 Lehman Bros. v. City of Lodi $ 18,335.85 8002 84986 People v. M&P Investments $180,214.64 2002 85561 City of Lodi v. Lehman Bros. $ 3,356.89 8001 85562 General Advice/Envi ronmental Contamination Matters $ 849.89 8003 85563 Hartford Insurance Coverage Litigation $ 463.50 8006 85564 Fireman's Fund/Unigard Appeal $ 325.00 8007 85565 Regulatory Agency Orders $ 5,975.00 8005 85567 Unigard Insurance and City of Lodi Litigation (Rebiiiing) $ 77.00 $209,597.30 State Regional Water Quality Control Board oversight costs July — September 2004 $ 7,530.56 Malcolm Pirnie, consulting frm that serves as the Court's expert in City of Lodi v. M&P Investment's case $ 397.50 9 Continued January 5, 2005 J. ORDINANCES J-1 Following reading of the title of Ordinance No. 1754 entitled, 'An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lodi Amending Chapter 12.12 of the Lodi Municipal Code by Repealing and Reenacting Section 12.12.420, Relating to Skate Park Regulations," having been introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held December 15, 2004, the City Council, on motion of Council Member Hansen, Beckman second, waived reading of the ordinance in full and adopted and ordered it to print by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members — Hansen, Hitchcock, Johnson, Mounce, and Mayor Beckman Noes: Council Members — None Absent: Council Members — None Abstain: Council Members — None K. COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS co Council Member Mounce reported that she had met with some property investors last week about establishing transitional housing to be utilized through the Salvation Army. They will be contacting Community Development to look into the possibility of block grant funding. Ms. Mounce retracted her previous request of staff to look into a rental ordinance similar to the one recently adopted by the Stockton City Council. After further consideration, she felt that such an ordinance would be in direct conflict with her core political convictions. She noted that there are currently many municipal regulations and the City should focus on enforcing existing laws rather than creating new ones. co Council Member Hansen announced that his youngest son got married on January 3. co Council Member Johnson asked that reorganization of the order of business for Council meetings be considered to have "Comments by the City Council" follow "Comments by the public." 00 Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock commented that the Lodi City Council, at its worst, is better than the Los Angeles City Council who was recently ordered by a court to pay attention during public hearings. L. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS 00 Interim City Manager Keeter reported that she would be meeting with new City Manager Blair King tomorrow. Ms. Keeter stated that she would be absent on Friday and had assigned Police Chief Adams to fill in during her absence. M. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. ATTEST: Susan J. Blackston City Clerk 10