HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - August 6, 2014LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014
C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of August 6, 2014, was called to order by Mayor
Katzakian at 6:50 p.m.
Present: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi,
Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Robison
C-2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) Prospective Acquisition of Real Property; Price and Terms of Payment Under Negotiation;
City Negotiators, Public Works Director Wally Sandelin and John F. Almazan, Senior Real
Estate Agent, Interwest Consulting Group; Pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.8: 1) A Portion of Propertv Located at 13160 North West Lane (APN 058-110-47).
Negotiating Party: F&L Costa Family L.P. (Felix Costa & Sons); and 2) A Portion of
Property Located at 120 East Harney Lane (APN 058-130-24). Negotiatinq Party: Diane Y.
Tsutsumi and Gary Tsutsumi. Trustee of the Gary & Joyce Tsutsumi 2011 Trust
C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:50 p.m., Mayor Katzakian adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above
matter. The Closed Session adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:03 p.m., Mayor Katzakian reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Magdich
disclosed the following action.
Item C-2 (a) was discussion only with no reportable action.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of August 6, 2014, was called to order by Mayor Katzakian at
7:03 p.m.
Present: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi,
Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Robison
B. Presentations - None
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Katzakian, to approve the following
items hereinafter set forth, except those otherwise noted, in accordance with the report and
recommendation of the City Manager.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
C-1 Receive Register of Claims in the Amount of $15,673,060.67 (FIN)
Claims were approved in the amount of 15,673,060.67.
C-2 Approve Minutes (CLK)
The minutes of July 10, 2014 (Special Joint Meeting w/Lodi Arts Commission), July 15, 2014
(Shirtsleeve Session), July 16, 2014 (Regular Meeting), July 22, 2014 (Shirtsleeve Session), July
22, 2014 (Special Meeting), and July 29, 2014 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written.
C-3 Report of Sale of Surplus Equipment (PW)
Received report of sale of surplus equipment.
C-4 Accept the Quarterly Investment Report as Required by the City of Lodi Investment Policy
(CM)
Accepted the quarterly investment report as required by the City of Lodi Investment Policy.
C-5 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids to Procure Underground
Electric Utility Cable (EU)
Approved the specifications and authorized advertisement for bids to procure underground
electric utility cable.
C-6 Adopt Resolution Authorizing Purchase of 2014 Vac -Con Combination Sewer and Storm
Drain Cleaner from Municipal Maintenance Equipment, of Sacramento ($397,066.32) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2014-131 authorizing the purchase of 2014 Vac -Con Combination Sewer
and Storm Drain Cleaner from Municipal Maintenance Equipment, of Sacramento, in the amount
of $397,066.32.
C-7 Adopt Resolution Approving Purchase of Bucket Truck from Altec Industries Inc., of Dixon
($141.463.27) (EU)
Adopted Resolution No. 2014-132 approving purchase of bucket truck from Altec Industries Inc.,
of Dixon, in the amount of $141,463.27.
C-8 Adopt Resolution Awarding Contract for Turner Road Overlay, Loma Drive to Pleasant
Avenue, to George Reed, Inc., of Modesto ($664,081) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2014-133 awarding contract for Turner Road Overlay, Loma Drive to
Pleasant Avenue, to George Reed, Inc., of Modesto, in the amount of $664,081.
C-9 Adopt Resolution Awarding Contract for 2014 Crack Sealing, Various City Streets, to
Graham Contractors, Inc., of San Jose ($60,416.13), and Appropriating Funds ($15.000)
(PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2014-134 awarding contract for 2014 Crack Sealing, Various City
Streets, to Graham Contractors, Inc., of San Jose, in the amount of $60,416.13, and
appropriating funds in the amount of $15,000.
C-10 Adopt Resolution Awarding Contracts for Fire Station No. 2 Replacement Project to Diede
Construction. Inc.. of Woodbridae, for Construction ($4.227.740) and Neil O. Anderson and
Associates, of Lodi, for Construction Testing and Inspection Services ($150,000) and
Appropriating Funds ($5.231.400) (PW)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar by Council Member Nakanishi for comment
and Council Member Johnson for further discussion.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, City Manager Schwabauer confirmed that the Fire
Station No. 2 project is not being funded by debt and explained it is being funded through a
combination of funding: restructuring of the general fund debt and saved interest rates; savings
from sales tax received as part of the Lodi Energy Center project; the capital fund; unanticipated
three percent growth in property tax; and money from the vehicle replacement fund in the Fire
department.
Council Member Johnson expressed his concern that, although Fire Station No. 2 is in dire need
of repair, the project came in over budget and aspects of the project should be refined in order to
reduce the cost. For that reason, he could not support the motion.
Construction Project Manager Gary Wiman stated that staff has met with the contractor and there
are options to reduce some of the costs, but not enough to make up the difference in the final
contract price. Additionally, $500,000 is marked as contingency and the hope is that by project
end enough credits and changes will be worked out to return the contingency amount. A major
factor of the project was that it fit aesthetically with the community, including the Lincoln School
site; the Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee unanimously approved the project; and
the building will be 500 square feet larger than Fire Station No. 4. The primary reason for the
increase in cost is due to the economy, and staff will work with Diede Construction on value
engineering to try to reduce the costs.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Wiman stated that the project was developed with
experienced architects familiar with fire stations and meetings were held with fire staff to ensure
the design met the department's needs. Ms. Mounce stated that she trusted staff would be good
stewards of taxpayer dollars on this project and it would be a significant improvement to
Cherokee Lane.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Mr. Wiman stated that the anticipated construction
time is 15 months, staff has performed a site investigation, and there is need for minor asbestos
abatement. Mr. Hansen expressed support for this project, stating that this facility will be used 24
hours a day every day and it is an efficient layout.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Wiman stated that the building is anticipated to
last for a minimum of 50 years and the oldest station, Fire Station No. 1, was built in 1967.
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Katzakian, to adopt Resolution No.
2014-138 awarding contracts for Fire Station No. 2 Replacement Project to Diede Construction,
Inc., of Woodbridge, for construction in the amount of $4,227,740 and Neil O. Anderson and
Associates, of Lodi, for construction testing and inspection services in the amount of $150,000
and appropriating funds in the amount of $5,231,400.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, and
Mayor Katzakian
Noes: Council Member Johnson
Absent: None
C-11 Adopt Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Professional Services
Agreement with Neil O. Anderson and Associates. of Lodi, for Construction Testing and
Inspection Services for Rose Gate Subdivision Project ($150,000) (PW)
Council Member Mounce questioned when the developer would be reimbursing the City for this
cost, to which Public Works Director Wally Sandelin responded that the payment has been
submitted.
Adopted Resolution No. 2014-135 authorizing the City Manager to execute Professional Services
Agreement with Neil O. Anderson and Associates, of Lodi, for construction testing and inspection
services for Rose Gate Subdivision Project in the amount of $150,000.
C-12 Adopt Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Professional Services
Agreement with the Salvation Army for Administration and Implementation of the Lodi
CARE Package Program ($60,000) (EU)
Adopted Resolution No. 2014-136 authorizing the City Manager to execute Professional Services
Agreement with the Salvation Army for administration and implementation of the Lodi CARE
Package Program in the amount of $60,000.
C-13 Adopt Resolution Authorizing the Public Works Director, City Engineer, or Part -Time
Senior Civil Engineer to Execute and Accept Dedications on Final Parcel Maps (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2014-137 authorizing the Public Works Director, City Engineer, or part-
time Senior Civil Engineer to execute and accept dedications on final parcel maps.
C-14 Receive Update on Emergency Condition at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility
Digesters No. 1 and No. 2 (PW)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of John Slaughterback,
member of the public.
John Slaughterback questioned why these digesters cost the City $3 million and suggested there
are procedures that staff could have taken to prevent this from being an emergency, including
taking one digester offline to be repaired while the others continued to operate. He believed this
cost would be passed onto rate payers and he did not appreciate the City using the scare tactic of
fines from the State control board, stating that he believed the board would be willing to work with
the City if it were making reasonable attempts to correct an issue in order to meet the permit
obligations. He requested to receive information on why this project was so costly.
Council Member Mounce suggested a Shirtsleeve Session on this matter. City Manager
Schwabauer responded that he believed staff adequately presented its reasons to proceed
with this project and he felt certain that Mr. Slaughterback would not accept the City's answer
even if it were further explained at a Shirtsleeve Session.
Council Member Johnson stated he was not interested in revisiting the issue; however, he was
curious about Mr. Slaughterback's point regarding the State control board. Typically the board is
willing to work with cities during the permit approval process and he questioned why the board
would not be willing to do so in this case, thereby, avoiding the emergency situation. He
requested further explanation on that issue, to which Mr. Schwabauer responded he would
provide Council with the information.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen described past experiences with the board and recalled that staff
believed the board may be willing to work with the City on this situation, to which Public Works
Director Wally Sandelin stated that the board will typically work with an agency as long as it can
demonstrate that it is taking all appropriate measure to move forward quickly.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Schwabauer stated that the steel roofs on the
digesters were 40 years old and are in a constant corrosive environment, which contributed
greatly to its deteriorated condition. He felt confident that current technology exists that would
coat the metal in a much more efficient manner than what existed 40 years ago. Ms. Mounce
stated that the City needs to be more mindful of its community assets to ensure they are
maintained properly and will not need to be repaired in an emergency situation.
In response to Mayor Katzakian, Mr. Sandelin stated that the plan is to repair one first, followed
by the second, keeping one in operation. He stated he would return to Council with information
regarding a maintenance software system.
Mayor Katzakian made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, to accept the update
on emergency condition at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Digesters No. 1 and No.
2.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
C-15 Set Public Hearina for September 3. 2014. to Consider and Approve the 2013/14
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report and an Amendment of the 2014/15 Action Plan to Accommodate the
Reallocation of Unused CDBG Funds from Previous Years (CD)
Set public hearing for September 3, 2014, to consider and approve the 2013/14 Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and
an amendment of the 2014/15 Action Plan to accommodate the reallocation of unused CDBG
funds from previous years.
D. Comments by the Public on Non -Agenda Items THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON -
AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE
MINUTES. Public comment may only be made on matters within the Lodi City Council's
jurisdiction (Government Code Section 54954.3, Lodi City Council Protocol Manual Section
6.31). The Council cannot take action or deliberate on items that are not on this agenda
unless there is an emergency and the need to take action on that emeraencv arose after
this agenda was posted (Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2)). All other items may
onlv be referred for review to staff or placement on a future Council aaenda.
None.
E. Comments by the Citv Council Members on Non-Aaenda Items
Council Member Nakanishi reported on a successful National Night Out, which had a turnout of
71 neighborhood groups. He thanked Senior Volunteer and Crime Prevention Coordinator Chet
Somera and the Lodi Police Department for organizing the event. Many of the citizen questions
focused on gangs in Lodi and a majority of the people he spoke with felt that Lodi was a safe
community. He noticed there were no organized parties on the east side and he
encouraged neighbors and churches in that area to participate next year.
Council Member Mounce also commented on National Night Out, stating she attended three
parties, including one at Casa de Lodi, which were on the east side; residents along the river
complained of homeless individuals and reports of fires and thefts due to these uninvited guests;
and a majority of seniors at Casa de Lodi expressed fear of walking through the complex. She
informed the public that Council has asked for a Shirtsleeve Session to discuss the homeless
situation and ways to find safer, more agreeable locations for activities aimed at helping these
individuals. Ms. Mounce reported that she was reappointed as the League of California Cities at -
large member of the board of directors, on which she has served since 2009.
Council Member Johnson applauded Caltrans for its efforts to clean up the accumulation of brush
and dead trees and grass on the east side of Turner Road near Casa de Lodi, which had caused
several fires in the area; however, he requested that Caltrans be contacted to clean the debris
and trash from the Highway 99 off ramps throughout Lodi.
F. Comments by the Citv Manaaer on Non-Aaenda Items
None.
G. Public Hearings
NOTE: The following public hearing items were heard out of order.
G-2 Public Hearinq to Consider Adopting Resolution Approving the Planning Commission's
Recommendation to Authorize 227 Medium -Density Residential and 330 High -Density
Residential Growth Management Allocations for Reynolds Ranch Subdivision (CD)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file
in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Katzakian called for the public hearing to consider adopting
resolution approving the Planning Commission's recommendation to authorize 227 medium -
density residential and 330 high-density residential Growth Management Allocations for Reynolds
Ranch Subdivision.
Senior Planner Craig Hoffman provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the request to
authorize 227 medium -density residential and 330 high-density residential Growth Management
Allocations for the Reynolds Ranch subdivision. Specific topics of discussion included details of
the request, vicinity and subdivision maps, Planning Department guidelines, Growth Management
Allocation history, Growth Management Allocation for 2014, Growth Management Allocations for
Reynolds Ranch, environmental review, and recommendation.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Dale Gillespie, representing Reynolds Ranch, stated the
project is divided into three phases, the first of which is the largest, and he anticipated three years
for the project to fully develop, depending on market forces. In further response, Mr. Gillespie
confirmed that the Planning Commission approved and vested the subdivision map at its June 25
meeting.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Mr. Gillespie clarified that the phase, which includes
the 227 single-family homes, would potentially be built in three years, but the 330 high-density
units would be built in phases and he did not have a timeframe yet for that portion of the project.
Mayor Katzakian opened the public hearing for public comments.
Receiving no public comments, Mayor Katzakian closed the public hearing.
Council Member Mounce stated she could not support this request because of the loophole in the
vesting tentative map process that locks in the impact fee at the lower rate, which was intended to
be temporary. She expressed disappointment that the Planning Commission approved this
project knowing Council had this concern and was planning to correct it.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen made a motion, second by Mayor Katzakian, to adopt Resolution
No. 2014-139 approving the Planning Commission's recommendation to authorize 227 medium -
density residential and 330 high-density residential Growth Management Allocations for Reynolds
Ranch Subdivision.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, and
Mayor Katzakian
Noes: Council Member Mounce
Absent: None
G-1 Public Hearina to Consider and Adopt Resolutions of Necessitv for the Acquisition in
Eminent Domain of Certain Real Property for Public Purposes. Namely the Real Property
Identified Below, in Connection with the Harney Lane Grade Separation Project: a) A
Portion of Property Located at 13160 North West Lane (APN 058-110-47). Negotiating
Party: F&L Costa Family L.P. (Felix Costa & Sons): and b) A Portion of Property Located
at 120 East Harney Lane (APN 058-130-24), Negotiating Party: Diane Y. Tsutsumi and
Gary Tsutsumi. Trustee of the Gary & Joyce Tsutsumi 2011 Trust (CA)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file
in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Katzakian called for the public hearing to consider and adopt
resolutions of necessity for the acquisition in eminent domain of certain real property for public
purposes, namely the real property identified below, in connection with the Harney Lane Grade
Separation Project: a) a portion of property located at 13160 North West Lane (APN 058-110-47),
negotiating party: F&L Costa Family L.P. (Felix Costa & Sons); and b) a portion of property
located at 120 East Harney Lane (APN 058-130-24), negotiating party: Diane Y. Tsutsumi and
Gary Tsutsumi, Trustee of the Gary & Joyce Tsutsumi 2011 Trust.
City Attorney Magdich provided a presentation regarding the resolutions of necessity for the
acquisition in eminent domain of certain real property for public purposes in connection with the
Harney Lane Grade Separation Project. Specific topics of discussion included the number of
acres being acquired from the two remaining properties, F&L Costa Family and the
Tsutsumi Trust; the construction of an overhead grade crossing over the tracks and widening of
Harney Lane between Hutchins and Stockton Streets; main objectives of the project; past and on-
going negotiations with both property owners; resolutions of necessities and description of the
four findings Council must make; and recommendation.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Ms. Magdich confirmed that this action would give the
City eminent domain power if the parties cannot reach an agreement and that the purpose of
acquiring these property rights is for public interest and not for financial gain.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Ms. Magdich stated that negotiations were initially
with ten property owners, agreements have been reached with eight, and two property owners
remain.
In response to Council Member Johnson, Ms. Magdich stated there is a detailed process involved
with this procedure that will take time and the City needs to be ready for construction, including
the acquisition of properties, in order to accept the funds when they become available in January
2015.
City Manager Schwabauer informed Council that the two remaining properties are the largest
pieces of property being acquired and both have a number of factors associated with their
operations that have affected the timing of negotiations, but both property owners have been
cooperative and responsive during this process.
Mayor Katzakian opened the public hearing for public comment.
Steve Herum, representing both the Costa Family and the Tsutsumi Trust, expressed
appreciation to the City Manager and City Attorney for their positive, professional, and
understanding approach during this negotiation process. He stated his clients' goal is to
reach agreement without litigation being filed and they are opposed to the proposed resolutions.
He disagreed with the finding that the proposed project will be "most compatible with the public
good and the least private injury," stating that the design to build the project as an overpass,
versus an underpass, takes a greater amount of property from property owners. The selected
design is not the one with the least amount of suffering and cost, and he stated his clients should
be appropriately compensated for their loss. He stated that, if Council were to approve the
resolutions of necessity tonight, a lawsuit can be filed the next day, which could potentially stifle
negotiations. He requested Council postpone this decision and give the parties time to reach
agreement.
Felix Costa also expressed appreciation to staff for its time, consideration, and the professional
manner in which it has handled the negotiations thus far. He stated the overhead alternative
selected by Council was the less expensive option for the City; however, it placed a greater
burden on the property owners by taking three times more land and, for his property,
eliminating 3.5 acres of trees, which represents a loss of income. Mr. Costa detailed the issues
he is faced with as a cherry grower and how timing of this project could negatively affect his
operations. He requested additional time for the parties to negotiate an agreement.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Mr. Costa stated he felt City staff had a good
understanding on his timing issues relating to irrigation.
Gary Tsutsumi, representing the Tsutsumi family trust, stated that progress has been made
during negotiations and requested that Council not move forward with the resolutions of necessity
so that the parties can continue to negotiate in good faith. He too detailed the issues he is faced
with as a cherry and grape grower and how the schedule impacts his business. He felt that the
property owners are being faced with the greatest impact from this project and not enough
consideration has been given to the burdens and financial impacts with which they are facing.
Mike Carouba suggested that, in the future, staff handle negotiations of this type, versus
contracting it out, as it is well-equipped to do so and it would speed up the process.
Doug Kuehne commented that he worked for the Costa family in the past and spoke very highly
of how the Costa family business is managed, adding that he would not like to see them lose any
trees.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Katzakian closed the public hearing.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi and Mayor Katzakian, Ms. Magdich suggested Council
approve the resolutions of necessity but direct staff to hold off filing a lawsuit for 30 days or a date
certain in order to keep this project on schedule.
Council Member Mounce stated she would not support this request because she is
adamantly opposed to eminent domain and stated the parties should be given additional time to
reach an agreement.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen stated he would support the 30 -day extension to file the lawsuit and
questioned what will happen once the motion is filed. Ms. Magdich responded that filing the action
in court does not mean immediate possession of the land and there are time limits and noticing
requirements associated with such action. Mr. Hansen added that the City hired a consultant to
handle the property negotiation because it would have been a substantial undertaking for staff to
negotiate with all ten property owners on its own.
Council Member Johnson reminded the public that this process of acquiring property rights is for
portions of properties only and no one will be displaced.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Mayor Katzakian, to adopt the following
resolutions of necessity for the acquisition in eminent domain of certain real property for public
purposes, namely the real property identified below, in connection with the Harney Lane Grade
Separation Project: a) Resolution No. 2014-140 regarding a portion of property located at 13160
North West Lane (APN 058-110-47), negotiating Party: F&L Costa Family L.P. (Felix Costa &
Sons); and b) Resolution No. 2014-141 regarding a portion of property located at 120 East
Harney Lane (APN 058-130-24), negotiating party: Diane Y. Tsutsumi and Gary Tsutsumi,
Trustee of the Gary & Joyce Tsutsumi 2011 Trust; and further directed the City Attorney to hold
the resolutions in abeyance for 30 days, after which the City Attorney has the authority to proceed
with filing the law suit, if necessary.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, and
Mayor Katzakian
Noes: Council Member Mounce
Absent: None
H. Communications
H-1 Appointments to the Library Board of Trustees. Lodi Arts Commission, and Lodi Planning
Commission (CLK)
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to make the
following appointments:
Library Board of Trustees
Charlene Martin, term to expire June 30, 2017
Lodi Arts Commission
Tabitha Johnson, term to expire July 1, 2017
Catherine Metcalf, term to expire July 1, 2017
Richard Vasquez, term to expire July 1, 2016
Lodi Planning Commission
William Cummins, term to expire June 30, 2018
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
I. Regular Calendar
1-1 Provide Direction Regarding Wine Country Cardroom and Restaurant Request for
Ordinance Change Increasing the Number of Tables Allowed and Use of "Casino" in
Signage (CA)
City Attorney Magdich provided a presentation regarding the request of Wine Country Cardroom
and Restaurant for an ordinance change increasing the number of tables allowed and permitting
the use of "casino" in its signage. Specific topics of discussion included the history of ordinance
amendments, current request to increase the number of tables to 15 and to add "casino" to its
signage and advertising, and Council's past action to prohibit the use of "casino" in signage.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Ms. Magdich stated that currently the ordinance
allows 13 tables in the City and Wine Country is requesting to increase that number to 15, which
is the maximum allowed under State law. City Manager Schwabauer added that State legislation
has allowed the expansion in small increments and is driven by the number of tables that were in
place when this first went into law. In further response, Mr. Schwabauer stated that, if this
increase to 15 tables is approved and Wine Country expands by two tables, there would be no
further tables available to add in Lodi.
Council Member Johnson expressed his opinion that increasing to 15 tables seemed acceptable
because it meets the maximum provided by law. He further believed that the use of the word
"casino" was acceptable because, by definition, "casino" means a place in which one can play
cards. In response to Mr. Johnson regarding the process to implement these changes, Ms.
Magdich stated she would submit the revised draft ordinance to the attorney general for review
and, following approval, return to Council for ordinance adoption. She further stated that the
gaming control act does not define casino or cardroom, but it allows controlled games and is
defined as card games. Indian gaming is completely different.
Council Member Mounce stated that the applicants assured Council the last time it increased the
number of tables that it would be the last request. She added that she understands the law
changed and she was not opposed to the increase in number of tables. She is, however,
adamantly opposed to the use of the word "casino," stating that the word is indicative of a place
that has slot machines, comedy acts, concerts, hotels, and amenities such as a pool and spa.
She felt it would be false advertising to promote the Wine Country Cardroom as a casino. She
stated she would be willing to compromise on the increased table request if the request to use
"casino" on signage were dropped.
Council Member Johnson countered that no complaints have been received on the use
of "casino" and those frequenting the business understand that it does not have a spa, tennis
courts, or other such amenities. It is strictly a place to play cards.
Council Member Nakanishi expressed support for the request to increase the number of tables
and to use "casino" in signage, based on the fact that the cardroom in Lodi has been a good
partner with the City and is in a safe location.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Captain David Griffin reported that the Lodi Police
Department has not had significant problems with the cardroom, only minor calls similar to any
other business, and the Police Department has issued no opinion on the use of "casino" in its
signage.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Chris Ray, owner of the Wine Country Cardroom
and Restaurant, stated there are two casinos in Stockton, he felt the word "casino" was a more
positive and understandable description of the type of business, and his is one of the few
establishments that still serves food in Lodi after 10 p.m.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Ms. Magdich stated that, under the act, this type of
business can only provide controlled games such as Poker, Pai Gow, and tile games and the
Indian Gaming Act includes slot machines. Unless State law changes, a casino cannot morph into
an establishment approved for Indian land. It is strictly limited to table card games.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Ray stated the casinos in Stockton do not have slot
machines as those are only permitted on Indian land. Ms. Mounce expressed concern that a
casino would be at the gateway of the community and was disappointed that Council did not wish
to compromise on the signage.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Mayor Katzakian, to direct staff to proceed
with the request of Wine Country Cardroom and Restaurant for an ordinance change increasing
the number of tables allowed and the use of "casino" in signage.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, and
Mayor Katzakian
Noes: Council Member Mounce
Absent: None
1-2 Receive Report on Resident Canada Geese at Lodi Lake (PRCS
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Jeff Hood provided a PowerPoint presentation
regarding the resident Canada geese at Lodi Lake. Specific topics of discussion included Canada
geese facts and options the City can do to reduce the number of geese, including snow fencing,
herding dogs, predator decoys, laser treatment, volunteer patrol, egg oiling, no -feeding ordinance
and related signage, motorized harassment, sound repellents, grass treatment, strobe light, and
lethal measures.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Mr. Hood stated that the predator decoy is life-sized
and is moved to various locations around the lake each day. In regard to the volunteer patrol
program, Mr. Hood stated that all volunteers would attend an orientation and be identified by a
marked vest and an identification card. In further response, Mr. Hood stated that many
communities are dealing with similar issues and it is a matter of being vigilant as the geese will
return as any attempts to be rid of them decrease. The addition of the park program coordinator
position will be of great benefit in these efforts as one of this individual's duties will be to
coordinate wildlife management strategies.
Mr. Hood stated that a majority of the goose eggs are in the island area or on the lawns of
neighboring residences and the City would need permission from property owners if it wished to
pursue the egg oiling option.
In response to Mayor Katzakian, Mr. Hood stated that there are ducks at the lake; however, the
largest population at the lake is the Canada geese. In further response, Mr. Hood stated the City
would need a permit, which it could obtain online, to oil eggs.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Mr. Hood stated there is an existing ordinance
prohibiting feeding of animals, park officers spend a majority of their time educating visitors on the
no -feeding law, and the few who feed the birds with remnants of a picnic lunch are not cited. The
issue becomes a problem when visitors come to the lake with a substantial amount of food for the
sole purpose of feeding the birds.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Hood stated that staff currently utilizes sound
repellents at the lake and to date he has received no complaints from the neighboring residents.
In further response, Mr. Hood stated that property owners on the other side of the lake have the
right to hunt the geese, and City Attorney Magdich added that there are laws prohibiting the
discharge of firearms in Lodi.
Council Member Nakanishi expressed support for the volunteer patrol program and the predator
decoys.
Council Member Johnson stated this has been a problem for the last decade and several
solutions have been implemented with limited success. He expressed hope that these efforts
would be successful and stressed that it must be an on-going effort. Mr. Hood agreed, stating
that the department will take a multi -pronged approach and be vigilant and disciplined toward this
effort.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, Mr. Hood stated that adding egg oiling to the
process would be an important addition as it has an effect over time. As the number of goslings
produced each year decreases, it will begin to have an effect on the goose population at the lake.
Other communities have had success with their volunteer programs and he was hopeful Lodi
would receive a similar response to its call for volunteers.
Mark Wilcox suggested that homeless individuals be permitted to capture geese at the lake.
1-3 Introduce Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code Section 17.52.120 (B) (1) to Add
Submittal Requirements for a Vesting Tentative Map (CD)
Senior Planner Craig Hoffman provided a presentation regarding the ordinance to amend Lodi
Municipal Code Section 17.52.120(B)(1) to add submittal requirements for a vesting tentative
map, as detailed in the staff report.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Hoffman stated that the ordinances would take
effect by the end of September. He further added that there are currently no new applications for
subdivision maps and he did not expect any to be forthcoming.
Council Member Mounce pointed out that the developers who recently submitted maps all took
advantage of the reduced impact fees and locked in the lower rates.
In response to Council Member Mounce's request, Mr. Schwabauer stated that staff would
prepare an editorial for the newspaper to explain Lodi's impact fee structure and how it does not
equally compare to other cities due to the fact that Lodi's impact fees are lower, but the
City requires developers to pay more for other aspects of their projects.
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to introduce
Ordinance No. 1896 amending Lodi Municipal Code Section 17.52.120 (B) (1) to add submittal
requirements for a vesting tentative map.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
1-4 Adopt Resolution Approving the Classification and Salary Range for the Position of
Watershed Program Coordinator (CM)
Human Resources Manager Adele Post provided a presentation regarding the classification and
salary range request for the position of Watershed Program Coordinator, as further detailed in the
staff report.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Ms. Post stated that a part-time employee is currently
performing these duties and the recruitment would be for a full-time position open to anyone who
is interested. The decision to eliminate the part-time position would be a budget decision made by
the department.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Ms. Post stated that this is a new position that was
created based on the needs of the stormwater and watershed program and would review
regulations and educate the public on issues related to this program.
In response to Council Member Johnson, City Manager Schwabauer stated there is civil service
protection for full-time regular employees in which a city cannot treat a temporary employee, such
as a contract or part-time employee who does not receive benefits, as a regular employee. That
is not the case here as the individual in this position is performing the duties in a part-time
capacity and the City will be changing it to full time and adding additional duties that are being
driven by increasing regulations.
In response to Council Member Johnson, Ms. Post stated that the position was approved in the
budget and the job description requires college level experience in biology, in addition to other
requirements related to water resource and protection. Mr. Schwabauer added that he is unsure
whether the part-time incumbent is interested in this position, but he believed the individual does
meet the qualifications.
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to adopt
Resolution No. 2014-142 approving the classification and salary range for the position of
Watershed Program Coordinator.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
1-5 Adopt Resolution Approving the Classification and Salary Range for Position of Deputy
City Clerk (CM)
Human Resources Manager Adele Post provided a presentation regarding the request to approve
the classification and salary range for the position of Deputy City Clerk, as further detailed in the
staff report.
Council Member Nakanishi commended staff for reviewing this position and reducing costs in the
budget.
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to adopt
Resolution No. 2014-143 approving the classification and salary range for Position of Deputy City
Clerk.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
1-6 Adopt Resolution Approving Revisions to the Job Description and Salary Range for the
Position of Construction Project Manager (CM)
Human Resources Manager Adele Post provided a presentation regarding the classification and
salary range request for the position of Construction Project Manager, as further detailed in the
staff report.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen, to adopt
Resolution No. 2014-144 approving revisions to the job description and salary range for the
position of Construction Project Manager.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
1-7 Adopt Resolution Adding One Lead Dispatcher/Jailer and Deleting One Dispatcher/Jailer
Position Within the Police Department (CM)
Human Resources Manager Adele Post provided a presentation regarding the addition of one
Lead Dispatcher/Jailer and deletion of one Dispatcher/Jailer position with the Lodi Police
Department, as further detailed in the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen acknowledged Construction Project Manager Gary Wiman, stating
that he has done an outstanding job for the City of Lodi in handling projects in a professional
manner on time and under budget. He further expressed support for this change in positions in
the Police Department as he felt it was important to have a supervisory level in this type of
classification.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hansen made a motion, second by Mayor Katzakian, to adopt Resolution
No. 2014-145 adding one Lead Dispatcher/Jailer and deleting One Dispatcher/Jailer position
within the Police Department.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
J. Ordinances
J-1 Adopt Ordinance No. 1894 Entitled. "An Uncodified Ordinance of the Lodi City Council
Levying and Apportioning the Special Tax in Territory Annexed to Community Facilities
District No. 2007-1 (Public Services) (Annexation No. 1)" (CLK)
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Katzakian, to (following reading of the
title) waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print Ordinance No. 1894
entitled, "An Uncodified Ordinance of the Lodi City Council Levying and Apportioning the Special
Tax in Territory Annexed to Community Facilities District No. 2007-1 (Public Services)
(Annexation No. 1)," which was introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held July
16, 2014.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
J-2 Adopt Ordinance No. 1895 Entitled. "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lodi
Repealing and Re -Enacting Lodi Municipal Code Title 6 - Animals - in Its Entirety" (CLK)
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Katzakian, to (following reading of the
title) waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print Ordinance No. 1895
entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lodi Repealing and Re -Enacting Lodi
Municipal Code Title 6 - Animals - in Its Entirety," which was introduced at a regular meeting of
the Lodi City Council held July 16, 2014.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hansen, and Mayor Katzakian
Noes: None
Absent: None
K. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned
at 10:21 p.m.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Robison
City Clerk