HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - June 3, 2015LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2015
C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of June 3, 2015, was called to order by Mayor Johnson
at 6:04 p.m.
Present: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
C-2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) Conference with Adele Post, Human Resources Manager, and Jordan Ayers, Deputy City
Manager (Labor Negotiators), garding Fire Mid -Managers, AFSCME General Services
and Maintenance & Operators, Police Mid -Managers, Lodi Police Officers Association, and
Lodi Professional Firefighters; Conference with Adele Post, Human Resources Manager,
and Stephen Schwabauer, City Manager (Labor Negotiators), Regarding Unrepresented
Executive Management; and Conference with Mayor Bob Johnson and Jordan Avers,
Deputy City Manager (Labor Negotiators), Regarding Council Appointees Pursuant to
Government Code X54957.6 (CM)
b) Actual Litigation: Government Code Section 54956.9; One Application; William Alexander
v. City of Lodi: WCAB Case No. ADJ939178 - 01/27/14 (CA)
C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:04 p.m., Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above
matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Johnson reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Magdich
disclosed the following actions.
Item C -2(a) was discussion only with no reportable action. Ms. Magdich pointed out that labor
negotiations were handled by Human Resources Manager Adele Post.
Item C -2(b) was discussion and direction given with no reportable action.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of June 3, 2015, was called to order by Mayor Johnson at
7:00 p.m.
Present: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
B. Presentations - None
C. Consent Calendar (Readina: Comments by the Public: Council Action
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, 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 Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
C-1 Receive Register of Claims in the Amount of $2,841,066.09 (FIN)
Claims were approved in the amount of $2,841,066.09.
C-2 Approve Minutes (CLK)
The minutes of May 12, 2015 (Shirtsleeve Session), May 19, 2015 (Shirtsleeve Session), May 19,
2015 (Special Meeting), May 20, 2015 (Regular Meeting), May 21, 2015 (Special Meeting), May
26, 2015 (Shirtsleeve Session), and May 26, 2015 (Special Meeting) were approved as written.
C-3 Adopt Resolution Awarding Contract for 2015 Pavement Surface Treatment Project to
VSS International, Inc., of West Sacramento ($932,000) (PW)
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Public Works Director Wally Sandelin explained that
the asphalt pavement seal, which has been the practice for the last six to seven years, is a robust
pavement treatment that involves hot asphalt and rock chips with a cape seal over the top for a
smooth surface, similar to the treatment along Ham Lane. In further response, Mr. Sandelin
stated that the pavement management program is based on field surveys, and staff repaves
streets in areas where the water meter phases have been complete for two years in order to
smooth the street surface from the trench patches that were done as part of the project.
Adopted Resolution No. 2015-62 awarding the contract for the 2015 Pavement Surface
Treatment Project to VSS International, Inc., of West Sacramento, in the amount of $932,000.
C-4 Adopt Resolution Awarding Contract for 2015-2017 Sidewalk and Miscellaneous Concrete
Repair Program to Popuch Concrete Contracting, Inc., of Lodi ($179,900) and Authorizing
Public Works Director to Execute up to Two One -Year Extensions (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2015-63 awarding the contract for the 2015-2017 Sidewalk and
Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Program to Popuch Concrete Contracting, Inc., of Lodi, in the
amount of $179,900, and authorizing the Public Works Director to execute up to two one-year
extensions.
C-5 Adopt Resolution Awardina Contract for 2015/16 Asphalt Materials to Georae Reed. Inc.
of Modesto ($167,400) and Authorizing Public Works Director to Execute up to Two One -
Year Extensions (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2015-64 awarding the contract for the 2015/16 Asphalt Materials to
George Reed, Inc., of Modesto, in the amount of $167,400, and authorizing the Public Works
Director to execute up to two one-year extensions.
C-6 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contracts for Fiscal Year 2015/16
with United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties, of Stockton,
for Downtown Cleaning ($54,523), Transit Facility Cleaning ($45,384), and Hutchins Street
Square Landscape Maintenance ($18,805) (PW)
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Adopted Resolution No. 2015-65 authorizing the City Manager to execute the contracts for Fiscal
Year 2015/16 with United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties, of
Stockton, for downtown cleaning, in the amount of $54,523; Transit Facility cleaning, in the
amount of $45,384; and Hutchins Street Square landscape maintenance, in the amount of
$18,805.
C-7 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreement
with Carollo Engineers, Inc., of Sacramento, to Perform an Ultra Violet Feasibility
Assessment for the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility ($63,329) (PW)
In response to Council Member Kuehne, Public Works Director Wally Sandelin explained that the
Council action from May 6, 2015, regarding the ultra violet (UV) system at the White Slough
Water Pollution Control Facility related to the purchase of replacement bulbs, ballasts and parts
needed for inventory. The item on this agenda is a study of the UV system, which is approaching
its ten-year lifespan, to determine if it is working efficiently with bulb replacements or if an
improved system would be more feasible.
Adopted Resolution No. 2015-66 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Professional
Services Agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc., of Sacramento, to perform an Ultra Violet
feasibility assessment for the White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility, in the amount of
$63,329.
C-8 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreement
with Maintenance Connection, Inc., of Davis, for Asset Management Software ($60,384)
PW
Adopted Resolution No. 2015-67 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Professional
Services Agreement with Maintenance Connection, Inc., of Davis, for asset management
software, in the amount of $60,384.
C-9 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional
Services Agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., of Sacramento, for the Harney
Lane Grade Separation Project and Appropriating Funds ($45,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2015-68 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to
the Professional Services Agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc., of Sacramento, for the
Harney Lane Grade Separation Project and appropriating funds in the amount of $45,000.
C-10 Adopt Resolution Approving Final Map at 2600 Westgate Drive, Authorizing City Manager
to Execute Public Improvement Agreement and Associated Agreements, and Amending
Traffic Resolution No. 97-148 (PW)
In response to Council Member Kuehne, Public Works Director Wally Sandelin confirmed that the
Final Map is consistent with the adopted Bicycle Master Plan, which can be found in the General
Plan document. He further pointed out that this is in relation to the Wal-Mart project.
Adopted Resolution No. 2015-69 approving the Final Map at 2600 Westgate Drive, authorizing
the City Manager to execute the Public Improvement Agreement and associated agreements,
and amending Traffic Resolution No. 97-148.
C-11 Authorize City Manager to Enter into a Memoraundum of Understanding with Lodi
Memorial Hospital Association, Inc., Enabling Federally -Funded Low -Income Prescription
Discounts (CM)
Authorized the City Manager to enter into a Memoraundum of Understanding with Lodi Memorial
Hospital Association, Inc., enabling Federally -funded low-income prescription discounts.
C-12 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreement with Lodi Unified
School District for School Resource Officers ($301,410) (PD)
Adopted Resolution No. 2015-70 authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement with
Lodi Unified School District for School Resource Officers, in the amount of $301,410.
C-13 Receive Report on Drought Emergency and Governor's Executive Order (PW)
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar by staff for presentation purposes and
discussed at the end of the agenda.
C-14 Receive Update on Emergency Condition at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility
Digesters No. 1 and No. 2 (PW)
Received an update on the emergency condition at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility
Digesters No. 1 and No. 2.
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 emergency arose after this agenda
was posted (Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2)). All other items may only be
referred for review to staff or placement on a future Council agenda.
None.
E. Comments by the Citv Council Members on Non-Aaenda Items
Council Member Nakanishi reported that, in addition to serving on the Eastern San Joaquin
Groundwater Basin Authority, he sits on the Delta Protection Commission, which was formed
under the Delta Protection Act of 1992 to adopt long-term planned resource management for the
Delta and its environment. He attended the Commission meeting last week in Courtland, at which
a presentation was given on efforts related to the drought.
Council Member Mounce stated that the Council meeting will be adjourned in memory of Seldon
Brusa, who passed away on May 28. She shared that Mr. Brusa, who was a long-time member of
the Lodi-Tokay Rotary Club, truly believed and lived by the "Rotary Four -Way Test," which asks
these four questions: is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, does it build goodwill and better
friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned. She stated it was an honor to know him and
that Mr. Brusa will be missed.
Mayor Johnson agreed with the comments made by Council Member Mounce regarding
Mr. Brusa, stating he was a charter member of the Lodi-Tokay Rotary Club; a gentleman; a
classy individual; an honest, straight forward businessman; and community contributor.
F. Comments by the Citv Manaaer on Non-Aaenda Items
City Manager Schwabauer stated that the Lodi Police Department has seen a significant increase
in calls responding to individuals with violent mental health needs and aggressive histories. He
reported that a recent call involved the arrest of an entire family for 12 different criminal violations,
including assault, robbery, and controlled substances. He commended and thanked the Lodi
Police Department for rising to this increasingly challenging trend.
G. Public Hearinas - None
H. Communications
H-1 Appointments to Lodi Improvement Committee (CLK)
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Council Member Mounce expressed appreciation to Mayor Johnson for answering the call for
more diversity by appointing women to boards and commissions. She further encouraged citizens
to apply for City commissions because it is a worthy and rewarding experience.
Council Member Kuehne made a motion, second by Council Member Nakanishi, to make the
following appointments:
Lodi Improvement Committee
Fran Forkas, term to expire March 1, 2018
Curt Juran, term to expire March 1, 2018
Maria Rosado, term to expire March 1, 2018
Rehana Zaman, term to expire March 1, 2017
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
Regular Calendar
1-1 Report on the City of Lodi Junior Giants Program and Adopt Resolution Establishing an
Account for Donations Received from the Omega Nu Sorority ($600), from Andrew
Rigopolous ($500), and from the World Series Trophy Tour Event ($866) (CD)
Joseph Wood, Neighborhood Services Manager, provided a presentation on the City of Lodi
Junior Giants Program, stating it is the flagship program for the San Francisco Giants Community
Fund, which is a free, non-competitive baseball league for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. The
program was first implemented in 1994 to provide at -risk youth an alternative to gangs and
crime. The program serves over 22,000 youth in California, Oregon, and Nevada with over 90
leagues; it touches on the four bases of character development; and promotes health and
nutrition. For Lodi, the key element of the program is the message of violence prevention and
anti -bullying. Lodi's program initially started in 1999 through the Police Department and was
subsequently brought back last year as an off -shoot of the Gang Reduction, Intervention, and
Prevention program. Mr. Wood recognized Vice Commissioners Michael Reese and Russ Lake
for their assistance in making this program a success. The Lodi Junior Giants started with 166
youth and 10 teams, and this year's registration has already reached 388 players and 28 teams.
Reports and data show that the program has had a positive impact on youth and that parents are
satisfied with the league in all category options. In addition, Lodi was given the opportunity to
display the San Francisco Giants World Series trophy, which raised $866 in donations toward the
program. A majority of the program costs were covered by the San Francisco Giants Community
Fund, including $12,000 to $15,000 worth of equipment, with Lodi covering minimal fees for rental
of playing fields when City facilities were unavailable. Staff recommended the creation of an
account to accept donations that would help offset any program costs. In addition to the funds
raised during the trophy display, Omega Nu donated $600 and Andrew Rigopolous donated $500
toward the program. Mr. Wood reported that many community-based organizations have
contributed to the program by donating bottled water, ice, and food.
Andrew Rigopolous presented Mr. Wood a check in the amount of $500 toward the program,
stating he is involved with an organization on autism because of his son and that those involved
in the program made accommodations to include those with special needs. He stated there are
already three to four autistic children registered for the next season and he has accepted the
challenge to coach the team.
In response to Council Member Kuehne, Mr. Wood stated that the ambassador with the
San Francisco Giants Community Fund conducted interviews with youth participants and parents
and gathered the data and surveys on the program.
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In response to Mayor Johnson, Mr. Wood stated that the program did not impact the joint use
agreement with the Lodi Unified School District (LUSD) on use of facilities. Mayor Johnson stated
the school district should have a vested interest in the success of this program because it keeps
youth out of gangs and perhaps it should participate by allowing practice at some of its fields.
Council Member Mounce requested that the subject be placed on the agenda for the next Joint
City of Lodi and LUSD 2x2 Committee meeting, to which City Manager Schwabauer stated the
next season is fairly well scheduled, but he would be glad to have that discussion with the school
district.
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Johnson, to adopt Resolution No.
2015-71 establishing an account for donations received from the Omega Nu Sorority, in the
amount of $600; Andrew Rigopolous, in the amount of $500; and the World Series Trophy Tour
Event, in the amount of $866.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
1-2 Adopt Resolution Approving a Side -Letter Agreement with the Lodi Fire Mid -Management
Unit Amending Compensation for 2015 through 2017 and Appropriating Funds ($6,502)
(CM)
Human Resources Manager Adele Post provided a report on the side -letter agreement with the
Lodi Fire Mid -Management Unit, stating the group received a 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment
(COLA) in December 2014 as the first unit to reach agreement. Since then, staff has negotiated
with other units and recommends that Fire Mid -Management be extended the same COLAs as
the other agreements, which is a 3 percent COLA in year one retroactive to January 5, 2 percent
in year two, and 2 percent in year three, for a total cost of $39,771.
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Council Member Kuehne, to adopt
Resolution No. 2015-72 approving a side -letter agreement with the Lodi Fire Mid -Management
Unit amending compensation for 2015 through 2017 and appropriating funds in the amount of
$6,502.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
1-3 Adopt Resolution Approving Revisions to Contracts for Lodi Executive Management
Employees (Excluding Council Appointees) for 2015 through 2017 and Appropriating
Funds ($13,364) (HR)
Human Resources Manager Adele Post provided a report on the revisions to contracts for Lodi
Executive Management employees, explaining that this group received a 1.5 percent cost of living
adjustment (COLA) in December 2014. Staff recommends the group be granted the same
increases as other negotiated units of a 3 percent COLA in year one retroactive to January 5,
2 percent in year two, and 2 percent in year three; the ability to cash out the full 80 hours of
Administrative Leave similar to the other mid -managers; and a new provision that would allow
Executive Managers to receive a special assignment incentive of up to 10 percent with the City
Manager's approval for special assignments.
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Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Johnson, to adopt Resolution No.
2015-73 approving revisions to contracts for Lodi Executive Management Employees (excluding
Council Appointees) for 2015 through 2017 and appropriating funds in the amount of $13,364.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
1-4 Adopt Resolution Approvinq Revisions to Contracts for City of Lodi Council Appointees for
2015 through 2017 and Appropriating Funds ($6,317) (HR)
City Manager Schwabauer and City Attorney Magdich excused themselves from the meeting and
left the dais, while City Clerk Ferraiolo remained to record the meeting discussion, motion, and
vote.
Human Resources Manager Adele Post provided a report regarding revisions to contracts for City
Council Appointees, stating this group received a 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) in
2014 and that staff recommends extending the same COLAs that were negotiated with other
bargaining groups of 3 percent retroactive to January 5, 2 percent in year two, and 2 percent in
year three; and the ability to cash out the full 80 hours of Administrative Leave.
Mayor Johnson explained that the positions of City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk are the
only employees hired by the City Council and that the Appointees vacated the Chambers as they
believed it was inappropriate to be present during discussion of their salary increases. Mayor
Johnson stated the proposed COLAs were in line with those of other employee groups.
Council Member Nakanishi assured the public that Council and staff spent a significant amount of
time discussing employee issues through the bargaining process and during closed sessions.
Council Member Mounce expressed appreciation that Council Appointees were receiving the
COLA, along with other employee groups, as they were first to agree to concessions and salary
reductions in 2008. She added that she did not view this as a COLA, but rather an effort in
making employees whole again from what was taken away during the concession phase.
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Johnson, to adopt Resolution No.
2015-74 approving revisions to contracts for City of Lodi Council Appointees for 2015 through
2017 and appropriating funds in the amount of $6,317.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
Mr. Schwabauer and Ms. Magdich returned to their seats at the dais.
J. Ordinances
J-1 Ordinance No. 1905 Entitled. "An Ordinance Amendina Lodi Municipal Code Title 13 -
Public Services - by Repealing and Re -Enacting Section 13.14, 'Storm Water
Management and Discharge Control Code,' in its Entirety" (CLK)
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Johnson, (following reading of the
title) to waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print Ordinance No. 1905
Entitled, "An Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 13 - Public Services - by Repealing
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and Re -Enacting Section 13.14, 'Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Code,' in its
Entirety."
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and
Mayor Johnson
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler
C-13 Receive Report on Drought Emergency and Governor's Executive Order (PW)
Public Works Director Wally Sandelin provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the drought
emergency and the Governor's Executive Order. Specific topics of discussion included reservoir
conditions, conservation legislation, Water Resources Control Board regulations, Lodi historical
usage and data, conservation program, Lodi Stage Three, Lodi Stage Four, planned actions, and
optional actions.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Sandelin stated that Lodi has only one street
median with turf, which is relatively small, and staff can either plant trees in lieu of the lawn,
which are allowed to be watered, or look at drought -tolerant landscaping, which is the more likely
option.
In response to Mayor Johnson, Mr. Sandelin confirmed that the maximum increase in water rates
is capped at 3 percent, but actual increases were less, even as low as zero percent at times.
Council Member Nakanishi stated the public perception is that it will cost less if users conserve
more; however, less water use may mean increased rates to make up for lost revenue. Council
Member Nakanishi questioned how long the City could survive on reduced water revenues, to
which Mr. Sandelin stated that the water fund could potentially absorb the impact of the
36 percent reduction in use by pushing out capital projects for a short -period of time, which he
estimated at five years.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Sandelin stated projects such as the water meter
program and well maintenance would be deferred to make up for lost water revenues.
In response to Council Member Kuehne, Mr. Sandelin stated he is preparing an informational
piece that includes the phone number, e-mail address, and emergency phone number for the
public to call with water questions, concerns, and reporting of violations.
Council Member Mounce stated she previously requested that the new watering rules be included
in the utility bill mailing, both in English and in Spanish, so residents are aware of the
requirements and can avoid fines. Mr. Sandelin stated the next utility bill mailer is full and the flier
will likely be included in the subsequent month's mailing. He added that the emphasis for Water
Conservation Officers is education, and City Manager Schwabauer explained that the first three
contacts with violators is a warning instead of a citation. Council Member Mounce believed that
education via the utility bill mailer is less costly and intrusive than a Water Conservation Officer
arriving at one's residence.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Sandelin stated that the majority of calls to the
Conservation Program were complaints about high water bills, requests for complimentary water
audits, and reporting of watering violations.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Sandelin confirmed that Lodi is not yet at Stage 4,
but he wanted to make Council and the public aware of the types of requirements that would go
into affect at that stage of emergency. In further response, Mr. Sandelin stated Lodi does have
commercial car wash establishments that use recycled water, but none use reclaimed water at
this time.
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In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Sandelin stated that, as Public Works Director, he
can declare a Stage 3 emergency; however, he would not advance to Stage 4 without Council
concurrence.
Council Member Mounce expressed concern regarding the proposed planned action to offer new
water conservation rebates, referencing the Blue Sheet letter from a citizen regarding drought -
tolerant landscaping, and stated that she was uncertain about using tax payer money to give to
other tax payers to encourage them to be responsible during the drought, especially if rates are
raised. Mr. Sandelin stated staff could hold off on the rebates until further discussion.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Schwabauer stated the grass at DeBenedetti Park
was planted prior to the drought; the Parks Division waters different sections of the lawn every
day, but not the entire park on a daily basis; and the park has valves and controllers that manage
each portion of the park. Council Member Mounce reported that she received complaints that
water pools at the bottom of the field when it is watered, which leaves the sides of the park dry
while the bottom is saturated. Mr. Sandelin stated that staff completed water meter installations at
all City facilities, including parks and landscape medians, and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural
Services Director Jeff Hood has assessed water usage at all parks to determine which areas can
brown and which areas to keep lush, such as practice fields for safety reasons. Along with the
metered data, Mr. Hood can change cycle times and frequency to scale back irrigation based on
usage data. In further response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Sandelin stated that staff would
approach the school district next to discuss water conservation at its fields.
Council Member Kuehne stated he lives by DeBenedetti Park and has not witnessed standing
water due to the sprinklers. With regard to rebates, Council Member Kuehne agreed that he was
uncertain as to whether the City should pay individuals via rebates to be responsible during the
drought.
Mayor Johnson expressed uncertainty on the rebate issue, but stressed the matter should not be
ignored as the drought is a major issue for this and other communities and it is reasonable that
the public will demand rebates, similar to other communities who are also experiencing
diminished water sales, to address the ongoing drought.
Mr. Schwabauer pointed out that Lodi has an obligation to cut water use; otherwise, rate payers
will feel the sting in penalties and fines assessed by the State regardless of the transfer of money
from one rate payer to another as a result of rebate programs. He stated there may be other
program options, but the City must find a solution that will work to reduce water use.
Council Member Mounce believed the first step is an education campaign to encourage citizens
to conserve and stated she was not opposed to the rebate programs, but she would like to see
what other communities that provide their own water service are doing in that regard.
Council Member Nakanishi expressed opposition to adding more Water Conservation Officers,
stating he hopes the drought will be over by next year.
Mayor Johnson suggested that, instead of adding more Water Conservation Officers, staff
consider asking the Lodi Police Partners to serve in a reporting mode to notify Public Works of
violators and areas of concern. Mr. Sandelin stated he would discuss the idea with the Police
Chief.
Kathy Polenske questioned if the 36 percent reduction was an overall average for the year or by
each month, to which Mr. Sandelin responded it is for each month as compared to the correlating
month in 2013.
Mayor Johnson requested that Council be provided with regular, ongoing reports on where Lodi
stands and its progress, to which Mr. Sandelin replied in the affirmative.
Mr. Schwabauer commented in response to negative press regarding City water usage, stating
that Lodi has invested $50 million in water sustainability by recycling 100 percent of its
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wastewater for eight months out of the year, $40 million in constructing the Surface Water
Treatment Plant, and $2.5 million in buying water to recharge the groundwater supply, which few
communities are doing. Lodi has developed water supply obligations with its recycled water,
including the Lodi Energy Center in which the State has a partnership. Mr. Schwabauer reminded
the public that not all water is wasted; some is productive and needs to continue for certain
operations to function.
K. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
8:34 p.m., in memory of Seldon Brusa, who passed away on May 28.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo
City Clerk
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