HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 6, 2016LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016
C-1 Call to Order/ Roll Call - N/A
C-2 Announcement of Closed Session - N/A
C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session - N/A
C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action - N/A
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of January 6, 2016, was called to order by Mayor Chandler at
7:00 p.m.
Present: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi,
Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
B. Presentations - None
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to approve the
following items hereinafter set forth 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 Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler
Noes: None
Absent: None
C-1 Receive Register of Claims in the Amount of $6,186,664.97 (FIN)
Claims were approved in the amount of $6,186,664.97.
C-2 Approve Minutes (CLK)
The minutes of December 1, 2015 (Shirtsleeve Session), December 2, 2015 (Regular Meeting),
December 15, 2015 (Shirtsleeve Session), December 16, 2015 (Regular Meeting),
December 22, 2015 (Shirtsleeve Session), and December 29, 2015 (Shirtsleeve Session) were
approved as written.
C-3 Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2016 Crack
Sealing, West Lodi Avenue (PW)
Approved the plans and specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for 2016 Crack
Sealing, West Lodi Avenue.
C-4 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Rental and Cleaning of
Uniforms for Certain Field and Warehouse Employees (PW)
Approved the specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for the rental and cleaning of
uniforms for certain field and warehouse employees.
C-5 Adopt Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Megger Relay Test System from Megger USA,
of Dallas, Texas ($50,200) (EU)
Adopted Resolution No. 2016-01 authorizing the purchase of a Megger Relay Test System from
Megger USA, of Dallas, Texas, in the amount of $50,200.
C-6 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract with WMB Architects, of
Stockton, to Initiate Schematic Desiqns for Teen Scene Area at the Lodi Public Library,
Accepting a Donation from the Library Board of Trustees, and Appropriating Funds
($7,891) (LIB)
Adopted Resolution No. 2016-02 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with
WMB Architects, of Stockton, to initiate schematic designs for the Teen Scene area at the Lodi
Public Library, accepting a donation from the Library Board of Trustees, and appropriating funds
in the amount of $7,891.
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.
Elizabeth Bowman expressed concern about the increase in crime throughout Lodi, stating that
she moved to Lodi from Stockton to feel safe, but she no longer has a sense of security in the
community. She asked what citizens can do to improve the situation.
Mayor Chandler stated that her concerns are shared by all and reported that the Lodi Police
Department recently added more officers to its force and is doing what it can to address the
issue.
Council Member Mounce agreed that Lodi is a different place than it was many years ago and
suggested citizens get involved by starting Neighborhood Watch programs, instituting a
neighborhood telephone tree, watching out for one another, and notifying the Police Department
about suspicious activities and crimes. Council Member Mounce stated that staff will forward her
concerns to the Police Chief and request extra patrol in her neighborhood.
Council Member Nakanishi agreed with the previous two statements and stressed the importance
of Neighborhood Watch programs.
Council Member Johnson requested that the speaker leave her contact information with the
City Clerk and he would ask Jan Thalken with the Lodi Police Partners Program to meet with her
to discuss the formation of a Neighborhood Watch program in her neighborhood.
Kathleen Tachella stated she lives in the County with a Lodi address and has supported Lodi
businesses, schools, and the community for the last 26 years. She too expressed the concern of
the growing violence and increase in crime in Lodi, stating that the Police Department needs
more assistance and that citizens want to know what they can do to help. Lodi has the potential to
be a major tourist attraction, but a high crime rate would jeopardize the investment, time, and
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money this community has devoted. Ms. Tachella expressed support for Neighborhood Watch
programs but was uncertain how such a program would work in the county.
Council Member Johnson requested she provide her contact information to the City Clerk as well
because he knows an individual who may be able to assist her with options for those residing on
the outskirts of town.
Mike Lusk expressed appreciation to Council Member Mounce and Electric Utility Director
Elizabeth Kirkley and her staff for the tour of Lodi Electric Utility (LEU) and the demonstrations
given by the Utility employees. He stated he believed LEU is dedicated to providing reliable
service to Lodi.
E. Comments by the Citv Council Members on Non-Aaenda Items
Council Member Mounce also thanked Electric Utility Director Elizabeth Kirkley for the Lodi
Electric Utility (LEU) tour, as well as Mr. Lusk, Susie Rabusin, and April Morse for participating.
She stated it was very interesting and she believed everyone learned a bit more about LEU.
Council Member Mounce sent her regards to the family of the young lady who was attacked at
the dog park and wished her a speedy recovery.
Council Member Nakanishi stated that Lodi is safer than most cities, but studies show gangs are
moving into Lodi and, coupled with the vicious attack at the dog park, he cautioned all citizens to
be vigilant.
F. Comments by the Citv Manaaer on Non-Aaenda Items
City Manager Schwabauer informed Ms. Bowman that he provided the Police Chief with her
contact information. With regard to crime statistics, Mr. Schwabauer stated that most crimes have
decreased with the exception of property crimes, especially in California. A precise explanation
cannot be pinpointed; however, he believed that the growing problem centers around the
California Realignment Act, which states that lesser offenses, such as robbery, do not justify jail
sentences. Mr. Schwabauer encouraged those opposed to realignment contact their legislators.
G. Public Hearinas
G-1 Public Hearing to Consider Adopting Resolution Declaring the Formation of a Groundwater
Sustainability Agency Within Lodi City Limits (PW)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file
in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Chandler called for the public hearing to consider adopting a
resolution declaring the formation of a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) within the Lodi
city limits.
Interim Public Works Director Charlie Swimley provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the
formation of a GSA. Specific topics of discussion included basin identification and boundaries,
proposed GSA boundaries, Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) timeline, GSA
formation, GSA formation process, next steps, basin GSA filing status, collaboration structure,
estimated cost, and recommendation. City Manager Schwabauer explained that local entities are
required to form GSAs alone or with others; San Joaquin County filed to form a GSA over the top
of Lodi, with which Lodi disagrees; and the recommendation is to file a counter declaration to
form a GSA in the city limits and negotiate further with the County.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, Mr. Swimley stated the recommendation is to file
exclusively and independently. Mr. Schwabauer added that a joint effort with Woodbridge
Irrigation District (WID) and North San Joaquin Water Conservation District (NSJWCD) could
occur during the negotiation process, but at this point the City is anticipating a solo effort.
Mr. Swimley stated the benefits of going solo is Lodi's ability to maintain autonomy and
demonstrate sustainability with its groundwater resources. WID is close to being sustainable, but
he was uncertain of NSJWCD's status. An exclusive GSA for Lodi would mean control over its
own resources. Mr. Swimley explained that the County would form a coordination agreement with
Lodi and any other agency that intends to file exclusively, but it is unclear at this time how that
agreement would be structured. Mr. Schwabauer added that staff envisions the coordination
agreement to include a policy allowing Lodi to manage its groundwater pumping and that the City
contribute to the County's sustainability in the larger aquifer by applying data from Lodi.
Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne stated it would be helpful to view a map with the complete
boundaries of NSJWCD and WID in the water basin.
Council Member Mounce stated she was in support of the recommended action, stressing that
Lodi must protect its water rights by preventing other agencies from controlling Lodi's decisions.
The City spent millions of dollars to become a sustainable community, and she believed Lodi
should operate a GSA on its own.
Council Member Nakanishi stated he is a member of the Groundwater Banking Authority and has
participated in this issue since its inception. He explained that the intention behind this legislation
was to create a large entity to control a significant area. Initially, he believed it would be less
costly to join a larger group; however, this law will regulate and take what it wants. Lodi is in a
better position than most with regard to its water, and Council Member Nakanishi agreed that it
should be in a GSA by itself.
In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Swimley stated that agencies within the county vary
in opinion about whether to move forward independently with a GSA or fall under the County's
umbrella, primarily because some communities lack funding to cover costs associated with this
piece of legislation. Mr. Swimley clarified that it is staffs intention to cooperate in preparing the
GSA plan coordinated throughout the county, but it is important that the City file its declaration to
form a GSA before the coordination agreement is drafted so Lodi has some leverage. Those
agencies that do not file in the 90 -day period will be declared by the State to fall under the
County's GSA.
In response to Mayor Chandler, Mr. Swimley confirmed that Lodi can only file for its city limits and
not for the sphere of influence. City Attorney Magdich concurred that Lodi is permitted to file only
for the city limits and the detached land at White Slough.
In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Swimley stated that staff has had discussions with
NSJWCD about adjusting its boundaries because a portion is in the city limits, and if it chooses
not to do so, the City would enter into a separate coordination agreement with NSJWCD.
Mr. Schwabauer added there are overlapping jurisdictions and the City will need to work out
those areas with the respective entities.
Council Member Nakanishi cautioned that the State may not accept independent GSAs and could
conversely require regional districts. Should that occur, Lodi would have to join the County's GSA
and would be subject to the County's decisions unless bylaws are created that would allow
Lodi to continue to determine its own needs.
Mayor Chandler opened the public hearing for public comment.
Mike Lusk agreed that Lodi should remain independent to preserve its own power and autonomy.
He questioned if Lodi, WID, and NSJWCD each filed independently under the County's umbrella,
can the three entitles align as a voting block within the County's GSA. Mr. Schwabauer explained
that, under the County proposal, the smaller entities would be supplicants, not voting members,
and the County would have the final decisions. Mr. Lusk questioned if bylaws under the County
GSA would be determined by the individual members locally or by the State. Mr. Schwabauer
stated the bylaws will give the GSA powers as set forth in the SGMA, and if the City formed an
independent GSA, the bylaws would come to Council for formation and public input and adoption.
Council Member Nakanishi stressed that the State may not allow multiple independent GSAs and
require one large group instead, which would set bylaws and determine the powers. If that
occurs, his hope is that Lodi would have input to allow Lodi to determine its own water use.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Chandler closed the public hearing.
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Council Member Johnson stated he would support the request and questioned the timeline and if
there was a fallback position if things do not move according to plan with the County. Mr. Swimley
stated the City will cooperate with the County, while protecting its interests, and added that the
January 13, 2016, SGMA meeting will likely provide a clearer picture. The County was forced to
file its declaration after the Stockton East Water District filed its intent, which set forth a series of
events and deadlines including Lodi's timeline. Staff is intent on meeting that deadline to preserve
Lodi's leverage. Mr. Schwabauer stated that legally it is unclear what happens if Lodi cannot
come to agreement on the boundaries. When staff appeared before the San Joaquin County
Board of Supervisors on this issue, the County Engineer, Public Works Director, and Board all
indicated they were willing to negotiate a coordination agreement and walk away from Lodi and
the other agencies, but that remains to be seen. If there is a battle on this matter, it is unknown
how it would be resolved, but he believed it would likely be a hearing before the State Water
Board.
Council Member Nakanishi stated that the County started the process because, if no one initiates
a GSA, that responsibility goes to the State. Mr. Schwabauer stated that filing this action will give
Lodi leverage to negotiate as a member of the GSA rather than be a supplicant to the County.
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, to adopt
Resolution No. 2016-03 declaring the formation of a Groundwater Sustainability Agency within
the Lodi city limits.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler
Noes: None
Absent: None
H. Communications
H-1 Confirm Annual Appointment of City Council Members on Various Boards, Committees,
and Commissions (CLK)
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, to confirm
annual appointment of City Council Members on various boards, committees, and commissions.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler
Noes: None
Absent: None
H-2 Appointment to the Lodi Arts Commission and the Lodi Senior Citizens Commission (CLK
Council Member Mounce made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to make the
following appointments:
Lodi Arts Commission
Edward Casillas, term to expire July 1, 2017
Steven Orr, term to expire July 1, 2018
Lodi Senior Citizens Commission
Teresa Whitmire, term to expire December 31, 2019
Tracy Williams, term to expire December 31, 2019
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VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler
Noes: None
Absent: None
Regular Calendar
1-1 Introduce Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 9 - Public Peace. Morals and
Welfare - by Repealing Chapter 9.30, "Medical Marijuana Dispensaries," in Its Entirety,
and Enacting Chapter 9.30, "Medical Marijuana," to Prohibit the Delivery and Processing of
Medical Marijuana within the City, as Well as the Continued Prohibition of Medical
Marijuana Dispensaries (CA)
City Attorney Magdich provided a presentation regarding the proposed ordinance relating to
medical marijuana. Specific topics of discussion included past discussions and action relating to
fixed and mobile dispensaries and outdoor and indoor cultivation; new legislation relating to
medical marijuana, which includes criteria for the State Medical Board and overseeing physicians,
cultivation, and delivery and distribution; and the outcome of being subject to the State's rules if
entities fail to make a determination on the delivery of medical marijuana. Ms. Magdich stated that
the proposed ordinance amends the current chapter to establish delivery services of medical
marijuana as an illegal activity in Lodi and prohibits any method used to prepare marijuana,
marijuana edibles, and marijuana byproducts for commercial and/or wholesale sales. This would
prohibit all medical marijuana activities in Lodi. Ms. Magdich added that a potential November
ballot issue will address recreational marijuana and, if Council so desired, it could get ahead of
the curve and remove the "medical" qualifier and refer solely to marijuana.
Council Member Mounce stated she suggested the change to remove "medical" from the
ordinance to ensure Lodi retains control over this issue before the State dictates Lodi's direction.
The League of California Cities actively worked on this new legislation to ensure local control and
is currently working with the proponents of the potential November ballot measure to continue to
have control, such as the ability to tax the product as a revenue -generating source for
communities. Council Member Mounce expressed concern with the prohibition of the delivery of
medical marijuana as there are reputable delivery services and many individuals who cannot
travel to a dispensary. She suggested a caveat in the ordinance that delivery by a licensed
contractor is acceptable.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, Ms. Magdich stated that medical marijuana
dispensaries are currently prohibited in Lodi, but indoor cultivation and caregivers providing
medical marijuana to qualified patients is allowed under the current law. With the new legislation,
if local agencies do not regulate the delivery, they will be subject to the State's regulations. Those
regulations have not yet been created and will likely not be in place until January 2018.
Ms. Magdich stated that, if recreational marijuana is approved in November, there could be two
parallel regulatory schemes for medical versus recreational marijuana. The removal of "medical"
from the ordinance would prohibit processing and delivery of any marijuana -- both medical and
recreational.
In response to Council Member Johnson, Ms. Magdich confirmed that, under the proposed
ordinance, an eligible caregiver could still go to a dispensary outside of the City limits and bring
the product back to the patient. The ordinance addresses the commercial delivery of marijuana.
Council Member Mounce pointed out that there are homebound patients who do not have
caregivers and their only access is to order the product online for delivery.
In response to Susie Rabusin, Ms. Magdich stated that the ordinance defines delivery as
commercial delivery and process for commercial and retail wholesale and would not pertain to
individual users or caregivers, assuming they were complying with current State law. Caregivers
of multiple patients would not be affected as long as they were not making a profit and met the
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definition of caregiver. This ordinance is strictly for commercial operations.
MOTION:
Council Member Johnson made a motion, Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne second, to introduce
Ordinance No. 1919 amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 9 - Public Peace, Morals and Welfare -
by repealing Chapter 9.30, "Medical Marijuana Dispensaries," in its entirety, and enacting
Chapter 9.30, "Medical Marijuana," to prohibit the delivery and processing of medical marijuana
within the City, as well as the continued prohibition of medical marijuana dispensaries.
Ms. Magdich requested clarification if the motion included the elimination of the qualifier "medical"
in the ordinance relating to delivery and process or to introduce it as presented, to which Council
Member Johnson stated the motion was to introduce the ordinance as presented.
Council Member Mounce argued that the elimination of the word "medical" would protect the City
if the potential November ballot on recreational marijuana passes.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, Council Member Mounce stated that many cities
across California are taking steps before the November ballot so it covers all marijuana.
In response to Mayor Chandler, Ms. Magdich stated that local jurisdictions may be able to
maintain local control regarding recreational marijuana unless the State preempts local entities.
Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne stated he was not opposed to staying ahead of the curve and
changing the ordinance to say marijuana only. Ms. Magdich pointed out the amendment would
delete the term "medical" from the title and would remove reference to "medical' in the sections
concerning delivery and processing.
Council Member Johnson stated that his motion stands to introduce the ordinance as presented.
Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne withdrew his second.
Council Member Nakanishi seconded the motion.
Council Member Mounce stated she wished to make a second motion; however, the first
motion/second on the floor required action prior to another motion being made.
VOTE:
The motion to introduce Ordinance No. 1919 amending Lodi Municipal Code Title 9 - Public
Peace, Morals and Welfare - by repealing Chapter 9.30, "Medical Marijuana Dispensaries," in its
entirety, and enacting Chapter 9.30, "Medical Marijuana," to prohibit the delivery and processing
of medical marijuana within the City, as well as the continued prohibition of medical marijuana
dispensaries, as presented in the staff report, carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Chandler
Noes: Council Member Mounce and Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne
Absent: None
Following passage of the above motion, Council Member Mounce stated there was no further
need to make a second motion.
1-2 Provide Direction Reaardina Lodi Electric Utilitv Customer Advisory Board (EU
City Manager Schwabauer stated that Council discussions occurred about the possible formation
of an advisory board for electric utility and staff is looking for direction to see if Council wishes to
pursue the matter, who would serve, how it would be formed, and potential bylaws so it can return
to Council with options.
Council Member Mounce expressed support for a board, stating that the $98 million Utility should
have oversight. Council routinely hears complaints regarding long wait lines and poor customer
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service at the Finance Department, as well as high utility rates. There are key members of the
community who are willing to invest their time in working with staff and Council to improve the
service that Lodi provides to its citizens.
Council Member Nakanishi stated he would like to know what other communities with their
own utilities have done, including how they handle complaints, adding that he is not opposed to
an advisory board but recognizes that this will take significant time, attention, and cost.
Council Member Johnson stated he was not in favor of an oversight committee, pointing out that
the Council recently approved the expenditure for a strategic review of Electric Utility in which
professionals conduct surveys of the community, hold focus groups, and report back with a plan
of action for improvement. He suggested Council postpone this decision until the results of the
strategic review are released.
Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne expressed support for the board, stating he would also like to know
what other entities with private utilities have done, how their boards are formulated, and how
much staff time and cost is devoted to the effort.
Council Member Mounce also requested the costs associated with the Lodi Improvement
Committee, Recreation Commission, and Planning Commission because this board would be as
important as the others. The citizens who attended the town hall meetings feel the City is doing
nothing to correct the problems and that their questions remain unanswered. This board would
get to the heart of the issues and provide feedback and suggestions on ways to improve the
situation and operate the Utility more efficiently.
Council Member Nakanishi stated that this complex issue begins with education and the
members will need to understand how the utility is operated and how rates are structured. He
believed the first year would be devoted to educating the members.
Mayor Chandler stated that he spent the last year working with Electric Utility staff, serving on the
Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) board, and learning about the regulatory environment,
stressing that the City Council serves as oversight for the Utility. He stated that he visited the
Finance Department last week to renew a business license and experienced a quick turn -around
time. Mayor Chandler believed it would take a lot of education to be a member of the advisory
board and stated that the Council has heard the group's recommendations and is following up on
their concerns.
Mr. Schwabauer summarized the City's efforts to date: 1) concrete changes in the billing and
collection practices; 2) options for adjusting the payment timeline, which will return to Council
soon for action; 3) options to amend the rate structure; and 4) answered five of the seven
concerns brought forth. Customer lines are driven by the timing of utility shut -offs; the busiest
times are Mondays and Tuesdays; there are nine Customer Service Representatives, but only
five on the payment side, with the other four on collections; and it is unadvisable to have staff
serve on both sides of the utility bill transaction because it could increase the chance for fraud. Of
the five Customer Service Representatives at the window, some are answering phone calls from
the public and some are processing electronic and mailed payments, which leaves only three
individuals for the counter unless an employee is out sick or on vacation. Mr. Schwabauer stated
that staff will bring options to Council during the mid -year budget review for adding more
Customer Service Representatives. With regard to Ms. Rabusin's recommendation to eliminate
the $7 million PILOT transfer, Mr. Schwabauer stated that staff will not support that
recommendation and will not deviate from that position.
Council Member Johnson stated that, if Council decides to move forward with an advisory board,
he would like staff to postpone the Electric Utility strategic review and save the expense because
both efforts could result in outcomes at odds with one another.
Council Member Mounce stated she would like this board to function similarly to the other
commissions that delve deeply into the issues, many of which are complicated, and to ask
difficult questions about the operations. Council does not have the time to study the issue as
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thoroughly as the board could, and she believed that the creation of this board was long overdue.
Council Member Nakanishi stated he preferred the concept of an "improvement" committee
versus an "advisory" board, explaining that he envisions the committee expressing suggestions to
improve the Utility.
Council Member Mounce stated that three Council Members seem to support a board.
Mr. Schwabauer confirmed that staff is only seeking direction at this point, no motion, and will
return to Council with options on structuring the group.
Ed Miller stated that he recently started attending Recreation Commission meetings and was
surprised to learn how complex parks -related matters were. He stated the Utility is not simplistic,
but it makes sense that this would be a positive communication tool for citizens to complain and
learn more about the Utility. A commission would help Council filter through the issues.
April Morse stated that she attended all of the meetings on this subject matter and would like to
serve on the committee or board, however it is ultimately structured. She believes she is
passionate about this issue and has learned much since participating in the meetings. Both
parties may not agree on the issues, but she would like the opportunity to share her ideas and
concerns, all of which would ultimately be voted upon by Council.
Elizabeth Bowman stated that she teaches students to read and offered her services to help
better educate individuals on the subject matter.
Susie Rabusin stated that a random survey of 800 customers, as proposed in the Electric Utility
strategic review, is severely lacking and that enough individuals from her group have already
complained to generate some action. She believed that citizens serving on the board would have
the ability to learn and understand the complexities of the Utility department. To date, the group's
recommendations have fallen on deaf ears and not a single concrete change has been
implemented. Ms. Rabusin stated that customer service improved slightly after the initial
complaints, but it returned to the previous state in 30 to 45 days. She believed it was time for
citizens' voices to be heard and be taken seriously.
Council Member Johnson stated he was uncertain how random surveys function, but the
professionals know how to develop them to come up with predictable results with accuracy and
success. In response to Ms. Rabusin's comment that the City has been unresponsive, he
requested she provide Council with an update on which issues are still outstanding, what the hot -
topic issues are, and what, if anything, has improved.
Council Member Nakanishi stated that Council serves as oversight to the Utility and Lodi has a
fine Director and NCPA representative, but he agreed that others have worthy ideas to contribute
and would support a committee; although, he believed that selling the Utility would be a mistake.
J. Ordinances - None
K. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
8:53 p.m.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo
City Clerk
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