HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - April 19, 2017LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2017
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 April 19, 2017, was called to order by Mayor Kuehne at
7:03 p.m.
Present: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce,
Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, Deputy City Attorney Fukasawa, and City Clerk
Ferraiolo
NOTE: Council Member Mounce participated in the meeting via teleconference.
B. Presentations
B-1 National Volunteers Week Proclamation (PD)
Mayor Kuehne presented a proclamation proclaiming the week of April 23-29, 2017, as National
Volunteers Week in the City of Lodi. Representing the various departments were: Police
Department - Police Chief Tod Patterson; Library - Caitlin Casey, Library Board Trustee; Public
Works - Public Works Director Charlie Swimley; and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services -
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Jeff Hood. Mr. Hood recognized volunteers
from Love Lodi, Tree Lodi, and the Lodi Garden Club and added these individuals wear many
hats by volunteering with multiple departments. Lodi Police Department Volunteer & Crime
Prevention Coordinator Chet Somera expressed pride for the volunteers, particularly the Partners
volunteers who are pleasant to work with and volunteer for shifts at odd hours and in inclement
weather. He gave special acknowledgement to Pat Freeman who has been volunteering with
Partners since the Program's inception in 1993. Chief Patterson thanked the volunteers for their
hard work and the countless hours they give back to the City. Mr. Swimley echoed the previous
sentiments, adding that Lodi would not be the wonderful community it is without its core of
volunteers. Watershed Program Coordinator Kathy Grant acknowledged the Storm Drain
Detectives and their efforts, which received the prestigious Helen Putnam Award, as well as the
Lodi Lake Docents. This year alone, 180 students participated in the Storm Drain Detectives
Program and test the river twice a month. Ms. Casey recognized the many volunteers at the Lodi
Public Library and gave special recognition to the two recipients of the Library Volunteer of the
Year Award, Kelly Nimtz and Rick Seim.
B-2 Library Volunteer of the Year Award (LIB)
Mayor Kuehne presented certificates to Kelly Nimtz and Rick Seim as recipients of the Library
Volunteer of the Year Award.
Mr. Nimtz thanked the City, adding there are many others who are also deserving of this award
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and stated he shares this recognition with them.
Mr. Seim thanked the students for participating in the programs, as well as Library Services
Director Dean Gualco, Board President Caitlin Casey, and Literacy and Volunteer Manager
Yvette Herrera for all they do at the Library.
B-3 Earth Day Proclamation (PW)
Mayor Kuehne presented a proclamation to Watershed Program Coordinator Kathy Grant
proclaiming April 22, 2017, as Earth Day in Lodi. Ms. Grant announced this is the fifth year of
Earth Day, which will once again include coastal clean-up events at Lodi Lake. The event will
coincide with the Love Lodi event on April 29, 2017, and this year's partners include Starbucks
and a new collaborator, Constellation Brands, which is sponsoring a team -building canoe
activity. Pastor Glen Barnes with First Baptist Church added that the Love Lodi projects are listed
on its website, www.lovelodi.org, and include local schools and non-profit organizations and
range from cleaning streets to visiting shut-ins. In all, there are 65 projects lined up for the day,
and there is room for 1,000 volunteers. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a rally at Hale Park, after
which volunteers will be released to their projects until noon. Pastor Barnes stated that a number
of businesses and churches are supporting the effort. Kathy Olson, representing Constellation
Brands, stated they will be providing education about the watershed around Lodi Lake, in addition
to the canoe rides.
Mayor Kuehne recognized Greening Lodi for its transformation of the vacant lot by Busy Bee into
a community garden.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
City Manager Schwabauer announced that Item 1-1 relating to the Lawrence Park trees is being
pulled from the agenda because the Senior Civil Engineer redesigned the street project to move
the westbound bike path into the park, which will no longer require removing any trees. The item
will come back to Council for approval of specifications and contract award for a design that will
maintain the trees.
Council Member Chandler made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore 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 Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Mayor
Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: None
C-1 Receive Register of Claims in the Amount of $5,668,119.01 (FIN)
Claims were approved in the amount of $5,668,119.01.
C-2 Approve Minutes (CLK)
The minutes of March 15, 2017 (Regular Meeting), March 21, 2017 (Special Meeting), March 21,
2017 (Shirtsleeve Session), and March 28, 2017 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written.
C-3 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2017-2019 Sidewalk and
Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Program (PW)
Approved specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for 2017-2019 Sidewalk and
Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Program.
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C-4 Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Harney Lane
and Mills Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements (PW)
Approved plans and specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for Harney Lane and
Mills Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements.
C-5 Adopt Resolution Awarding Bids for Purchase of Medium Voltage Cable from The Okonite
Company, of San Ramon ($123,209.98) (EU)
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public.
Mike Lusk questioned where the cable will be placed, to which City Manager Schwabauer
responded it will be used to replace existing cable and for new construction. Mr. Lusk suggested
that building impact fees should be used to offset the cost of new development in the budget.
Electric Utility Director Elizabeth Kirkley explained that the City bills all new development for the
actual cost of labor and materials to install the needed facilities.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-72 awarding bids for the purchase of medium voltage cable from The
Okonite Company, of San Ramon, in the amount of $123,209.98.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Mayor
Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: None
C-6 Adopt Resolution Awarding Contract for 2017 Finance Parking Lot Resurfacing Project to
Tom Mayo Construction, Inc., of Stockton ($147,883); and Appropriating Funds ($100,000)
(PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-60 awarding the contract for the 2017 Finance Parking Lot
Resurfacing Project to Tom Mayo Construction, Inc., of Stockton, in the amount of $147,883; and
appropriating funds in the amount of $100,000.
C-7 Adopt Resolution Awarding Contract for Lawrence Avenue Accessible Parking
Improvements to Central Valley Engineering & Asphalt, Inc., of Roseville ($59,567) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-61 awarding the contract for the Lawrence Avenue Accessible
Parking Improvements to Central Valley Engineering & Asphalt, Inc., of Roseville, in the amount
of $59,567.
C-8 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreements with the Following
Entities for Water Meter Program Phase 7 and Appropriating Funds ($4,983,200): A) DSS
Company dba Knife River Construction, of Stockton, for Construction ($3,012,682); B)
RMC Water and Environment, of Walnut Creek, for Engineering Services ($37,826); C)
Terracon, of Lodi, for Construction Testing and Inspection Services ($400,000); D)
Henderson Brothers Company, of Lodi, for On -Call Residential Plumbing Services
($150,000); and E) National Meter and Automation, Inc., of Santa Rosa, for Purchase of
Water Meter Assemblies and Related Services ($700,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-62 authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements with the
following entities for Water Meter Program Phase 7 and appropriating funds in the amount of
$4,983,200: A) DSS Company dba Knife River Construction, of Stockton, for construction, in the
amount of $3,012,682; B) RMC Water and Environment, of Walnut Creek, for engineering
services, in the amount of $37,826; C) Terracon, of Lodi, for construction testing and inspection
services, in the amount of $400,000; D) Henderson Brothers Company, of Lodi, for on-call
residential plumbing services, in the amount of $150,000; and E) National Meter and Automation,
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Inc., of Santa Rosa, for purchase of water meter assemblies and related services, in the amount
of $700,000.
C-9 Accept Improvements Under Contract for LED Luminaire Retrofit of Cobra Head Street
Lights Project (EU)
Accepted the improvements under the contract for the LED Luminaire Retrofit of Cobra Head
Street Lights Project.
C-10 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional
Services Agreeement with Holmes International, Inc., of Sacramento, for Wastewater
Pipeline Condition Assessment Project ($57,125) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-63 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to
the Professional Services Agreeement with Holmes International, Inc., of Sacramento, for the
Wastewater Pipeline Condition Assessment Project, in the amount of $57,125.
C-11 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 5 to Professional
Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., of Rancho Cordova, for
Groundwater Monitoring and Reporting Services ($101,878) and Appropriating Funds
($101,878) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-64 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to
the Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., of Rancho Cordova,
for groundwater monitoring and reporting services, in the amount of $101,878 and appropriating
funds in the amount of $101,878.
C-12 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Task Order No. 40 with West Yost
Associates, of Davis, for White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition System Upgrade; Arc Flash Investigating and Training; and
Preliminary Design of Odor Control, Electrical Building, and Ultraviolet Disinfection System
Communication Improvements ($660,010) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-65 authorizing the City Manager to execute Task Order No. 40 with
West Yost Associates, of Davis, for White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition System upgrade; arc flash investigating and training; and
preliminary design of odor control, electrical building, and ultraviolet disinfection system
communication improvements, in the amount of $660,010.
C-13 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreement with Central Valley
Clean Water Association for Participation in Toxicity Special Study ($25,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-66 authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Central Valley Clean Water Association for participation in a toxicity special study, in the amount
of $25,000.
C-14 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Improvement Deferral Agreement
for 770 North Guild Avenue (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-67 authorizing the City Manager to execute an Improvement
Deferral Agreement for 770 North Guild Avenue.
C-15 Adopt Resolutions Authorizing City Manager to Execute Reimbursement Agreement with
Headwaters Kayak Shop and Approving Sole Source Procurement of Dock Components
for Lodi Lake from Lakeshore Construction/EZ Dock, of Glenhaven, and Appropriating
Funds ($26,000) (PRCS)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-68 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Reimbursement
Agreement with Headwaters Kayak Shop and Resolution No. 2017-69 approving the sole -source
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procurement of dock components for Lodi Lake from Lakeshore Construction/EZ Dock, of
Glenhaven, and appropriating funds in the amount of $26,000.
C-16 Adopt Resolution Terminating Agreement for Contracted Parking Citation Services with
Enforcement Technologies Effective May 31, 2017, and Authorizing City Manager to
Execute Agreement for Processing of Parking Citations with Turbo Data Systems, Inc., for
the Period June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2020 ($6,670 First Year Cost) (PD)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-70 terminating the agreement for contracted parking citation
services with Enforcement Technologies effective May 31, 2017, and authorizing the
City Manager to execute an agreement for processing of parking citations with Turbo Data
Systems, Inc., for the period June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2020, in the amount of $6,670 for first year
costs.
C-17 Adopt Resolution Terminating Delta Regional Auto Theft Team (Delta RATT)
Memorandum of Understanding Effective June 1, 2017; Authorizing Reassignment of Delta
RATT Police Officer (Special Assignment) to Serve as Community Resource Police Officer
(Special Assignment) to Specifically Focus on Community Homeless Issues; and
Authorizing Appropriation of Budgeted Part -Time Salary Funds from Police Administration
to Operations to Fund that Portion of the Officer's Salary No Longer Funded by Delta
RATT ($69,830) (PD)
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar at the request of Council Member Johnson for
discussion purposes.
Council Member Johnson stated he supports the recommendation to pull an officer off of the
Delta Regional Auto Theft Team and reassign him to deal with the homeless situation; however,
this eliminates the compensation the City was receiving to pay for a portion of the officers time.
He stated he believes the homeless issue is a county -wide problem and the County should
consider contributing toward Lodi's effort, similar to the School District's partial funding of School
Resource Officers. Council Member Johnson requested the City Manager address this issue
when he meets with the County Administrator. He further suggested the Mayor send a letter to
each member of the County Board of Supervisors explaining the benefit the County will receive
from Lodi's homeless liaison officer and proposing it contribute financially toward this effort.
Mayor Kuehne stated he would take the suggestion under advisement, and Mayor Pro Tempore
Nakanishi stated he supports the suggestion.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-73 terminating Delta Regional Auto Theft Team (Delta RATT) Memorandum
of Understanding effective June 1, 2017; authorizing reassignment of Delta RATT Police Officer
(Special Assignment) to serve as Community Resource Police Officer (Special Assignment) to
specifically focus on community homeless issues; and authorizing appropriation of budgeted part-
time salary funds from Police administration to operations to fund that portion of the officer's
salary no longer funded by Delta RATT in the amount of $69,830.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Mayor
Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: None
C-18 Adopt Resolution Accepting Labor Compliance Program for the Purpose of Fulfilling
Proposition 84 Grant Funding Requirement (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-71 accepting the Labor Compliance Program for the purpose of
fulfilling Proposition 84 grant funding requirement.
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C-19 Receive Report Regarding Communication Pertaining to AB 890 (Medina) - Local Land
Use Initiatives: Environmental Review (CLK)
Received report regarding communication pertaining to AB 890 (Medina) - Local Land Use
Initiatives: Environmental Review.
C-20 Adopt Resolution Finding the Public Interest and Convenience Require the Sale of City -
Owned Real Property Located at 705 East Lodi Avenue (Formerly Fire Station No. 2, APN
043-230-06) and the City's Intention to Sell the Property; and Set Public Hearing for May
17, 2017, to Receive Protests (CM)
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public.
Mike Lusk requested that, when this matter is brought back at the public hearing, staff include
information regarding the revenue from the sale of this property. He stated in 2001 the City
borrowed $1.9 million from the water impact fund to build Fire Station 4 on Lower Sacramento
Road. He requested that revenue recovered from the sale of the old fire station be returned to the
fire impact fee fund, then used to repay the loan from the water impact fee fund and the
Certificate of Participation for the water treatment plant at Lodi Lake in order to save water
ratepayers from a future rate increase.
City Manager Schwabauer stated that is a reasonable idea; however, the money from the sale of
the property is already assigned to repay the general fund capital account, which was borrowed
against when Fire Station 2 was replaced. The financing plan for Fire Station 2 involved the sale
of this property in order to pay back the general fund capital account.
Council Member Mounce requested that information also be presented at the hearing regarding
the original debt service, where the money came from, and the intention to pay back those
borrowed funds.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-74 finding the public interest and convenience require the sale of City -
owned real property located at 705 East Lodi Avenue (formerly Fire Station No. 2, APN 043-230-
06) and the City's intention to sell the property; and set public hearing for May 17, 2017, to
receive protests.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Mayor
Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: None
C-21 Set Public Hearing for May 3, 2017, to Consider Adopting Resolution Approving the
2017/18 Draft Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program
(CD)
Set public hearing for May 3, 2017, to consider adopting resolution approving the 2017/18 Draft
Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program.
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.
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Robert Rasmussen expressed support for the homeless liaison officer because he lives next to
the Awani Drive property near the railroad trestle and deals with homeless camping out in the
area on a daily basis. He hopes the new officer will monitor the property once a week and hand
out notices to vacate, rather than doing sweeps every three to four months. He shared some of
his experiences with the homeless living near his home and stated that this officer should help
with the problems in the area and provide another level of security.
City Manager Schwabauer confirmed that the location referenced by Mr. Rasmussen will be a
significant area of concentration for the homeless liaison officer.
Mr. Rasmussen stated it would be beneficial having an officer report the neighborhood's concerns
to the Police Department and to be a point of contact for residents.
Mayor Kuehne requested Police Chief Tod Patterson describe the new homeless liaison officer's
duties. Chief Patterson stated the program will be modeled after Manteca's and the officer would
typically work 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. and, for the first hours of the day, roust homeless individuals away
from businesses and other areas. He envisioned that the officer will have a four- or five-day
schedule; will respond only to transient -related calls for service; and drive a pickup truck to take
individuals to programs, drive them to the airport or bus station, or pick up abandoned shopping
carts. Chief Patterson reported that transient -related calls are up 54 percent over last year and
the Department feels this is the best use of an officer to address the growing problem. The
Department will develop a game plan to most effectively and efficiently utilize this officer.
Fernando Gallo announced the new non-profit organization in Lodi, Greening Lodi, the purpose of
which is to make Lodi greener, especially in the Heritage District, by planting community gardens,
painting murals, and executing other types of improvement projects. Greening Lodi was a result
of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) meetings conducted by the Lodi District
Chamber of Commerce, and he reported that the organization is run by Curt Juran, member of
the Lodi Improvement Committee and Master Gardeners; Tayna Hansford who works for the Lodi
Police Department; and he serves as the Vice President. Anyone interested in volunteering or
making a donation was encouraged to visit www.greeninglodi.org, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization, or FaceBook. Greening Lodi will be participating in the Love Lodi event on April 29
with its first mural event, site dedication, and alley clean up behind Heritage School.
Mayor Kuehne commented on the remarkable difference the first area made and is anxious to
see the art work. He stated he was pleased the group took the ABCD concept seriously and is
looking forward to working with them in the future.
Elizabeth Malone, student at Bear Creek High School, stated she was attending the Council
meeting for a school project and used the opportunity to express support for ratification of the
employment contract and increase in pay for teachers. She urged residents, especially parents of
students, to contact the Lodi Unified School District School Board to express support for the
contract.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non -Agenda Items
Council Member Mounce thanked Council for allowing her to participate in the meeting via
teleconference and explained she was currently in Sacramento at the League of California Cities
Legislative Action Days. She reported that the Governor spoke at the opening session and
acknowledged Lodi in his address. Council Member Mounce stated she was grateful and honored
to serve as League President this year.
Mayor Kuehne thanked Council Member Mounce for her hard work and efforts. He further
reported that he participated in Arbor Day on April 1, which was hosted by Tree Lodi, and
announced that Lodi has been a Tree City for 15 years. The group planted 25 trees that day in
multiple locations, including Cherry Blossom trees at Kofu Park and memorial trees, and that
more trees are being planted along Kettleman Lane. Mayor Kuehne recognized Tree Lodi for its
hard work and for planning the wonderful Arbor Day activities.
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Council Member Mounce thanked the City Manager, Public Works Director, and Senior Civil
Engineer Sean Nathan for revisiting the Lockeford Street Improvement Project and redesigning
the plan to save the trees on Lockeford Street.
F. Comments by the City Manager on Non -Agenda Items
None.
G. Public Hearings
G-1
Continued Public Hearing to Consider Introducing Ordinance Amending Lodi Municipal
Code Chapter 13.20 - Electrical Service - by Repealing and Re -Enacting Article III,
"Rates," in Its Entirety (EU)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file
in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Kuehne called for the public hearing to consider introducing
ordinance amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 - Electrical Service - by repealing and
re-enacting Article III, "Rates," in its entirety.
City Manager Schwabauer announced that the portion of the public hearing concerning solar
rates will be continued to July 19, 2017, because staff created a more favorable solar rate than
what was before Council for approval. He stated that, if Council implements the option before it at
this time, it would require solar applicants to install infrastructure for one solution and then require
them to spend more money in July to install infrastructure to meet the new requirements. Staffs
recommendation is to postpone the solar rates and act on it all at once so no one wastes money
on infrastructure in the short term.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi, Mr. Schwabauer confirmed the recommendation is
that Council vote on all non -solar -related rates and continue the portion effecting solar rates to
July 19, 2017. He further responded that this item has been continued at least twice, with the first
hearing originally scheduled in December.
Electric Utility Director Elizabeth Kirkley and Rates and Resources Manager Melissa Price
provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 -
Electrical Service. Specific topics of discussion included background of Lodi's Electric Utility
(LEU), financial challenges, costs to serve, revenue and expenses, cash reserves, current
financial position, long-term capital planning, capital improvement progress, reliability - Average
System Availability Index, reliability comparisons, rate actions, NCPA members and others -
residential bill comparison, Lodi and surrounding communities - residential bill comparison,
commercial rate comparisons, industrial rate comparisons, monthly bill impacts, maintaining
financial stability, other changes, EU ten-year financial model, near-term solution to address
annual deficits, and recommendation.
In response to Mayor Kuehne, Ms. Kirkley stated that, in most cases, the replacement of aging
infrastructure would go unnoticed by the public because it is primarily underground cable,
overhead wires, replacement of utility poles, substation equipment, and transformers.
In response to Mr. Schwabauer, Ms. Price stated that the last Consumer Price Index (CPI)
adjustment was in 2015.
Council Member Mounce stated that Council Members received a significant amount of
correspondence from solar providers who are frustrated with the City's delay in making a decision
on the solar issue and questioned why Council should continue the decision. Ms. Kirkley stated
that Business Development Manager Adam Brucker communicated with many of the solar
providers to inform them of the recommendation to continue that portion of the public hearing. By
continuing the hearing, LEU will be able to provide customers with a better rate option than what
is currently presented. If adopted tonight, customers would have additional charges in July to
change their infrastructure to take advantage of the solar benefit. Mr. Schwabauer agreed that
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solar businesses may be suffering because they are unable to sell their solar systems at this
time; however, the City is interested in protecting the ratepayer.
Council Member Johnson questioned what effect this decision could have on the City's credit
rating, which at this time is positive. Mr. Schwabauer responded that the rating agencies are
aware that Lodi has a capital improvement program (CIP) and that it needs revenue to fund it. If
the City abandons the CIP in order to maintain reserves and survive, the agencies could
downgrade the City for asking future generations to pay for the infrastructure it should be paying
for today. A lower rating will drive purchase power costs up.
Mayor Kuehne opened the public hearing for public comment.
Mike Lusk questioned how the City can justify voting for the entire rate structure at a 2 percent
increase when all of the facts and figures are not incorporated into the budget, such as the solar
issue, the PG&E interconnection project that will include City expenses for upgrades, and the
California Public Employee's Retirement System (Cal -PERS) deficit.
Pat Patrick, President and CEO of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, stated that LEU
addressed the Chamber Industrial Business group two years ago when it adopted the 5 percent
increase and the consultant's 10 -year plan. He questioned why the plan did not predict where it
would be today, only two years into it, and pointed to the significant increase in capital
expenditures following the 5 percent increase. He suggested the City and the consultant missed
the mark on the projection. Ms. Kirkley explained that the expenditures increased because the
City had funding to implement the programs and that some projects rolled over from one fiscal
year to another in the budget. She stated that, over the course of 10 years, the expenditures will
even out with the plan, but it may not match the budget. Ms. Price pointed out that the forecast in
2015 included the 5 percent increase, as well as four years of 2 percent inflationary increases,
and Mr. Schwabauer added that the first year CPI increase did not occur.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Kuehne closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi commended Ms. Kirkley and LEU for Lodi's lower rates and
system reliability. He stated the 5 percent increase two years ago was to assure reliability and to
stop deferring needed maintenance. Residents, who are the owners of LEU, have spoken that
they do not want water, wastewater, and solid waste rates raised, and the City is once again
implementing a rate increase. He suggested holding off on the increase, using reserves for
maintenance, and revisiting the issue in two years.
In response to Mr. Lusk's earlier question, Ms. Price stated that LEU is aware of its income
structure even without the solar revenue component because the proposal presented in July will
be to collect the fair share from solar customers, which reduces and possibly eliminates the
subsidy of solar altogether. She added there are also enough variances in the income levels and
load, which is conservatively projected at a 1/2 to 1 percent increase. Regardless of the decision
on solar and net energy metering, the financial situation shows those deficits will continue
because it is driven by the $3.5 million to $4.5 million capital maintenance program. She stated
she does not believe the decision on the solar program and compensation will have an effect on
that.
With regard to Mr. Lusk's earlier question regarding the 230 kV interconnection project,
Mr. Schwabauer stated staff does not anticipate the project will effect Lodi's rate or cost structure
for years to come. In fact, Lodi will realize a positive benefit within a 7- to 10 -year timeframe of
increased revenue because of the decrease in the low -voltage transmission access charge. He
explained that Lodi's cost for the 230 kV project is $22 million, which will be funded by a bond and
repaid with the savings from the decrease in the low -voltage charge. He stated that 10 years from
now, there will be no effect on the cost structure because, once the bond is repaid, the
$3.5 million low -voltage cost goes away and the debt will have been repaid. With regard to the
Cal -PERS issue, Mr. Schwabauer explained that the cost for LEU is a relatively small portion of
its overall cost structure. While the Cal -PERS cost is devastating in the general fund, LEU's
employee costs are only 12 percent of the overall operating costs, and Cal -PERS is 25 percent to
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37 percent of that total, which is a small number in the utility. He added that the Cal -PERS issue
does make the situation worse, which drives the need for rate increases as well.
Council Member Chandler reiterated that in 2015 the City gave notice that it may increase rates
for inflation by 2 percent a year for the next two to four years; however, it did not do so last year.
He stated that deferred maintenance is always costly; Lodi's rates are comparable and favorable
relative to other areas; and the City is committed to not skipping years in order to avoid
significantly large increases in rates, preferring instead small, regular adjustments.
Council Member Mounce stated that many residents are on fixed incomes and, while the increase
may be miniscule for some, they compound with other increases and become a burden on
citizens. She stated she would not support the motion.
Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi stated that he is not suggesting the City defer maintenance;
rather, it could tap into reserves and then revisit the situation in two years to determine whether or
not rates should be raised. Deferring the increase would save ratepayers in Lodi two years of
increases.
Mayor Kuehne stated the argument in 2015 for the 5 percent increase and 10 -year plan was solid
and he believes the argument still holds true today because deferred maintenance costs are
much higher and the legislature is continually imposing and increasing mandates on cities. The
City needs to be forward thinking and prepared to meet the mandates and requirements.
Council Member Chandler made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to introduce
Ordinance No. 1941 amending Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 13.20 - Electrical Service - by
repealing and re-enacting Article III, "Rates," in its entirety.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
Absent: None
Council Member Chandler made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to continue
portion of public hearing to July 19, 2017, to consider Lodi Municipal Code Section 13.20.290,
Schedule EP -Energy Purchase, as it relates to customer -owned generation.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
Absent: None
H. Communications
H-1 Monthly Protocol Account Report (CLK)
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to approve the
monthly Protocol Account Report through March 31, 2017.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Mayor
Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: None
I. Regular Calendar
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1-1 Provide Direction Regarding Lawrence Park Tree Impacts Associated with the
Lockeford Street Improvement Project (PW)
This item was pulled from the agenda pursuant to staffs request.
J. Ordinances
J-1
Adopt Ordinance No. 1939 Entitled, "An Uncodified Ordinance of the Lodi City Council
Revising the Growth Management Ordinance by Expiring 1,056 Unused Low -Density
Residential Growth Allocations" (CLK)
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, (following
reading of the title) to waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print
Ordinance No. 1939 entitled, "An Uncodified Ordinance of the Lodi City Council Revising the
Growth Management Ordinance by Expiring 1,056 Unused Low -Density Residential Growth
Allocations," which was introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held April 5,
2017.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Mayor
Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: None
J-2 Adopt Ordinance No. 1940 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. 5)" (CLK)
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, (following
reading of the title) to waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print
Ordinance No. 1940 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. 5)," which was introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City
Council held April 5, 2017.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Mayor
Pro Tempore Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: None
K. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
8:57 p.m.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo
City Clerk
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