HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - June 21, 2017LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2017
C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of June 21, 2017, was cancelled.
C-2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) Conference with Adele Post, Human Resources Manager, and Andrew Keys, Deputy City
Manager (Labor Negotiators), Regarding Lodi City Mid -Management Association,
AFSCME General Services and Maintenance & Operators, Police Mid -Managers, Lodi
Police Officers Association, Lodi Police Dispatchers Association, Lodi Professional
Firefighters, Lodi Fire Mid -Management, and International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 (CM)
b) Review of Council Appointee — City Clerk to Include Compensation Evaluation
(Government Code 54957)
C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
The above matters were not discussed due to the fact that the Closed Session meeting was
cancelled.
C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action - N/A
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of June 21, 2017, was called to order by Mayor Kuehne at
7:01 p.m.
Present: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Absent: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
B. Presentations
B-1 Parks Make Life Better Month Proclamation (PRCS)
Mayor Kuehne presented a proclamation to Jeff Palmquist, Vice Chairman of the Parks and
Recreation Commission, proclaiming July 2017 as "Parks Make Life Better Month" in the City of
Lodi.
B-2 Presentation of Certificate of Completion of Executive Fire Officer Program to Deputy Fire
Chief Eugene Stoddart (FD)
Fire Chief Larry Rooney provided information regarding the Executive Fire Officer Program
through the National Fire Academy, which is a voluntary program where participants attend for
two weeks each year for four years and take baccalaureate classes. The intensive program took
Deputy Fire Chief Eugene Stoddart away from his family, he received no pay for attending the
courses, and he continued to perform his full-time responsibilities and duties in the Fire
Department. Chief Rooney reported that, following the completion of each course, participants
are required to write a report specific to the individual's community and department on ways to
enhance services and that two of Deputy Chief Stoddart's reports were published to teach future
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students. Chief Rooney also recognized Deputy Chief Stoddart's wife, Lisa Stoddart, for
supporting her husband while he worked through this arduous education and training program.
Mayor Kuehne presented a Certificate of Completion of Executive Fire Officer Program to
Deputy Chief Stoddart. Deputy Chief Stoddart thanked his wife for her continued support; Fire
Chief Rooney for encouraging him to take the program; Fire Department staff for covering the
office while he was away attending classes; and the crews on the engines who ensured things
ran smoothly while he was away.
B-3 Presentation by Lodi Peace Walk Committee of Community Painting from 2017 Peace
Walk (CLK)
Pastor Steve Newman with First Baptist Church and member of the Lodi Peace Walk Committee,
along with other Committee members, gave a presentation regarding the community painting
from the 2017 Peace Walk. Pastor Newman stated the Peace Walk was meant to be a concrete
action to say Lodi stands for peace against bullying, terrorism, violence, and prejudice and that it
unites together in harmony despite diversity. He reported the group will continue to have
meetings, with the next event occurring on July 29, 2017.
Artist Theresa Juarez with The Breakers stated she was blessed to have the opportunity to do a
painting for the event and explained that the art piece is of a tree of hope and peace breaking out
of the concrete and bringing something beautiful into the darkness. Pastor Newman pointed out
that the leaves in the painting were made with fingerprints, which represents diversity.
Lyndsey Grant with Community Partnership for Families stated she hopes the painting will find a
home in the City or is shared with another organization because it represents the group's hard
work and provides a sense of peace.
Mayor Kuehne shared his experience from the event, stating there was signing, dancing, and
Buddhists with drums. He felt there was much camaraderie and openness in the group, which
provided a sense of community. He reported the event will take place again next year.
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, 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 Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
C-1 Receive Register of Claims in the Amount of $2,553,434.13 (FIN)
Claims were approved in the amount of $2,553,434.13.
C-2 Approve Minutes (CLK)
The minutes of May 23, 2017 (Shirtsleeve Session), May 23, 2017 (Adjourned Regular Meeting),
May 23, 2017 (Special Joint Meeting with Lodi Arts Commission), May 30, 2017 (Shirtsleeve
Session), and June 6, 2017 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written.
C-3 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for 2017 Extruded Traffic
Stripes, Various City Streets (PW)
Approved specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for 2017 Extruded Traffic Stripes,
Various City Streets.
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C-4 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids to Generate Engineering
Design to Upgrade Existing Facilities at McLane Substation (EU)
Approved specifications and authorized advertisement for bids to generate engineering design to
upgrade existing facilities at McLane Substation.
C-5 Adopt Resolution Awarding Bid for Purchase of Capacitor Banks from Anixter, of Benicia
($203,971) (EU)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-112 awarding bid for purchase of capacitor banks from Anixter, of
Benicia, in the amount of $203,971.
C-6 Adopt Resolution Awarding Contract for Harney Lane and Mills Avenue Traffic Signal and
Lighting Improvements to Tim Paxin's Pacific Excavation, Inc., of Elk Grove ($218,455)
(PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-113 awarding the contract for Harney Lane and Mills Avenue
Traffic Signal and Lighting Improvements to Tim Paxin's Pacific Excavation, Inc., of Elk Grove, in
the amount of $218,455.
C-7 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contracts for Fiscal Year 2017/18
with United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras Counties, of Stockton,
for Downtown Cleaning ($60,540), Transit Facility Cleaning ($48,778), and Hutchins Street
Square Landscape Maintenance ($21,068) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-114 authorizing the City Manager to execute the contracts for
Fiscal Year 2017/18 with United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin, Amador, and Calaveras
Counties, of Stockton, for Downtown Cleaning in the amount of $60,540; Transit Facility
Cleaning, in the amount of $48,778; and Hutchins Street Square Landscape Maintenance, in the
amount of $21,068.
C-8 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Task Order No. 45 with West Yost
Associates, Inc., of Walnut Creek, for Ongoing Engineering Services Related to
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act ($40,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-115 authorizing the City Manager to execute Task Order No. 45
with West Yost Associates, Inc., of Walnut Creek, for ongoing engineering services related to the
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, in the amount of $40,000.
C-9 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional
Services Agreement with DC Frost Associates, Inc., of Walnut Creek, for Purchase of
Ultraviolet Disinfection Replacement Parts ($300,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-116 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to
Professional Services Agreement with DC Frost Associates, Inc., of Walnut Creek, for purchase
of ultraviolet disinfection replacement parts, in the amount of $300,000.
C-10 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreements
with Invoice Cloud, of Braintree, Massachusetts, for Online, Mobile, and Interactive Voice
Response Utility Services ($635,000), and CityBase, of Chicago, Illinois, for Payment
Kiosk Services ($297,000) (CM)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-117 authorizing the City Manager to execute Professional Services
Agreements with Invoice Cloud, of Braintree, Massachusetts, for online, mobile, and interactive
voice response utility services, in the amount of $635,000; and CityBase, of Chicago, Illinois, for
payment kiosk services, in the amount of $297,000.
C-11 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Hutchins Street Square, Holz Room Flooring
Replacement (PW)
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Accepted improvements under the contract for Hutchins Street Square, Holz Room Flooring
Replacement.
C-12 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Lawrence Avenue Accessible Parking
Improvements (PW)
Accepted improvements under the contract for Lawrence Avenue Accessible Parking
Improvements.
C-13 Accept Improvements Under Contract for Lodi Lake Nature Area Emergency Levee Repair
(PW)
Accepted improvements under the contract for Lodi Lake Nature Area Emergency Levee Repair.
C-14 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager or Designee to Execute and File Applications
to Receive Reimbursement for Lodi Lake Nature Area Emergency Erosion Repair and to
Execute Any Related Applications, Certifications, Assurances, Forms, Agreements, and
Documents (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-118 authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute and file
applications to receive reimbursement for Lodi Lake Nature Area emergency erosion repair and
to execute any related applications, certifications, assurances, forms, agreements, and
documents.
C-15 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to File Claim for 2016/17 Transportation
Development Act Funds from Local Transportation Fund ($2,931,590) and State Transit
Assistance Fund ($135,190) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-119 authorizing the City Manager to file claim for 2016/17
Transportation Development Act funds from Local Transportation Fund, in the amount of
$2,931,590, and State Transit Assistance Fund, in the amount of $135,190.
C-16 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Negotiate and Execute Measure K Renewal
Cooperative Agreement with San Joaquin Council of Governments for GrapeLine
Operations Project, to Receive Funds for Fiscal Years 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20
($1,200,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-120 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute
Measure K Renewal Cooperative Agreement with San Joaquin Council of Governments for
GrapeLine Operations Project, to receive funds for Fiscal Years 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20,
in the amount of $1,200,000.
C-17 Adopt Resolution Ratifying San Joaquin Council of Governments' Annual Financial Plan
for Fiscal Year 2017/18 (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-121 ratifying San Joaquin Council of Governments' Annual
Financial Plan for Fiscal Year 2017/18.
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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Pat Patrick, President and CEO of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, announced that the
Farmers' Market scheduled for Thursday, June 22, 2017, will be canceled due to the severe heat
warnings. Weather reports indicated it could be 107 degrees or hotter, and the farmers and
vendors were polled, asking if they wanted to participate under those conditions. They all agreed
the heat was too intense, the produce would likely suffer, and the crowd will probably be minimal
as most people will not venture out in the severe heat. The cancellation will be communicated via
electronic and social media, as well as in print. Mr. Patrick reported that an additional market will
be added on September 7, 2017, at the end of the season, in order to provide a full 16 -week
Farmers' Market.
Patrick Byron spoke regarding the medical and recreational cannabis reform, stating the City of
Lodi needs to address the issue once again following the passage of Proposition 64 regarding
marijuana legalization. He stated there is a large population of medical cannabis users; yet Lodi
banned cannabis businesses and commercial cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes,
which he believes the City should reconsider. With regard to personal -use cultivation, which is
allowed, he stated the issue is that most individuals do not have the time or space to cultivate in
one's home. Mr. Byron requested the City Council agendize the matter to consider
giving residents safe, legal access to cannabis.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non -Agenda Items
Council Member Chandler reported on the meeting regarding homelessness held at the Lodi
Grape Festival grounds on June 8, 2017, by Mark Armstrong. Approximately 100 people
attended, including Council Members, Police Chief, and County personnel, to report on what is
being done to address the matter and discuss new options. He stated the meeting brought about
positive solutions and suggestions and also had many who vented their frustrations with the
situation. A group at the meeting volunteered to take care of abandoned shopping carts, and
since that time, over 50 carts were collected and returned. Another individual volunteer to scout
the river on his boat to see if he could head off any settlements that spring up in the area.
Council Member Chandler stated that, despite frustrations, there was a definite willingness to
work together and Mr. Armstrong assured him that the group would like to integrate with the
existing Homeless Solutions Committee.
Council Member Johnson stated he was pleased to hear the report on the homeless meeting,
adding his concern about multiple efforts has been eased. He stated he believes both groups
working together and aligning efforts to solve the issue is the best solution. Council Member
Johnson recognized the City of Lodi Electric Utility Department for maintaining the utility system
and ensuring citizens have power, especially when great strains are placed on the grid. With the
recent heat wave, the City experienced minimal power outages that affected only 30 customers
versus PG&E and SMUD that had a significantly higher number of customers without power.
Further, Council Member Johnson reiterated his request from the last Council meeting, at which
he suggested reviewing options to outsource services in light of the City's precarious fiscal status
going into the future. Because a majority of Council expressed interest at that meeting, he
requested once again that staff agendize the topic as soon as possible to discuss the matter
further.
F. Comments by the City Manager on Non -Agenda Items
None.
G. Public Hearings
G-1
Public Hearing to Consider Resolution Adopting Final Engineer's Annual Levy Report for
Lodi Consolidated Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2003-1, Fiscal Year
2017/18; and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments (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 Kuehne called for the public hearing to consider resolution
adopting Final Engineer's Annual Levy Report for Lodi Consolidated Landscape Maintenance
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Assessment District No. 2003-1, Fiscal Year 2017/18; and ordering the levy and collection of
assessments.
Public Works Director Charlie Swimley provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding Landscape
Maintenance Assessment District No. 2003-1 (District). Specific topics of discussion included
District 2017/18 budget and comparison of assessments.
Mayor Kuehne opened the public hearing for public comment.
There being no public comments, Mayor Kuehne closed the public hearing.
Council Member Chandler made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-122 adopting Final Engineer's Annual Levy Report for Lodi Consolidated
Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2003-1, Fiscal Year 2017/18; and ordering the
levy and collection of assessments.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
G-2 Rescind Resolution No. 2017-86 and Conduct Public Hearing to Consider Adopting
Resolution Approving 2017/18 Draft Annual Action Plan for the Community Development
Block Grant Program (CD)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file
in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Kuehne called for the public hearing to consider adopting
resolution approving 2017/18 Draft Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) Program.
Community Services Manager Joseph Wood provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the
2017/18 Draft Annual Action Plan for the CDBG Program. Specific topics of discussion included
2017/18 Annual Action Plan process, supplemental funds through reallocation, 2017/18
allocation, funding requests, summary of citizen participation process, CDBG funding to faith -
based organizations, funding recommendations, Final Action Plan document, submittal to
California Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and recommended action.
Mr. Wood also reviewed a memorandum (filed) in response to issues raised by David Diskin as
to the eligibility of One -Eighty Youth Services to receive CDBG funding.
In response to Mayor Kuehne, Mr. Wood stated only one alley improvement project is scheduled
in the CDBG program, located between Elm and Locust Streets from behind the Police station
west two block to Hutchins Street. In further response, Mr. Wood stated staff feels the decreased
allocation for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements will cover the needs at
City Hall and Carnegie Forum based on bids from other projects. With construction costs
increasing, staff felt that moving money from the ADA improvements to the alley improvement
project was a reasonable decision. Mr. Wood pointed out there will be a reallocation in
September that could be applied toward the ADA improvements.
Mayor Kuehne opened the public hearing for public comment.
David Diskin stated he previously raised concerns about First Baptist Church, also known as the
One -Eighty Teen Center, and had discussions with Mr. Wood and the HUD liaison regarding the
Center's eligibility to receive funds. He stated his perception, after speaking with the HUD
representative, is different than Mr. Wood's. Mr. Diskin recalled that HUD suggested a three-year
review of past data and reevaluation of the proposal by recalculating figures provided by the
church; however, he does not believe this was done by the City. He cautioned that, if the City
moves forward with allocating CDBG funding to the One -Eighty Teen Center, it could risk
financial damage, particularly if it triggers an audit, which would effect all of the agencies
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receiving funding; not just the Teen Center. Mr. Diskin provided several examples where HUD
required cities to repay millions of dollars for projects that failed to meet requirements. If the City
opts to fund the One -Eighty Teen Center, HUD suggested strong language that the Center
cannot discriminate in running the facility, volunteers, and mentor program; they must refrain from
playing religious music during non -secular hours; and the City must document that the recipients
are qualified without including office or faith -based work, which is currently in the City's
calculation. Mr. Diskin stated that HUD guidelines state the City is responsible for ensuring the
funds are used in accordance with the program. He asked Council to reconsider this
entanglement, but if it chooses to support the funding request, he strongly urged Mr. Wood to
work with HUD to reevaluate the calculations and Council protect the City through a contract
should HUD ultimately find the One -Eighty Teen Center ineligible to receive funds.
Julie Jensen stated she teaches 6th grade at Washington School, many of her students live
around the One -Eighty Teen Center, and her class visited the Center two years ago. She stated a
recent advertisement of its summer events had no mention of it being a faith -based organization
or its connection to First Baptist Church. She recalled some of her conversations with the director
at the time regarding the religious nature of its programs, proselytizing to participants, whether
children of other religions were welcome, and taking advantage of language barriers with parents
of participants. Because of the religious nature of the One -Eighty Teen Center, Ms. Jensen urged
Council to reconsider the allocation of funds to the organization.
Spencer Dayton stated he is a devout Catholic and volunteers with other organizations to keep
youth off the streets; however, he does not agree with the proposal to fund the One -Eighty Teen
Center. He took exception to the Teen Center Director's letter (filed as a Blue Sheet item) that
everyone is welcome regardless of faith because he has a number of friends who were not
accepted there because of either their sexual orientation or different religion. Mr. Dayton stated
he believes there are other projects that should receive funds instead, such as fixing declining
parks. He agreed with Mr. Diskin that the calculation of time spent toward secular and non -
secular activities at the Center is incorrect and needs to be recalculated. He urged Council to
reconsider the allocation of funds to the organization.
Pastor Steve Newman, pastor at First Baptist Church, clarified the relationship between the
church and One -Eighty Teen Center, stating the Center started as a vision of two youth pastors at
the church. The church assisted them in the beginning by allowing them to use the church tax ID
number. The Teen Center included a skate park at that time, and today has a mountain climbing
structure; therefore, it was determined the Teen Center would be covered under the church's
insurance policy because it would be too difficult to obtain insurance on its own with the high-risk
activities on site. Aside from that, the church and Center have separate boards and budgets and
neither oversees the activities of the other. The sharing of the tax ID number and insurance is for
practical benefit only; otherwise, the Center is not identified with the church because they operate
as independent organizations.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Kuehne closed the public hearing.
Mayor Kuehne stated he previously owned the building in question, adding that First Baptist
Church was gracious enough to allow the One -Eighty Teen Center to operate in the building.
Brad Vander Hamm, who recently passed away, was one of the original youth pastors, and
because of their friendship, Mayor Kuehne stated he had many opportunities to volunteer at the
Center, which enabled him to become familiar with the work it did and the youth it helped. He
stated he values the organization's counseling center, which had a personal impact on him, and
he saw firsthand how the director interacted with the kids, which did not include forcing religion on
anyone. Mayor Kuehne stated he believes the Center has had a greater impact on youth than any
park will ever have because it is a safe place for at -risk kids.
In response to Council Member Chandler, Mr. Wood stated staff continues its dialog with HUD
staff, has a good working relationship with them, and continues to receive HUD's review and
blessings on the documents put forth by the City. Further, Mr. Wood confirmed that the comment
period is still open. In response to Council Member Chandler, City Manager Schwabauer stated
that once the Draft Annual Action Plan is finalized, the agreement would come back for
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finalization. Mr. Wood added that HUD requires a subrecipient agreement that spells out HUD
regulations, and staff can place additional monitoring requirements in the agreement. Because
the agreement will be set up as a forgivable loan, there will be additional documents that give the
City recourse to not forgive any portion of the loan if issues arise during the five-year period.
Council Member Johnson asked a hypothetical question about what could happen if the Salvation
Army went to schools in the community to get young people involved in cleaning up lakes or
parks because it too is a faith -based organization. He asked if that would violate HUD regulations
or agreements. Mr. Wood stated that any program receiving Federal funds must follow the
guidelines and provide recourse for any clientele who may feel improperly addressed or
pressured. It would not matter if there was no Federal funding involved in a project. Mr. Wood
pointed out that the One -Eighty Teen Center funding is for physical items on the building; not for
a program. The City must ensure the appropriate cost allocation has been applied, monitor the
program over a five-year period, and ensure the use of it stays within the intent of the
CDBG Program. In further response, Mr. Wood stated that, because this is a brick -and -mortar
project, the One -Eighty Teen Center can continue to offer its programs, but anything that counts
against strictly religious activities over 20 percent will require a recalculation to adjust the
percentage. Council Member Johnson questioned the suggestion by Mr. Diskin to build protection
for the City in a contract should someone violate the regulations. Mr. Wood stated staff can
review that, adding there is one audit for labor standards that is strictly for work done, as well as
an eligibility audit conducted by HUD.
City Attorney Magdich added that HUD recommends the City monitor the One -Eighty Teen
Center over a five-year period to ensure it is in compliance with HUD regulations and explained
the loan would be forgiven in five increments.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to rescind
Resolution No. 2017-86 and adopt Resolution No. 2017-123 approving 2017/18 Draft Annual
Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
H. Communications — None
1. Regular Calendar
Council Member Chandler made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to hear Items 1-1
and 1-2 with only three Council Members in attendance.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
1-1 Consider Approving Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendations to Reduce
Maintenance at Borchardt and Century Parks and Abandon Blakely Park Small Pool
(PRCS)
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jeff Hood provided a PowerPoint presentation
regarding the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendations to reduce maintenance at
Borchardt and Century Parks and to abandon the Blakely Park small pool. Specific topics of
discussion included background of proposal to reduce maintenance, Park operations budget,
park maintenance, staffing, other benchmarks, background and information on Borchardt Park,
background and information on Century Park, and cost of maintenance for those parks.
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Council Member Chandler commended the Commission for doing the hard work in coming up
with recommendations. He stated a couple of the properties are more aptly after -thoughts than
parks and questioned what the timeframe is for Century Boulevard continuing through. In
response, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Director Jeff Hood responded that the
Century Boulevard extension is no longer necessary and will likely never happen because of the
new Harney Lane overpass. Public Works Director Charlie Swimley added that as a vehicular
crossing it is no longer needed, but there is a possibility of constructing a pedestrian crossing.
The City has applied for grants and received a small amount of money from San Joaquin Council
of Government (SJCOG), but the cost estimate to construct it is roughly $5 million. In further
response to Council Member Chandler, City Manager Schwabauer stated that staff has explored
the possibility of commercial or residential use of Century Park.
Council Member Johnson agreed that the Century Boulevard crossing will never happen due to
the Harney Lane overpass and the burdensome railroad crossing requirements. He stated he
previously discussed the possibility of selling Borchardt and Century Parks with experienced
realtors who believe Borchardt could accommodate five houses, while Century could handle town
houses. He suggested the City do its due diligence by talking to neighbors about the possibility of
selling the properties and, if sold, the proceeds be used by Parks, Recreation, and Cultural
Services Department to address its needs.
Mayor Kuehne stated he is less concerned about abandoning a small pool that has not been
utilized in two years but agreed that the Borchardt property should ultimately be sold. He
suggested staff check with Lodi Unified School District because it may want to fence in the
property or maintain it until the City can sell it. With regard to the Century Boulevard property, he
was not opposed to selling the property, but he would like the City to first revisit the
pedestrian/bicycle crossing concept and suggested proceeds from the sale of Borchardt could be
applied toward the construction cost. He stated it is difficult for children who live on the other side
of the railroad tracks to get to the baseball diamonds. He agreed that the vehicular crossing
concept is dead due to lack of funding from SJCOG and the inability to secure at -grade railroad
crossings. He stated he sees people at the park regularly, but there is rarely anyone on the
acreage of lawn. Mayor Kuehne stated he would support maintaining Borchardt and Century
Parks until the properties can be sold, abandoning the small pool for the time being, and perhaps
funding rehabilitation of the pool with proceeds from the sale of the properties.
Council Member Johnson disagreed about the pool, stating the City is spending $150,000 in
Community Development Block Grant funds and $882,000 in grant funds to rehabilitate Blakely
Park and it would be inappropriate to leave an abandoned pool in the middle of a park that
underwent beautification. He suggested the City either take out the pool entirely or abandon it,
but not leave it there as a hazard after a significant amount of money was invested in the park.
Mr. Hood confirmed that the cost to remove the pool, including demolition and backfill, is likely in
the $120,000 range, which could possibly be funded with proceeds from the sale of the two park
properties. Council Member Johnson stated the Department will have ideas on where best to
spend the proceeds, but he is adamant that having an abandoned pool next to a new, enhanced
facility is objectionable.
Jesus Tervases expressed support for a pedestrian/bicycle pathway at Century Boulevard to
ease travel for those wanting to continue onto Salas Park. With regard to Borchardt Park, he
stated he was in favor of maintaining the property until it can be sold.
Davin Lozano, member of the Asset Based Community Development group in the Heritage
District, stated a sub -group formed that is interested in creating a multi-purpose bike park and is
in search of a suitable location. The group prepared a slide show presentation and has discussed
the concept with interested parties. Mr. Lozano stated he believes the group's proposed bike park
would be the perfect addition to Century Park, or another park in need of maintenance.
Mr. Lozano requested the opportunity to meet with Council or Parks, Recreation, and Cultural
Services Department staff to present the concept; review potential locations; and discuss the
group's ideas regarding costs for constructing, operating, and maintaining the park. He stated that
possible funding options include grant money, a future Leadership Lodi fundraising opportunity,
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and other ways that would not rely on City money.
Mayor Kuehne suggested he speak with Mr. Hood about applying for grants.
Lisa Knight, resident in the Borchardt Park area, expressed concern about cutting services and
eliminating irrigation at Borchardt Park because it will make the parking lot dry and dirty and could
cause the dry grass to catch fire. She stated the grass has been maintained since she moved to
the area in 2001 and it is part of the neighborhood. The residents appreciate driving by and
seeing the green grass of the park. She pointed out the recent community survey indicated
83 percent of residents want small neighborhood parks and she felt that reducing maintenance
was counter to that desire. Ms. Knight suggested the City negotiate with Lodi Unified School
District that it mow the park instead of the City.
In response to Mayor Kuehne, Mr. Schwabauer stated that any community can form its own
assessment district to care for an asset in their neighborhood. In further response, Mr. Hood
stated that staff previously inquired with the school district about mowing services, but its cost is
significantly higher.
Council Member Johnson proposed a motion that staff explore the abandonment of both parcels,
but take no action at this time. He stated an appraisal for both properties would give the City an
idea of the value on the open market, it would allow time for staff to gauge the reaction from the
community, and it would give staff an opportunity to determine what it would do with the
proceeds, which could have an impact on the Blakely Park small pool.
Council Member Chandler requested a Shirtsleeve Session on the multi-purpose bicycle park
concept mentioned earlier by Mr. Lozano.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to hold off on
the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendations to reduce maintenance at Borchardt
and Century Parks and abandon the Blakely Park small pool until further options can be explored
involving appraisals of both properties and possible use of proceeds from the sales, which could
impact the Blakely Park small pool.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
1-2 Consider Adopting Resolution Approving Parks and Recreation Commission
Recommendations for Parks Capital Projects and Appropriating Funds in Fiscal Year
2017/18 Budget ($485,000) (PRCS)
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Jeff Hood provided a PowerPoint presentation
regarding the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation for Parks Capital projects.
Specific topics of discussion included background information on Blakely Park small pool,
proposed action, alternatives, Parks Capital projects, and recommended projects.
Council Member Chandler recognized the Parks and Recreation Commission for doing its
homework and expressed his support of funding the proposed projects as recommended.
Mayor Kuehne also expressed support for the recommendation.
Mr. Hood stated that many of the projects listed in the recommendation were developed from the
Measure R priority list and are based on what the City can afford and what can be
easily accomplished, such as park improvements that do not increase the land footprint or
projects that do not have Americans with Disabilities Act issues.
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Council Member Chandler made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-124 approving the Parks and Recreation Commission recommendations for
Parks Capital projects and appropriating funds in Fiscal Year 2017/18 Budget, in the amount of
$485,000.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Mayor Kuehne
Noes: None
Absent: Council Member Mounce, and Mayor Pro Tempore Nakanishi
J. Ordinances — None
K. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
9:05 p.m. in memory of local resident Clifford Weaver who passed away on June 13, 2017.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo
City Clerk
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