HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - December 20, 2017LODI CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2017
C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call
The City Council Closed Session meeting of December 20, 2017, was called to order by Mayor
Pro Tempore Mounce at 6:01 p.m.
Present: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
C-2 Announcement of Closed Session
a) Conference with Adele Post, Human Resources Manager, and 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) Actual Litigation: Government Code Section 54956.9; Two Applications; William Gonzales
v. City of Lodi; Workers Compensation; WCAB Case Nos. ADJ10807022 (DOI:
06/30/2016) and ADJ10849911 (DOI: 04/13/2017) (CA)
c) Actual Litigation: Government Code §54956.9; Three Applications; Brian Freeman v. City
of Lodi; Worker's Compensation Case Nos. ADJ9946663 (DOI: 01/07/2015);
ADJ10857167 (DOI: 04/12/2017); and ADJ10857166 (CA)
C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session
At 6:01 p.m., Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss
the above matters. The Closed Session adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action
At 7:02 p.m., Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce reconvened the City Council meeting, and
City Attorney Magdich disclosed the following actions.
Item C -2a) was discussion only with no reportable action.
Items C -2b) and C -2c) were discussion and direction given with no reportable action.
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular City Council meeting of December 20, 2017, was called to order by Mayor Pro
Tempore Mounce at 7:02 p.m.
Present: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
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B. Presentations — None
C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action)
Council Member Chandler made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, 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 Kuehne, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
C-1 Receive Register of Claims in the Amount of $5,771,468.13 (FIN)
Claims were approved in the amount of $5,771,468.13.
C-2 Approve Minutes (CLK)
The minutes of November 28, 2017 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written.
C-3 Accept Quarterly Report of Purchases Between $10,000 and $20,000 (CM)
Accepted Quarterly Report of Purchases between $10,000 and $20,000.
C-4 Accept Quarterly Investment Report as Required by City of Lodi Investment Policy (CM)
Accepted Quarterly Investment Report as required by City of Lodi Investment Policy.
C-5 Report of Sale of Surplus Equipment for Fiscal Year 2016/17 (PW)
Received Report of Sale of Surplus Equipment for Fiscal Year 2016/17.
C-6 Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Playground
Surfacing Improvements (PW)
Approved plans and specifications and authorized advertisement for bids for playground surfacing
improvements.
C-7 Approve Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids to Maintain Electric Utility
Inventory Levels through Fiscal Year 2018/19 (EU)
Approved specifications and authorized advertisement for bids to maintain Electric Utility
inventory levels through Fiscal Year 2018/19.
C-8 Accept Improvements Under Contract for 2017 Extruded Traffic Stripes (PW)
Accepted improvements under contract for 2017 Extruded Traffic Stripes.
C-9 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Professional Services Agreement
with Otis Elevator Company, of North Highlands, for Monthly Inspection and Maintenance
Services of Elevators in City Facilities, and Authorizing Public Works Director to Execute
Extensions ($37,500) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-225 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional
Services Agreement with Otis Elevator Company, of North Highlands, for monthly inspection and
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maintenance services of elevators in City facilities, and authorizing the Public Works Director to
execute extensions, in the amount of $37,500.
C-10 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Professional
Services Agreement with Advantel Networks for Support of City's Phone System and
Voicemail System (Not to Exceed $30,200) (CM)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-226 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to
the Professional Services Agreement with Advantel Networks for support of City's phone system
and voicemail system, in an amount not to exceed $30,200.
C-11 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute All Documents Related to
Lockeford Street Improvement Project Right -of -Way Acquisition and Appropriating Funds
($30,000) (PW)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-227 authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents related
to Lockeford Street Improvement Project right-of-way acquisition and appropriating funds in the
amount of $30,000.
C-12 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Agreement for Professional
Services with Clifford Moss LLC, of Oakland, for Strategic Communications and Election
Feasibility for Possible 2018 Revenue Measure (Not to Exceed $48,500) (CM)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-228 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement for
Professional Services with Clifford Moss LLC, of Oakland, for strategic communications and
election feasibility for possible 2018 revenue measure, in an amount not to exceed $48,500.
C-13 Adopt Resolution Directing City Clerk to Prepare "Action Minutes" for City Council
Meetings Instead of "Comprehensive Summary Minutes" (CLK)
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public.
Mike Lusk presented a "Blue Sheet" item (filed) on this matter, urging Council to vote "no" on the
matter on the basis that it will fragment the central location of written minutes. He stated it would
negatively effect the public's ability to research minutes and pointed out that some citizens do not
have the ability to stream video or audio recordings. He further stated it will be time consuming to
view an entire video to find a specific item from a meeting and that detailed, written minutes
should be preserved in whole for the sake of being transparent.
Council Member Mounce expressed that she is conflicted on this matter, stating she prefers
comprehensive minutes and the transparency it provides; however, she understands the burden
and time commitment on the Department and the need to streamline the process.
Council Member Chandler stated he has worked under both systems -- comprehensive minutes
and action minutes -- and he prefers action minutes, stating they contain the most important facts
from the meeting, namely Council actions, and not the general discussion of the matter.
Council Member Kuehne stated he had an opportunity to view the Granicus on-line video
streaming site and it was relatively easy to use, pointing out there are capabilities to fast -forward
and rewind videos. Additionally, the survey results mentioned in the staff report indicated that a
majority of the responding cities prepare action minutes; therefore, he felt the action minute
format was acceptable. Those who want in-depth detail can view the on-line video.
Council Member Johnson echoed the comments made by Council Member Kuehne, adding that
both comprehensive and action minutes have already been boiled down by the City Clerk. He felt
a majority of citizens have computers to view on-line videos to hear precisely what was said at a
meeting, and those who do not can do so at the Library. He expressed support for the
recommendation.
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City Manager Schwabauer added that each agenda item is tagged with a link to take viewers
directly to the item on the video so viewers do not have to guess the location on the agenda or
fast -forward to the item.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-230 directing the City Clerk to prepare "action minutes" for City Council
meetings instead of "comprehensive summary minutes."
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, and Council Member Kuehne
Noes: Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
C-14 Adopt Resolution Transferring $308,225 from Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
(PRCS) Fund Balance to PRCS Operating Fund and Parks Capital; and Appropriating
Funds for Repair, Maintenance, Contract Services, and Marketing (PRCS)
Adopted Resolution No. 2017-229 transferring $308,225 from Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Services (PRCS) fund balance to PRCS Operating Fund and Parks Capital; and appropriating
funds for repair, maintenance, contract services, and marketing.
C-15 Set Public Hearing for January 17, 2018, to Receive Public Input on Drawing Voting
District Boundaries as Part of Transition to By -District Elections for City Council Members
(CA)
Set public hearing for January 17, 2018, to receive public input on drawing voting district
boundaries as part of transition to by -district elections for City Council Members.
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.
Mushtaq Tahirkheli expressed opposition to moving to by -district elections, stating he
understands the threat from the Mexican -American Legal Defense and Education Fund, but this
change will not be positive for Lodi. He stated local Hispanics are assisting him in his quest to
seek office, while the media is not.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non -Agenda Items
None.
F. Comments by the City Manager on Non -Agenda Items
None.
SUGGESTION TO MOVE ITEM 1-1
Council Member Mounce suggested moving Item 1-1 to this point on the agenda, due to the fact
that consultants were present to participate and answer questions.
Council Member Johnson stated he believed the citizens present in the audience were equally as
important as the consultants and did not feel the item needed to be moved up earlier on the
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agenda.
Deputy City Manager Keys pointed out the consultants had not yet arrived; therefore, it was
determined the item could wait until its original placement on the agenda.
G. Public Hearings
G-1 Public Hearing to Consider and Approve 2016 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
Choice and 2016 Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan (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 Pro Tempore Mounce called for the public hearing to
consider and approve 2016 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and 2016 Americans
with Disabilities Act Transition Plan.
Jessica Hayes, Grants Specialist with Michael Baker International, provided a PowerPoint
presentation regarding the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. Specific topics of
discussion included overview, documenting fair housing in Lodi, definition of fair housing, nine
impediments identified, and update process.
In response to Council Member Kuehne, Ms. Hayes stated that the nine impediments listed are
common among municipalities, especially cities with history and older neighborhoods. Those
identified for Lodi are not unique, and the City has been working to address housing challenges
for quite some time, as well as providing educational information and handouts and support
through the Community Development Block Grant program.
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce opened the public hearing for public comment.
Shawn Sorbera questioned why fair housing issues have not been adequately rectified if the City
has been working so long to address them and asked if it was related to effectiveness or
resources to implement the program.
Ms. Hayes stated that, even though efforts to address fair housing are being taken, it is a
challenge to stay on top of it because of the high turnover of landlords and tenants. Because this
involves federal funding, the California Department of Housing and Urban Development requires
municipalities to periodically review its programs to ascertain whether or not there are major
challenges to overcome. This is an ongoing requirement, and the City is making an ongoing effort
to continually address issues that arise.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce closed the public hearing.
Council Member Kuehne made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-231 approving 2016 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
Ms. Hayes continued with the presentation and provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the
2016 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. Specific topics of discussion included
legislative authority, goal of the ADA, contents of a plan, list of barriers, self-evaluation, barrier
removal, timeline and cost estimates, implementation, grievance procedure, transition plan
funding, progress to date, and next steps.
In response to Council Member Johnson, Ms. Hayes stated that, if at all possible, every entrance
to a public building must be ADA compliant; however, there are challenges with universal access
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including costs to make massive structural changes or difficulties in providing other access to a
building. It becomes a judgement call on whether it is too expensive or prohibitive and how critical
the need is. Another option could be utilizing a different facility with ADA access instead.
City Manager Schwabauer stated another element to consider is time. If construction is
performed after ADA requirements went into effect, then every element must be accessible.
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce opened the public hearing for public comment.
There being no public comments, Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce closed the public hearing.
Council Member Chandler made a motion, second by Council Member Kuehne, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-231 approving the 2016 Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
G-2 Public Hearing to Receive Overview and Take Input Regarding Process and Criteria for
Drawing Voting Districts as Part of Transition to By -District Elections for City Council
Members and Adopt Resolution Setting Forth Legal Criteria for Drawing Election Districts
in City of Lodi (CA)
Notice thereof having been published according to law, an affidavit of which publication is on file
in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce called for the public hearing to receive
overview and take input regarding process and criteria for drawing voting districts as part of
transition to by -district elections for City Council Members and adopt resolution setting forth legal
criteria for drawing election districts in the City of Lodi.
City Attorney Magdich reported this was the first hearing of five in the process of moving to by -
district elections and that the process commenced following Council's adoption of the resolution
of intention on December 12, 2017. Ms. Magdich provided a recap of how the City reached this
point and what happens moving forward. Specific topics of information included letter from the
Mexican -American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) asserting Latino vote dilution
and inability to elect candidates of their choice; alleged violation of the California Voting Rights
Act (CVRA) and threat of lawsuit; lack of evidence in letter of dilution of votes; similar letters
served on other California cities; explanation of an at -large voting system versus by -district; no
successful outcome in litigation and significant costs paid to defend; cities forced by courts to
move to district elections after losing litigation and loss of control over creation of districts;
voluntary change to by -district elections and safe -harbor periods; public hearing and map
submittal process; ordinance approving map and election sequencing at final hearing; potential
exposure capped at $30,000 pursuant to legislation; and recommendation to adopt resolution
establishing criteria for creating the maps.
In response to Council Member Chandler, Ms. Magdich confirmed that Council approved
contracting with a demographer at its December 12 meeting and introduced Shalice Tilton
representing National Demographics Corporation (NDC), which has extensive experience in
dealing with this issue. In further response, she stated MALDEF will need to demonstrate its costs
in this matter when it submits its bill for legal fees to the City, which is capped at $30,000.
Shalice Tilton of NDC provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding districting. Specific topics of
discussion included traditional districting criteria, demographic summary, Latino eligible voter
concentrations, defining communities of interest, sample compact maps, and sample multi -
representative maps.
In response to Council Member Chandler about racial gerrymandering, Ms. Tilton responded that
whenever possible districts should not be created that dilute voting strengths; however, it is not
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the predominate factor when drawing districts. Community interests should be a prevailing factor.
Once boundaries are drawn, they must be rationally explained.
In response to Council Member Mounce, Ms. Tilton reiterated that, when drawing maps, cities
must avoid a lawsuit by not diluting the voting group; instead, they should draw maps that meet
the needs.
Ms. Magdich pointed out that the resolution before Council adopts line -drawing criteria for
drawing districts and provides basics on what is required by law. Council can opt to change or
expand the resolution at the next meeting and provided examples, such as adding considerations
for political subdivisions or topographical/geographical areas; however, any changes must still
comply with regulations and be equal across all districts with no more than a 10 percent
deviation. She stated race is not a predominate factor, but in compliance with the Act, it does
encourage a minority district, if it can be achieved. She recommended that Council open the
public hearing to receive comments, after which it adopt the resolution setting forth criteria for the
maps.
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce opened the public hearing for public comment.
Robert Lawson expressed opposition to changing from an at -large election system to a by -district
system, stating this is the most destructive issue happening to Lodi during his lifetime. He stated
he believes it is a corrupt State that is forcing cities to do this and finds it incredibly troubling. He
stated there is a large block on the east side of town that is not integrated and most of the
residents in that area do not vote. Mr. Lawson questioned whether illegal immigrants are
considered in the division of maps, to which Ms. Tilton confirmed in the affirmative. He stated
district population will create neighborhoods with disproportional areas because non -voters and
illegal residents will have their own Council Members due solely to the area, regardless of voting
statistics. He encouraged Council to avoid a lawsuit but to spend as much as necessary to find an
alternative or creative litigation strategy to defeat this because a community split into sections
based on ethnicity, regardless of the ability to vote, is bad for Lodi and is not representative of
democracy.
Tony Amador recognized the difficult position the City is in with this matter. He stated he is a
Latino of Mexican descent and felt lawsuits such as these cause great damage and set Latinos
back. These groups that sue are doing a disservice and are segregating communities. He posed
several questions including how residents with Latino surnames of another ethnicity are counted,
where the 1,650 Latino voters came from in the 2014 election, what the numbers of citizens
versus non -citizens are, will the district boundaries be revisited with the new Census, and why
future growth was not a factor in determining districts.
Pat Patrick, President of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, stated the 2010 U.S. Census
report provided statistics on both Whites and Hispanics and, for Lodi, those groups represent
90 percent of the population. In 2013, the California Department of Housing and Urban
Development performed a density study and movement of the Hispanic population in 13 Valley
cities, which had different results than the Census three years earlier. One of the results indicated
that only 40 percent of Hispanic households in Lodi speak only Spanish in the home. He stated it
takes an educated voter to make the best choice in electing representatives to serve this
community and carry the City forward, which cannot be accomplished politically. It can only be
done through education, personal persistence, and ability to communicate. He stated the
Hispanic population will grow to over 60 percent in Lodi based on current statistics and suggested
now is the time to modify the CVRA because the minority may no longer be Hispanics.
David Claxton questioned whether the goal is to segregate the eastern portion of Lodi into a
primarily Hispanic voting block or to ensure each district has a percentage of the Hispanic
population that is proportional to the overall population of the City.
Mike Lusk stated the current system of at -large elections are expensive because candidates
compete against each other citywide, but by -district elections will have fewer candidates
competing. He further questioned what happens if no one runs in a district.
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Spencer Dayton questioned where an individual who is half White, half Latino, but associates with
Latino, would be represented in this process.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce closed the public hearing.
Ms. Magdich pointed out this is not the last opportunity for the public to weigh in on this issue
and the second public hearing is scheduled for January 17, 2018. She stated a Spanish language
interpreter is present at the meeting and will be present at each of these hearings going forward.
Additionally, all staff reports and resolutions have been translated into Spanish and made
available to the community.
Ms. Tilton responded to the questions that were posed:
o The Department of Justice has guidelines on how to count Census takers if they check multiple
boxes and gave the example that, if both boxes for White and Latino are checked, the individual
would be counted as Latino.
° A balanced population means total population, and both citizens and non -citizens are counted.
o She was uncertain where Latino voters were located in the 2014 election, but that information
will be borne out during the process of drawing districts.
° The total number of registered voters in Lodi is 28,393 as of the November 2014 election.
When comparing the total voter registration to the citizen voting age population, the number of
voters casting ballots that voted was 13,581.
o Ms. Magdich responded that sequencing of the election is premature at this point because maps
have not yet been drawn, but that discussion will come after the January 17, 2018 hearing.
o Considering future growth as a factor is certainly possible, especially if a plan is about to be
completed, but it is a more complicated process to undertake during the 90 -day safe -harbor
period, especially since the districts will be revisited in two years with the new Census.
° The intent is not to make each district match the current balance in the overall community and
have a certain percentage of Latino voters in each; that is the reason for the demand letter from
MALDEF. Ms. Magdich explained there could be a district with a 51 percent Latino voting age
population and another with 55 percent (i.e. more than one district with a majority Latino voting
block). If the City were to duplicate what it has now in a district, the same exposure to litigation
would exist.
o If no one runs in a district, the City Council has the ability to appoint an eligible voter residing in
that particular district. Ms. Magdich stated, in that case, Council would conduct interviews in a
public forum and choose an individual from that district.
Council Member Mounce stated her primary concern is that she has worked hard for many years
to improve the east side and district representatives could result in each member fighting only for
their own district with the east side no longer being assisted. Ms. Magdich stated that is a valid
concern and pointed to Pasadena's map, in which the main boulevard that is vital to that
community was split so each district had a portion of it while still meeting the requirements of the
Act.
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Kuehne, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-232 setting forth legal criteria for drawing election districts in the City of Lodi.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Noes: Council Member Chandler
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
RECESS
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce called for a five-minute recess, and the City Council meeting
reconvened at roughly 8:40 p.m.
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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 November 30, 2017.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
1. Regular Calendar
1-1 Adopt Resolution Amending Traffic Resolution No. 97-148 by Approving Residential Permit
Parking in Areas Adjacent to Lodi Memorial Hospital and Reese Elementary School, and
Authorizing City Manager to Modify Parking Restriction Duration of Zone F — Reese
Elementary School Area (PW)
Public Works Director Charlie Swimley provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the
Residential Permit Parking Program in areas adjacent to Lodi Memorial Hospital and Reese
Elementary School. Specific topics of discussion included concerns and program information,
Lodi Memorial Hospital area survey results, Reese Elementary School area survey results, and
other residential permit parking areas.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce, Mr. Swimley stated that parking enforcement
personnel enforce these areas a couple times a month and in areas with restrictions currently in
place, most are respecting the parking restrictions.
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce pointed out that the proposed parking restriction in the area near
Reese Elementary School is only an hour and a half, i.e. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mr. Swimley responded
that the rationale behind that timeframe is to dissuade employees from parking in the area all day
while still allowing parents to park and drop off or pick up their children from school. Mayor Pro
Tempore Mounce questioned why the School District is not helping to alleviate the traffic and
parking issue in the area. Mr. Swimley stated that staff has had discussions with the School
District; however, the City does not have regulatory authority to make the School District fix the
problem. He pointed out that Reese Elementary School was built in the 1950s when there were
fewer students and teachers on site and most of the neighborhood attendees walked or biked to
school so there were fewer vehicles parking in the area. Further, he stated there are lots available
for employees; however, some are choosing to park in front of neighboring homes instead.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce, Associate Traffic Engineer Dorothy Kam verified that
Maple Street, near the PCP Cannery, does have parking restrictions to relieve congestion. She
stated there are established guidelines for requesting parking restrictions in a neighborhood,
which include a survey, staff review of boundaries, neighborhood petitions, and at least 60
percent in favor of the proposed restrictions. Afterward, the matter is taken to Council for
discussion and approval. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce, Ms. Kam confirmed that
staff can provide the survey information in Spanish in the future.
James Johnson, resident on West Elm Street and Corinth Avenue, stated the person who started
the petition for the Reese Elementary School area did so because he is selling his home and
feels there would be greater value if the parking situation were resolved. He stated the school has
been there for decades, he intentionally purchased a house in that neighborhood because of the
proximity to Reese Elementary and Lodi High Schools, and he accepts there will be parking
issues. He recognizes the problem has increased because parents often block driveways, make
U-turns, and speed through the area, issues he has brought up to the Police Department. He
stated the question is where school staff members will park if the restrictions are enacted, adding
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it would likely result in them moving to other neighborhoods, which could exacerbate the problem
there as well. He requested Council leave the situation as -is and not implement the parking
restrictions.
Jason White, resident on Windsor Drive, stated he was originally opposed to the parking
restrictions on Windsor Drive, near Lodi Memorial Hospital, when it last came before Council in
March 2017; however, he now understands the need for it since parking has worsened on
Windsor Drive since the restrictions on York Avenue were enacted. In addition, the street is
littered with old food and trash, and backyard pools have garbage tossed into them. He pointed
out the hospital was in the neighborhood when he purchased his home, however, the expansion
was not.
Corey Wright, resident on Orange Avenue, stated he also spoke out at the March 2017 meeting
regarding the proposed parking restrictions in the area, when he stated the City needs to do all of
the streets in the area or none because the problem will only compound further to other streets,
which is exactly what happened. Once York Avenue restrictions were enacted, the parking issue
spread out to the other nearby streets. He stated there is a high number of seniors living on
Orange Avenue and many people park directly on either side of their driveways, making it difficult
for them to exit or enter their driveways. He stated Lodi Memorial Hospital procured the lot on
Fairmont and York Avenues, which has alleviated some of the problem, but many employees still
park on the street. The hospital is trying to be proactive and is currently working on plans to
develop more parking; however, there is still an issue on Orange Avenue that needs to be
addressed.
In response to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Wright stated the hospital purchased the lot around
the same time there was discussion about utilizing the Seventh Day Adventist church parking lot.
He stated the church is willing to discuss access to the parking lot, but its primary concern is
maintenance on the lot so that it is safe to use.
Al Smatsky, Pine Street resident, confirmed he started the parking petition for the area near
Reese Elementary School, however, he did not want it to get to this level, adding he appealed
to the principal of Reese to do something to rectify the parking problem. He was told that bond
measure monies would be utilized to alleviate the parking issue and reorient traffic for picking up
and dropping off children, but to date no improvements have been made. Mr. Smatsky stated the
problem worsened when the school added portable classrooms because it increased staffing and,
in turn, increased parking. He has asked employees to respect the neighborhood, pointing out
there is parking available on school property and a couple blocks away, but they choose to park
on the street. He stated the area is extremely chaotic during drop off and pick up time and
parents have parked in driveways, as well as blocked driveways and fire hydrants, for 30 minutes
or more.
Mike Lusk agreed there is definitely a traffic problem on School and Elm Streets near Reese
Elementary School and suggested Grace Presbyterian Church's parking lot on the back side of
Reese Elementary could be utilized by school employees with access to the school property.
James Johnson stated he believes the main concerns with parking are a result of the parents
dropping off and picking up kids and not school staff. He believes employees are doing their best
to park away from the problem areas. With regard to the church parking lot in back of Reese, he
stated he spoke to a church representative who expressed some security concerns on who can
enter and exit that area. He added that the Police Department has been responsive in towing
vehicles parked too long in the area.
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce requested the City Manager set up a 2x2 meeting with the School
District to discuss the traffic congestion at Reese Elementary School.
Council Member Johnson requested staff look further into the traffic congestion at Reese, as well
as the other schools, by increasing traffic enforcement measures until drivers get the message
because parking restrictions are not the ideal answer.
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Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Chandler, to adopt
Resolution No. 2017-233 amending Traffic Resolution No. 97-148 by approving residential permit
parking in areas adjacent to Lodi Memorial Hospital and Reese Elementary School, and
authorizing the City Manager to modify parking restriction duration of Zone F - Reese Elementary
School Area.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
1-2 Receive and File City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (Fiscal Year 2016/17) by
Macias, Gini & O'Connell, LLP (FIN)
Deputy City Manager Andrew Keys provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2016/17. Specific topics of
discussion included auditor's opinion, status of City's financial position, highlights of financial
records, pension stabilization fund (PSF), PSF investments, General Fund budget to actual
variances, net pension liability, change in accounting, single audit, and management letter.
City Manager Schwabauer stressed the importance of Council's action to create the pension
stabilization fund because the City would have been worse off than the average city, adding
that the sacrifices made were for a purpose.
Council Member Mounce pointed out the CAFR has included the need for a formal disaster
recovery plan for the last 13 years and questioned what steps can be taken to address that
massive project in smaller pieces because she would like to see a Management Letter with zero
conditions listed. Mr. Schwabauer stated the City has been continually whittling away at the
project and listed a few accomplishments, including moving the City's technology infrastructure
out of the basement and adding the enterprise software. He stated this year's Management Letter
is a function of whittling down the project to specific items not yet accomplished. The remaining
items to accomplish are costly.
Timothy O'Shea spoke regarding the previous item, 1-1, relating to the parking restrictions near
Lodi Memorial Hospital and Reese Elementary School, stating the parking and traffic situation on
Windsor Drive is severe and he believed it will ultimately result in an accident or fatality. Mayor
Pro Tempore Mounce assured Mr. O'Shea that the parking restrictions were approved and the
situation should improve.
J. Ordinances — None
K. Reorganization of the Following Agency Meetings: 1) Lodi Public Improvement
Corporation; 2) Industrial Development Authority; 3) Lodi Financing Corporation; and 4)
Lodi Public Financing Authority
Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Council Member Kuehne, to adopt the
following resolutions: Resolution No. LPIC2017-01 reorganizing the Lodi Public Improvement
Corporation; Resolution No. IDA -40 reorganizing the Industrial Development Authority; Resolution
No. LFC-27 reorganizing the Lodi Financing Corporation; and Resolution No. LPFA2017-03
reorganizing the Lodi Public Financing Authority.
VOTE:
The above motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Noes: None
Absent: Mayor Nakanishi
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L. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
9:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo
City Clerk
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