HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - August 1, 2018 Public Commentcouple of Police Officers and the Watch Commander and she installed cameras at the property,
both of which have been extremely helpful. She thanked the City for the assistance. Ms. Lehr -Lee
further requested an official City update on where it is on increasing the police force and ensuring
adequate staffing levels, adding that a sales tax increase will not improve the situation if the City
cannot hire officers.
Jerome Bauman, homeless Veteran, repeated his request from the previous meeting that the
City form a consortium made up of Council Members, citizens, business owners, and homeless
individuals to work together on solutions to the homeless problem.
Matt Blansett described his experience in recently becoming homeless in Lodi, stating he has no
family or friends to turn to and that it is difficult to locate and connect with available resources. He
stated he will continue to be the eyes, ears, and voice of the homeless and about life in the park
and hopes others try to see all sides of the situation, not only their own.
Mark Armstrong encouraged Mr. Blansett to connect with the Homeless Liaison Officer Richard
Dunfee who could likely help him. Further, he submitted (filed) a number of questions from Take
Back Lodi members relating to the homeless situation and the sales tax measure and stated the
group continues to work with many City departments, as well as Officer Dunfee, on efforts to
address the homelessness issue.
Mike Lusk submitted (filed) an addendum as clarification to the claim he submitted at the last
meeting relating to the water utility enterprise and the transfer of funds between the water and fire
impact mitigation fee accounts. In addition, he expressed support for the sales tax measure
based on the fact that both residents and non-residents will contribute toward services they utilize
and that people can use their own discretion whether to buy high taxable items versus rate
payers who have no say in paying increases on their utility bills.
City Manager Schwabauer provided responses to comments regarding Police Department
staffing and creation of a multi -faceted committee on homelessness and provided answers to
questions from Take Back Lodi. Council Member Chandler further expanded on the tourism
aspect of Lodi that will generate new retail tax dollars, and Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
encouraged the public to vote for Lodi for 2018 Best Choice Travelers award at www.l0best.com.
E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non -Agenda Items
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce announced there has been a transition of leadership at the Lodi Hill
House and, while it is still open on Sundays as a museum, it underwent significant upgrades and
now serves as a bed and breakfast. She encouraged everyone to visit the improved Hill House.
Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce also reported there are two locations in Lodi that offer cryotherapy
and recommended the treatment because after trying it she left with more energy and less pain.
Further, in response to an earlier speaker regarding damage to property by the homeless, she
stated her family is experiencing similar issues at their property in town and she understands her
frustration.
Council Member Kuehne reported that he was appointed to RISE, a County committee that
focuses on new technology including technological infrastructure, transportation, medical, and
streamlining government policies.
F. Comments by the City Manager on Non -Agenda Items
None.
G. Public Hearings
G-1 Cancel Public Hearing to Consider Adopting Resolution Authorizing City Manager to
Execute Reimbursement Agreement RA -18-01 for Public Improvements Constructed with
Lodi Shopping Center (PW)
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