HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - October 15, 2018 SMLODI CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018
A. Roll call
The Special City Council Town Hall meeting of October 15, 2018, was called to order by
Mayor Nakanishi at 6:01 p.m.
Present: Council Member Chandler, and Mayor Nakanishi
Absent: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, and Mayor Pro Tempore Mounce
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo
B. Topic
B-1 Presentation Regarding Crime Statistics in Lodi
Mayor Nakanishi announced this was the last of the three town hall meetings.
City Manager Steve Schwabauer thanked the officers of the Lodi Police Department for doing a
remarkable job, especially in the last couple of years with some of the serious crimes that
occurred, many with little to no evidence from which to work. He encouraged citizens to sign up
for a ride -along with a Police Officer to see what a typical day is like and described what he
experienced when he tagged along with a Police Officer. Officers work harder now than ever
before, and there are 5 to 10 fewer officers on staff than authorized in the budget. On a larger
scale, fewer people are training to become officers, most organizations pay better than Lodi, and
it is becoming more and more difficult for younger applicants to pass background checks, all of
which makes filling the ranks even more difficult.
In response to Council Member Chandler, Police Chief Tod Patterson stated most recruits come
from San Joaquin Delta Academy, but the Department is now actively reaching out to qualified
individuals and helping place them in the academy. Mr. Schwabauer added the City hires these
individuals as trainees who earn a wage while going through the academy so they can continue
to support their families while completing the academy.
Chief Patterson provided an update on Police Department staffing, stating the Department is
currently at 66 officers; however, three are on long-term injury and four are in training, which
brings the Department to 59 patrol officers on the street. He stated 10 applicants are moving into
the background phase and he hopes to bring as many forward as possible to get closer to the
fully -authorized staffing level. Chief Patterson provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding
crime statistics in Lodi. Specific topics of discussion included number of crimes by type, calls for
service, 2017 calls for service, officer -initiated events, traffic stops, transient calls for service,
alarm calls, and number of felony and misdemeanor arrests for 2017 and 2018.
Discussion ensued amongst Council and staff relating to moving violation fees and fines and how
much the City actually receives; high speeds on Lower Sacramento Road and enforcement
efforts; Police Department goals if fully staffed; breakdown of traffic citations, including speed, cell
phone usage, following too close, and unsafe lane changes; use of cameras, including license
plate readers, and suggestion to install speed cameras on traffic lights; alarm calls and
effectiveness of new ordinance, which is temporarily on hold until the City's computer system is
integrated with security companies; decrease in gang violence from 2011 to present; multiple
factors behind the increase in illegal guns taken during arrests; increase in homelessness, in Lodi
and every community, and services and programs that tend to attract homeless into a community;
legislative factors that contribute to the increase in homeless on the streets; homeowner
responsibility to repair property damages as a result of criminal behavior; illegally parked
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motorhomes and use of Lodi Police Partners and contracted tow companies to handle citations;
statistics relating to the Partners Program, including man hours and savings; traffic and parking
issues at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and attempts to work with DMV
representatives, as well as assistance from Assemblyman Cooper, to improve the situation; and
efforts, support, and donations from the Lodi Police Foundation and Crimestoppers.
Mike Lusk, member of the public, expressed support for Measure L and commented on the lack
of Police staffing to handle traffic and crimes. He suggested heightened traffic visibility at
intersections, including use of dummy Police vehicles as a decoy, and stated other agencies have
initiated a camera surveillance residential sign-up in their cities to monitor camera doorbell
programs to solve crimes. Mr. Lusk expressed his support and appreciation for all that the Lodi
Police Department and its officers do.
Alex Aliferis expressed support for gun rights and allowing law-abiding citizens to carry concealed
weapons, which would likely deter many criminals, and urged citizens to apply for a CCW permit.
C. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at
7:10 p.m.
ATTEST:
Jennifer M. Ferraiolo
City Clerk
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