HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 20, 2019 Public Comment 2(Government Code Section 54954.2(b1(2)). All other items may only be referred for review to
staff or placement on a future Council agenda.
Amanda Lee, member of the public, stated her opposition to the water rate increase, discussed the
homeless issue plaguing the community (including photos, filed), and referenced a news video she
e-mailed to Council earlier about the homeless situation in Seattle. She encouraged Council follow
through with the suggestion from a previous Council meeting to hold a Town Hall regarding
homelessness because something must be done to address the drug, mental health, and transitional
housing problems. She reported that, at the last San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors meeting, her
mother proposed a temporary homeless encampment by the County general hospital in French Camp,
along with an offer to donate the first 100 tents. She stated nothing seems to be changing and she
wants to keep the momentum moving forward to make significant changes. She urged the City to stop
worrying about being sued and to take care of the lawlessness.
Curtis Lee, member of the public, presented a map illustrating the multi -jurisdictional area near the river
and homeless encampments (filed). He stated California Highway Patrol does not respond to the area,
the Lodi Police Department takes an hour to respond, the San Joaquin Sherriffs Department only
responds to its own jurisdictional area, and the Lodi Fire Department does not show up to the area. He
stated there is one transient who carries an axe and threatens families, yet law enforcement does
nothing to protect them. He believes this shows a lack of leadership and hopes to see a more proactive
approach to help the community.
Tiffany Anderson, member of the public, also commented on the homeless encampment along the river
and expressed her frustration with the multiple jurisdictions who seem to point fingers at one another
and not take responsibility. She pointed out that Measure L was approved to improve response times
and the homeless situation; however, it took hours to have one trailer moved out of the area and the
Fire Department did not show up after calls for assistance. She referenced the suggestion for a
temporary encampment at French Camp, stating it could serve as a one-stop shop for homeless
services.
Mayor Chandler reported that he and City staff met yesterday with representatives from Caltrans,
Assemblyman Cooper's office, Senator Galgiani's office, California Highway Patrol, and
Mark Armstrong with Take Back Lodi to discuss potential resources coming forward for fencing,
increased patrols, and modifications along the river that will make it less comfortable for the homeless.
He stated there is no timeframe yet on completion of these efforts, but they are in the works. He gave
credit to the group for expediting the conversations and added there is a lot of frustration by law
enforcement due to State laws that prohibit them from doing their job effectively.
Gunnar Hendrickson and Erica Anderson with Jim Elliot Christian High School reported on the school's
competitive robotics team, which is open to students all over the community, and invited Council to
attend a community dinner fundraiser and the public to follow the program on social media. The
program focuses on science and technology, allows students to build robots and participate in
competitions, and teaches students skills needed in the real workforce.
E. Comments by the City Councii Members an Non -Agenda Items
Council Member Nakanishi once again stressed the need for a Town Hall on homelessness so citizens
can hear what is being done to address the issue and what will be done going forward to continue
making improvements. He further reported that he serves on the Groundwater Banking Authority, which
is working to address the State Groundwater Management Authority legislation passed by the State
regarding groundwater resources. Seventeen agencies have joined together to develop the required
plan with costs being shared by all agencies. Lodi will pay $11,000, the County will cover a larger
share, and the State will pay $1 million to complete the study by 2020, with the sustainable groundwater
plan done by 2040.
Council Member Mounce thanked the Mayor and City Manager for arranging the meeting to discuss the
homeless situation and encampments along the river, stating this issue has been ongoing for 10 and a
half years. Further, she reported she will be attending the League of California Cities Legislative Action
Days, during which council members and mayors will convene in Sacramento to meet with legislators.
Homelessness will be a topic of discussion because it is plaguing 100 percent of the cities in California.
She stated she will follow up with Senator Galgiani and Assemblymember Cooper on this issue. She
shared with the public that legislation previously tried to pass a bill through Assembly called "The Right
Oti
C Ljj* lee
\Z W /