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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - December 4, 2019LODI CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 C-1 Call to Order / Roll Call The City Council Closed Session meeting of December 4, 2019, was called to order by Mayor Chandler at 5:48 p.m. Present: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler Absent: None Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo NOTE: Council Member Mounce participated in the meeting via teleconference. NOTE: Council Member Nakanishi arrived at 5:53 p.m. 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, Lodi Professional Firefighters, Executive Management, and Confidential Employees Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 (CM) C-3 Adjourn to Closed Session At 5:48 p.m., Mayor Chandler adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matter. The Closed Session adjourned at 6:25 p.m. C-4 Return to Open Session / Disclosure of Action At 7:01 p.m., Mayor Chandler reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Magdich disclosed the following action. Item C-2a) was discussion and direction given with no reportable action. A. Call to Order / Roll Call The Regular City Council meeting of December 4, 2019, was called to order by Mayor Chandler at 7:01 p.m. Present: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler Absent: None Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo NOTE: Council Member Mounce participated in the meeting via teleconference. B. Presentations B-1 Lodi Citizens in Action “Heroes Behind the Badge” Presentation (CLK) 1 Lodi Citizens in Action member June Aaker presented the Lodi Police Foundation with a check in the amount of $7,112 from net proceeds raised at the recent "Heroes Behind the Badge" fundraiser and 5K Fun Run/Walk. In addition to the Lodi Police Department, Partners, and Animal Shelter, this year's event was expanded to many branches of law enforcement including the San Joaquin Sherriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cal-Fire, United States Forestry Services, and the US Army. The event focused on free, family fun to build relationships between law enforcement and the community, and it received coverage from KCRA Channel 3 news. Representatives from the Lodi Police Foundation and Police Chief Tod Patterson thanked Lodi Citizens in Action for its continued support of law enforcement. Chief Patterson stated the funds will be used to equip patrol vehicles with Kevlar blankets. B-2 Presentation to Retiring Members of Boards, Committees, Commissions, and Task Forces (CLK) Mayor Chandler presented certificates of recognition to the following retiring members who were present at the meeting: Scot Martin, retiree from the Library Board of Trustees, and Steve Hennecke and Dave Kirst, retirees from the Lodi Planning Commission. Mayor Chandler also recognized the following retiring members who were unable to attend: Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission Student Appointees Emma Colarossi Rubie Dhillon Harlie Litton Genesis Ramirez Library Board of Trustees Terry Costa Lodi Arts Commission Jean Justeau Payne Lodi Improvement Committee Ron Cook Sunil Yadav Senior Citizens Commission Julie Whiteley Roberta Wirth Site Plan & Architectural Review Committee Wendel Kiser C. Consent Calendar (Reading; Comments by the Public; Council Action) Council Member Johnson made a motion, second by Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, to approve the following items hereinafter set forth, except those otherwise noted, in accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager. ROLL CALL VOTE The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes). VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler Noes: None Absent: None 2 C-1 Receive Register of Claims for November 1, 2019 through November 14, 2019 in the Amount of $2,079,732.41 (FIN) Claims were approved in the amount of $2,079,732.41. C-2 Approve Minutes (CLK) The minutes of November 5, 2019 (Shirtsleeve Session), November 6, 2019 (Regular Meeting), and November 12, 2019 (Shirtsleeve Session) were approved as written. C-3 Adopt Resolution Awarding Bid for Purchase of Medium Voltage Cable from The Okonite Company, of San Ramon ($152,118.31) (EU) Adopted Resolution No. 2019-252 awarding the bid for purchase of medium voltage cable from The Okonite Company, of San Ramon, in the amount of $152,118.31. C-4 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Change Order No. 1 with West Coast Arborists, Inc., of Stockton, for Power Line Clearing and Vegetation Management ($655,087) and Appropriating Funds ($655,087) (EU) This item was removed from the Consent Calendar at the request of Council Member Nakanishi for discussion purposes. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, City Manager Schwabauer stated the City has contracted with crews to perform tree trimming, or vegetation management services, for at least the last 20 years, but likely longer. He stated staff will research it further to see how long it has been. In further response to Council Member Nakanishi, Electric Utility Director Jeff Berkheimer stated that SB901 has placed a greater focus on vegetation management practices for all utilities due to wildfire risks. He added that Utility crews aim to provide a same-day response to complaints about trees in utility lines. Council Member Nakanishi made a motion, second by Council Member Johnson, to adopt Resolution No. 2019-255 authorizing the City Manager to execute Change Order No. 1 with West Coast Arborists, Inc., of Stockton, for power line clearing and vegetation management, in the amount of $655,087, and appropriating funds, in the amount of $655,087. ROLL CALL VOTE The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes). VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler Noes: None Absent: None C-5 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Software Maintenance Professional Services Agreement that Encompasses Police Department’s Dispatch, Records, Jail, Report Writing, and Property Room Software System with Superion, LLC, a CentralSquare Company, of Lake Mary, Florida ($172,351.75) (PD) Adopted Resolution No. 2019-253 authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Software Maintenance Professional Services Agreement that encompasses Police Department's dispatch, records, jail, report writing, and property room software system with Superion, LLC, a CentralSquare Company, of Lake Mary, Florida, in the amount of $172,351.75. C-6 Adopt Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Execute Contract with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District for Acceptance of Grant to Purchase New Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Appropriate Funds ($19,598.67) (FD) 3 Adopted Resolution No. 2019-254 authorizing the City Manager to execute contract with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District for acceptance of grant to purchase new alternative fuel vehicle and appropriating funds in the amount of $19,598.67. C-7 Adopt Resolution Appointing Astrida Trupovnieks, Business Development Manager, as Alternate Board Member to San Joaquin Partnership Board of Directors to Represent Board Member and City Council Member Bob Johnson on an As-Needed Basis (CM) This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Mayor Chandler for discussion purposes. Mayor Chandler stated that typically elected officials serve in the capacity of Delegate and Alternate to regional boards and commissions versus staff members. While he encouraged the Business Development Manager to regularly attend the meetings of the San Joaquin Partnership, he proposed that the Alternate position be filled by a Council Member and suggested Council Member Mounce be appointed because she previously served in this capacity before assuming a greater role on the League of California Cities. Council Member Mounce expressed interest in serving in this capacity, adding that her office is one block away from The Partnership, which adds a layer of convenience, and she, through her employer, has vast knowledge and experience in business attraction, tax credits, and saving businesses money. Council Member Johnson stated he has served on The Partnership for the last 15 years and has seen a transformation in the make-up of the Board and a change in direction as it relates to business attraction and the methods used to accomplish this goal. Board members are taking a more active role than they have in the past, and a recent bylaw amendment established voting rights for Alternate members. His suggestion that the Business Development Manager be appointed as Alternate was based on her 20 years of experience and work in this field and her connections with businesses and individuals within San Joaquin County. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Council Member Johnson confirmed that his recommendation is the appointment of Business Development Manager Astrida Trupovnieks as the Alternate member on the San Joaquin Partnership. Council Member Nakanishi explained to the public that Council Members have a significant amount of additional responsibilities serving on various regional boards and commissions, either as Delegates or as Alternates. Historically, Council Members have served in these positions, even though it can be difficult at times to make all of the commitments. Council Member Nakanishi stated that, if Council Member Mounce is interested in serving in this capacity, then she should have the opportunity to do so. Steve Rinchon, member of the public and Delta College student, requested an explanation on what a Delegate and Alternate does. Mayor Chandler explained that the Delegate is the individual who holds the office, while the Alternate serves in his/her capacity during an absence. Mayor Chandler made a motion, second by Council Member Mounce, to adopt Resolution No. 2019-256 appointing Council Member Mounce as Alternate Board Member to San Joaquin Partnership Board of Directors to represent Board Member and City Council Member Bob Johnson on an as-needed basis. ROLL CALL VOTE The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes). VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler 4 Noes: Council Member Johnson Absent: None 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 6.3l). 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. Megan Shields, member of the public, expressed frustration about the increase in homeless and transients in Lodi, many of whom loiter around businesses and on streets and sidewalks, leave messes, harass pedestrians, panhandle, and erect tents throughout town. She stated there are many unused locations in Lodi and suggested allowing the homeless to set up camp in one area equipped with a portable restroom. She further stated she would like to know more about loitering laws. Mayor Chandler invited Ms. Shields to attend the Committee on Homelessness meeting tomorrow and summarized many of Lodi's accomplishments, including re-instituting the Police bicycle officer downtown, creating the Community Resource Liaison officer whose time is dedicated solely to homeless issues, helping over 100 homeless individuals get off Lodi streets, Council Members serving on the Homeless Committee, and Lodi's cooperation with San Joaquin County to battle the homeless problem. Council Member Mounce stated she is equally frustrated, and shared that the City's challenge is State legislation that prevents local law enforcement from properly dealing with homeless activities, in addition to the inability to house individuals. The State of California has determined the homeless have a right to live on streets unless a community has adequate shelter. Lodi does not have enough beds, and many of the homeless do not want to stay in a shelter. Council Member Mounce encouraged the public to contact the City Manager for concerns regarding public benches and the Police Department if homeless are sleeping in doorways. Douglas Craig, member of the public, also expressed concerns about the increase in homelessness in Lodi, stating this issue is effecting all communities, but he does not want to see Lodi become like Sacramento. He stated the Police Department will not move homeless off of private property unless they are doing something wrong and the property owner files a complaint. City Manager Schwabauer stated that the Community Resource Liaison officer begins clearing out the downtown area first thing in the morning and is proactively moving people out of spaces. Patrol officers do less of this because they are responding to higher-priority calls while the Liaison's sole focus is on the homeless. E. Comments by the City Council Members on Non-Agenda Items Council Member Nakanishi shared his perspective as a Council Member over the last year, stating that a major focus of Council's was the homelessness situation, which will continue to be an issue as will affordable housing. He encouraged the public to attend the Committee on Homelessness and Continuum of Care meetings, at which ideas, projects, and programs are vetted before they come before Council. Further, he stated that as a Council Member he serves on a number of regional boards, including the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Joint Powers Authority and Delta Protection Commission, and has represented the Mayor and/or Mayor Pro Tempore on committees when they were unable to attend. He also meets with citizens and constituents at City Hall to discuss issues or concerns. Council Member Nakanishi thanked Lodi citizens for voting to support Measure L, which enabled the City to complete projects such as the Candy Cane Park improvements. Without Measure L, the City would have been forced to cut services and programs and tap into reserve funds. The financial projection shows that, without a 5 recession, Lodi's budget will be balanced by utilizing all reserves until the year 2023, at which time revenues and expenses will not match. The hope is that the economy will improve and additional revenue sources can be generated. Council Member Johnson informed the public that City Clerk Jennifer Ferraiolo is retiring from the City of Lodi after 31 years of service, stating he had the good fortune to work with her over the last 20 years while serving on Council and City boards. He stated Lodi was fortunate to have phenomenal city clerks over the years and that Ms. Ferraiolo is an exceptional City Clerk who has faced a number of circumstances and issues and handled them with poise while treating people with dignity and respect. Council Member Johnson wished Ms. Ferraiolo well in retirement and stated he was sorry to see her go. Mayor Chandler announced that a retirement reception is planned for Ms. Ferraiolo on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 5 p.m. at Hutchins Street Square in the Holz Room. Council Member Mounce thanked Council and staff for making it possible for her to participate in the meeting remotely while she is attending the League of California Cities League Leaders Workshop, at which members will determine the organization's goals for the upcoming year that will likely have a heavy emphasis on homelessness and changing laws so cities can effectively battle homelessness in communities. F. Comments by the City Manager on Non-Agenda Items None. G. Public Hearings – None H. Regular Calendar – None I. Ordinances I-1 Adopt Ordinance No. 1973 Entitled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lodi Authorizing Amendment to Contract between City Council of City of Lodi and Board of Administration of California Public Employees’ Retirement System” (CLK) Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne made a motion, second by Council Member Mounce, (following reading of the title) to waive reading of the ordinance in full and adopt and order to print Ordinance No. 1973 entitled, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lodi Authorizing Amendment to Contract between City Council of City of Lodi and Board of Administration of California Public Employees' Retirement System," which was introduced at a regular meeting of the Lodi City Council held November 6, 2019. ROLL CALL VOTE The City Council held a ROLL CALL vote (all voiced their votes). VOTE: The above motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Kuehne, and Mayor Chandler Noes: None Absent: None J. Reorganization of the City Council J-1 Presentation to Outgoing Mayor City Manager Schwabauer presented outgoing Mayor Chandler with a plaque in appreciation of his dedicated service to the community. 6 Mayor Chandler thanked his wife, Jan, for her constant support, tolerance, and for understanding his busy schedule that takes him away so often and he presented her with flowers. He further thanked the dedicated employees who constantly put forth extra effort, the citizens for their support, and Pat Patrick with the Chamber of Commerce for his assistance in helping make Lodi a tourism location. He commented on the many new businesses that will be coming on-line soon and stated that Lodi citizens care about future growth and value the agricultural land surrounding the city, but he added that towns must grow if they want to survive. He expressed his joy at serving as Lodi's Mayor this past year. J-2 Reorganization of the Lodi City Council: a) Election of Mayor and b) Election of Mayor Pro Tempore City Clerk Ferraiolo, serving as Chair, conducted the election for the office of Mayor as follows: NOMINATION(S) FOR MAYOR / VOTE: Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Johnson, nominated Council Member Kuehne for the office of Mayor. There being no further nominations for the office of Mayor, the nominations were closed. Resolution No. 2019-257 nominating Council Member Kuehne for the position of Mayor carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members – Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, and Council Member Nakanishi Noes: Council Members – None Absent: Council Members – None City Clerk Ferraiolo turned over the gavel to newly elected Mayor Kuehne who then conducted the election for the office of Mayor Pro Tempore. NOMINATION(S) FOR MAYOR PRO TEMPORE / VOTE: Council Member Johnson, seconded by Council Member Chandler, nominated Council Member Nakanishi for the office of Mayor Pro Tempore. There being no further nominations for the office of Mayor Pro Tempore, the nominations were closed. Resolution No. 2019-258 nominating Council Member Nakanishi for the position of Mayor Pro Tempore carried by the following vote: Ayes: Council Members – Council Member Chandler, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, and Mayor Kuehne Noes: Council Members – None Absent: Council Members – None Mayor Kuehne thanked his wife, Robbi, for her support; his adoptive mom Pat Lynch; and City Clerk Ferraiolo, stating he will miss her after she retires. Mayor Kuehne laid out his priorities for the year ahead, including homelessness by adding emergency shelters with support services in winter months and preventing at-risk families from becoming homeless; capitalizing on the momentum occurring downtown with new restaurants and expanding businesses; continue making Lodi a tourist-friendly community so people visit and enjoy restaurants, breweries, and boutiques and bring in greater tourism dollars; creating safe places for teens and families to congregate, such as the upcoming bowling alley and the many community parks; providing affordable housing opportunities and revisiting the City's housing policies; and working with staff and the Chamber of Commerce to attract more businesses that offer higher-paying jobs that fit well in the community and seeking a college or university that wants a presence in Lodi. He thanked everyone for their support. City Manager Schwabauer announced that staff is working on applying for HOME grant funds for 7 a 16-unit apartment project and he hopes to have that discussion before Council in the near future. This effort fits with Mayor Kuehne's affordable housing goal. J. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Ferraiolo City Clerk 8