HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 23, 2021 SMLODI CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
The City Special Meeting of March 23, 2021, was called to order by Mayor Nakanishi at 7:00 a.m.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, all Council Members
participated in the meeting via teleconference and the public portion of the meeting was available
for viewing by the public via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/CityofLodi/ and
https://zoom.us/j/91064420987?pwd=dDlNSWZPUUpySklnQU0xVlBJUEhKUT09; the opportunity
for public comment was available through councilcomments@lodi.gov and
https://zoom.us/j/91064420987?pwd=dDlNSWZPUUpySklnQU0xVlBJUEhKUT09.
Present: Mayor Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler, Council Member Kuehne, Council
Member Khan, Council Member Hothi, City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and
City Clerk Cusmir
Absent: None
Also Present: None
Deputy City Manager Andrew Keys provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the American
Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Specific topics of discussion included programs, services, and projects
that are eligible for funding, local government allocation, revenue loss replacement plan, FY
2020-2021 unfunded reserve allocations, total funds for the City plan, a proposed plan for the
community, and funded and unfunded priorities.
The City of Lodi expects to receive approximately $16.1 million of American Rescue Plan Act
2021 funding.
Deputy City Manager Keys addressed questions asked by the City Council regarding lost revenue
for various City Departments.
Mayor Nakanishi commented that the federal government is considering offering additional small
business relief to individuals, not through cities. Mayor Nakanishi stated that he does not support
offering incentives for testing and vaccinations, but he believes the City should invest in
vaccinating citizens at a facility.
Deputy City Manager Keys responded to questions asked by Council Member Khan regarding the
timing for construction of the Navigation Center/Low Bar Shelter project and fund requirements.
Council Member Kuehne asked about the potential cost listed for the Navigation Center/Low Bar
Shelter. City Manager Schwabauer stated the project would be a phased project and the potential
cost included in the presentation would be the cost of the initial phase. The project may be
expanded in the future.
Council Member Kuehne noted that the federal government is expected to provide additional
funding for small businesses and stated that he supports focusing on projects 6 and 7 on the list,
Navigation Center/Low Bar Shelter and City Wide Homeless Cleanup. Council Member Kuehne
A. Call to Order / Roll Call
B.Topic(s)
B-1 Provide Direction on the City of Lodi’s Priorities for the use of Federal American Rescue
Plan Act of 2021 Funding (CM)
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said that he needs more details about projects number 5 and 8, Utility Debt Relief and Broadband
Infrastructure. Council Member Kuehne said that he also supports projects number 9 and 10
addressing affordable housing and funding unforeseen needs in the Library and Parks and
Recreation. Council Member Kuehne said that he does not support funding testing and vaccine
incentives.
In response to an inquiry made by Mayor Nakanishi, City Manager Schwabauer explained that
the law is such that the City is not able to enforce anti-camping ordinances unless the City can
show that there is a location for individuals who are homeless and camping to stay at no charge.
City Manager Schwabauer stated that there is some public concern about building the Navigation
Center. City Manager Schwabauer said that all of the jurisdictions in San Joaquin County are
working on this issue. The City does not have the authority to change the current State and
federal laws regarding the issue and the Navigation Center/Low Bar Shelter would allow for the
City to start to address the homeless issue and give people who are camping in parks a place to
go.
Mayor Nakanishi stated that he supports the investment in the Navigation Center/Low Bar Shelter
project and the City Wide Homeless Cleanup.
Council Member Hothi stated that he supports incentivizing testing and vaccinations, small
business grants, and utility debt relief. Council Member Hothi spoke about supporting downtown
businesses and outdoor recreation activities.
Police Chief Bruscia explained that the Highway 99 homeless cleanup would be a different
project, in response to questions asked by Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler regarding the City Wide
Homeless Cleanup project.
Council Member Khan stated that he supports projects number 6 and 7 based on feedback from
the public. Council Member Khan asked if any of the relief funding can be used to install
sidewalks.
Deputy City Manager Key answered that, based on his understanding, the sidewalk infrastructure
project will not be eligible for funding. City Manager Schwabauer explained how other funding
may be made available for sidewalks.
Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler spoke in favor of funding the Broadband Infrastructure project.
Dennis and Susie Harrison provided public comment, via email, regarding the possibility of
playing music in the downtown area to deter homeless individuals from gathering in front of
businesses. City Clerk Cusmir read the email into the record.
There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned
at 8:22 a.m.
C.Comments by Public on Non-Agenda Items
D.Adjournment
ATTEST:
Jennifer Cusmir
City Clerk
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