HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 7, 2021 B-03AGENDAIITEM 130,3
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TM
AGENDA TITLE: Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 11-17, 2021, as
"National Volunteers Week"
MEETING DATE: April 7, 2021
PREPARED BY: Chief of Police
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Presentation of proclamation proclaiming the week of April 11-17,
2021, as "National Volunteers Week,"
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: National Volunteers Week is a national event to recognize and
celebrate the profound impact men and women who volunteer have
on their community. This past year many volunteer opportunities
throughout the City have been cancelled or postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Although this is
the case, we still want to honor our volunteers; thank those who have been working through the
pandemic and welcome back those who have been restricted, as soon as allowed. Our city departments
have the opportunity to invite and work with the numerous volunteers who occupy the following positions:
The Public Library volunteers assist as Adult Literacy tutors, homework help tutors, Lucas Computer
Learning Center coaches and instructors. Volunteers also undertake general library needs, and occupy
the non-profit boards; Friends of the Lodi Public Library and Lodi Public Library Foundation.
The Public Works Department welcomes many volunteer groups who donate time to accomplish specific
projects. Volunteers work on the following projects: Coastal Cleanup, Love Lodi, Galt Adult Learning
Center bi-monthly cleanups at Lodi Lake, Heritage School Earth Keeper's Club, Master Gardner's
Downtown Lodi flower pot project, Starbucks Earth Day Cleanup at Lodi Lake, and the Storm Drain
Detectives.
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department has more than 2,000 volunteers who provide
assistance to the youth sports programs. The remaining are volunteers for various scout programs for
park improvements; commissions and boards, such as the Hutchins Street Square Foundation and Lodi
Arts Commission; civic groups such as the Lodi-Tokay Rotary and Lodi Lions; nonprofits and clubs,
including Tree Lodi, Bike Lodi and the Lodi Garden Club, and those who volunteer on their own through
our Lodi Parks People and Adopt -a -Park programs and opportunities to serve at Hutchins Street
Square/Performing Arts Theater,
The Police Cadet Program offers local youths between the ages of 16 and 24 the opportunity to volunteer
and gain valuable experience during their high school and college years. The Cadets participate in
several special events throughout the year including; serving as decoys for the ABC Grant operations,
assisting with the Parade of Lights, Police Chiefs Gala, DUI checkpoints and performing clerical duties in
the Records Division. Many of these young people transition into a full-time career in law enforcement.
The Police Chaplaincy Program was formed in February of 1994. There are currently six clergy providing
daily support for Lodi Police Department personnel and their families. The Chaplains also administer
APPROVED:
19e c wab y Manager
Presentation of Proclamation Proclaiming the Week of April 11-17, 2021 as "National Volunteers Week"
April 7, 2021
Page 2
emergency response when needed, providing emotional support and assistance to officers in the field
with death notifications and at critical and/or crisis incidents.
The Partners Foundation has been in operation for 28 years, providing endless hours of service to the
Lodi Police Department. Partners patrol city streets, parks, and schools. They serve as additional eyes
and ears for the Lodi Police Department and provide information and assistance to the community in a
variety of ways. Partners' assignments include: clerical assignments, parking enforcement, patrol
assistance, special event support, abatement patrol, and the Stranger Danger education program.
Partners also raise funds for vehicles donated to the City and used by the volunteers.
There are also 27 community volunteers who serve behind the scenes on the Crime Stoppers Board,
Lodi Police Foundation Board and the Chaplain Board of Directors. All give generously of their time and
talents, and often their personal funds; toward the betterment of the Lodi Police Department and
ultimately in service to the community.
Representatives of the Police, Library, Public Works, and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services
Departments will be present to accept the proclamation.
FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable.
Sierra Brucia
Chief of Police