HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - January 19, 2021 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL
SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021
A. Roll Call by City Clerk
An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held
Tuesday, January 19, 2021, commencing at 7:01 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 meeting was available for viewing by the
public via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/CityofLodi/ and
https://zoom.us/j/93455719476?pwd=NDdhcl E4OEZyYWV3d2pDY1 U5SjVZZz09; the
opportunity for public comment was available through councilcomments@lodi.gov and
https://zoom.us/j/93455719476?pwd=NDdhcl E4OEZyYWV3d2pDY1 U5SjVZZz09.
Present: Council Member Hothi, Council Member Khan, Council Member Kuehne, Mayor Pro
Tempore Chandler, and Mayor Nakanishi
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Cusmir
B. Topic(s)
B-1 Receive Presentation on Broadband Feasibility Study (EU)
Item B-1 was presented after item B-2.
Electric Utility Director Jeff Berkheimer explained that approximately a year ago, the City Council
directed staff to work with some experts and evaluate the feasibility of expanding the City's fiber
network.
John Honker, of Magellan Advisors, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the broadband
feasibility study. Specific topics of discussion included fiber backbone, broadband importance,
importance of upgrading fiber backbone, future benefits, examples of broadband strategy -
business and residential partnerships, considerations beyond Phase 1, and recommended
approach.
Electric Utility Director Berkheimer explained that the initial phased investment keeps the City's
options open and allows for more time to evaluate opportunities without limiting or over
committing the City, in response to questions asked by Mayor Nakanishi regarding funding and
the costs associated with the project.
At the request of Council Member Kuehne, Mr. Honker provided information to the Council
Members regarding "Smart Cities" using technology to enable it to do business more easily and
at a lower cost. Council Member Kuehne provided examples of how monitoring traffic could be
improved through technology and spoke about the importance of having Smart City applications
available. Council Member Kuehne also spoke about the importance of having fiber available for
broadband carriers.
Mr. Honker spoke about opportunities for grant funding and paybacks for investment following
questions asked by Council Member Kuehne.
Mr. Honker stated Rancho Cucamonga, San Jose, and Centennial, Colorado, are good examples
for Council to look at, in response to a question asked by Council Member Hothi.
Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler spoke about how the City can seek guidance from jurisdictions that
the City is linked to through the Northern California Power Agency and noted that the League of
California Cities is sponsoring a webinar about how internet service providers can work with local
government.
Council Member Khan spoke about the opportunities this project could provide to the City and
Mayor Nakanishi agreed.
Ms. JoAnne Mounce, a citizen, provided public comment regarding the opportunity to provide free
Wi-Fi service to the Eastside community.
The City Council directed staff to move forward with Phase 1 as recommended.
B-2 Fiscal Year 2020/21 General Fund Revenue Update (FIN)
Item B-2 was presented before item B-1.
Deputy City Manager Andrew Keys provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding an update on
the Fiscal Year 2020/21 Budget General Fund Revenue. Specific topics of discussion included
summary, reasons for uncertainty, revenue projection, and a line item detail.
City Manager Schwabauer spoke about the cost of covering medical expenses for animals
brought into Animal Control and reduction in adoption fees, in response to a question asked by
Council Member Kuehne.
C. Comments by Public on Non -Agenda Items
None.
D. Adjournment
No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 a.m.
ATTEST:
Jennifer Cusmir
City Clerk
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