HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 8, 2022 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL
SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022
An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held
Tuesday, March 8, 2022, commencing at 7:03 a.m.
Present: Council Member Khan, Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor
Pro Tempore Hothi, and Mayor Chandler
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and Assistant City Clerk Farris
Deputy City Manager Andrew Keys provided a short introduction of the Balancing Act, a public
outreach software program, and explained that it provides the opportunity for citizen input on
budget scenarios.
Internal Services Management Analyst Lisa Noffsinger provided a demonstration of Balancing
Act. Specific topics of discussion included description of software program; tools provided for
transparency, accountability, and participation; benefits for staff; General Fund revenues and
services to be proposed for simulation; and deployment on the City website and social media at
the end of the week through the end of March.
In response to Mayor Chandler, Mr. Keys stated that it was chosen for its simplicity, success in
surrounding communities, cost, and the opportunity for the public to comment on dollar/resource
allocation. City Manager Schwabauer further stated the solicitations received by Council
Members are generally for products that are for complete city data, rather than just budget
manipulation. He further added that in the past, the public was given the opportunity to play
"Municipal Monopoly" but it was not a successful endeavor due to lack of public participation; the
public has participated more in online opportunities.
Mayor Chandler suggested adding more information on Measure L.
In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi, City Manager Schwabauer stated that pictures of the
parks projects are not currently in the program but they could be added. Deputy City Manager
Keys stated that staff will try to get the pictures added but there is a short time frame with
deployment at the end of the week.
In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Schwabauer stated that the figures provided in the
program are close to the actual budget numbers, and the purpose of the program is to provide the
opportunity for the public to show which programs and projects they care about.
In further response to Council Member Nakanishi, Ms. Noffsinger stated that the cost of the
program is $1,500 per year.
In response to Council Member Kuehne, Ms. Noffsinger stated that the full list of unfunded capital
improvement projects was included in the program, but if there is something else a citizen is
A.Call to Order / Roll Call
B.Topics
B-1 Receive Presentation on Balancing Act –a Public Outreach Software Program (ISD)
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interested in, the program provides the opportunity to add a note.
In further response to Council Member Kuehne, Mr. Schwabauer confirmed that Electric Utility is
not included in the program, only General Fund.
In response to Council Member Khan, Ms. Noffsinger stated that the program is only provided in
English as Balancing Act does not provide multi-lingual options.
None.
No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 a.m.
C.Comments by Public on Non-Agenda Items THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON-AGENDA
ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
D.Adjournment
ATTEST:
Pamela M. Farris
Assistant City Clerk
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