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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 29, 2023 B-0154 CITY OF {:ILI s a t CALIFORNIA COUNCIL COMMUNICATION AGENDA ITEM (34W I AGENDA TITLE: Interview Applicants and Make Appointment for District 4 Council Seat MEETING DATE: March 29, 2023 PREPARED BY: City Clerk RECOMMENDED ACTION. Interview applicants and make appointment for District 4 Council seat. BACKGROUND INFORMATION. At a special meeting held March 14, 2023, City Council provided direction to staff regarding the application and interview questions for the District 4 Council seat vacancy and approved an appointment schedule for filling the vacancy. Per the approved schedule, the City Clerk's Office accepted applications for the District 4 Council seat from Friday, March 17, 2023 to 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2023. The City Clerk's Office received four (4) applications: - Diego Maldonado - JoAnne L. Mounce - Ramon Yepez - Alexander S. Aliferis All applicants have been verified as registered voters in District 4 by the San Joaquin Registrar of Voters. One application was received 16 minutes after the March 24th, 5:00 p.m. deadline and therefore did not qualify to move forward in the selection process. Staff recommends the Council interview the qualified applicants and make an appointment to the vacant District 4 Council seat. FISCAL IMPACT: FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable. Not applicable. OGivia NafhM Olivia Nashed (Mar 27, 2023 16:51 PDT) Olivia Nashed City Clerk APPROVED: sr.I _ , . 11:91f X2R,[aL9! :10 PDT) Stephen Schwabauer, City Manager Application for Consideration of Appointment Profile Diego Prefix First Name Email Address Street Address City Primary Phone _ Maldonado Middle Initial Last Name Alternate Phone Which Boards would you like to apply for? City Council District 4: Submitted Realtor, Real Estate Investor Occupation Application Questions Submit Date: Mar 20, 2023 Suffix Suite or Apt State Postal Code City Council District 4 Question applies to City Council District 4 PERSONAL HISTORY: I grew up in Lodi, CA. I attended Heritage and Washington elementary school, then Lodi Middle School, and then Lodi High School. After time past I got my real estate license. I am a licensed realtor agent with over 10 + years of experience in the residential and commercial real estate market. I specialize in helping clients find, buy, sell and manage multifamily properties across the country. I also own and operate a multifamily investment syndication company that pools capital from investors to acquire large-scale apartment complexes with cash flow and appreciation potential. My goal is to provide exceptional service and value to my clients and partners through my expertise, integrity and professionalism. Diego Maldonado Page 1 of 3 Question applies to City Council District 4 SUMMARY OF PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE: I have helped the community by assisting owners of soccer leagues organize the tournaments so that the community can detach from stressful day in and day out routines and just have a good time. Question applies to City Council District 4 STATEMENT OF WHY YOU FEEL YOU SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT, including how you believe your experience prepares you for this position: Statement must be 250 words or less; if you require extra space, please attach additional page(s) I feel that I should be considered for appointment to the city council position because I have a strong background in the community and civic engagement. I have been involved in local organizations that aim to improve the quality of life and well-being of our residents. Through these experiences, I have gained valuable skills and insights that prepare me for the city council role. I have learned how to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, communicate effectively with different audiences, and advocate for the needs and interests of our community. I am passionate about making our city a better place to live, work, and play for everyone. Question applies to City Council District 4 District 4 Resident I am a resident of District 4 (Gov C §34882) (map of District 4: http://www.lodi.gov/clerk/aaPDFimages/District%20Map.pdf). PF I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Registered Voter in District 4 I am a registered voter in District 4 in the City of Lodi. Q 1 Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Citizenship and Age Verification I am a citizen of the United States and 18 years of age or older (Elec C §321, Govt C §36502). W I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Form 700 - Conflict of Interest I have filed my Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) with the City Clerk's Office. (Form and instructions: https://www.fppc.ca.gov/content/dam/fppc/NS- Documents/TAD/Form%20700/2022-23/Form_700_2022.pdf) R I Agree Diego Maldonado Page 2 of 3 Question applies to City Council District 4 Code of Ethics I have reviewed the Code of Ethics and Values adopted by the City Council per Resolution 2004-115. m 1 Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Criminal Conviction I understand that criminal conviction, including entry of a nolo contendere plea, of certain crimes may result in immediate forfeiture of office. (Govt C §§ 1021, 1770(h), 1770). rJ I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Public Records I understand that once these documents have been filed in City Clerk's Office, they become public records. I;W I Agree City Council District 4 - Spanish Diego Maldonado Page 3 of 3 Application for Consideration of Appointment Submit Date: Mar 23, 2023 Profile JoAnne L Mounce Prefix First Name _ Middle Initial Last Name Suffix Email Address Street Address Suite or Apt City State Postal Code Primary Phone Alternate Phone Which Boards would you like to apply for? City Council District 4: Submitted Accountant Occupation Application Questions City Council District 4 JoAnne L Mounce Page 1 of 3 Question applies to City Council District 4 PERSONAL HISTORY: Possesses over thirty years of diverse experience and continual success in the field of Public and Governmental Accounting and Human Resources. Demonstrates ability to analyze situations, set priorities, and develop feasible strategies resulting in superior solutions. Strong communication skills; presents concepts and information clearly and concisely. Analytical and precise, with a strong "numbers" aptitude. Manages time and resources efficiently. Completes tasks in a thorough and professional manner. Self-directed and conscientious; works well under pressure with attention to detail. Articulate and professional; relates well with others at all levels and in any environment. Promotes team efforts. Intelligent and adaptable with a strong sense of responsibility to the organization and those it serves. Associate of Arts Degree, Honors, San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, California Certificate in Accounting. South Lake Tahoe Community College, S.L.T., California. Born and raised in Lodi, the city I love. Question applies to City Council District 4 SUMMARY OF PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE: Founding member of the Lodi Eastside Improvement Committee as the Outreach Director 1993 to 1999, organized Hale Park Concerts in the Park 1993 to 1998, San Joaquin Partnership Board member 1995 to 1998, Neighborhood Watch Captain 1995 - 2005, former member of Lodi Tokay Rotary 2000 to 2005, and Member of the Lodi 2000 Steering Community 1999 to 2001. Lodi City Council Member 2005 - 2020, former Mayor of Lodi 2008 and 2012, Past Board President of the League of California Cities and Board of Director. 2010 -2020. Question applies to City Council District 4 STATEMENT OF WHY YOU FEEL YOU SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT, including how you believe your experience prepares you for this position: Statement must be 250 words or less; if you require extra space, please attach additional page(s) As a city council member from 2005 to 2020, 1 have the experience and knowledge to step into the district 4 seat with very little learning curve. I would be excited and humbled to serve the remainder of the term. Excited to assist the council with current projects, historical preservation, and District 4 challenges. Question applies to City Council District 4 District 4 Resident I am a resident of District 4 (Gov C §34882) (map of District 4: http://www.Iodi.gov/clerk/aaPDFimages/District%20Map.pdf). PF I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Registered Voter in District 4 I am a registered voter in District 4 in the City of Lodi. m 1 Agree JoAnne L Mounce Page 2 of 3 Question applies to City Council District 4 Citizenship and Age Verification I am a citizen of the United States and 18 years of age or older (Elec C §321, Govt C §36502). rJ I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Form 700 - Conflict of Interest I have filed my Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) with the City Clerk's Office. (Form and instructions: https://www.fppc.ca.gov/content/dam/fppc/NS- Documents/TAD/Form%20700/2022-23/Form_700_2022.pdf) V I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Code of Ethics I have reviewed the Code of Ethics and Values adopted by the City Council per Resolution 2004-115. I;W I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Criminal Conviction I understand that criminal conviction, including entry of a nolo contendere plea, of certain crimes may result in immediate forfeiture of office. (Govt C §§ 1021, 1770(h), 1770). rj I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Public Records I understand that once these documents have been filed in City Clerk's Office, they become public records. W I Agree City Council District 4 - Spanish JoAnne L Mounce Page 3 of 3 Application for Consideration of Appointment Profile Ramon _ Yepez Prefix First Name Middle Initial Last Name Email Address Street Address City Primary Phone Alternate Phone Which Boards would you like to apply for? City Council District 4: Submitted Data Scientist Occupation Application Questions City Council District 4 Submit Date: Mar 23, 2023 Suffix Suite or Apt State Postal Code Ramon Yepez Page 1 of 4 Question applies to City Council District 4 PERSONAL HISTORY: I was born in Mexico and raised in Lodi. I have lived in other cities such as Boston, Sacramento and Madrid for work or school. However, Lodi has something special that makes me come back home. I love its public areas and its small-town feel. After graduating from Lodi High School, I went to the University of the Pacific and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor's in Economics. After that, I worked at many levels of government: Mexico's Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, the US Embassy in Madrid, the USDA, and San Joaquin County. Outside of public service, I have worked in economic development, banking and at a startup that is using tech to improve sustainability in agriculture throughout the world. Currently, I am the Founder/CEO of a tech startup in the augmented reality and artificial intelligence fields. While working full- time, I attended grad school. I have two master's degrees, one in Economics and one in Data Science, each of which were pivotal in getting promotions and entering new fields. When I am not working I like to read, walk, hike, sail and travel. I have traveled to close to 20 countries and hope to visit many more. Question applies to City Council District 4 SUMMARY OF PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE: Since high school, I have tried to make a difference through community service whenever I can. When I was in college, I tutored students in mathematics and helped them with their college applications in Stockton's most disadvantaged schools. While in school, I was a member of many clubs and organizations, such as MEChA, student government and cultural organizations. After college, I have been an active member of my church and I have volunteered in Mexico. After I started working full-time, I have volunteered less than I would like to, but I chose to work mostly in public service so I can still help people. At the USDA, I helped farmers with surveys and writing the crop weather publication that farmers use to keep updated on agriculture throughout California. As a statistician at the USDA, I was in close contact with farmers around California to understand what was happening in agriculture so I could provide better information in my reports. At the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento, I did outreach to the Mexican - American community, promoting events through the legal department that informed people about their legal rights. I have always taken very seriously my commitment to doing good in the world. I believe you can always do community service, even working in the private sector or in a public service position. You can always make a difference and do the right thing. Question applies to City Council District 4 STATEMENT OF WHY YOU FEEL YOU SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT, including how you believe your experience prepares you for this position: Statement must be 250 words or less; if you require extra space, please attach additional page(s) I understand that this position is not about me - it's about the people. During the 2020 campaign, I was moved by the openness of people who shared their problems with me. I believe that I understand the issues my neighbors are concerned about. And I know my neighbors will communicate with me about issues as they arise. I'm an excellent listener who wants the people of District 4 to have a say in decisions that affect them. My education and work experience have prepared me well to serve on the City Council. My experience in technology and economic development makes me the perfect candidate for this position. The use of technology is increasing exponentially, including in Lodi. I know that having another council member who understands technology will be beneficial in its use and also in making sure the city gets the best deals with tech contractors. Using data science will lead to overall efficiency and savings. My experience in economic development will help me work closely with the economic development department to promote our businesses and bring in new ones. Creating new opportunities will also keep young people in Lodi, who often need to move for higher paying jobs. I am a goal -oriented team player who works to build consensus. I will use my analytical and listening skills to address the city's issues, e.g. security, homelessness, CalPERS and economic development. I will work tirelessly to keep Lodi the great city I grew up in. Ramon Yepez Page 2 of 4 Question applies to City Council District 4 District 4 Resident I am a resident of District 4 (Gov C §34882) (map of District 4: http://www.Iodi.gov/clerk/aaPDFimages/District%20Map.pdf). PF I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Registered Voter in District 4 I am a registered voter in District 4 in the City of Lodi. PF I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Citizenship and Age Verification I am a citizen of the United States and 18 years of age or older (Elec C §321, Govt C §36502). PF I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Form 700 - Conflict of Interest I have filed my Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) with the City Clerk's Office. (Form and instructions: https://www.fppc.ca.gov/content/dam/fppc/NS- Docu ments/TAD/Form%20700/2022-23/Form_700_2022.pdf) PF I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Code of Ethics I have reviewed the Code of Ethics and Values adopted by the City Council per Resolution 2004-115. V I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Criminal Conviction I understand that criminal conviction, including entry of a nolo contendere plea, of certain crimes may result in immediate forfeiture of office. (Govt C §§ 1021,1770(h), 1770). W I Agree Ramon Yepez Page 3 of 4 Question applies to City Council District 4 Public Records I understand that once these documents have been filed in City Clerk's Office, they become public records. I;w I Agree City Council District 4 - Spanish Ramon Yepez Page 4 of 4 Application for Consideration of Appointment Profile Mr Alexander Prefix First Name Email Address Street Address City Primary Phone _ S Aliferis Middle Initial Last Name Alternate Phone Which Boards would you like to apply for? City Council District 4: Submitted Substitute Teacher Occupation Application Questions Submit Date: Mar 24, 2023 Suffix Suite or Apt State Postal Code City Council District 4 Question applies to City Council District 4 PERSONAL HISTORY: I was raised in Lodi and graduated from Lodi High School. My parents, who are immigrants, reside in Lodi, as do many of my relatives. My ties to Lodi are reflected in the fact that my uncles and aunt operated UJ's Restaurant in the 1980's and 1990's. I was employed at UJ's Restaurant, as a teenager. As an employee,) worked in various positions, from dishwasher, busboy, and host. In that employment, I met many of Lodi's residents, which were of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and faiths. The fourth City District is a very diverse district. While attending schools in Lodi, I witnessed the changing demographics of my neighborhood, and understand the various needs and interests of the district. Mr Alexander S Aliferis Page 1 of 3 Question applies to City Council District 4 SUMMARY OF PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE: I have been active and continue to be active in 'our' city of Lodi. Since residing in Lodi, I have taken part in 'Love Lodi' and led a clean-up crew to clean debris from the alleys of Lodi, in the Heritage District of Lodi. I have also been active in clean-up efforts in and around other parts of Lodi, not just in the Heritage District of Lodi. I was active in 'Take Back Lodi' clean-up efforts across Lodi in 2016-2017-2018. 1 am still an active advocate in clean-up efforts around Lodi. I also worked along with, as an active participant of the Lodi chapter of the Guardian Angels, in their efforts to make Lodi a better city. I am an active member of the Lodi Toastmasters, Lodi Ham Radio club, as well as other community organizations helping to improve the City of Lodi. Question applies to City Council District 4 STATEMENT OF WHY YOU FEEL YOU SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT, including how you believe your experience prepares you for this position: Statement must be 250 words or less; if you require extra space, please attach additional page(s) Understanding that Lodi is a Strong City Manager form of government, with direction from the City Council members, it is imperative that a new council member be able to work cooperatively with city government, employees, as well as other City Council members. A high priority of mine would be to focus on the budget and the expenditures required to "run" the city of Lodi. On that note understanding from where the city derives its revenues, I.E., sales taxes, property taxes and permitting processes in the "growing" city helps keeps our city in a good financial state. A high priority of mine will be ensuring that our Fire and Police services are properly funded, as the two entities of the City is a priority of government. With that said, the importance of funding the "unfunded" liability of those services should be a top priority, for which government is created. The Light and Power services, along with Water and Waste services are two more of my government interests. Respectively, Alexander S Aliferis Question applies to City Council District 4 District 4 Resident I am a resident of District 4 (Gov C §34882) (map of District 4: http://www.lodi.gov/clerk/aaPDF!mages/District%20Map.pdf). PF I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Registered Voter in District 4 I am a registered voter in District 4 in the City of Lodi. R I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Citizenship and Age Verification I am a citizen of the United States and 18 years of age or older (Elec C §321, Govt C §36502). PF I Agree Mr Alexander S Aliferis Page 2 of 3 Question applies to City Council District 4 Form 700 - Conflict of Interest I have filed my Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) with the City Clerk's Office. (Form and instructions: https://www.fppc.ca.gov/content/dam/fppc/NS- Docu ments/TAD/Form°/x20700/2022-23/Form_700_2022. pdf) rj I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Code of Ethics I have reviewed the Code of Ethics and Values adopted by the City Council per Resolution 2004-115. Pf I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Criminal Conviction I understand that criminal conviction, including entry of a nolo contendere plea, of certain crimes may result in immediate forfeiture of office. (Govt C §§ 1021, 1770(h), 1770). rJ I Agree Question applies to City Council District 4 Public Records I understand that once these documents have been filed in City Clerk's Office, they become public records. W I Agree City Council District 4 - Spanish Mr Alexander S Aliferis Page 3 of 3 Interview Questions Council District 4 Appointment March 29, 2023 The below questions will be asked of all interviewees. Applicant responses will be limited to 5 minutes per candidate per question. In addition, the two yes or no questions will be asked of all interviewees. Long Answer Questions — 5 Minute Response Limit 1. Why do you live in Lodi and District 4 in particular? 2. Please describe your education and professional experience and how it would assist you as a Councilmember. a. What do you think is the most important skill necessary to be a good City Councilmember? 3. Please indicate in order of importance which activities best benefit Lodi. • Construction and sale of new homes • Creation of new and expansion of existing businesses • Revitalization of existing neighborhoods • Increase in tourism 4. What do you see as opportunities or hear as needs for existing businesses in District 4 neighborhood business districts? 5. What do you believe are the top 3 issues of concern to District 4 residents? a. What actions would you like to see the Council take to address those concerns? b. Who do you see as key government or non-government partners in accomplishing those actions on behalf of your District and the greater Lodi community? 6. What have you done to establish support for your appointment within District 4? a. How do you plan on informing and involving District 4 residents in your decision-making process? 7. If as a Councilmember you were told the City had $1 million to use toward a public project, on what project would you want those funds spent? 8. What is your approach to conflict resolution: How would you handle being on the losing end of a contentious issue? 9. Please describe your experience in the community and how it would assist you in serving as a Councilmember. 10. Please describe your experience with group decision making and how it would assist you as a Councilmember. 11. City Councilmembers are expected to come up with solutions to complex, far reaching community problems. Describe a time you were part of resolving a similar problem. What resources did you utilize and how did you as a citizen or other capacity play a role in a resolution? 12. What are the top 3-5 issues facing the City of Lodi today and how would you as a Councilmember work to resolve those issues? What proposed solutions or ideas will you bring to the Council? Yes/No Questions 13. The Council meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month starting between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm and ending between 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm, and on occasional Tuesdays at 7:00 am. Are you able to commit to meeting at those times? 14. If appointed to the Council, will you run for election in November 2024?