City Council Meeting - October 1, 2025
The Lodi City Council will convene its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Carnegie Forum, following a closed session beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Potential Legal Proceedings in Closed Session
The closed session will address serious legal matters, including significant anticipated litigation involving City Manager Scott Carney. According to the agenda, an attorney representing Carney sent correspondence to the city's legal counsel in April 2025 concerning alleged whistleblowing and potential retaliation, directing the city to place a "litigation hold" on related documents.
Proclamations and Community Recognition
The council will honor several important observances through mayoral proclamations. Mayor Cameron Bregman will recognize National Manufacturing Day on October 3, 2025, and Manufacturing Awareness and Appreciation Month throughout October, highlighting the manufacturing sector's contribution of $2.9 trillion to the U.S. economy and employment of 12.9 million Americans. Representatives from Lodi Iron Works and the Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley will accept the proclamation.
Fire Prevention Week (October 5-11, 2025) will also be recognized, focusing this year on "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home." The proclamation emphasizes the Fire Department's commitment to educating residents about proper battery handling to prevent overheating, fires, or explosions.
Additionally, the council will proclaim Public Power Week (October 13-17, 2025) to celebrate Lodi Electric Utility's service to the community. LEU, which has operated since 1910, will host its 30th annual open house for nearly 500 elementary school students.
Major Infrastructure and Utility Improvements
Several significant infrastructure projects will receive council attention. The city will consider authorizing up to $1.2 million for compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station improvements, addressing critical equipment failures at the Municipal Service Center. The existing CNG system, which serves 12 transit buses and 3 heavy-duty vehicles, has experienced compressor failures and a major gas line leak that rendered the fuel island inoperable.
The council will also approve a $12,061 purchase of power monitoring equipment to replace a failed unit used by Lodi Electric Utility for investigating customer power quality complaints. Staff recommends waiving the bidding process due to the specialized nature of the equipment and the need for compatibility with existing systems.
Downtown Economic Development Initiative
In support of local businesses, the council will consider extending downtown parking time limits from 90 minutes to 4 hours during the 2025 winter holiday season. This measure, effective from November 27 through December 25, aims to encourage residents and visitors to shop at local retailers. The Downtown Lodi Business Alliance requested this accommodation, citing research showing that 68% of spending at local small businesses remains within the community.
Personnel and Service Agreements
The council will address several personnel matters, including approving a new Senior Community Improvement Officer position in the Community Development Department. This position will provide advanced journey-level work and first-line supervisory responsibility for code enforcement functions, with an annual salary range of $83,282.87 to $101,230.92.
A significant service agreement with Lodi Unified School District will be ratified for the Bridge Program, providing after-school staff support at five elementary schools during the 2025-2026 school year. The contract totals up to $751,526 and includes services at Lakewood, Larson, Reese, Vinewood, and Victor elementary schools.
Public Art and Community Services
The council will approve artist Daniel Borup's conceptual design titled "Messis Copiosa" for an art installation at State Route 99 and Turner Road, with authorization for up to $500,000 in design, fabrication, and installation costs. The project was recommended by the Lodi Arts Commission.
Water Quality and Public Health
A public hearing will be held regarding the city's Water Quality Report relative to Public Health Goals. The report, required every three years by California regulations, compares Lodi's drinking water to state and federal health guidelines. City officials confirm that Lodi's water system complies with all health-based drinking water standards.
Homelessness Services Update
The council will receive an update on the temporary Access Center and Emergency Shelter operations. From May through July 2025, the facility provided 3,375 overnight services to 99 clients and 7,113 day services to 306 clients. Services included thousands of meals and nearly 4,000 showers. The council will also consider service specifications for a Request for Proposal to operate the facility.
Commission Appointments and Future Planning
Several commission appointments will be made, including Larry Long and Aaron VanNortwick to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Gary Woehl to the Planning Commission, and Katherine LeStrange to the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission. The council will also direct staff to post vacancies on the Lodi Finance Committee, Lodi Arts Commission, and Lodi Improvement Committee.
Finally, the council will set a public hearing for October 15, 2025, to consider municipal code amendments affecting building construction and development standards, including updates to accessory dwelling units, tobacco retailer establishments, and alcoholic beverage sales regulations.
The meeting agenda reflects Lodi's ongoing commitment to infrastructure maintenance, economic development, public safety, and community services while addressing both routine administrative matters and significant policy decisions that will impact the city's future development.