Lodi City Council - April 15, 2026
Lodi City Council – Regular Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, April 15, 2026 — Closed Session 5:30 PM | Regular Session 7:00 PM
Carnegie Forum, 305 West Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Mayor Ramon Yepez presiding • Mayor Pro Tempore Hothi attending via teleconference
Meeting Overview
This packed agenda features three Regular Calendar items including a forensic accounting audit report, a $1.25 million credit card convenience fee policy decision, and a vendor permit cap discussion; four presentations including three mayoral proclamations and a non-profit check presentation; and twelve Consent Calendar items totaling over $22 million in contracts and appropriations. Two Closed Session items address the ongoing City Manager recruitment and anticipated litigation.
Closed Session (5:30 PM)
C-2a: Public Employee Appointment
Discussion of City Manager recruitment pursuant to Government Code §54957(b). Aaron Busch is currently serving as Interim City Manager.
C-2b: Anticipated Litigation
Conference with legal counsel regarding significant exposure to litigation — one case — pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(2).
B. Presentations
B.1 Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week (April 12–18)
Mayor Yepez will present a proclamation recognizing Animal Services Control Officers and shelter personnel for their daily work rescuing animals, investigating abuse and neglect, transporting injured animals to veterinary hospitals, maintaining humane shelter conditions, and educating the public on responsible pet care.
B.2 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12–18)
This proclamation honors the Lodi Police Department’s 12 dispatchers/jailers, two lead dispatchers, and two dispatch supervisors. Lodi is one of the few departments statewide where dispatchers also serve as jailers, booking and processing inmates. Several are cross-trained for special assignments including Field Evidence Technician, Hostage Negotiations Team, and Tactical Dispatch.
B.3 National Volunteers Week (April 19–25)
The proclamation acknowledges Lodi’s extensive volunteer network spanning every City department:
- Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services: 2,000+ volunteers in youth/adult sports, commissions, and foundations (incl. Tree Lodi, Lodi Garden Club)
- Public Library: Adult Literacy tutors, homework tutors, Lucas Computer Learning Center coaches, Friends of the Library
- Public Works: Coastal Cleanup, Love Lodi, Storm Drain Detectives, Master Gardeners, Lodi Lake cleanup crews
- Animal Shelter: 20 volunteers supporting fostering, socialization, cleaning, feeding, walking, and adoption advocacy
- Police Cadet Program: Youth ages 16–24 gaining law enforcement experience
- Police Chaplaincy: Active since 1994, providing daily support and emergency response
- PARTNERS Foundation: 32 years of service — patrol, parking enforcement, abatement, Stranger Danger program
- Fire Chaplains: Two volunteers available 24/7 for crisis ministry
B.4 Non-Profit Check Presentation: Unidos Progresando – Progressing Together $3,500
Mayor Yepez will present a $3,500 check from District 4 Non-Profit Funds, approved via Resolution 2026-060 on April 1, 2026. The organization must provide quarterly reports to the City Clerk on use of funds.
C. Consent Calendar
All 12 consent items are considered routine and will be acted upon by a single motion.
C.1 Treasurer’s Report & Register of Claims — February 2026
Action: Receive and file. Prepared by Chia Lor, Accounting Manager.
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cash & Pooled Investments (2/28/26) | $283,023,357 |
| General Fund Cash (2/28/26) | $43,862,398 |
| Total Revenue YTD (all funds) | $177,157,797 (64.0% of budget) |
| Total Expenditures YTD (all funds) | $176,746,749 (50.9% of budget) |
| Register of Claims — Accounts Payable | $8,815,032 |
| Register of Claims — Payroll | $4,820,873 |
| Total February Claims | $13,635,905 |
General Fund revenue stands at 56.4% of the amended budget ($38.3M YTD), tracking on par with the prior year. Notable variances include Library Fund revenue at 347.5% of budget (unbudgeted investment earnings) and Public Safety at 241% (state grant timing differences).
C.2 Copier Maintenance Contract Amendment $125,000
Action: Adopt resolution authorizing Amendment No. 2 with UBEO Midco, LLC (dba Ray Morgan Company of Chico, CA) extending the citywide copier maintenance agreement through June 10, 2027. Total contract not to exceed $224,000. The City owns 29 Canon copiers with per-copy pricing of $0.0068–$0.01 (B&W) and $0.051–$0.07 (color), unchanged under this amendment. Estimated quarterly maintenance: ~$11,000. Pricing based on Shasta Union High School District cooperative bid (Ordinance 3.20.045).
C.3 IT Security Endpoint Protection Renewal $89,256
Action: Adopt resolution approving Palo Alto Networks license renewal from CDW-G (Vernon Hills, IL). The behavior-based software uses AI and machine learning to detect anomalous cyber threats, automatically quarantine infected machines, and correlate endpoint/firewall data in real time. Procured via negotiation through CDW-G as the value-added reseller (Palo Alto does not sell directly to end customers). Funded from IT Replacement Fund (64299200.77030).
C.4 SJ Health Lease at 710 N. Sacramento Street $3,500/mo
Action: Adopt resolution authorizing lease agreement with the County of San Joaquin for ~2,757 sq. ft. within the Access Center at 710 N. Sacramento Street. San Joaquin Health Centers (SJ Health) will operate a community medical clinic with administrative, clinical, and support functions.
| Lease Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Term | 10 years with two 3-year extension options |
| Monthly Rent | $3,500 (beginning FY 2027) |
| Early Termination | After month 36 with 180 days’ notice |
| Landlord (City) Responsibilities | Structural maintenance, HVAC, roof, pre-commencement improvements (flooring, doors, paint) |
| Tenant Responsibilities | Modular walls, data cabling, County voice/data systems |
| Insurance Required | $2M aggregate / $1M per occurrence |
C.5 TDA Funds Claim — FY 2024-25 $3,843,304
Action: Adopt resolution to file annual claim with SJCOG for Transportation Development Act funds.
| Category | LTF | STA | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Operations | $125,823 | $0 | $125,823 |
| Transit Capital Projects | $1,673,045 | $89,223 | $1,762,268 |
| Pedestrian/Bicycle Projects | $276,743 | $0 | $276,743 |
| Streets/Roads Projects | $1,678,470 | $0 | $1,678,470 |
| Total | $3,754,081 | $89,223 | $3,843,304 |
Transit operations (GrapeLine, Dial-A-Ride, VineLine) are fully funded through FTA, TDA, fares, and grants with no General Fund impact. The City is exempt from SJCOG performance objectives through FY 2025-26 per AB 125. Claim was delayed pending final FY 2023-24 TDA audit numbers.
C.6 Transit Operations — Transdev Services, Inc. $15,507,775
Action: Adopt resolution for a Professional Services Agreement with Transdev Services, Inc. (Lombard, IL) for fixed-route, ADA paratransit, and Dial-A-Ride transit services. This is the largest single contract on the agenda.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Contract Term | 3 years + 2-month transition (May–June), with two optional 1-year extensions (5 years, 2 months max) |
| Award Basis | Best Value (80% technical / 20% price) per FTA guidelines |
| Proposals Received | 6 proposals; 4 interviewed |
| Winning Score | Transdev: 95.67 pts (Storer: 84.42, Keolis: 80.56, Via: 78.17) |
| Funding | FTA Section 5307, TDA/LTF, Measure K, fare revenue — no General Fund impact |
C.7 Pavement Assessment — NCE $150,500 + $49,500
Action: Adopt resolution for a Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers (NCE) of Sacramento for citywide roadway pavement assessment. Lodi maintains ~218 miles of streets, with 20 miles of new streets not yet in the StreetSaver database. Scope includes pavement condition survey by MTC-certified raters, database update, budget analysis for PCI targets of 60 and 70, and final recommendations. Seven proposals were received; NCE was selected over Kimley Horn for its condensed timeframe and lower fee. Funded through SB 1/RMRA (~$1.9M), Measure K (~$1.5M), Measure L (~$5.4M annually), Gas Tax, and Street Fund revenues.
C.8 Calgon Carbon GAC Regeneration $900,000
Action: Adopt resolution to waive bid process and execute a 3-year agreement with Calgon Carbon (Moon Township, PA) for granular activated carbon (GAC) regeneration services at nine well sites, plus appropriate $900,000 to Water Capital. The City treats for DBCP and 1,2,3-TCP (MCL of 5 parts per trillion set in 2017). Calgon operates the only potable reactivation facility in the western United States, justifying the bid waiver. Contract includes two optional 1-year extensions. Total CIP funding through future years is $1.8M from Water Capital Outlay.
C.9 Tree Maintenance Contract (2026–2028) $900,000 + $100,000
Action: Approve specifications and authorize bid advertisement for a 2-year tree maintenance contract (with three 1-year extensions, 5-year maximum). The City maintains approximately 12,500 trees across streets and parks. Services include structural pruning, maintenance trimming, tree/stump removal, emergency response, pest control, tree planting, and evaluation. Estimated annual cost: $450,000. Bid opening scheduled for May 6, 2026.
C.10 Non-Profit Allocation: Lodi Chaplaincy Association $5,000
Action: Adopt resolution allocating $5,000 from District 3 Non-Profit Funds (Council Member Bregman). The Lodi Chaplaincy Association provides crisis response, emergency support, and critical incident counseling for public safety personnel, their families, and community members. Part of the $100,000 annual non-profit fund ($20,000 per Council district).
C.11 Non-Profit Allocation: Lodi Police PARTNERS Foundation $15,000
Action: Adopt resolution allocating $15,000 from District 3 Non-Profit Funds (Council Member Bregman). The PARTNERS Foundation has served for 32 years, with volunteers patrolling streets, parks, and schools. Assignments include parking enforcement, patrol assistance, special event support, abatement patrol, and the Stranger Danger education program. Combined with C.10, this represents the full $20,000 District 3 annual allocation.
C.12 Set Public Hearing — Electronic Message Signs
Action: Set a Public Hearing for May 6, 2026, to consider an ordinance entering a Development Agreement with Rogers Media Company to install, maintain, and operate electronic message signs on City-owned properties. This is a procedural scheduling item; no substantive action is taken at this meeting.
G. Regular Calendar
G.1 ⭐ Hoslett Forensics Audit Report
Action: Receive presentation and report on forensic accounting audit of the City’s Utility Deposit Account, CAL-Card (procurement card) charges, and Amazon Business purchases.
Background
On July 16, 2025, Financial Assessor Kevin Harper reported in closed session that no fraudulent activity was found but recommended further analysis. The Council approved a contract with Hoslett Forensics on September 3, 2025. Mr. Hoslett spent two weeks onsite in the Finance Department with full access to Tyler Munis, the U.S. Bank CAL-Card portal, and the Amazon Business account.
Utility Deposit Account — Key Findings
- Earlier reports (April 2025 presentation and Baker Tilly report dated April 28, 2025) claimed discrepancies of $701,322 to $1.2 million
- Hoslett determined these were significantly overstated due to flawed methodologies
- Baker Tilly’s analysis covered only 2,760 accounts (customers since Jan 2019), while the City maintains ~6,600 deposit accounts; ~$488,000 of the discrepancy resulted from excluded pre-2019 accounts
- Timing differences between reports overstated the discrepancy by ~$201,000
- Actual reconciliation adjustment needed: approximately $67,543 (primarily clerical data entry errors)
- The automated deposit refund system is functioning as intended, processing 50–60 refunds monthly
- Current status: 6,624 open accounts ($1,668,786) and 142 closed accounts to resolve ($32,090)
CAL-Card Findings
- City’s AP Division tested 5 years of transactions and identified ~$8,625 in potential policy violations across ~$2.25M in annual transactions
- Violations: unapproved meals/exceeded limits (~50%), unapproved travel/upgrades (~25%), other personal/unapproved purchases (~25%)
- A significant portion has been reimbursed; procedural changes implemented
- Hoslett’s additional testing found no further unauthorized or non-City charges
Amazon Business Findings
- Minor issues consistent with CAL-Card findings; no additional unauthorized charges found
- Controls strengthened: personal employee credit card use eliminated; purchases now limited to City-issued CAL-Cards
Recommendation
Establish an ongoing internal audit function, consistent with a June 6, 2025 Moss Adams recommendation. Staff concurs and recommends engaging an external firm for regular financial audits.
G.2 ⭐ Credit Card Convenience Fees — Policy Decision
Action: Presentation, discussion, and Council direction on whether to implement customer-facing credit card convenience fees. Follow-up to the February 4, 2026 Mid-Year Budget meeting.
Current Situation
The City absorbs all credit card processing fees, totaling approximately $1.255 million annually across ~282,490 transactions.
| Vendor / System | Avg. Transactions/Year | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| iPay/SEW (Utility Billing) | 273,000 | $934,000 |
| OpenEdge (Citywide — Animal Services, Transit, PW, Police) | 8,660 | $234,000 |
| CardKnox (Community Development Permits) | 830 | $87,000 |
| Total | 282,490 | $1,255,000 |
Neighboring City Comparisons
| City / Agency | Approach |
|---|---|
| Stockton | 3rd-party biller charges 3–3.5% per transaction |
| Sacramento | All credit card charges passed to customer |
| Davis | Min $2.75, max $9.50 credit card charge |
| Hughson | Flat $1.75 per transaction |
| Fairfield | Min $2.95, max $500; 2% processing fee |
| Galt | 3rd-party takes only cash, checks, and EFT/ACH |
| Elk Grove Water District | 2.99–3.99% per transaction |
Staff Recommendation: Option 3 — Full Cost Recovery. Implement a policy to pass all convenience fees to customers through third-party processors, achieving estimated annual savings of ~$1,255,000.
G.3 Vendor Permit Caps (LMC §9.18.045)
Action: Discussion and direction regarding potential amendment to Lodi Municipal Code Section 9.18.045, which governs vendor permit caps. This is a Community Development item requesting Council guidance on whether to modify the current cap on vendor permits. This appears to be a preliminary policy discussion with direction to staff expected.
Fiscal Summary
| Category | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Consent Calendar Contracts & Appropriations | ~$22.5 Million |
| Largest Single Item (Transdev Transit, C.6) | $15,507,775 |
| Potential Annual Savings (Convenience Fees, G.2) | ~$1,255,000 |
| Non-Profit Allocations (B.4 + C.10 + C.11) | $23,500 |
| City Cash & Investments (as of 2/28/26) | $283,023,357 |
References
- City of Lodi — Official Website
- Lodi City Council Legistar — Agendas & Minutes
- City of Lodi Public Meetings — YouTube Live Stream
- San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG)
- Source Document: City of Lodi, 04.15.2026 Regular Agenda Packet (380-page PDF)
- Contact: City Clerk Olivia Nashed — (209) 333-6702 | councilcomments@lodi.gov