Lodi City Council Meeting - December 17,2025
Lodi City Council Regular Meeting
Meeting Overview
The December 17, 2025 Lodi City Council Regular Meeting agenda contains 27 action items across four major categories: 1 Presentation, 15 Consent Calendar items, 3 Public Hearings, and 6 Regular Calendar items. The meeting will address critical decisions on infrastructure, public safety, environmental compliance, personnel changes, financial authorizations, and community recognition.
Key Topics: Lodi High School Girls Golf Team recognition, $665,508 final budget adjustments, contract amendments for building/fire codes services, animal services code modernization with Trap-Neuter-Return program, 620 South Central Avenue housing development, labor agreements with police and fire unions, and annual board/commission appointments.
Presentations
B.1: Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Lodi High School Girls Golf Team
Recommended Action: Mayor Yepez will present a certificate recognizing the team's outstanding commitment, sportsmanship, and excellence.
Team Achievements:
- 15-0 league record
- Tri-City Athletic League Tournament Championship
- League Title
Recognition: Certificate commends Coach Tara Staal and team members for representing the Flames with pride and setting a fine example for the community.
Fiscal Impact: Not applicable | Attachments: Certificate of Recognition
Consent Calendar
All Consent Calendar items are considered routine and will be acted upon by a single motion unless pulled for separate discussion.
C.1: Fiscal Year 2025-26 First Quarter Budget Update
Recommended Action: Informational report only; no action requested.
Key Financial Highlights:
- General Fund expenditures and encumbrances: $42.4 million (44.5% of adjusted $95.3 million budget)
- Police Department: $170,959 spent (16% of $1,086,210 budget)
- Fire Department: $58,486 spent (6% of $967,370 budget)
- Sales tax revenue: $4,002,006 (23% of annual projection)
- Investment earnings: $1,096,329
- Library fund utilization: 99.4%
Important Note: Report excludes MOU update assumptions; mid-year review will assess impacts on General Fund.
C.2: Adopt Resolution Approving Final Budget Adjustments for FY 2024-25
Recommended Action: Adopt resolution appropriating $665,508 for final budget adjustments.
Fiscal Impact: $665,508 appropriation
C.3: Accept Quarterly Report of Purchases $30,000-$60,000
Recommended Action: Accept report for Q3 2025 through September 30, 2025.
C.4: Accept Quarterly Investment Report
Recommended Action: Accept quarterly investment reports for last three quarters of FY 2024-25 (12/31/24, 3/31/25, 6/30/25).
C.5: Adopt Resolution Authorizing Contract Amendments for Building/Fire Codes Services
Recommended Action: Execute Amendment No. 2 to professional services agreements with 4Leaf, Inc. and BPR Consulting Group.
Key Details:
- Contract increase: $395,000
- Total contract amounts: $2,462,000
- Services: Building codes plans examining, inspection, fire codes plans examining, inspection, and code enforcement
- Change order authority: Interim City Manager approved up to $395,000
- Funding: $278,000 appropriation from Community Development Fund Balance
C.6: Adopt Resolution for Temporary Parking Increase During Lodi Restaurant Week
Recommended Action: Increase time limit from 90-minute to 4-hour parking without penalty downtown.
Purpose: Encourage residents and visitors to dine at local restaurants and downtown businesses during Lodi Restaurant Week.
C.7: Adopt Resolution Authorizing Agreement for Electric Utility Vehicle Maintenance
Recommended Action: Execute five-year professional services agreement with Terex USA, LLC.
Key Details:
- Contract amount: $150,000
- Services: Inspection, maintenance, testing, and repair of electric utility vehicles and equipment
- Vendor location: Watertown, SD
C.8: Adopt Resolution Authorizing Position Change in Electric Utility
Recommended Action: Eliminate one Electric Line Apprentice position; add one Electric Lineman/Linewoman position.
C.9: Adopt Resolution Authorizing Milsoft Utility Solutions Contract Amendment
Recommended Action: Execute Amendment No. 1 adding additional services and increasing five-year contract.
Key Details:
- Previous contract amount: $183,175
- New contract amount: $382,075
- Increase: $198,900
C.10: Adopt Resolution Approving Arts Grants for FY 2025-26
Recommended Action: Approve arts grants for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
C.11: Adopt Resolution Authorizing Wilbur-Ellis Company Contract Amendment
Recommended Action: Execute Amendment No. 1 for Land Application Area Monitoring Agronomist Support.
Key Details:
- Amendment amount: $39,840
- Total contract not-to-exceed: $99,600
- Vendor location: San Francisco
C.12: Receive and File 2025 Local Appointments List
Recommended Action: Receive and file list outlining city boards, commissions, and committees appointments and 2026 vacancies.
C.13: Appoint Dawson Hayre to Lodi Improvement Committee
Recommended Action: Appoint Dawson Hayre to the Lodi Improvement Committee to fill a vacancy.
C.14: Set Public Hearing for City Manager Code Amendment
Recommended Action: Set Public Hearing for January 7, 2026 to consider waiving first reading and introducing ordinance amending LMC Chapter 2.12 City Manager Section 2.12.050 Removal.
C.15: Set Public Hearing for Off-Site Improvements Code Amendment
Recommended Action: Set Public Hearing for January 7, 2026 to consider waiving first reading and introducing ordinance amending LMC Chapter 15.44 Off-Site Improvements and Dedications, updating Section 15.44.040 Exemption or Deferment.
Public Hearings
F.1: Public Hearing on Adoption of 2025 California Building Codes
Recommended Action: Consider adoption of comprehensive 2025 building codes.
Codes to Adopt:
- California Building Code
- California Existing Building Code
- Mechanical Code
- Electrical Code
- Plumbing Code
- Residential Code
- Green Building Standard Code
- Fire Code
Municipal Code Impact: Updates to LMC Chapters 15.02, 15.04, 15.06, 15.08, 15.12, 15.16, and 15.18. Comprehensive redlined and clean versions of all affected chapters are provided as attachments.
F.2: Public Hearing on Energy Theft Diversion/Field Services Fee Recovery Ordinance
Recommended Action: Consider waiving first reading and introducing ordinance repealing and replacing LMC Section 13.20.020.
Subject Matter: Energy Theft Diversion and Field Services Fee Recovery.
Attachments: PowerPoint Presentation, Ordinance - Proposed Changes, Ordinance - Clean Copy
F.3: Public Hearing on Comprehensive Animal Services Code Update
Recommended Action: Consider waiving first reading and introducing ordinance amending LMC Title 1 and Title 6 (Animals).
Comprehensive Scope: Extensive updates including:
- Administrative enforcement provisions (Title 1, Chapter 1.10)
- Animal redemption (Section 6.04.030)
- Prohibited animals (Chapter 6.08)
- Licensing requirements (Section 6.12.010)
- Vaccination and certificates (Section 6.12.060)
- Breeding and raising businesses (Section 6.12.070)
- Animal noise enforcement (Section 6.12.110)
- Animals at large (Section 6.12.120)
- Mandatory microchipping of dogs and cats (Section 6.12.150)
- Sanitation of premises (Section 6.14.020)
- Animal waste removal (Section 6.14.030)
- Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for community cats (Section 6.14.050)
- Dangerous and vicious dog definitions (Section 6.15.010)
- Prohibited dog behaviors (Section 6.15.020)
Key Innovation - Trap-Neuter-Return Program: The ordinance formalizes TNR as the preferred disposition for impounded community cats and feral cats. Key definitions include:
- Community cat: A cat whose needs are indirectly supplied by humans; may live in shelters or be free-roaming
- Eartipping: Removal of the distal one-quarter of a community cat's left ear (approximately 3/8 inch or 1 cm) performed under anesthesia by a licensed veterinarian to identify sterilized, vaccinated cats
- Feral cat: A cat without owner identification whose usual temperament is extreme fear and resistance to human contact
- TNR process: Cats are humanely trapped, brought to a licensed veterinary facility for sterilization, vaccination against rabies, and eartipping, then returned to their original location
Dangerous Dog Provisions: Updates definitions for potentially dangerous dogs and vicious dogs with enhanced enforcement mechanisms.
Attachments: Animal Services LMC Update (redlined and clean versions)
Regular Calendar
G.1: Improvement Agreement for 620 South Central Avenue Public Improvements
Recommended Action: Adopt resolution authorizing Interim City Manager to execute Improvement Agreement.
Project Details:
- Developer: Haggerty Eight Enterprises LLC (succeeded original developer Sapphire Creek, LLC)
- Project: 12-unit, 2-story market-rate apartment complex
- Location: 620 South Central Avenue
- Original approval (2021): 24-unit affordable housing; revised to market-rate units
- Public improvements: Sanitary sewer main in Central Avenue and frontage improvements on Tokay Street
- Developer-led improvements: All public improvements must be completed prior to final project acceptance
Strategic Vision Alignment: 4A. Housing - New housing opportunities with market values aligned with current AMI and standard housing-income ratios.
Fiscal Impact: Not applicable | Funding: Not applicable
G.2: Community Improvement Division Yearly Update
Recommended Action: Receive presentation from Community Development Department on 2025 performance.
2025 Performance Metrics:
- Complaints received: 560 (projected 610 by year-end)
- Voluntary compliance rate: 97% (8% increase from 2024)
- Notices of Violation recorded against property titles: 20 (300% increase from 2024's 5)
- Refuse container violation reduction: From 203 cases (2024) to 84 cases (2025)
- Staffing: Maintained compliance despite reduced staffing levels
Division Functions: Enforces Lodi Municipal Code violations (debris, inoperable vehicles, substandard housing, dangerous buildings), processes mobile food vendor permits, conducts cooperative enforcement with other departments.
Strategic Vision: 8B. Public Well-Being - Partner with entities for outreach, education, and community engagement.
G.3: Police Officers Association of Lodi (POAL) MOU Approval
Recommended Action: Adopt resolution approving Memorandum of Understanding for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
Key Compensation Changes:
- Total wage adjustment: 6.5% over three-year contract term
- 3.5% equity adjustment: Effective December 22, 2025
- 3% cost-of-living adjustment: Effective July 5, 2027
- Off-salary schedule payment: $7,696.81 effective December 22, 2025
Benefits & Incentives:
- Medical premium: City pays up to 90% of lowest-cost HMO plan (effective January 1, 2026)
- Graveyard shift incentive: 2.5% (effective December 22, 2025)
- Bilingual incentive: $200 per month (effective December 22, 2025)
Strategic Impact: Ensures competitive compensation for public safety personnel retention and recruitment.
G.4: Lodi Police Dispatchers Association (LPDA) MOU Approval
Recommended Action: Adopt resolution approving Memorandum of Understanding for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
G.5: Lodi Fire Mid-Management Statement of Benefits Approval
Recommended Action: Adopt resolution approving Statement of Benefits for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
Coverage: Fire Battalion Chiefs and Deputy Fire Chiefs.
Salary Schedule (2025-2027):
- Deputy Fire Chief: $167,325 - $203,385 (2025) → $177,515 - $215,771 (2027)
- Fire Battalion Chief: $152,113 - $184,895 (2025) → $161,377 - $196,155 (2027)
- Annual COLA adjustments: 3% in 2026 and 2027
Benefits Package: Vision, chiropractic, EAP, flexible spending accounts, deferred compensation (3% match), life insurance, and PERS retirement details.
G.6: Assign and Confirm Annual Appointments of City Council Members on Various Boards, Committees, and Commissions
Recommended Action: Assign and confirm annual appointments of City Council Members on various boards, committees, and commissions.
Annual Process: Appointments are presented for confirmation following Council reorganization per Section 5.7 of the City Council Protocol Manual and require majority vote approval.
Key Updates for 2026:
San Joaquin Valley Special City Selection Committee
- Representatives: Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore of each agency
- Delegate: Mayor Ramon Yepez
- Alternate: Mayor Pro Tempore Mikey Hothi
- Updated per December 3, 2025 Council reorganization
Delta Protection Commission
- Delegate: Council Member Cameron Bregman (appointed May 7, 2025)
- Term: March 2, 2025 - March 2, 2027
- Meets: Third Thursday each month or as called
San Joaquin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District - Water Advisory Commission
- City Staff Delegate: Sean Nathan, Interim Director of Public Works
- Alternate: Travis Kahrs, Water Plan Superintendent
- Updated from retired Charlie Swimley
- Meets: Third Wednesday of each month
San Joaquin County Solid Waste Management Task Force
- Delegate: Sean Nathan, Interim Director of Public Works
- Alternate: Council Member Cameron Bregman
- Updated from retired Charlie Swimley
- Meets: As called
Transmission Agency of Northern California (TANC)
- City Staff Delegate: Jeff Berkheimer, Director of Electric Utility
- Alternate: Melissa Price, Rates and Resources Manager
- Meets: Third Wednesday after first Monday of every month
Regional Board and Commission Assignments:
- Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Joint Powers Authority
- League of California Cities - Central Valley Division Executive Committee
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) - Lodi to have member in 2027
- LODI/LUSD 2x2 Committee
- Northeastern San Joaquin County Groundwater Banking Authority
- Northern California Power Agency (NCPA)
- San Joaquin County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority
- San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG)
- San Joaquin Partnership
- San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission
- City of Lodi Risk Oversight Committee (ROC)
Strategic Vision: 8B. Public Well-Being - Partner with other entities to provide outreach, education, and activities to engage diverse cultures and communities.
Fiscal Impact: Not applicable | Funding: Not applicable
Process Notes: City Council is requested to notify City Clerk of any additional revisions to the appointment list. Following final reading by City Clerk, Council will motion to confirm annual appointments. Additional information regarding each board, committee, or commission is available at the City Clerk's Office, 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi.
Public comment may be submitted in the following ways:
Note: Public comment received via email, mail, or hand delivery will be provided to City Council and included in official minutes but will NOT be read aloud at the meeting. Non-agenda item comments are limited to five (5) minutes per person.