Lodi City Council Meeting - February 18, 2026
City of Lodi — City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
Meeting Overview: This is a landmark transitional meeting for the City of Lodi featuring 40+ agenda items. The Council will bid farewell to Community Development Director John Della Monica and Interim City Manager James Lindsay, appoint a new Interim City Manager and City Treasurer, adopt the city’s first comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan, approve multiple labor agreements and executive compensation packages, conduct public hearings on water rates and electric utility discount programs, and adopt two ordinances amending the Municipal Code.
Public Comment: In-person, via Zoom (Meeting ID: 833 1211 4928, Passcode: 499684), or email to councilcomments@lodi.gov no later than two hours before the meeting.
Closed Session (6:15 PM)
C-2aPublic Employee Appointment — Interim City Manager position, pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b).
C-2bLabor Negotiations — Covering all city labor groups: IBEW, Mid-Management, AFSCME, Police Officers Association, Police Dispatchers, Professional Firefighters, Fire Mid-Management, Confidential employees, Executive Managers, and Appointed Employees.
C-2cAnticipated Litigation — Two cases involving significant exposure to litigation.
Presentations
B.1Ramadan Proclamation — Mayor Yepez will present a proclamation observing Ramadan (February 17 – March 19, 2026), recognizing Masjid Ya Rasool-Allah and Lodi Muslim Mosque. Representatives Khurram Shehzan Khan, Roger Khan, Mohsen Masood Khan, and Muhammad Sohrab Ali Khan will accept the proclamation.
B.2Retirement Recognition — John Della Monica, Community Development Director
John Della Monica joined the City of Lodi in early 2020 and led the Community Development Department through COVID-19 and beyond. Key accomplishments during his tenure include:
- Full-service low-barrier emergency shelter and navigation center
- Transitional housing and permanent supportive housing projects
- Lakehouse mixed-use development
- Major Sphere of Influence update and County tax-sharing agreement for future annexations
- Downtown Specific Plan and Housing Element adoption
- Filling key leadership roles: Chief Building Official, Deputy Director/City Planner, and Neighborhood Services Manager
B.3Recognition — James Lindsay, Outgoing Interim City Manager
Appointed Acting City Manager in May 2025, James Lindsay guided the City through a period of significant transition. Key accomplishments include:
- FY 2025/26 Budget adoption and Mid-Year Budget
- Updated Travel Policy, Cal-Card Policy, and Investment Policy
- Liaison to City Treasurer and newly formed Finance Committee
- Secured successor memoranda of understanding with all labor groups
Consent Calendar (C.1–C.17)
All consent items are considered routine and will be acted upon by one motion unless pulled for separate discussion.
C.1 Treasurer’s Report & Register of Claims
Covers July 1 – December 31, 2025. This is the first Treasurer’s Report filed since September 2024 due to staffing transitions in the Finance Division. Reports are prepared on a cash basis. The Register of Claims totals $156,510,180 ($124,249,818 Accounts Payable + $32,260,362 Payroll).
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cash & Investments (7/1/25) | $290,862,356 |
| Total Cash & Investments (12/31/25) | $270,337,771 |
| Total Revenue (YTD) | $133,715,217 (50.0% of budget) |
| Total Expenditures (YTD) | $146,612,781 (43.2% of amended budget) |
| General Fund Revenue (YTD) | $21,895,383 (32.0% of budget) |
| General Fund Expenditures (YTD) | $36,436,185 (53.4% of budget) |
Cash & Investments by Major Fund (12/31/2025)
City Investment Portfolio Allocation
C.2 Quarterly Investment Report (Q Ending 9/30/25)
Total portfolio value: $222,597,475. Earned $1,813,727 in interest and dividends for the quarter. Portfolio breakdown: 59.05% cash/equivalents, 27.06% in LAIF, 24.09% money market mutual funds, and 15.52% municipal securities.
C.3 Quarterly Purchases Report ($30K–$60K)
Notable Q4 2025 purchases include 35’ CNG low-floor buses from Gillig LLC ($1,571,576), Ford F550 dump truck ($96,808), ESRI GIS mapping services ($180,900), and NCPA dispatch services ($308,630).
C.4 Dental Claims Administration Renewal
Renewal of the self-insured dental plan TPA agreement with Stanislaus Foundation for Medical Care through June 30, 2027 at a cost not to exceed $45,000/year. Bid process waiver recommended for continuity of service.
C.5 Public Benefit Funds — Love Lodi ($7,500)
$7,500 from District 2 Non-Profit Funds to Lodi Community Church (“Love Lodi”). Funds will support a part-time Program Director for the Love Our Schools Program, which distributes backpacks to students, refreshes school courtyards, and partners with Lodi Unified School District. Since 2014, over 8,500 volunteers have served across hundreds of projects, representing over $1 million in community investment.
C.6 Revised City Council Strategic Vision
Repeals Resolution 2023-98 and adopts the updated Strategic Vision developed at the January 28, 2026 special session. The vision is organized around eight strategic priority areas:
🏗 Downtown
Implement Downtown Specific Plan, preserve historic character, incentivize building revitalization.
📈 Economic Development
Implement EDSP, expand I-5 corridor opportunities, grow through annexation.
💰 Fiscal Health
Transparency, diversified revenue, pension stabilization.
🏠 Housing
Workforce housing, RHNA goals, affordable and diverse housing.
🚧 Infrastructure
Hydrogen facilities, deferred maintenance, growth capacity.
🌳 Parks
Lodi Lake, indoor sports facility, Hutchins Street Square expansion.
👮 Public Safety
Full staffing, regional partnerships, outdoor training facility, Fentanyl response.
❤️ Public Well-being
Library engagement, mental health, youth mentorship, customer-centered services.
C.7 City Treasurer Appointment
Appoints Christina Jaromay (currently Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Director) as City Treasurer.
C.8 Bank Account Signer Update
Updates authorized signers on City of Lodi Farmers & Merchants Bank accounts.
C.9 HHAP Round 5 Homeless Grant
Accepts and appropriates the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Round 5 Grant from the State of California and authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute subrecipient agreements.
C.10 Tourism BID Annual Report
Approval of the Lodi Tourism Business Improvement District 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Plan prepared by Visit Lodi.
C.11 Electric Utility Fee Schedule
Adopts an updated Lodi Electric Utility fee schedule with authorized annual cost-based adjustments.
C.12 Adore Pets Demolition — All Bids Rejected
All bids received for the Adore Pets Building Demolition are rejected.
C.13 White Slough Engineering Services
Amendment No. 5 with West Yost & Associates of Davis for FY 2025/26 regulatory engineering services at White Slough Water Pollution Control Facility — $60,000.
C.14 SJCOG Transit Planning MOU
MOU with San Joaquin Council of Governments for coordination of transit planning and federal fund programming to support ongoing and future transit services in the San Joaquin region.
C.15 DeBenedetti Park Parking Lot
Acceptance of completed improvements for the 2024 DeBenedetti Park South Parking Lot Expansion.
C.16 Solid Waste Rate Hearing (Set for March 18)
Sets a public hearing for March 18, 2026 to consider a Prop 218 CPI-based annual adjustment to solid waste collection rates.
C.17 Statewide Community Infrastructure Program
Sets a public hearing for March 4, 2026 to modernize Lodi’s participation in the CSCDA Statewide Community Infrastructure Program (SCIP). Originally joined in 2018, SCIP allows property owners to finance development-related fees through pooled special assessment districts. Since inception, SCIP has issued over $1 billion in land-secured bonds statewide.
Public Hearings
F.1 Water Rate Adjustment (2.4% Increase)
Prop 218 pre-approved ENR index adjustment for water rates. The five-year rate plan approved January 17, 2024 allows annual adjustments per the Engineering News Record Index, capped at 5%. The 2025 ENR change was 2.4%. Effective date: March 1, 2026.
| Flat Rate — Single Family | Current | Proposed | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $35.06 | $35.90 | +$0.84 |
| 2 Bedroom | $42.10 | $43.11 | +$1.01 |
| 3 Bedroom | $50.45 | $51.66 | +$1.21 |
| 4 Bedroom | $60.62 | $62.07 | +$1.45 |
| 5 Bedroom | $72.69 | $74.43 | +$1.74 |
| Usage-Based — Tiered Rates (per CCF) | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (0–11 CCF) | $1.02 | $1.04 |
| Tier 2 (11–30 CCF) | $1.42 | $1.45 |
| Tier 3 (30+ CCF) | $1.75 | $1.79 |
| Multi-Family/Non-Residential (all usage) | $1.25 | $1.28 |
Water Rate Impact: 3-Bedroom Flat Rate (Monthly)
F.2 Community Benefits Incentive Discount (CBID) Ordinance
Revises LMC Sections 13.20.240 (G1) and 13.20.250 (G2) to overhaul the 30% electric rate discount for non-profits, originally adopted in 1996 and never updated. Currently 14 accounts receive the discount at a total annual cost under $30,000 (5 are ineligible under current criteria).
Key Changes:
- Removes outdated CDBG recipient requirement
- Requires IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status
- Must serve low-income populations (≤60% of median income) or disadvantaged communities per CalEnviroScreen
- SAM.gov verification — entity not debarred/suspended from federal programs
- Good standing with California Secretary of State
- Annual eligibility review added
- Funding source shifts from operations to Public Benefits Fund (504)
Timeline: Introduction February 2026 → Adoption March 2026 → Effective April 2026
Regular Calendar (G.1–G.16)
G.1 Lodi Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP)
The cornerstone item of this agenda: adoption of the city’s first comprehensive five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan, prepared by The Natelson Dale Group, Inc. through a community-driven process involving businesses, developers, partner organizations, and the Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee.
Major Goals:
- Expand economic opportunities for Lodi’s resident workforce
- Leverage the economic development potential of historic downtown
- Create development/redevelopment capacity including Cherokee Lane corridor revitalization
- Enable new development in annexation areas
- Strengthen the City’s fiscal position
Five Targeted Industry Clusters:
1. Agribusiness, Food Processing & Technology
2. Arts, Entertainment, Recreation & Tourism
3. Biotech / Biomed
4. Energy / Clean Energy
5. Manufacturing / Advanced Manufacturing
EDSP Targeted Industry Clusters: Jobs & Wages
Eight Strategy Categories:
| # | Strategy Category | Division |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business Retention/Expansion around high-priority clusters | Business Development |
| 2 | Target Industry Attraction program | Business Development |
| 3 | Entrepreneurial Development resources via regional partners | Business Development |
| 4 | City Branding/Marketing integration | Business Development |
| 5 | Business/Development Friendliness review | Environment for Progress |
| 6 | Development Site Readiness | Environment for Progress |
| 7 | Capacity Expansion & Placemaking | Environment for Progress |
| 8 | Education/Workforce Development partnerships | Environment for Progress |
The EDSP connects to the North Valley Thrive (NVT) regional initiative covering San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced Counties, focusing on biocircular economy, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
G.2 Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee Extension
Extends the committee’s term by one year through February 18, 2027. Original objectives — including EDSP implementation, Downtown Specific Plan adoption, and support for key economic development initiatives — remain in progress.
G.3 Service Delivery Ad Hoc Committee
Mayor Yepez proposes forming a seven-member ad hoc committee (2 Council members, 3 staff, 2 community members) to review and make recommendations on the City’s delivery of services. This aligns with EDSP Strategy Category 5 (“Business/Development Friendliness”).
G.4–G.7 Labor Agreements
| Item | Labor Group | Term / Details |
|---|---|---|
| G.4 | Lodi Professional Firefighters | Jan 2026 – Dec 2028 |
| G.5 | Lodi City Mid-Management Association | Jan 2026 – Dec 2028 |
| G.6 | Unrepresented Mid-Mgmt & General Service | Benefit modifications & compensation |
| G.7 | IBEW Local 1245 | Side-letter agreements (benefits + apprentice) |
G.8–G.15 Executive Compensation Addendums
| Item | Position | New Base Salary | Key Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.8 | Library Director (Jennifer Fontanilla) | $172,010 | Eff. 1/4/2027; eliminates CalPERS cost-sharing |
| G.9 | PRCS Director (Christina Jaromay) | $219,390 | Eff. 1/4/2027; eliminates CalPERS cost-sharing |
| G.10 | Electric Utility Director (Jeffrey Berkheimer) | COLA adj. | Future COLAs; eliminates CalPERS cost-sharing |
| G.11 | Police Chief (Ricardo Garcia) | $269,921 | 1.21% equity adj. eff. 1/5/2026; reduced CalPERS |
| G.12 | Econ. Dev. Director (Luis Aguilar) | $198,198 | 5% equity adj. eff. 1/5/2026; eliminates CalPERS |
| G.13 | Fire Chief (Kenneth Johnson) | $236,752 | 5% equity adj. eff. 1/5/2026; future COLAs |
| G.14 | City Attorney (Katie O. Lucchesi) | $303,680 | Eliminates CalPERS cost-sharing |
| G.15 | City Clerk (Olivia Nashed) | $162,842 | Eliminates CalPERS cost-sharing |
Executive Salary Adjustments (Annual Base)
G.16 Interim City Manager Appointment
Appointment of a retired PERS annuitant as Interim City Manager at $140/hour, not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year, as required by Government Code § 21221(h). The candidate must have been retired from public service for more than 180 days.
Ordinances
H.1 Ordinance No. 2044 — Off-Site Improvements
Amends LMC Chapter 15.44 “Off-Site Improvements and Dedications,” Section 15.44.040 “Exemption or Deferment.” The updated threshold exempts developments costing less than $150,000 within any 12-month period (as determined by the Public Works Director), with annual ENR-based adjustments starting July 1, 2026. Introduced at the January 7, 2026 meeting; second reading waived.
H.2 Ordinance No. 2045 — City Manager Removal
Amends LMC Chapter 2.12 “City Manager,” Section 2.12.050 “Removal.” Revises the process for City Manager removal. Introduced at the January 7, 2026 meeting; second reading waived. Takes effect 30 days after adoption per Government Code § 36937.
References & Resources
- City of Lodi Official Website — Agendas, staff reports, and meeting webcasts
- Zoom Webinar Link — Meeting ID: 833 1211 4928 | Passcode: 499684
- councilcomments@lodi.gov — Submit public comments via email (no later than 2 hours before meeting)
- City of Lodi Facebook — Live and archived meeting streams
- SJTV Channel 26 — Televised Council meetings
- City Clerk’s Office: 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240 | (209) 333-6702
- Mail: City Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 3006, Lodi, CA 95241