Aaron Busch

The meeting addressed roll call, staff presentation on the BOB's Program, and discussions regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, specifically reviewing the 2025-26 Annual Action Plan allocations and clarifying the rolling cycle for Public Service applications. Key discussions centered on the 2026 Annual Activities and Task Assignments, including assignments for Downtown Specific Plan updates, CDBG Funding Awareness, Advanced Youth Programs, Animal Services Support, and Earth Day Community Collaboration. The committee also determined topics for upcoming meetings, which will include a presentation from BOB's Program and the Youth Commission in March, and Love Lodi in April. Furthermore, the committee conducted a reorganization, nominating and voting Dawson Hayre as the new Vice Chair.

The agenda for the Lodi City Council meeting covers multiple sections including Closed Session items pertaining to Public Employee Appointment (Interim City Manager), Conference on Labor Negotiations, and Anticipated Litigation. The Open Session includes presentations recognizing the Month of Ramadan, the retiring Community Development Director, and the outgoing Interim City Manager. The Consent Calendar addresses receiving and filing the Treasurer's Report and Register of Claims (for the period July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025), accepting the Q3 2025 Investment Report, approving the renewal of the Dental Claims Administration Agreement, allocating Public Benefit Funds to Lodi Community Church, adopting a revised City Council Strategic Vision, updating staff bank signers, accepting and appropriating the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) Round 5 Grant, approving the Lodi Tourism Business Improvement District 2025 Annual Report, approving the Lodi Electric Utility Fee Schedule, rejecting bids for Adore Pets Building Demolition, and authorizing an amendment for Regulatory Engineering Services. Public hearings are scheduled regarding water rates and revising commercial/industrial service fees. The Regular Calendar features discussions on adopting the Lodi Economic Development Strategic Plan, extending the Economic Development Ad-Hoc Committee, reviewing the City's service delivery model, and approving Memorandums of Understanding and compensation/benefit modifications for various employee groups including Professional Firefighters, Mid-Management Association, and executive staff such as the Police Chief, Library Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, Electric Utility Director, Economic Development Director, Fire Chief, City Attorney, and City Clerk. The final resolutions address appointing an Interim City Manager candidate and waiving the second reading to adopt ordinances concerning Off-Site Improvements and Dedications and the removal process for the City Manager.

The meeting included comments from the public regarding the Knights of Care Transportation Program, which is set to launch by spring with confirmed supervisor support and initial funding. Discussion items focused on the Senior Café, including planning for the next session featuring a speaker on Wills & Trusts, and strategies for increasing outreach using flyers, utility mailers, and social media. The commission also discussed 2026 projects, prioritizing the continuation of the Senior Café, addressing walkability and accessibility concerns in coordination with Public Works, and exploring educational programming on healthcare changes. Further discussion addressed the community need for a resource to recycle gently used medical equipment, noting challenges related to storage and the need to identify existing program managers. Finally, there was a discussion regarding the lack of easily accessible emotional and practical support resources for caregivers in hospital settings.

The meeting commenced with roll call, followed by a closed session addressing labor negotiations for all union and employee groups, threatened litigation regarding a government claim filed by Scott Carney, anticipated litigation with significant exposure, and public employee performance evaluations for appointed positions. Upon returning to open session, no reportable action was taken in closed session. Key agenda items in the public session included an invocation emphasizing thankfulness before Thanksgiving, and the presentation of two proclamations. The first proclamation declared Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Appreciation Week in recognition of the vital administrative and technical services provided by the records division. The second involved the presentation of a discretionary grant check totaling $18,500 to Community Partnership for Families of Sanwaqin for their CPF works program, aimed at increasing revenue for individuals and families. The council also addressed public comments regarding significant vandalism, exceeding $100,000, at Salis Park, specifically impacting the ongoing lighting project; the council confirmed allocation of $110,000 in surplus funding to address the damage and complete the lighting project, and committed to reporting back on communications with Union Pacific regarding encampments along their lines near the park. Additionally, the council discussed and planned for alleyway renovation projects, including one scheduled for the year estimated at $300,000, partly funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The meeting concluded with the swearing-in of newly appointed members to various boards and commissions.

This special meeting included a public hearing to consider adopting a resolution approving the 2024-2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The presentation detailed the allocation of $675,615 in program funds, including a $50,000 rollover used for capital projects, which accounted for $465,000 of the budget (including the SIS park affordable housing project and senior project). Public services received $90,000, distributed among several organizations like Community Partnerships for Families and Prevail programs. Expenditures for the 2024-2025 program year were noted at approximately $321,000. Accomplishments highlighted included the rehabilitation and assistance of 40 seniors at Creekide South Apartments and graffiti abatement across 1,174 locations within CDBG target areas. The council also discussed the application process for CDBG funding, which involves extensive research and review by the City Improvement Committee, and confirmed that 100% of expenditures benefited extremely low and low-income beneficiaries. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public comment.