Paul Akinjo

The commission reviewed a monthly overview of city special events and community programs provided by the Parks and Recreation Manager. Key actions included the approval of budgets for prizes for upcoming senior and intergenerational pool tournaments, as well as the authorization for a subcommittee and associated budget for a future fundraiser dinner. Additionally, members received reports on the financial success of a recent Valentine's Day dance and discussed ongoing subcommittee activities related to community events.

The meeting commenced with a closed session covering a liability claim and labor negotiations. Key agenda items included the introduction of the 2026 Poet Laureate, a presentation on the Dryland Levee Extension Project by the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency, and public recognition of a Congressional District 13 App Challenge winner. The Council also reviewed and accepted several reports, including the Capital Facility Fee Funds Report and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Resolutions were adopted authorizing various out-of-state travel for city officials and staff, establishing a police department tow rotation program, and approving several emergency service and construction contracts. Additionally, the Council held a public hearing regarding amendments to the Youth Advisory Commission municipal code and discussed the implementation of red-light safety cameras at various intersections.

The Planning Commission meeting focused on the consideration and adoption of a resolution to recommend the City Council authorize staff to submit the General Plan Housing Element Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2025 to the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the State Department of Housing and Community Development. The report provides a status update on housing unit production, development applications, and housing program implementation. Additionally, the commission reviewed progress on various housing programs, including partnerships for affordable housing, financial assistance, and the management of available residential land.

The meeting included a Closed Session to discuss a liability claim, which was denied, and labor negotiations with SEIU Local 1021, LMCEA, LPOA, and unrepresented classifications. During the regular session, the 2026 Poet Laureate was introduced, and a presentation was given by the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency regarding the Mossdale Urban Flood Risk Reduction Project. The Council reviewed legislative updates during the Citizen's Forum and addressed traffic safety concerns on Lathrop Road. Consent Calendar items included waiving the reading of ordinances, adopting Ordinance 26-477 regarding no parking areas, accepting the Capital Facility Fee Funds Report and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for FY ending June 30, 2025, and authorizing various out-of-state travel requests for staff and council members. Key actions included establishing the Police Department Tow Rotation Program and authorizing contracts, ratifying an emergency service contract for control systems support, approving change orders and construction contracts for landscape maintenance and traffic safety enhancements, and accepting public improvements for two specified locations. A public hearing was held regarding amendments to the Youth Advisory Commission chapter of the Municipal Code, concluding with the introduction of an ordinance on the matter. The Council also provided consensus direction to proceed with a six-month trial period for red-light safety cameras at three intersections, with two additional intersections to be included in the contract terms for future consideration.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting includes several key components, starting with a Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations with various employee groups (SEIU Local 1021, LMCEA, LPOA) and unrepresented classifications. The Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. features presentations recognizing the Lathrop High School Varsity Volleyball, Flag Football, and Football teams for their first-place standings, and a Proclamation for Government Finance Professionals' Week. The Citizen's Forum allows public input on unscheduled matters. The Consent Calendar includes actions such as waiving the reading of ordinances, approving the minutes from the January 12, 2026 meeting, adopting ordinances to amend the Municipal Code regarding Zoning and Vending from Motorized Food Wagons, approving the February 2026 Police Department report, authorizing out-of-state travel for the Mayor, and approving resolutions related to the Title VI Program for Lathrop Transit, GIS software extension, and capital improvement projects (CIP) for School Safety Improvements and Water Meter Gateway. Scheduled Items include three Public Hearings concerning allocations for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) programs for FY 2026-2027, updating the Public Safety section of the Master Fee Schedule for concealed weapon permits, and adopting an updated policy for the use of military equipment by the Police Department. Additionally, there is a review of the Mid-Year Budget Report for Fiscal Years 2026-2027. Council Communications cover referrals for applications for vacancies on the Planning Commission and the San Joaquin County Mosquito Vector Control District.