C-1 CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

The City Council Closed Session meeting of May 1, 2002 was called to order by Mayor Pennino at 6:03 p.m.

Present: Council Members – Hitchcock (arrived at 6:27 p.m.), Howard, Land, Nakanishi, and Mayor Pennino

Absent: Council Members – None

Also Present: City Manager Flynn, City Attorney Hays, and City Clerk Blackston

C-2 ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION

C-3 ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

At 6:03 p.m., Mayor Pennino adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session to discuss the above matters.

The Closed Session adjourned at 6:57 p.m.

C-4 RETURN TO OPEN SESSION / DISCLOSURE OF ACTION

At 7:04 p.m., Mayor Pennino reconvened the City Council meeting, and City Attorney Hays disclosed the following actions.

In regard to Item C-2 (a), Council heard a report and provided direction to staff related to the prospective lease of property located at 100 East Pine Street, Lodi, CA (APN 043-072-01).

In regard to Item C-2 (b), Council provided direction to staff with regard to how to proceed in both cases.

In regard to Item C-2 (c), the City Council did not discuss this matter.

A. CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL

The Regular City Council meeting of May 1, 2002 was called to order by Mayor Pennino at 7:04 p.m.

Present: Council Members – Hitchcock, Howard, Land, Nakanishi, and Mayor Pennino

Absent: Council Members – None

Also Present: City Manager Flynn, City Attorney Hays, and City Clerk Blackston

B. INVOCATION

The invocation was given by Natalie Reyes, representative of the Baha’i.

C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop 199.

D. AWARDS / PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS

D-1 Awards – None

D-2 (a) Mayor Pennino presented a proclamation to Brad Jones, Veteran Representative with the Employment Development Department, proclaiming the month of May 2002 as "Veteran Appreciation Month" in the City of Lodi.

Cynthia Haynes, Community Promotions Coordinator, announced that a dedication ceremony for the All Veterans Memorial Plaza will be held on May 22.

D-2 (b) Mayor Pennino presented a proclamation to Rosa Trujillo with San Joaquin Council of Governments proclaiming the week of May 13 – 17, 2002 as "California Bike to Work Week" and May 14, 2002 as "Lodi Bike to Work Day" in the City of Lodi.

D-2 (c) Mayor Pennino presented a proclamation to Boyd Lambertson, Postmaster; Amanda Solway, US Postal Carrier; Bob Livenspager, Union President; and Captain Frank Severs, representing Salvation Army, proclaiming Saturday, May 11, 2002 as "National Letter Carrier Food Drive Day" in the City of Lodi.

Ms. Solway reported that this is the 10^th annual can food drive. Last year 29,310 pounds of non-perishable foods were collected in Lodi, which helps to supply the Salvation Army’s Empty Pantries Program.

Mr. Lambertson thanked the community for its past support. Since its inception the canned food drive in Lodi has collected 180,000 pounds of food.

Capt. Severs stated that the food drive will help the Northern San Joaquin County Food Bank to distribute approximately 17,000 food boxes to local residents. The Salvation Army’s Hot Meals Program delivers approximately 70,000 meals to the needy.

Mr. Livenspager thanked Ms. Solway for coordinating the National Letter Carrier Food Drive Day for the past ten years.

D-3 (a) Mayor Pennino presented a Certificate of Recognition to Scoutmaster Ken Moffitt on behalf of Boy Scout Troop 199 for achieving Troop of the Year 2001 from the 49er District Awards Committee.

D-3 (b) Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock presented a Certificate of Recognition to Paul McKelvey and Billy Reynolds of Boy Scout Troop 199 for obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout and read a statement of congratulations on behalf of Bill Huyett, Superintendent of Schools.

Council Member Nakanishi recommended that it be made a standard practice for the City Council to honor all future eagle scouts at its meetings.

Mayor Pennino replied that it has been agreed to do so.

D-3 (c) "Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Pacific Gas & Electric Company for its many community contributions to the City of Lodi" was pulled from the agenda.

D-3 (d) Community Promotions Coordinator, Cynthia Haynes, reported that the Lodi Memorial Hospital Foundation will hold a Walk For The Health Of It event on Saturday, May 18. This year’s event features a special community celebration in honor of the hospital’s 50^th Anniversary. Mayor Pennino presented a proclamation to Tracy Williams, Co-Chair of the event, proclaiming Saturday, May 18 as "Walk For The Health of It Day" in the City of Lodi.

D-3 (e) Cynthia Haynes spoke on behalf of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce as Chairman of the Small Business Committee and announced that Lodi’s Small Business Showcase 2002 tradeshow will be held on May 23. Fifty businesses are expected to participate.

D-3 (f) Terri Whitmire, Chairperson of the Lodi Senior Citizens Commission, introduced members of the commission that were present. She thanked Don Ochs for his many years of service on the commission. Recent accomplishments of the commission include: 1) Updating and publishing the third annual Senior Resource Manual; 2) sponsoring an End of Life Decision Seminar in conjunction with Lodi Memorial Hospital; 3) sponsoring a panel discussion regarding senior issues, which included former Mayor Nakanishi; Community Development Director Bartlam; Manager of Customer Programs, Rob Lechner; and former Transportation Manager Carlos Tobar; and 4) on June 22 the Commission will be sponsoring Caregivers Day.

NOTE: City Manager Flynn commented that the presentation for Pacific Gas & Electric Company will be rescheduled, as the individual that was to accept the certificate was unable to attend the meeting. He also announced that Celebration on Central will be held May 19.

E. CONSENT CALENDAR

In accordance with the report and recommendation of the City Manager, Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Howard second, unanimously approved the following items hereinafter set forth:

F. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

None.

G. PUBLIC HEARINGS

None.

H. COMMUNICATIONS

H-1 On recommendation of the City's contract administrator, Insurance Consulting Associates, Inc. (ICA), and Human Resources staff, the City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Hitchcock second, unanimously rejected the following claims:

a) Fred Boschee, date of loss 3/31/01
b) Miguel A. Chavez, date of loss 1/30/02
c) Elm West Condominium Association, date of loss 9/01

H-2 The following report was presented to the City Council:

a) Planning Commission report of April 10, 2002

H-3 Appointments – None

H-4 Miscellaneous – None

I. REGULAR CALENDAR

I-1 "Discussion regarding the completion of the Lodi Area All Veterans Memorial Plaza" was pulled from the agenda.

I-2 "Indoor Sports and Activity Complex project review and request for direction"

Parks and Recreation Director Baltz recalled that this matter was originally brought before Council on April 3. At that meeting Council asked a series of questions, which have been addressed in the staff report and attachments submitted for this item. He referenced the inventory of existing gyms that the department currently utilizes to offer its programs.

Mr. Baltz reported that in 1994, a Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan was adopted that addressed the need for a recreation center and established design standards for a center in the downtown area. In 1996-97 the City commissioned a Sports and Activity Center Feasibility Study, which was completed by Sports Management Group. On August 15, 2001 the Council reviewed a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) package and authorized staff to move forward on project design work. Advertisements for the RFQ went out in late August for a submittal deadline of September 26. Forty firms expressed an interest, with thirteen submitting statements of qualifications to perform the design work. A group comprised of representatives from the Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports (BOBS) organization, Recreation Commission, Community Development, Lodi Sports Foundation, Public Works, City Administration, and the Parks and Recreation Department reviewed and evaluated the submittals. Six firms were invited to give presentations on October 30, 2001. ELS Architecture and Urban Design (ELS) was selected as the top ranked. On February 6, 2002 Council approved the contract, which included several phases of work that ELS is to perform for the design work. The project is currently in the concept design phase. Tonight staff is asking Council for direction to move forward into the schematic design phase.

In January 2002 the Parks and Recreation Department held a series of public workshops to solicit input from the community about what they believed the primary needs were. On March 7, 2002 a public workshop was held in the Carnegie Forum to obtain input from the community regarding the work ELS was doing. In addition, ELS had been working with a steering committee to develop different concepts. The steering committee was comprised of representatives from the Parks and Recreation Department, BOBS, Lodi Sports Foundation, Recreation Commission, Public Works, and Community Development, as well as Mr. Vacarezza who attended one meeting. On April 2, 2002 the Recreation Commission reviewed three different options for concept design and voted 4 to 1 to recommend a concept plan that consisted of three basketball courts and multi-use area, which was presented to Council on April 3.

Mr. Baltz stated that ELS has taken its direction from staff, the steering committee, and input from the public. The schemes that were presented on April 3 have now been revised to two primary schemes (A & B) that ELS will present tonight.

Mike Reese, Recreation Supervisor, stated that, as proposed, the indoor sports and activity complex would become the City’s family recreation center. He reviewed the objectives of the Parks and Recreation Department and current facilities and programs that are offered. Sports programs being proposed for the new facility include youth and adult basketball, late night hoop, basketball and volleyball tournaments, youth and adult volleyball, badminton, and kickball. In the proposed multi-use space, programs would include karate, yoga, judo, Tai Chi, fitness and aerobics classes, first aide and CPR, cheerleading camps, chess club, bridge, photography, rock climbing, cooking classes, babysitting training, teen nights and dances, game nights, Boy and Girl Scout meetings, coaches training, and community group meetings. The steering committee has directed ELS to create an activity complex to include space for individual exercise and multiple uses.

David Petta of ELS explained that its role in this process has not been to lead, but to provide visual clarity to the concepts, wishes, and needs that were articulated to them. He described the goals as follows: 1) to create a special civic place that connects to Hale Park in the east side of Lodi, and west toward the downtown area, which would connect to a parking garage; 2) to create a place that serves a broad, multi-generational, multi-use; and, 3) to create a facility that delivers a substantial rate of recovery of operational costs. The concepts presented at tonight’s meeting have evolved into a physical connection to the parking garage and a pedestrian flyover bridge across the railroad tracks. This allowed for the elimination of some of the surface parking in the recreation campus, which provided even more outdoor recreation spaces.

With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed) Mr. Petta described Scheme A, which has a multi-use space, two basketball courts in the middle of the project, with a parking lot by Locust Street. It eliminated parking in the Main Street corridor and adds three outdoor basketball courts. They would be hard surface courts and for special events could be parked over providing a dual use. Towards Elm Street there is temporary staff parking. A pedestrian bridge connects to the parking garage.

Mr. Petta stated that Scheme B adds the third basketball court where the parking lot is shown in Scheme A. It includes a soccer field in a size suitable to serve all age groups and ability levels. The pedestrian bridge is part of a future phase and the project presented is planned to accept the bridge connection.

Displaying overhead conceptual diagrams (filed) Clarence Mamuyac, ELS Project Designer, explained that they have determined where all the large components land on the site and what they look like volumetrically. He described the location for the double gym area, cardio loft on the mezzanine level, and main reception area with small café. A large multi-use space could be subdivided into three rooms. The potential exists to add a third gymnasium. There is an opportunity for a hybrid, i.e., where a portion of the building could be constructed in a simple "tilt-up construction." A higher standard construction would be accomplished where the lobby, café, and cardio loft was located, as these areas face Elm Street – the main entrance. Mr. Mamuyac reviewed the proposed outside elements.

Mr. Baltz noted that the project began with the assumption of a 30,000 square foot facility. He clarified that staff is requesting direction from Council related to the design, not for construction approval, or for funding the entire project.

In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Mr. Baltz explained that the work ELS is doing includes design of an indoor sports center, as well as master campus planning. Focus is being placed on the project as it exists from Main Street west to the railroad tracks for budget purposes. Other aspects of the master plan include renovation of the old fire station, which would necessitate staff moving out of the current corp yard and relocating the Parks Division. Budget approval was given only for moving forward with the indoor sports complex planning.

Mr. Petta noted that the master plan was described in more detail at the April 3 meeting. ELS staff is confident that phase one of the project will fit into the master plan.

Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock believed that according to the proposal it appeared Parks and Recreation staff would be moving to a smaller space. She suggested that staff be located in the indoor sports center so that the public can find them more easily.

Mr. Petta clarified that the new space would be two stories and is exactly the same square footage as they currently have.

City Manager Flynn reiterated that there are plans to move the Parks Division to the Municipal Service Center, following the relocation of Electric Utility to its new site.

Mr. Mamuyac added that the indoor family recreation center has administration and management offices within it. The more global administration facilities are proposed for the fire house structure. He stated that if it is necessary to plan for future growth of Parks and Recreation, in terms of office space, there is plenty of real estate in the vicinity.

Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock did not feel that it made sense to have part of the administration staff in one building and part in another. In addition she expressed concern over the limited amount of space devoted to youth activities and noted that many people in the community do not want to pay for other amenities.

Mr. Petta explained that 15,230 square feet is gym space, and an additional 4,800 square feet of supporting space is planned for locker rooms, check in, storage rooms, etc. The gross area of the facility is 31,825 square feet. The gym and supporting area are the main focus and take up 75% of the facility, with the multi-use space covering 25%.

Council Member Howard noted that at the last meeting she had shared her opinion that a better project could be produced for the cost. Since that time, she visited Sacramento and brought back information to City staff. In addition she and the Parks and Recreation Director, as well as other individuals, visited two sites in the Sacramento, Rockland area. She believed that in order to best meet the needs of Parks and Recreation, it is important to look at the "big picture," particularly when considering relocation of the Maintenance Division staff, the need to hire additional staff, etc. She stated that tonight’s discussion regarding "tilt-ups" came about because of the Sacramento visit. She suggested that this construction technique be used for more than just the third court as referenced.

Mr. Petta replied that the intention is to utilize all the economics of tilt up construction for the project, as he pointed out, there is no reason to spend a lot of money on a wall that faces the railroad tracks.

In response to questions posed by Council Member Howard, Mr. Baltz reported that an expense estimate was developed based on operating, hypothetically, this facility for 4,600 hours per year. Staffing would consist of a part-time facility supervisor totaling 5,559 hours, and part-time receptionist and cashiers working 4,590 hours. Full-time staff would include two individuals in maintenance and one facility manager. Currently, Parks and Recreation utilizes contracts for instructors to teach different programs. Seventy percent of the revenue received from these classes is retained by the instructor, with 30% going back to the City. If such activities were going on in the new facility, staffing might consist of a receptionist, the facility manager, and one maintenance person. Daily hours of operation were estimated based on 14 hours a day beginning at 6:00 a.m. and closing at 9:00 or 10:00 p.m., with Saturdays and Sundays operating from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The basketball backboards will have the capability of being lowered, and this has been factored into the cost estimate that the City has been given by ELS.

Mr. Petta replied that it could be designed and bid all at once and the City could then choose to build two or three courts.

Mayor Pennino stated that exhaustive studies have already been done and the private sector has previously been approached about the project. He spoke in support of building an indoor sports center that all people can use, noting that many individuals cannot afford to belong to health clubs. In addition, this project could greatly benefit revitalization efforts on the eastside. He strongly supported the pedestrian crossing.

• Ken Sasaki, member of the Recreation Commission, stated that he was pleased with the progress that has been made since he gave the presentation to Council on February 21 regarding Parks and Recreation priorities. He believed that the indoor sports complex would benefit downtown businesses and eastside redevelopment efforts.
   

• Tony Alegre, President of the BOBS, reviewed the increased number of sports program participants since 1995 and stated that there was an inadequate amount of practice time for these programs due to a lack of facilities. He spoke in support of the indoor sports complex having a kitchen and meeting rooms, and stated that the facility needs a minimum of three basketball courts.

• John Johnson, Lodi Sports Foundation, stated that approving the two-court design will allow a challenge for the sports community to build the third court. He believed that the indoor sports complex is needed in large part to provide a positive alternative for youth in the community and noted that high school drop out rates are increasing, as well as drug use. He stated that support for the indoor sports complex has been expressed from the Chief of Police, the sports community, downtown businesses, and the community in general.

• Pat Patrick, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke on behalf of his board and members, stating that they support Scheme B. He believed the indoor sports complex would greatly benefit the downtown businesses and would bring the east and west sides of Lodi together. He favored a quality design for the exterior, as opposed to the less expensive tilt up construction.

• Peter Westbrook stated that he was speaking as the President of the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership (DLBP) and a private citizen. The DLBP supports Scheme B. He agreed with Mr. Patrick’s comments and stated that he was opposed to the tilt up exterior concept. He emphasized the importance of integrating the community by pulling the eastside into the downtown area and getting rid of the stigma that exists beyond Sacramento Street.

• Nathaniel Sekula representing the Lodi Tigers stated that the team is in favor of Scheme B and noted that more year-round opportunities to play basketball are needed.

• Chuck Easterling spoke in support of Scheme B and felt that this was an excellent opportunity to tie the east and west sides of the community together and continue revitalization.

In reply to Council Member Land, Mr. Easterling stated that he believed the indoor sports complex would increase the values of property downtown and the community would profit through sales tax revenue.

• Del Smith stated that the facility in this location would significantly change traffic patterns and positively impact downtown businesses. It is an excellent opportunity for the east side of Lodi and will help at-risk youth in the community. He supported Scheme B.

Mayor Pennino commented that Mr. Smith, his wife, and the Munson’s just recently purchased Hazel’s restaurant.

• Tom Sanchez noted that Central Valley Waste has supported many Lodi projects in the past and supports the indoor sports complex. He favored Scheme B and stated that if the kitchen, café, and meeting rooms can help offset costs, they should be included in the project.

• Toni Gore stated that she has lived in Lodi for one and a half years and is a social worker with the family resource and referral agency. She also volunteers as a soccer and basketball coach. Providing safe places for children will decrease the need for police officers, social workers, etc. Athletics help children gain self esteem, leadership skills, and learn responsibility and teamwork.

• Ken Bingaman reported that he has attended 80% of the meetings related to the indoor sports center and never heard anyone speak against it or say they did not want their taxes raised to pay for it.
   

• Nick Sikeotis spoke about the lack of facilities for sports practice. He felt it was important to keep children’s fees low and voiced support for Scheme B.
   

• Elvera Melby stated that she has been involved with the Parks and Recreation Department since the mid-1950s and has seen tremendous growth in participation over the years. She favored Scheme A and believed that the site selected for the facility is ideal.

Council Member Land stated that at the April 3 meeting he proposed moving forward on the two-court design with multi-use facilities; however, due to information presented this evening, he would prefer to design the three-court facility, which would then allow the flexibility later of constructing either the two- or three-court facility depending on funding.

At 10:14 p.m., Mayor Pennino called for a recess and the City Council meeting reconvened at 10:26 p.m.

I. REGULAR CALENDAR (Continued)

I-3 "Adopt resolution approving job specification and salary range for the position of Purchasing Technician and reclassification of Purchasing Assistant to Purchasing Technician"

Amy Flores, Management Analyst Trainee, requested that Council approve the reclassification of the position of Purchasing Assistant to Purchasing Technician in the Finance Department and to reallocate the incumbent. In addition, approval of the Purchasing Technician job specification and salary range is needed. These actions will not increase the number of allocated positions.

In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Ms. Flores reported that the salary of the Purchasing Assistant is 15% below the Technician. Purchasing Technician is a newly created classification and, if approved, the Purchasing Assistant classification will be eliminated.

Joel Harris, Purchasing Officer, explained that due to significant changes in job responsibilities of the Purchasing Assistant, it was deemed appropriate to assign the position title change, as well as to compensate the individual for increased duties. Due to the size of the City, he did not anticipate the need for additional levels in the department and was in favor of eliminating the Purchasing Assistant classification.

MOTION / VOTE:
The City Council, on motion of Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Land second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2002-86 approving the job specification and following salary range for the position of Purchasing Technician and reclassification of Purchasing Assistant to Purchasing Technician.

      A                 B                 C                 D                 E

$2,649.93     $2,782.42     $2,921.54     $3,067.62     $3,221.00

I-4 "Adopt resolution approving revised job specification for Firefighter I/II"

Amy Flores, Management Analyst Trainee, requested that Council approve the revisions to the Firefighter I/II job specification to accurately reflect the duties and revisions to the minimum qualifications necessary to apply for the position.

In response to Council Member Land, Verne Person, Fire Division Chief, explained that the proposed revisions would allow for a wider pool of applicants.

In reply to Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock, Division Chief Person confirmed that a Firefighter I certificate is required prior to employment.

MOTION / VOTE:
The City Council, on motion of Council Member Land, Hitchcock second, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2002-87 approving the revised job specification for Firefighter I/II.

J. ORDINANCES

None.

K. MEETING OF THE CITY OF LODI REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

At 10:45 p.m., Mayor Pennino adjourned the City Council meeting to conduct the meeting of the City of Lodi Redevelopment Agency. Following the call to order, Secretary Blackston recorded roll.

L. COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

• Council Member Nakanishi congratulated Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Perrin for having been awarded the designation of Certified Municipal Clerk by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
   

• Council Member Howard commented that she had an opportunity to attend Tokay High School’s Safari Chevrolet event last Thursday. She thanked teacher Debbie Chiene, Dennis Calton from Sanborn Chevrolet, and students Daniel in the business department, Amanda in sales, and Anna in Finance.
   

• Council Member Land thanked the Mayor and Council Member Howard for attending the committee meeting last week with Representative Mike Machado regarding AB1717. He stated that in hindsight, he wished that the message sent to the state was that Lodi opposed AB1717 and that it would not be accepted even with amendments. In addition, he reported that Northern California Power Agency (NCPA) refinanced a hydro plant and the net present value of the refinancing was $10 million. Legal fees for NCPA are up substantially due to the interconnection agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and also because of the PG&E bankruptcy. He commented that he had attended the Loel Center volunteer recognition dinner. He also mentioned that, with the recent award to Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Perrin, everyone in the City Clerk’s office is now a Certified Municipal Clerk.
   

• Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock expressed her appreciation to Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Perrin for her dedication in earning the award. She thanked all those who participated with the City, the Seventh Day Adventist Academy, and the Lodi Unified School District on the recent Clay Roberts program.
   

• Mayor Pennino commended the Fire Department for the excellent job it did on the memorial service and dedication of Fire Station #4.

M. COMMENTS BY THE CITY MANAGER ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

• City Manager Flynn announced that Human Resources Director Narloch and Economic Development Coordinator Goehring’s birthdays are on May 12.

N. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 11:02 p.m.

ATTEST:

Susan J. Blackston
City Clerk