Stockton City Council Meeting - September 12, 2023

The Stockton City Council held a regular meeting on September 12, 2023, beginning with a closed session at 4:15 PM and open session at 5:30 PM. The council recognized Recovery Awareness Month and honored the San Juan South Girls Soccer Team for winning state and national titles. All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous (7-0). Key actions included approving a $5.38 million subsidy for St. Mary’s Dining Room shelter operations, accepting a $24.17 million state grant for climate and community projects, and authorizing continued use of military equipment under AB 481.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda (items 12.2–12.7) with a single 7-0 vote, after pulling items 12.1 and 12.8 for separate discussion.
• 12.1 Poet Laureate Appointments: Appointed Jazmarie LaTour as City Poet Laureate (term Oct 1, 2023 – Sep 30, 2025, with renewal option) and Tama Brisbane as Poet Laureate Emerita. Approved 7-0.
• 12.8 Measure W Oversight Committee: Ratified the appointment of Mario Enriquez to the Measure W Oversight Committee for a term ending Jan 31, 2025. Approved 7-0.
• Other consent items included contract renewals for workers’ compensation administration (Athens Administrators), MOU with Water Supervisory Unit, purchase of membrane filters, contract extensions for staffing services, uniform rental services, and purchase of brush rigs for the Fire Department.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Richardson expressed concerns about vendors in Victory Park operating after hours, citing noise, traffic, and lack of permits/health code enforcement. He proposed limiting park hours to dawn to dusk.
• Cynthia Gail Boyd criticized Mayor Lincoln for failing to address her civil rights concerns, alleging lack of follow-through and broken promises.
• William Maxwell spoke on the poet laureate item, praising Jazmarie LaTour’s appointment and urging the council to restore the $1.3 million arts commission endowment that was taken during bankruptcy.
• William Maxwell (during TCC grant comment) spoke in support of the grant as a community partner from Public Health Advocates, emphasizing the importance of the investment for South Stockton.
• Chris Cannon during the AB 481 hearing asked about training and accountability for military equipment use. Police staff responded that training and policies are in place and available online.

Discussion Items

• 15.1 – St. Mary’s Dining Room Shelter Operations Subsidy: Staff presented the emergency transition of the Stockton Shelter campus to St. Mary’s Dining Room following the shelter’s planned closure within 30 days. The city allocated $5.38 million from General Fund Contingency, HHAP, and ARPA funds for a three-year operations subsidy, supplementing an equal contribution from San Joaquin County. St. Mary’s CEO Petra Linden outlined plans to operate over 800 beds across a campus including a navigation center, family shelter, and medical lodge. Councilmembers praised the partnership but Vice Mayor Warmsley emphasized the need for cultural sensitivity and equity in services. The motion passed 7-0.
• 15.2 – Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Round 4 Implementation Grant: Grant Kirkpatrick presented the $24,165,510 grant from the California Strategic Growth Council to fund sustainability projects in South Stockton, including tree planting (1,500 new trees), solar installations, energy efficiency, asthma mitigation, urban farming, and workforce development. The grant builds on a previous round and will fund four limited-term positions in a new Office of Environment and Sustainability. Councilmember Padilla questioned the budget for Code Shack Academy’s curriculum ($880,000 for 24 students) and requested transparency. The motion passed 7-0.
• 16.1 – AB 481 Military Equipment Use Policy (Public Hearing): Lieutenant Gary Benavides presented the annual report on military equipment, including drones, armored vehicles, command vehicles, less-lethal munitions, and intended acquisitions of an MRAP (via 1033 program) and an LRAD loudspeaker. He emphasized the equipment’s role in safety and rescue. After public comments, the council authorized continued use and the intended acquisitions. Motion passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• All items on the consent agenda and all new business items were approved unanimously (7-0).
• The council allocated $5,380,000 for St. Mary’s Dining Room shelter operations for three years.
• The council accepted a $24,165,510 TCC grant and authorized the creation of four grant-funded positions.
• The council approved the continued use of military equipment and the acquisition of an MRAP and LRAD under AB 481.
• Councilmember comments included requests for updates on illegal dumping ordinance, Ask Stockton app improvements, economic vitality, and police retention. A moment of silence was observed for Keith Kitagawa.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM.