Stockton City Council Meeting November 14, 2023

The Stockton City Council met on November 14, 2023, beginning with a closed session at 4:00 PM and reconvening in regular session at 5:30 PM. The meeting included recognitions, public comments, consent calendar approvals, a new business item approving a $4.5 million opioid settlement agreement with Community Medical Centers, an informational presentation on the Stockton Diamond Grade Separation Project, and a public hearing on the proposed extension of Measure A — a 0.75% sales tax set to expire March 31, 2024. No action was taken on the public hearing; a second hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2023.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the Consent Agenda 7-0 (Councilmember Lenz absent during roll call but present in regular session).
• Accepted the Quarterly Investment Report for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.
• Approved appointments to the Charter Review Advisory Commission via Resolution 2023-11-14-1202.
• Adopted the 2024 meeting calendar for the City Council/Successor Agency/Public Financing Authority/Parking Authority.
• Authorized the Weber Point Events Center Shade Structure Rehabilitation – Phase 2 contract ($798,910 to McFadden Construction, Inc.) and the Streetlight Pole Replacement FY 2022-23 SB1 contract ($223,300 to St. Francis Electric, LLC) — both approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeremiah Skaggs, Vice President of the Stockton Police Officers Association (SPOA), expressed full support for continuing Measure A funding, stating the funds are the most efficient means for recruitment and retention, and thanked the council for the process leading to the public hearing.
• Jason Lee thanked the Mayor, Councilmember Wright, and Councilmember Padilla for youth services funding ($2 million) but criticized Councilmember Villapudua for a remark about seeking help from celebrity friends; he pledged continued community activism.
• Zoyla Moreno congratulated the council on veterans recognition and raised concerns about a broken TV and park maintenance in her district.
• Aaron Edwards promoted the RTD Stuff the Bus 25th anniversary event (Nov 17–19) to provide food for 30,000–35,000 families.
• Pat Barrett raised concerns about street sweeping inconsistency and contractor performance; also testified on the opioid item, sharing personal recovery experience and praising Community Medical Centers (CMC) for their wraparound services.
• On the Measure A public hearing, Zoyla Moreno and Tony Sprague spoke in favor. Moreno cited her experience with San Jose’s budget prioritizing police; Sprague supported the modifications and requested measurable key performance indicators.

Discussion Items

• 15.1 – Opioid Settlement Agreement with Community Medical Centers (CMC): Staff presented the National Opioid Settlement Agreements, noting Stockton could receive up to $10.7 million over the distribution period (potentially through 2038). The resolution approved a $4.5 million, three-year contract with CMC for opioid remediation services including medication-assisted treatment, warm handoff programs, wraparound services, and coordination with local partners. CMC reported 111 opioid-related deaths in 2022, a 121% increase in fentanyl deaths. Their respite center provides 24/7 care with 13 beds (8 men, 5 women). The contract was approved 7-0.
• 15.2 – Stockton Diamond Grade Separation Project (Informational): Representatives from the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and HDR Engineering presented the project to grade-separate the busiest rail intersection in California (Union Pacific and BNSF). The project includes a flyover structure, zero residential acquisitions, permanent road closures (Church and Scots Avenue), and an aggressive schedule targeting construction start by June 2024. Councilmembers emphasized support while urging compassionate handling of small business relocations and improvements to the MLK underpass.
• 16.1 – Public Hearing on Measure A Sunset Extension: The Chief Financial Officer presented findings for extending the 0.75% sales tax (average annual revenue ~$36 million, 17% of general fund). The tax sunsets March 31, 2024, unless extended via council action. Evidence showed the city has not met the ordinance’s economic recovery threshold. The proposed extension includes a revised spending plan: converting 120 authorized police positions to 60 retention-focused positions, reprogramming salary savings for recruitment and retention incentives (budget-neutral). Key speakers: Office of Violence Prevention Director Laura Larsen cited homicide reductions (71 in 2012 to 32 in 2013), credited to the Ceasefire strategy and Measure A funding. Deputy Chief Tony Sager reported 686 officers hired since 2012, with 655 separations (attrition averaging 62/year). The performance audit found no compliance issues. Councilmembers expressed support and requested transparent KPIs and a dashboard. No vote taken; second hearing set for Dec 5.

Key Outcomes

• Opioid Settlement Contract (15.1): Approved 7-0. Resolution 2023-11-14-1501 awarded a $4.5 million professional services agreement to Community Medical Centers for opioid abatement over three years, with the City Manager authorized to accept all allocated funds.
• Measure A Public Hearing (16.1): No action taken. The council will consider a formal ordinance extending the sunset at the December 5, 2023 meeting. A new retention plan for police officers was proposed (converting 120 authorized positions to 60 with incentives) contingent on Measure A’s continuation.
• Weber Point Shade Structure (12.4): Approved 7-0. Construction expected to begin September 2024, complete November 2024.
• Streetlight Pole Replacement (12.5): Approved as part of consent.
• Councilmember Comments: Included announcements about AVA Community Energy, Veteran’s Day, Hmong New Year, tree-planting in South Stockton, upcoming events (ATHENA luncheon, tree lighting), and condolences for community leaders Dorothy Jones and Dr. Wanda Davis. Councilmember Padilla expressed concern over hostility and disrespect, calling for unity. Councilmember Villapudua reported installation of basketball court floors at Van Buskirk Park.