Stockton City Council Regular Meeting - February 6, 2024

The Stockton City Council met in regular session on February 6, 2024, at 5:31 PM following a closed session at 4:00 PM. The council approved multiple consent items, heard public comments on labor negotiations, traffic safety, and community concerns, and took action on major development and park renovation projects. Key decisions included approval of the South Pointe mixed-use development, McKinley Park renovation, and transition of aquatic programming to in-house operations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 24 items with a single 7-0 vote, except items 12.6 and 12.8 which were considered separately.
• Item 12.6: Approved a one-year agreement with UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program for $200,000 to improve animal shelter health and adoptability. Councilmember Padilla asked about part-time positions and trailer purchase. Motion carried 7-0.
• Item 12.8: Awarded a $191,980 professional services contract to Quality Counts, LLC for traffic count collection. Council discussed speed cameras and enforcement resources. Motion carried 7-0.
• A late speaker card from Mark Moreno addressed item 12.7, opposing the $1.725 million purchase of a 100-ton crane, arguing renting would be more cost-effective. The item was approved as part of the consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Richardson (North Pershing Avenue resident) urged traffic calming measures, citing excessive speeds and a recent incident. He noted that in two hours, 27 citations and 4 vehicles were towed on Pershing.
• Mike DeAnda (Operating Engineers business representative) reported contentious contract negotiations with the city, eight months past expiration. He said a supposal moved 1% closer to their ask but no future dates set, with retroactive pay a sticking point.
• Nathan Castanon (OE3 employee) asked council to seek more detailed updates on negotiations, feeling they were not receiving the full story.
• Michael Lacy (small business owner, Acme Dumpster and Hotshot Services) proposed a service to permanently remove abandoned RVs, noting that one abandoned RV costs taxpayers $50,000 every 90 days in towing and storage.
• Jason Lee thanked the city for exploring translation services for Spanish-speaking residents, then raised concerns about a slumlord (Ralph White) with mold, rats, and eviction threats. He warned of potential legal action by Ben Crump.
• Aaron Edwards thanked the council for attending the Rosa Parks event on February 2, highlighting the themed bus as the only one in California.

Discussion Items

15.1 - South Pointe Project (Disposition and Development Agreement with RBH Stockton OZ Project, LLC)

• Staff presented a three-year negotiation resulting in a DDA for a mixed-use development on a 9-acre waterfront site. Phase 1: minimum 300 housing units (including senior independent living), 4,000 sq ft educational space, 16,000 sq ft retail. Phase 2: minimum 220 units. At least 15% of units in each phase reserved as affordable for lower-income households. City will use a $5.25 million DTSC grant for environmental remediation. Developer RBH Group (Newark, NJ) highlighted experience with similar workforce housing projects. Councilmember Lincoln recused himself (SB 1439 conflict). Motion carried 6-0.

15.2 - McKinley Park Renovation Project

• Presentation: $15.8 million project to renovate the 22-acre park including a pool, softball field, soccer field, basketball and pickleball courts, playground, shade structures, parking, and 150 new trees. Construction expected to begin May 2024, completion in 2025. Contractor: John F. Otto, Inc. dba Otto Construction ($11.394 million). Funding includes Prop 68, state budget, Transformative Climate Communities, and Measure M. Public comment from Jason Lee criticized lack of cultural representation and bike trails; also noted delays. Council discussion addressed restroom safety, contractor vetting, and public art opportunities. Motion carried 7-0.

15.3 - Transition of Aquatic Programming to Community Services Department

• Approved transitioning management of six city pools (Brooking, Holiday, Oak, Sousa, and future Victory and McKinley) from outsourced vendor to in-house operations. Created six part-time unclassified positions (Pool Manager, Assistant Pool Manager, Senior Lifeguard, Lifeguard, Aquatics Instructor, Aquatics Assistant). Amended FY2023-24 budget with $87,000 from Measure M fund balance for startup costs. Council noted potential pool outages (Sousa may be down) and emphasized youth employment. Motion carried 6-0 (Lenz absent).

Hearings

16.1 - General Plan Amendment and Rezone for Convenience Store at 9036 Thornton Road

• Approved a General Plan Amendment (Administrative Professional to Commercial and Medium Density Residential) and Zoning Amendment (Commercial Office to Commercial General and Residential Medium Density) to allow a BP-owned convenience store with gas pumps, car wash, and EV charging (3 stations for 6 cars). The 2.1-acre site includes 0.62 acres reserved for future residential development. Planning Commission recommended approval 5-0. Councilmember Padilla opposed, citing constituent opposition and saturation of similar businesses. Motion carried 5-1 (Padilla dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (items 12.1-12.10): Approved 7-0, including updates to audit plan, mayoral appointments, approval of minutes, subdivision maps, equipment purchases, and traffic management programs.
• South Pointe DDA: Approved 6-0, authorizing disposition of four city parcels and execution of development agreement with RBH Stockton OZ Project, LLC.
• McKinley Park Renovation: Approved 7-0, authorizing contracts and funding appropriations totaling $15.8 million.
• Aquatic Program Transition: Approved 6-0, creating six part-time positions and appropriating $87,000.
• 9036 Thornton Road Rezone: Approved 5-1, allowing convenience store and future residential development.
• Closed session: No reportable action.
• Council directed staff to explore reopening traditional restrooms in parks and to add rigor to contractor vetting for McKinley Park.
• Upcoming events: Strategic Planning Workshop (Feb 21), ARPA Review (Feb 28), Rotary Read-In (Feb 29), Stockton Stars Dancing for Dogs and Cats (Feb 10).