Stockton City Council Meeting – April 2, 2024

The Stockton City Council convened in closed session at 3:00 PM (adjourned at 5:10 PM) and regular session at 5:45 PM, adjourning at 8:08 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public testimony, a consent agenda with 17 items, new business on tourism and downtown improvement districts, a salary‑setting ordinance, and a public hearing on amendments to the Cannery Park mixed‑use development.

Consent Calendar

• 12.1‑12.17 – Approved en masse, with items 12.5, 12.6, 12.9, 12.10, 12.12, 12.13, and 12.16 pulled for separate discussion. All votes were 7‑0.
• 12.5 (Van Buskirk Park Renovation) – Accepted a $7,016,086 Statewide Park Development grant for Phase 1 (completion estimated fall 2027). Vice Mayor Warmsley noted conservative timeline; Councilmember Villapudua expressed support for community benefits. Motion carried 7‑0.
• 12.6 (Permitting Software) – Approved a 10‑year contract with Accela Inc. for $3,151,453 to upgrade permitting software. Discussion focused on process improvements. Motion carried 7‑0.
• 12.9 (Shopping Cart Enforcement) – Adopted ordinance amending SMC Title 8, Chapter 8.40 to strengthen enforcement. Two public speakers (Dan Offield, Dennis Smallie, representing Quad/Citizens United Against Decay) expressed support, noting this addresses blight and was a community‑driven effort. Motion carried 7‑0.
• 12.10 (Grupe Park Parking Lot Resurfacing) – Awarded $385,623.75 contract to Consolidated Engineering, Inc. Construction timeline ~45‑60 days, plus ~30 days for contract execution. Motion carried 7‑0.
• 12.12 (Bookmobile Purchase) – Authorized $465,520.62 purchase of a custom‑built Bookmobile from Summit Bodyworks. Discussion addressed cost variance (attributed to delivery/training options) and importance of library outreach. Motion carried 7‑0.
• 12.13 (Citywide Sidewalk Repair) – Awarded $2,815,330 contract to United Pavement Maintenance, Inc., covering 348‑49 sites. Public speakers Julie Dunning and Pat Barrett urged protection of trees and use of grinding instead of removal. Staff confirmed the project avoids tree removal and that tree‑planting citywide (1,050 trees planted last year, several thousand in pipeline) exceeds removals. Motion carried 7‑0.
• 12.16 (Aquatics Renovation – Oak Park) – Awarded $206,000 design contract to Rogers Stringer & McClelland, Inc. for roof, fencing, and water feature replacement. City Manager Black announced a May 2024 study session on the capital improvement program to address project backlog (140 active projects). Motion carried 7‑0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Richardson – Raised noise concerns on Pershing Avenue (measured 70‑102 dB, citing California Health & Safety Code) and loud car stereos. Put city on notice of possible state action.
• Miguel Guillen (District 4 resident) – Reported positive updates: Yosemite Street Village cleanup (100+ volunteers), new business Smoke Meat and Barbecue, and requested timeline for Victory Park Pool.
• Julie Dunning – Opposed a proposed biomass wood pellet project at the Port of Stockton (by Golden State Natural Resources), citing 7,000 rail cars/year, 28 additional ships, and environmental racism concerns in an AB 617 area. Urged city review.
• Alyssa Leiva – Supported removal of Motecuzoma Sanchez from the Charter Review Advisory Commission, citing rhetoric harmful to marginalized communities and FPPC violations.
• Jason Lee – Defended his work with youth (referenced fundraiser with Malcolm and Rihanna raising $500,000). Recalled past council comments questioning his qualifications; urged council to serve for young people.
• Pat Barrett – Spoke in support of City Clerk Eliza Garza, opposing rumors of non‑renewal of her contract, citing her service as a woman of color, single mother, and veteran.

Discussion Items

• 15.1 (Stockton Tourism Business Improvement District Budget & Report) – Approved 2024 operating budget and 2023 annual report. Visit Stockton presented: 2023 hotel occupancy declined (188 rooms below 2019); short‑term rentals provided 34,000 overnights vs. 487,000 hotel room nights. Direct travel spending $355 M annually. Stockton Flavor Fest drew 16,600 visits, 675 volunteers; won awards. 2024 goals: reclaim hotel leakage, target marketing via data, grow events. Motion carried 7‑0.
• 15.2 (Downtown Stockton Property & Business Improvement District Report & Budget) – Approved 2023 annual report, FY 23‑24 assessments, and proposed 2024 budget. Downtown Stockton Alliance reported maintenance statistics, graffiti abatement, facade improvement grants (up to $800/window), and events (Main Street Market, Chinese Plaza Autumn Festival). Motion carried 7‑0.
• 15.3 (City Council Salary Setting) – Adopted ordinance increasing Mayor salary by 7.32% to $97,107/year and Councilmember salary by 5% to $30,832.62/year, effective January 1, 2025. The Salary Setting Commission held public hearings Feb 7 and Feb 29, 2024. Councilmember Lenz voted no; motion passed 6‑1.
• 15.4 (Removal of Motecuzoma Sanchez) – Item removed by staff after receiving a resignation letter; no further discussion.
• 16.1 (Cannery Park Mixed‑Use Development Amendments) – Public hearing on Environmental Impact Report addendum, General Plan amendment, rezoning, and Development Agreement amendment. Project details: convert ~89 acres of commercial to low‑density residential; add 331 single‑family homes; relocate multifamily north of Bear Creek; add a 4‑acre park (funded/constructed by developer). Planning Commission recommended approval 5‑0. Mayor Lincoln recused (SB 1439 conflict). Councilmembers expressed support for housing need and park contribution. Motions carried 6‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda passed 7‑0 for all items, with separate votes on the seven pulled items (each 7‑0).
• Ordinance 2024‑04‑02‑1209 (Shopping Cart Enforcement) – Adopted 7‑0.
• Ordinance 2024‑04‑02‑1503 (Salary Setting) – Adopted 6‑1 (Councilmember Lenz opposed).
• Resolution/Ordinance set for Cannery Park (Addendum, GPA, Rezone, DA amendment) – Approved 6‑0 (Mayor recused).
• Closed session reported unanimous authorization to initiate litigation (details withheld per law).
• City Manager announced new Stockton Community Games (registration open, competitions June/July) and upcoming Main Street Complete Streets community meeting (April 3 at Cabral ACE station).
• Councilmember comments noted upcoming events: NAACP MLK Run (April 6), Asparagus Festival (April 12‑14), Taco & Tax Event (April 17), Sikh Parade (April 14), and potential future agenda items on TCC tree update and annexed development sidewalk policies.