Stockton City Council Special Meeting: July 26, 2024 – Measure N Opposition Resolution Adopted

On Friday, July 26, 2024, the Stockton City Council held a special closed session from 3:00 PM to 3:26 PM, followed by a special session from 3:27 PM to 3:53 PM. The primary action was the adoption of Resolution 2024-07-26-0801 opposing Measure N, a November ballot initiative proposed by public safety unions to establish binding arbitration for contract impasses. The council voted 6–1 to oppose the measure and authorized three councilmembers to sign a ballot argument against it.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeremiah Skaggs, representing the Stockton Police Officers Association (SPOA) and its Political Action Committee, spoke in favor of Measure N. He argued that the city's claim that Measure N would eliminate bargaining is false, stating that under the Meyers-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA) unions and the city have a mutual obligation to bargain. He described Measure N as establishing an impartial impasse resolution process (neutral binding arbitration) to improve retention and recruitment of police officers and firefighters, and invited councilmembers to meet with the SPOA board for further discussion.

Discussion Items

• Item 8.1 – Resolution Opposing Measure N: City Human Resources Director Rosemary Reeves introduced Stephen Miller from Hanson Bridgett, who explained that state law allows the city council to adopt a resolution taking a position on a ballot measure and to authorize a ballot statement. The proposed resolution opposed Measure N, a charter amendment initiative on the November 2024 ballot that would require binding arbitration for contract disputes with public safety unions. Councilmember Daniel Wright clarified that up to five signatories could be designated for the ballot argument. After discussion, the council agreed to designate Councilmembers Wright, Michael Blower, and Susan Lenz as signatories. Councilmember Michele Padilla expressed opposition, stating that while she supports police, she has concerns about binding arbitration based on its implementation in other cities.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2024-07-26-0801 was approved on a 6–1 vote:
  • Yes: Michael Blower, Brando Villapudua, Susan Lenz, Kevin J Lincoln II, Kimberly Warmsley, Daniel Wright.
  • No: Michele Padilla.
• The resolution adopts a formal position opposing Measure N, authorizes Councilmembers Wright, Blower, and Lenz to sign the argument against Measure N in the voter information pamphlet, and directs the City Manager and City Clerk to submit the argument and any rebuttal to any argument in favor of Measure N.
• No reportable action was taken during the closed session (which involved a conference with legal counsel regarding potential litigation under Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2) and 54956.9(e)(3)).