Stockton City Council Meeting Summary - September 10, 2024

The Stockton City Council met on September 10, 2024, starting with a closed session at 4:00 PM and a regular session at 5:30 PM. Key actions included settlement of a lawsuit for $550,000, approval of 2025 health premium rates (with one dissenting vote), and adoption of a new illegal dumping ordinance with enhanced penalties and a rewards program. Public comments addressed translation services, crime, street lighting, and health insurance concerns. Councilmembers also directed staff to provide updates on clean energy options and police department improvements.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of city council minutes from July 26, 2024.
• Acceptance of a $63,550.67 FEMA grant for firefighter equipment (with $6,355.07 local match).
• Approval of a five-year contract with Valley Landscaping & Maintenance for Delta Water Treatment Plant landscape services ($173,700).
• Approval of a five-year contract with Badger Daylighting Corp for wastewater facility cleaning services (not-to-exceed $3,311,000).
• Authorization to apply for a $4,273,925 federal water efficiency grant (with $4,273,925 non-federal match).
• Award of a professional services agreement to Gateway Pacific Contractors for groundwater recharge basin design and construction (not-to-exceed $11,483,248).
• Adoption of redline changes to Chapter 4.06 of the Council Policy Manual (regarding electronic device use).
• All consent items were approved 6-0 (Councilmember Wright absent), except item 12.3 which was considered separately.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kuanghuei Liang requested a meeting with the mayor to share a family story related to the October 7, 2023 incident.
• Shane C. Rawlings urged annexation or purchase of 5 Harding Way for a non-profit, citing blight and homeless issues.
• Dan Richardson thanked MUD, Public Works, and Police for addressing sewer gas and traffic enforcement; urged exploring alternatives to PG&E due to high rates.
• Zoyla Moreno (District 6) demanded Spanish translation services at council meetings, citing discrimination; also requested traffic stops and more police on Wilson Way and Harding Way.
• Ernestina Barrios (Weston Ranch) complained about missing lights on Green Belt Avenue and crime at the Food for Less shopping center; requested police presence.
• Griselda Juarez (Weston Ranch) echoed concerns about lighting and crime at Matley Road.
• Casimira Diaz announced the grand opening of Kiki's Chicken Place on September 13, 2024, requesting police presence.
• Luz Guzman (District 6) criticized translation neglect, high rents, and car break-ins near her church.
• Oscar Serrano (Spanish translation) spoke about crime.
• Ignacio Valdez (mobile home park owner) expressed frustration over a 14-year annexation process with a state grant, fearing the city may not proceed.
• Almarosa Vargas (City of Stockton B&C Employee Association president), Alexandria Prendez, Jenny Hernandez (Stockton City Employees Association president), and Anson Lihosit all urged the council to delay item 12.3 (health premium rates) for union consultation, citing unexpected drastic increases.
• Dan Richardson and Julie Devincenzi supported item 12.8 (cell phone policy), arguing phones undermine attention and public trust.

Discussion Items

• Item 12.3 - 2025 Health Premium Rates: The council debated the proposed rate increases (average 49% per person for some plans). HR Director Rosemary explained that negotiations with vendors yielded the best rates, and two new DHMO plans were added to mitigate increases. Delaying approval risked employees losing coverage by January 1. Councilmember Padilla opposed, citing lack of prior communication with unions. Vice Mayor Warmsley noted communication gaps. Mayor Lincoln directed staff to explore bridging the gap between January 1 and July 1, 2025, when the city's contribution increases. The item passed 5-1 (Padilla dissenting, Wright absent).
• Item 16.1 - Illegal Dumping Ordinance: Lieutenant Chuck Harris presented the ordinance, which creates civil penalties of $1,000/$2,000/$3,000 for first/second/third offenses, holds registered vehicle owners liable, and establishes a rewards program (up to $250 per report) via Crime Stoppers. Public can report via Ask Stockton or Crime Stoppers. Councilmembers expressed strong support, citing widespread dumping and the need for enforcement. A yearly evaluation was promised. The item passed 6-0.
• Closed Session Report: City Attorney reported a 6-0 vote to settle Byron Santos v. City of Stockton for $550,000.

Key Outcomes

• Closed Session Settlement: Approved 6-0 (Wright absent) to settle the Byron Santos lawsuit for $550,000.
• Consent Agenda (except 12.3): Approved 6-0.
• 2025 Health Premium Rates: Approved 5-1 (Padilla no, Wright absent). Council directed staff to bring options to mitigate the cost gap between January and July 2025.
• Illegal Dumping Ordinance: Approved 6-0, effective in 30 days. Staff will launch a media campaign and conduct yearly reviews.
• Future Agenda Items: Vice Mayor Warmsley requested an update on the Clean Energy Project (AVA) for October 1, 2024, and a police department update on officer recruitment and crime trends. Both were seconded and accepted.
• Councilmember Blower raised the issue of limited translation services; staff noted a shortage of qualified translators.
• Councilmember Padilla highlighted upcoming events and expressed appreciation for youth involvement.