Stockton City Council/Successor Agency/Public Financing Authority/Parking Authority Concurrent Meeting - November 19, 2024

The Stockton City Council held a concurrent meeting on November 19, 2024, beginning with a closed session at 4:01 PM and reconvening in regular session at 5:30 PM. The council considered a wide range of items, including a settlement of litigation, an update on homelessness and camping ordinances, a police department update, a budget amendment for health care premiums, housing and neighborhood action plans, affordable housing loan awards, a property acquisition, and the renewal of the Tourism Business Improvement District. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved 14 consent items (12.1–12.18) with a single 7-0 vote, pulling items 12.2, 12.4, 12.6, and 12.9 for separate discussion.
• 12.2 – Resolution supporting healthy food options at retail checkout (approved 7-0).
• 12.4 – Allocation of funds to City of Escalon for library repairs (not to exceed $304,427; approved 7-0).
• 12.6 – Establishment of a Quality Assurance-Quality Control Officer position for Municipal Utilities Department (approved 7-0).
• 12.9 – Grant application to BoatUS Foundation for abandoned/derelict vessels program (up to $1,000,000; approved 7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Angela Adams (Northern California Carpenters) advocated for area labor standards, apprenticeship programs, local hiring, and fair compensation.
• Ralph White alleged misuse of public funds and urged the council to hire a city auditor.
• Pat Barrett criticized the council’s censure of a member, implying bias, and later requested opening the civic center as a warming shelter.
• Pandora Crowder raised concerns about lack of sidewalks on Manthey Road, dangerous conditions near food trucks, and homeless encampments.
• Amaya Fields (NAACP Youth President) thanked the council for youth support at the Freedom Fund Gala.
• Bobby Bivens thanked the council for supporting the NAACP Gala and spoke about racism and threats following the presidential election.
• Jessica Velez (Fresh Start Charities) argued that homeless displacement and enforcement only worsen the crisis and called for more transitional housing and services.
• Mickey Heaton (Fresh Start Charities) supported collaborative aid and cited Denver’s success in reducing 911/311 calls through transition-focused programs.
• Kimberly Graves questioned the cost of past cleanups (e.g., Mormon Slough), the lack of mental health services, and suggested physical barriers to deter encampments.
• Sahar Soltani (Mutual Housing California) thanked the council for considering Fairview Terrace Apartments.
• Fred Sheil thanked the council for supporting the Fairview Terrace project and emphasized the importance of long-term staff.
• Rhona Miles (University Plaza Waterfront Hotel) and Alex Munro (Hilton Stockton) spoke in support of the Tourism Business Improvement District renewal, citing its positive impact on local business.

Discussion Items

• 15.1 – Camping Ordinance Update and Local Emergency on Homelessness Staff presented a follow-up to an August workshop, proposing updates to Chapter8.100 (camping on critical infrastructure) and a resolution declaring a local emergency. Changes included adding all city public property to prohibited camping locations, adding a park exclusion for repeat offenders, and removing two footnotes from the critical infrastructure list that were tied to the overturned Martin v. Boise decision. The council discussed enforcement, cleanup, diversion, and funding. The recommended budget for enhanced efforts included $2.5 million in additional funding (including $130,000 for police overtime, $1.2 million for enhanced cleanups, etc.). The council heard public concerns about lack of shelter space and the need for transitional services. The council adopted the ordinance and resolution 7-0.
• 15.2 – Police Department Update (Informational) Chief Samuel Fan reported on staffing, recruitment, and wellness initiatives. As of November2024, sworn staffing stood at 380, with 60 hires year-to-date (the highest since2018). Over 4,400 applications were received. The department has added technology (Flock cameras, Peregrine, Prepared911, Fuse), new vehicles, and specialized units. A new campaign “Parenting with Purpose” was announced. No action was taken.
• 15.3 – Budget Amendment for Health Care Premium Increases Staff recommended a $2 million transfer from the General Fund reserve to the Health Internal Service Fund to offset health insurance premium increases for city employees. The council approved the amendment 7-0 after discussion about timing and union negotiations.
• 15.4 – Rescind 1999 Gleason Park Neighborhood Plan and Adopt Housing Action Plan The council adopted a resolution rescinding the 1999 plan and approving a Housing Action Plan plus three neighborhood action plans (Cabral/East Cabral, Little Manila/Gleason Park, and South Airport Way). The plans are part of the Shape Stockton initiative, with a focus on increasing housing supply and addressing infrastructure constraints. Approved 6-0 (Councilmember Lenz absent).
• 15.5 – Affordable Housing Loan Awards The council approved three loans totaling approximately $8.9 million from federal and state sources to:
  • Fairview Terrace Apartments (76 senior units) – $7,037,865
  • Kentfield Apartments (90-unit rehabilitation) – $1,126,893
  • Casa de Mariposa Apartments (72 farmworker units) – $747,055 The loans are contingent on meeting underwriting requirements. Approved 6-0 (Lenz absent).
• 15.6 – Acquisition of 260 West Fremont Street The council authorized the purchase of the “arena parcel” (1.7 acres) from Marina Towers LLC for up to $1,700,000, plus due diligence costs. The property is intended for future downtown redevelopment. Approved 6-0 (Lenz absent).
• 16.1 – Public Hearing: Stockton Tourism Business Improvement District Renewal The council held a public hearing and approved two resolutions: (1) modifying the existing district to end on December31,2024, and (2) renewing the district for ten years starting January1,2025, with an assessment increase from4% to5% (and an additional0.5% in year six). The managing entity remains Visit Stockton. Approved 6-0 (Lenz absent).
• 16.2 – TEFRA Public Hearing for La Passeggiata Apartments The council approved a resolution supporting the issuance of up to $50 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority for a 94-unit affordable housing project at 622 East Lindsay Street. The city incurs no debt. Approved 6-0 (Lenz absent).

Key Outcomes

• Closed Session Settlement: The City Council voted6-0 to settle the lawsuit Francisco Duarte et al. v. City of Stockton for $428,729 plus a waiver of costs of $6,402.11.
• Homelessness Emergency & Camping Ordinance: Adopted Ordinance2024-11-19-1501 (updated Chapter8.100) and Resolution2024-11-19-1501 (proclaiming a local emergency). Funding of approximately $2.5 million was authorized for enhanced cleanups, enforcement, and diversion.
• Health Care Premium Support: Approved $2 million transfer from General Fund reserve to offset premium increases.
• Housing Action Plans: Rescinded 1999 Gleason Park plan; adopted new Housing Action Plan and three neighborhood plans.
• Affordable Housing Loans: Awarded $8.9 million to three projects (Fairview Terrace, Kentfield Apartments, Casa de Mariposa).
• Property Acquisition: Authorized purchase of 260 West Fremont Street for $1.7 million for future downtown development.
• Tourism Business Improvement District: Renewed for 10 years with increased assessment; existing district terminated early.
• TEFRA Approval: Supported up to $50 million in tax-exempt bonds for La Passeggiata Apartments.