Stockton City Council Meeting - January 21, 2025

The Stockton City Council met in concurrent session with the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Public Financing Authority, and Parking Authority on January 21, 2025, beginning with a closed session at 3:31 PM and the regular session at 5:35 PM, adjourning at 11:14 PM. The meeting included public comments, consent agenda approvals, discussions on the ASM Global management contract, Measure A, police substations, and a public hearing on a cannabis retail appeal. Key decisions included approval of the Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant and denial of a cannabis retail storefront appeal.

Consent Calendar

• Motion 2025-01-21-1201 (7-0): Approved a cooperative agreement with Grainger for MRO supplies, not to exceed $2,500,000.
• Motion 2025-01-21-1202 (7-0): Accepted the Public Facilities Fee Program Annual Report for FY 2023-24.
• Item 12.3 (7-0): Continued the appointment to the Civil Service Commission to a later date for additional applicants.
• Resolution 2025-01-21-1204 (7-0): Reestablished the Ad-Hoc Homelessness Committee.
• Resolution 2025-01-21-1205 (7-0): Reestablished the Charter Review Advisory Commission and Council Charter Review Ad-Hoc Committee.
• Resolution 2025-01-21-1206 (7-0): Ratified appointments to the Planning Commission.
• Resolution 2025-01-21-1207 (7-0): Ratified appointments to various city committees and commissions.
• Resolution 2025-01-21-1208 (7-0): Ratified appointments to the Community Development Committee.
• Motion 2025-01-21-1209 (7-0): Authorized a partial refund of $48,895.21 to AT&T California for encroachment permit fees.
• Motion 2025-01-21-1210 (7-0): Authorized a refund of $22,686.76 to Pamela Lee Matlock for building permit fees.
• Resolution 2025-01-21-1211 (7-0): Authorized summary vacation of a portion of a street easement along South Airport Way.
• Resolution 2025-01-21-1212 (7-0): Established a new classification of Animal Services Manager for SPD with salary range.
• Motion 2025-01-21-1213 (7-0): Approved a three-year hangar rental agreement with Delta Aviation Services, not to exceed $127,461.
• Motion 2025-01-21-1214 (7-0): Approved purchase of three centrifugal pumps for $206,596.38.
• Motion 2025-01-21-1215 (7-0): Authorized PG&E extension agreement for Victory Park Pool electrical upgrades, $131,035.91.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nineteen individuals spoke during the general public comment period on matters not on the agenda, covering topics including homelessness, councilmember behavior, food truck violations, bus route issues, immigration enforcement concerns, code enforcement, and animal services.
• On the ASM Global discussion, six public speakers (Alyssa Leiva, Patricia Barrett, Pandora Crowder, Yolanda Amen, RC Thompson, and others) commented, with some expressing concerns about transparency, financial performance, and the need for affordable family-friendly events.
• On Measure A, seven speakers (Julie Dunning, Pat Barrett, Pandora Crowder, Dan Richardson, RC Thompson, Alyssa Leiva, Michelle Sherman) commented, with Dunning raising questions about fund tracking and alleged “shell games” in budgeting.
• On the cannabis retail appeal, seven speakers (Dan Richardson, Pandora Crowder, Katya Evanhoe, Julie Devincenzi, Julie Dunning, Pat Barrett, Yolanda Amen) spoke in favor of the appeal, citing proximity to existing businesses, schools, and parks, and opposition to over-concentration.

Discussion Items

• 15.2 Discussion: ASM Global Management Contract – Vice Mayor Lee led extensive questioning about the timing of the contract extension approved by the previous council 18 months before expiration and 22 days before the new council took office. Staff (Carrie Wright, Economic Development Director) defended the recommendation based on ASM's performance, the risk of higher costs, and the loss of $500,000 in capital improvements if not exercised. Councilmembers expressed concerns about transparency, threats alleged against the vendor, and missing key performance indicators. No action was taken; it was discussion only.
• 15.3 Measure A Overview and Discussion – Finance staff provided a presentation on the 10-year history of Measure A, a 0.75% general sales tax approved in 2013 to fund law enforcement and bankruptcy recovery. Key statistics: Approximately $375 million raised; 62% allocated to law enforcement and crime prevention (vs. advisory Measure B's 65% recommendation); current sworn officer count at 377 of 425 authorized; retention and recruitment incentives included. Deputy Chief Tony Sager detailed recruitment efforts (474 applicants in calendar year 2024, 2,042 applications in first two quarters of FY 24-25, resulting in 239 entering background). The discussion also covered the formation of the Measure A Expenditure Guidelines approved in July 2024. No action was taken; it was informational.
• 15.4 Discussion: Police Substations for Weston Ranch and Southeast Stockton – Vice Mayor Lee proposed exploring substations to improve community policing and response. Deputy Chief Sager outlined historical substation experience (closed during bankruptcy) and noted that Housing Authority is willing to provide space. Councilmember Enríquez highlighted community desire for police visibility. No action was taken; Vice Mayor Lee later requested an agenda item for a presentation within 60 days with the goal of operation by July 31, 2025.

Public Hearings

• 16.1 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Grant – Approved Resolution 2025-01-21-1601 (7-0) to accept $331,163 in federal grant funds for joint law enforcement operations and the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) system. The city reallocates a portion to San Joaquin County for partnership efforts, citing greater effectiveness.
• 16.2 Cannabis Retail Storefront Appeal – The council voted 7-0 to approve the appeal, reversing the Planning Commission's approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a cannabis retail storefront at 1748 West Fremont Street. The action effectively denies the project. Councilmembers cited over-concentration, proximity to a school and another cannabis business, and community opposition. The applicant requested the ability to relocate the license, but the council did not address that.

Key Outcomes

• Approved motions and resolutions as listed under consent calendar, all 7-0.
• Appointment to Parks and Recreation Commission (7-0): Gina Calder appointed.
• Approved the Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant (7-0).
• Denied the cannabis retail storefront by approving the appeal (7-0).
• Directives: Vice Mayor Lee requested that city staff present plans for downtown development and the Civic Auditorium lot at the next meeting (seconded by Councilmember Enríquez). He also requested an agenda item for a presentation on police substations within 60 days, with a target operational date of July 31, 2025. Additionally, he asked for a staff presentation at the next meeting on a summer youth plan. Councilmember Padilla raised a request to develop a refund policy for permits, and it was agreed to bring it to council. Council comments included plans for future committee meetings on homelessness, ad-hoc committees on liquor stores, smoke shops, and cannabis, and a review of the city charter's investigation powers through the Ledge Committee.