Stockton City Council/Successor Agency/Public Financing Authority/Parking Authority Concurrent Meeting - February 18, 2025

The City Council met concurrently with the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Public Financing Authority, and Parking Authority. The meeting began with a closed session at 4:00 PM for labor negotiations, followed by the regular session at 5:30 PM. The Council recognized Black History Month, heard extensive public comment, and acted on consent items. Major discussions included the City Detect AI enforcement tool, neighborhood services updates, ARPA fund status, and a proposal to waive privilege on Brown Act leak investigations. The meeting adjourned at 11:34 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Columbus Park Renovations (12.1): Item continued to March 18, 2025, Council meeting by a 7-0 vote after public comment raised concerns about the process and community engagement.
• Solar Lighting Purchase (12.2): Approved a cooperative purchasing agreement for solar lights at Weston Ranch Greenbelt and sports courts, $387,527, unanimously 7-0.
• Charter Section 406 Investigations Procedure (12.3): Approved Resolution 2025-02-18-1203 establishing a policy for council inquiries, 6-1 (Villapudua opposed).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stockton 209 Cares: Nancy Lamb and others reported the program has collected 74 tons of trash since January 1, 2025, and provides job opportunities for homeless individuals achieving sobriety.
• Crisis Response: Jamie Guerrero of Kelly's Angels criticized the city's handling of Julian Martinez's death, demanding transparent investigations.
• Homeless Encampment: Lecia Harrison described a private lot adjacent to her garden that has become an unmanaged encampment, with water theft and garbage accumulation.
• Interim City Manager: Julie Dunning and Andy Abbott questioned the hiring process, lack of transparency, and whether a Brown Act serial meeting occurred. Abbott also raised concerns about former city manager Harry Black's firing and Steve Colangelo's qualifications.
• Censure Calls: Armando Rodriguez and others called for censure of Vice Mayor Jason Lee over remarks about NAACP leader Bobby Bivins.
• Code Enforcement: Cynthia Gail Boyd detailed alleged case closures without actual resolution; Pat Barrett argued for action over studies.
• Safety and Blight: Dan Richardson thanked council for denying a cannabis storefront near his home; numerous speakers highlighted illegal dumping and speeding.
• General Concerns: Speakers addressed police misconduct, the need for safe camping, and the lack of youth centers.

Discussion Items

• 15.1 Civil Service Commission Appointment: Appointed Michelle Sherman to the Stockton Civil Service/Equal Employment Commission (term ending December 31, 2027), vote 7-0.
• 15.2 City Detect Project Updates: Staff presented the RISE (Revitalizing and Improving Stockton through Education) program using AI cameras to detect code violations. Since January 2025, 730 educational letters sent with 80% compliance rate. Council directed staff to return March 4, 2025, with a proposal to shorten the enforcement timeline to 60 days.
• 15.3 Neighborhood Services Section (NSS) Updates: In 2024, NSS opened nearly 12,000 code enforcement cases (72% complaint-driven), closed 7,011 cases (78% voluntary), and issued 15,000 notices. Council questioned staffing needs relative to the AI investment and discussed blight data by district.
• 15.4 Clean City Update: Public works reported 170 tons of trash removed in 2024, 752 volunteers, 28 large-scale encampment cleanups (1,151 tons), and 134 park cleanups. Recycling events and beautification schedule outlined. Council requested vendor performance evaluation.
• 15.5 Teen Impact Center Update: The 1940s-era building requires $10-12 million for repairs as a teen center. Economic development sought to include it in the county's CEDS for future grant eligibility. Council expressed desire to see the building used for youth.
• 15.6 ARPA Program Update: Of $78 million allocated, $47 million spent by Dec 31, 2024. $31 million remains committed to approved projects. Council requested a study session to review project status and breakdown by district.
• 15.7 Closed Session Brown Act Violation Investigations: Council directed the city attorney to bring an item to the March 4, 2025 meeting to consider waiving privilege on any Brown Act leak investigations from the last four years, with appropriate redactions.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: Consent items 12.2 approved 7-0; 12.3 approved 6-1 (Villapudua opposed). Civil service appointment approved 7-0.
• Direction: Staff to return March 4 with expedited code enforcement (60 days). ARPA study session to be scheduled. City attorney to present waiver option for Brown Act investigations.
• Park Renovation Continued: Columbus Park item moved to March 18 for presentation.
• Investigations: Council discussed the need for audit committee oversight and release of investigation findings to the public.