Stockton City Council Meeting – September 23, 2025

The Stockton City Council met in closed session at 3:30 PM and regular session at 5:30 PM on September 23, 2025. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, the consent calendar, public hearings, and new business items. The council debated and voted on contested items including ad hoc committee policy, waiver of attorney-client privilege, employee health insurance rates, and the formation of a transparency office. The meeting adjourned at 11:54 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda with a single vote (7-0) except for items pulled individually: 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 12.9, 12.11, 12.17, 12.18, 12.19, 12.20, 12.21.
• Items 12.1 and 12.2 were moved to new business (16.1).
• Noteworthy consent items approved unanimously:
  • 12.7: Grant of easements to Union Pacific Railroad for the Stockton Diamond Grade Separation Project.
  • 12.8: Declaration of surplus land at 6461 Brookside Road.
  • 12.10: Professional services agreement with George Hills as third-party administrator for general liability program ($2,504,768.64 over five years).
  • 12.12: Construction contract for Alexandria & Fourteen Mile Storm Pump Station electrical upgrades ($381,497).
  • 12.13: Resolution opposing the Delta Conveyance (Delta Tunnel) project.
  • 12.14: Amendment with Hard Luck Animal Welfare Advocates ($789,389).
  • 12.15: Professional services contract for Citywide Streetlight Assessment ($249,976).
  • 12.16: Construction contract for street slurry seal ($819,325).
  • 12.22: Amendment for Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Gap Closure Phase 2 ($410,746).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matters Not on the Agenda:
  • Pat Barrett criticized council transparency and vote independence.
  • Donald Tafoya questioned council efficiency and referenced a dispute between Vice Mayor Lee and Mayor Fugazi.
  • Sharee Wilburn Grimes requested removal of Strong Communities Commissioner Natasha Brown for alleged misconduct.
  • Mary Elizabeth raised non-compliance with Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) for Climate Action Plan Advisory Committee members, and concerns about tobacco/alcohol license ordinances.
  • Jose Galvan (downtown business owner) asked for free parking validation to support downtown businesses.
  • Chris Berry demanded more enforcement against homeless encampments, unlicensed RVs, and sidewalk hazards caused by city trees.
  • Dan Richardson praised the Stockton Police Department Community Academy and urged support for officer contracts.
  • Darla Savceda described losing her trailer and belongings during a homeless sweep, asking for better resources.
  • Alex Lima (Trust for Public Land) invited council to the Reinvent South Stockton Resident Summit on October 11, 2025.
• Specific Agenda Items:
  • Mary Elizabeth spoke on items 12.7, 12.13, 12.19, 12.20, 15.2, 15.3, and 16.2, raising concerns about community benefits, support for the Delta Tunnel opposition, public engagement in design projects, sidewalk priority, water quality for Cal Water customers, and lack of noticing for CAPER reports.
  • Three SCA union members (Jenny Hernandez, Christina Nealy, Alexandria Salgado) opposed the 35% health premium increase, calling it unsustainable.
  • Lan Phuong Nguyen asked the city to inform residents about water treatment options to reduce bottled water use.

Discussion Items

• 12.3 – Amendment to Council Policy Manual (Ad Hoc Committees): Councilmember Padilla questioned subjective criteria like “expertise” and “unbiased,” and required written reports. Initial motion failed (3-4). After reconsideration (7-0), a modified motion passed (4-3) giving ad hoc committees discretion to submit a report.
• 12.4 – Waiver of Privilege for July 30, 2025 Emails: Council debated releasing emails from the city attorney to council. Vice Mayor Lee argued it was needed for a Brown Act investigation submitted to the District Attorney. Motion passed (4-3).
• 12.5 – Appointment to Water Advisory Group: Councilmember Blower highlighted the voluntary application process. Appointment of Katrina Bambula-Santos approved (7-0).
• 12.9 – 2026 Employee Health Plans: After public testimony and discussion, council approved (7-0) the premium rates with a condition that staff explore offsetting costs and report back within 60 days.
• 12.11 – Employee Assistance Program Contract: Approved (7-0) with comments that usage shows positive ROI.
• 12.17 – Debris Removal Change Order: Approved (7-0).
• 12.18 – Stop Control Intersection (Country Club & Wisconsin): Approved (7-0).
• 12.19 – Alpine Pershing Mendocino Bicycle-Pedestrian Connectivity: Approved (7-0).
• 12.20 – Citywide Sidewalk Repair: Councilmember Lee expressed concern about equity in sidewalk repair requests. Approved (7-0).
• 12.21 – ADA Curb Ramp Installation: Approved (7-0).
• 15.1 – Formation of Community Facilities District No. 2025-1 (Cannery Park East): Approved (7-0) after public hearing; ballots counted in favor.
• 15.2 – 2025 Water Quality Public Health Goals Report: Approved (7-0) after public hearing.
• 15.3 – FY 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER): Approved (7-0); staff will incorporate public comments.
• 16.1 – Independent Audit of ACFR (FY 2023-24): Accepted (7-0) after presentation by the Pun Group. Discussion highlighted that expenses outpace revenues and the importance of Measure A.
• 16.2 – Office of Public Transparency Information Communication (OPTIC): PIO Tony Manor presented the new office, its $926,487 annual budget, and focus on ADA compliance by April 2026. Councilmembers pressed for measurable outcomes. Vice Mayor Lee requested a plan with trackable results by November 18, 2025.
• 16.3 – Fire Hydrant Maintenance Update: Deputy Director Travis Small reported 99.78% of city hydrants are operable. Discussion on tampering and coordination with Cal Water.

Key Outcomes

• Ad Hoc Policy (12.3): Initial motion to adopt failed 3-4 (Blower, Enríquez, Lee yes; Fugazi, Villapudua, Padilla, Ponce no). Reconsideration motion passed 7-0. Modified resolution passed 4-3 (Blower, Padilla, Enríquez, Lee yes; Fugazi, Villapudua, Ponce no).
• Waiver of Privilege (12.4): Resolution passed 4-3 (Blower, Padilla, Enríquez, Lee yes; Fugazi, Villapudua, Ponce no).
• Health Plan Rates (12.9): Motion approved 7-0 with condition to study cost offsets within 60 days.
• OPTIC Plan (16.2): Council informally agreed to request a measurable plan from staff by November 18, 2025.
• All other votes were unanimous 7-0 unless noted.
• Adjournment: 11:54 PM.