Stockton City Council and Concurrent Authorities Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Stockton City Council held a regular meeting on October 14, 2025, beginning with a Closed Session at 3:16 PM and reconvening in Regular Session at approximately 4:45 PM. The meeting concluded at 10:36 PM. Six council members were present (Fugazi, Blower, Villapudua, Padilla, Enríquez, Lee); Mariela Ponce was absent. The agenda included recognitions, a public hearing on the Downtown Stockton Community Improvement District (DSCID), adoption of the 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Facilities Plan, a resolution for a Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) application, and discussion of a vacant commercial property tax.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (6-0) with two items pulled for separate consideration:
  • 12.6: Five-year agreement with Cellebrite Inc. for digital forensic technology ($245,431) – Approved 6-0 after discussion.
  • 12.10: Anderson Park Playground project ($299,998.87) – Approved 6-0.
• Other consent items included: approval of minutes, Hunter House LP Homekey+ co-application, Fairview Terrace subordination agreement, fire department inspection statistics, bulletproof vests purchase, generator installation, Loch Lomond Park playground, Equinoa Park Phase II, Cannery Park fund transfer, Myrtle/Filbert bulbout, sewer rehabilitation projects, and Lincoln Road sewer trunk rehabilitation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comments (non-agenda):
  • Nate Knodt spoke in support of San Joaquin RTD, disputing criticism of bus routes and emphasizing the need for transit funding.
  • Donald Tafolla criticized city council dynamics and extortion allegations, urging focus on integrity.
  • Pat Barrett advocated for a sanctuary city, road paving in South Stockton, and criticized a $360,000 grant to 209 Cares.
  • Jeff Kroh presented a petition to preserve Lewis Park’s horseshoe pits, citing excessive costs for permits.
  • Cynthia Gail Boyd complained about illegal vending, golf carts on streets, and lack of code enforcement.
  • Lee Saxx introduced his new restaurant, Granny's, and requested grant support.
• Consent Agenda Public Comments:
  • Pat Barrett questioned cost overruns and affordability for the Hunter House project (Item 12.2) and expressed concerns about Cellebrite technology (Item 12.6) regarding privacy and potential misuse.
• DSCID Public Hearing:
  • Ten speakers opposed the district expansion: Mark Denahy, Michael Sousa, Joseph Palermo, Natali Ron (attorney citing legal deficiencies), Alfonso Ron, Abdul, Tony Faso, Doug Rishwain, Chris Roupet, and Pat Barrett. They cited: ballot language only in English, 5% annual increases, inclusion of Fremont Street without outreach, burden on businesses during Caltrans bridge construction, and conflict of interest from public landowner votes.
  • One speaker (Nate Knodt) supported the district, arguing it would fund long-term planning, maintenance, and investment downtown.
• BHCIP Application Public Comments:
  • Pat Barrett, Tamica Small, and Lee Saxx spoke in favor of the Teen Impact Center revitalization, citing youth needs and positive impact.
  • Ralph White opposed, alleging insufficient funds from the involved nonprofit (Hollywood CARES) and criticizing past financial issues.

Discussion Items

• Downtown Stockton Community Improvement District (DSCID) Formation (Item 15.1):
  • Staff presented a 20-year, one-zone district covering 841 parcels, with annual assessments starting at $0.07/sq. ft. for commercial and $0.047/sq. ft. for residential, funding cleanliness, safety ambassadors, and beautification. Ballots were counted: 61.5% returned by weight, with 76% in favor. However, after extensive council discussion citing concerns about outreach, ballot process, and disproportionate weight of public entity votes, the council voted 6-0 to deny formation.
• 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Facilities Plan (Item 16.1):
  • Staff and consultant Chad Kennedy presented the plan, including community outreach (239 survey participants), park typology redefinition, needs assessment (e.g., cleanliness, safety, marketing), aquatic recommendations (phased modernization), and a prioritized improvement list. Council adopted the plan 6-0. Councilmember Padilla noted that the plan is a guide, not final approval for each project.
• Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Application (Item 16.2):
  • Staff proposed using the Teen Impact Center (value ~$6.4 million) as in-kind match for an application up to $58 million to renovate the vacant center into a youth behavioral health hub. Partners included Hollywood CARES Foundation, San Joaquin County Behavioral Health, and Main Street Youth and Family Services. Vice Mayor Lee recused himself due to his board membership with Hollywood CARES. Council discussion raised concerns about: lack of competitive RFQ process, timing, conflict of interest perceptions, oversight of operations, and sustainability. The resolution failed 2-3 (Blower and Enríquez yes; Fugazi, Villapudua, Padilla no).
• Vacant Commercial Property Tax Discussion (Item 16.3):
  • Staff presented findings: a vacant property registration ordinance was adopted in July 2025; a tax would require a Prop 218 vote (two-thirds of registered voters, ~90,000 yes votes). Startup costs estimated at $1.1–1.2 million, annual revenue $2.5–4.5 million. Staff recommended waiting for a presidential election year for better turnout and lower cost. Council debated and voted 6-0 to direct staff to bring the item back for the 2028 election cycle.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 6-0 with separate votes on Items 12.6 and 12.10.
• DSCID Formation: Denied 6-0. The council accepted the ballot tally but exercised legislative discretion to deny.
• Parks and Recreation Master Facilities Plan: Adopted 6-0 (Resolution 2025-10-14-1601).
• BHCIP Application: Failed 2-3 (with one recusal). No application will be submitted.
• Vacant Commercial Property Tax: Council directed staff to prepare a ballot measure for the 2028 election (Motion 2025-10-14-1603), not 2026.
• Closed Session: No reportable action.
• Council Comments: Vice Mayor Lee announced upcoming events (District 6 Council Launch, Trunk or Treat, Toys for Joy) and requested a housing continuum presentation for January; Councilmember Enríquez updated on legislative committee, Charter Review, and Delta tunnels resolution; Councilmember Padilla recognized police and fire departments; Mayor Fugazi discussed grant resources, tamale festival, and downtown parking validation.