OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Stockton City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026: Tobacco Ordinance Adopted, RTD Discussion, and Presentations

City Council — Tuesday, February 17, 2026
BodyStockton, California
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 5:17:44

Transcript — Verbatim
3:06

Everyone and welcome to our second meeting in February on the seventeenth day at five thirty PM.

3:14

Can we go ahead and do roll call?

3:16

Councilmember Blower.

3:17

Present.

3:18

Councilmember Enriquez is absent.

3:20

Councilmember Ponce.

3:21

Present.

3:22

Councilmember Padilla.

3:23

Present.

3:23

Councilmember Via Padua.

3:25

Present.

3:25

Vice Mayor Lee.

3:27

Present.

3:27

And Mayor Fagazi.

3:28

Present.

3:29

We have a quorum.

3:30

Wonderful.

3:31

Uh, at this time we will be doing the invocation.

3:35

And I have a Reverend and I want to say this right.

3:41

I want to say Ellia.

3:44

Uh, Luna Garza that comes from uh Central Methodist.

3:51

Press the button.

3:52

And so on this evening where we are aware that uh it's the first day of Ramadan.

3:57

It's the lunar new year, and things are starting up.

4:01

And it's also the eve before Lent for many.

4:04

I'm just aware of the diversity in this area and all the ways that God is present in all the ways that you are present.

4:10

And so I invite you to take a pause for just a moment, all who are willing, able, and desiring.

4:22

As we come before you, we are grateful.

4:24

We are grateful for Stockton.

4:26

We are grateful for our neighbors.

4:27

We are grateful for the industry and the produce.

4:30

We are grateful for the ways that you work in through for and even in spite of us.

4:35

And so we come this day.

5:10

We pray this in the name of all that is holy.

5:12

Amen.

5:15

Thank you.

5:17

Next, we are going to have our Pledge of Allegiance, and we have Alexandra Roland here.

5:23

She is a fifth grader at Cole Elementary.

5:27

So would you like us all to stand?

5:30

Yes.

5:30

Everybody, please stand.

5:34

Ready, salute.

5:37

I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

6:02

She's our city clerk's daughter.

6:14

And we're matching in blue.

6:22

Give it the picture.

6:23

Come in the picture.

6:31

Thank you so much.

6:32

You did an excellent job.

6:50

Okay, now uh do we have uh any reports of action taken in closed session?

6:56

No reportable action this evening, Mayor.

6:59

Thank you.

7:00

No additions to uh regular session agenda.

7:03

Moving on to item ten recognition announcements or reports.

7:09

We have two uh proclamations that are going out.

7:14

We do.

7:14

We have for Black History Month, whereas the City of Stockton recognizes the invaluable contributions of African Americans throughout history and honors the enduring legacy of resilience, innovation, and leadership that continues to shape our city, our state, and our nation.

7:29

And Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the struggles, triumphs, and achievements of black individuals who have advanced justice, championed civil rights, and excelled in fields including education, science, business, arts, and public service, and the rich cultural heritage and lasting impact of the black community in Stockton have strengthened our city by fostering diversity, opportunity, and progress, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive community for all.

7:55

And we celebrate the courage and determination of trailblazers, past and present, who have paved the way toward a more equitable society, and we reaffirm our commitment to removing barriers, expanding opportunity, and uplifting every voice in the spirit of justice and equality.

8:10

And Black History Month is both a time of remembrance and a call to action, reminding us that meaningful progress comes through unity, understanding, and continued work toward a future where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety██████████████████████22%
Cannabis Regulation████████████12%
Homelessness████████████12%
Public Engagement███████7%
Public Health███████7%
Procedural█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Personnel Matters█████5%
Public Transportation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Stockton City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Stockton City Council met on February 17, 2026, for a regular session beginning at 5:30 PM following a closed session from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM. The meeting included proclamations, a presentation on the circular bioeconomy, a contentious discussion about Regional Transit District (RTD) service disruptions, adoption of an urgency ordinance updating tobacco retail licensing, a presentation on a Phoenix housing model for the unsheltered, and discussion of a potential employment agreement for the Chief of Police. The meeting adjourned at 10:58 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • 12.1 (Water Advisory Group): Appointed William Dearmond to fill a vacancy, replacing Jamie Guerrero. (Resolution 2026-02-17-1201)
  • 12.2 (Surplus Land Sale): Authorized sale of a portion of 6461 Brookside Road to San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency. (Resolution 2026-02-17-1202)
  • 12.3 (HHAP Grant Funding): Allocated $18,148.61 to Children's Home of Stockton for the Catalyst Project. (Resolution 2026-02-17-1203)
  • 12.4 (MARVLIS Platform): Authorized a five-year agreement with Bradshaw Consulting Services, Inc. for ambulance dispatch software, not to exceed $534,280.80, with an exception to competitive bidding. (Motion 2026-02-17-1204)
  • 12.5 (Aerial Spraying): Authorized a five-year contract with Ag-Air, Inc. for mosquito and vector control at the Regional Wastewater Control Facility, not to exceed $343,000. (Resolution 2026-02-17-1205)
  • 12.6 (Struvite Control Chemicals): Authorized a five-year contract with Jayne Products for chemicals to inhibit and remove struvite at the Regional Wastewater Control Facility, not to exceed $816,500. (Resolution 2026-02-17-1206)

The consent agenda was approved 6-0 (Councilmember Enríquez absent) following public comment from Mary Elizabeth, who raised concerns about safety data sheets and mosquito abatement alternatives.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • General Public Comments (Items not on agenda):

    • Gene Tibon urged reinstatement of the Stockton Sports Commission and supported a police contract.
    • Donald Tafoya criticized Vice Mayor Lee, questioning his residency and alleged threats to sue.
    • Katherine Blasingame filed a formal complaint about Ask Stockton closing her request for repainted parking spaces without resolution over three years.
    • Mary Elizabeth warned that the moratorium on smoking lounges ends March 2, and 25 applications could be filed before the next council meeting on March 3.
    • Michelle J. Sherman advocated for the Stockton Police Officers Association (SPOA) contract and staffing.
    • Cynthia Gail Boyd requested a monument for Reverend Jesse Jackson at the new city hall.
    • Paula Gallon and Barbara King urged council unity and criticized divisive comments.
    • Jasmine Peterson announced a flood preparedness workshop on February 18 and a Climate Action Plan survey.
    • Bobby Bivins thanked the council.
    • Yvonne Tibon promoted community clean-up and a karate tournament.
    • Yolanda Amen noted that late public comment times discourage participation.

  • Item 16.1 (Tobacco Ordinance): Ten speakers, including Dawn Correll-Cruz (American Cancer Society), Twlia Laster (SOL Project), Anissa Adams, Kimberly Bankston-Lee, Mary Elizabeth, Pat Barrett, Kesa Bruce (American Lung Association), Yolanda Amen, Cynthia Gail Boyd, and Liz Hendrix (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network), expressed concerns about smoking lounges, flavored tobacco, enforcement complexity, and called for stronger protections. Some praised the reduction in licenses from ~270 to 154 under the moratorium.

  • Item 16.2 (Phoenix Housing): Pat Barrett and Cynthia Gail Boyd asked about length of stay, waiting lists, and medical services. Pat Barrett advocated for a quick operator.

  • Item 16.3 (Chief of Police Contract): Ten speakers (Gene Tibon, Yvonne Tibon, Manbir Singh, Billy Nathaniel, Michele J. Sherman, Anthony Sprague, Cynthia Gail Boyd, Bobby Bivens, Yolanda Amen, Leslie Heron) overwhelmingly supported a contract for Chief Stanley McFadden, citing his leadership, community engagement, and crime reduction. Yolanda Amen reminded the council of past diversity concerns and questioned whether the fire chief would be included.

Discussion Items

  • 1.1 (RTD Update): Mayor Fugazi presented slides on RTD service, noting a disruption on February 10 that stranded passengers for four hours. She criticized the CEO's leadership and emphasized the need for reliable service. Vice Mayor Lee accused the Mayor of a conflict of interest as chair of SJ COG and alleged that funding denial led to the turmoil. Councilmembers Padilla and Villapudua supported the Mayor's actions. No formal action was taken.

  • 10.1 (BEAM Circular Presentation): Karen Warner, CEO of Beam Circular, presented on the bioeconomy, highlighting $45 million in investments, partnerships with Delta College and Tracy High, and a youth ambassador program. Councilmember Padilla praised the STEM focus.

  • 16.1 (Tobacco Retail License Ordinance): Staff presented proposed updates to Title 5, including four license types (exempt, ancillary, smoke shop, smoking lounge), 1,000-foot buffers, security plans, and enhanced enforcement. Debate centered on smoking lounges, flavored tobacco, and transferability. A motion to table failed. Councilmember Blauer proposed removing smoking lounges entirely. Councilmember Padilla offered a substitute motion to adopt the ordinance with minor amendments and refer the smoking lounge issue back to the Ledge Committee. That motion passed 6-0. The urgency ordinance took effect immediately.

  • 16.2 (Phoenix Housing Project): Councilmember Padilla presented findings from a site visit to Phoenix safe outdoor spaces, showing models with tents and cargo containers, a 50% transition rate to permanent housing, and strong security. She proposed a Stockton pilot for unsheltered families. Vice Mayor Lee raised concerns about funding, location, and avoiding past inefficiencies. The item was informational only; direction will go through the ad hoc committee.

  • 16.3 (Chief of Police Employment Agreement): Mayor Fugazi initiated discussion on a potential contract for Chief Stanley McFadden, citing improved crime statistics: homicides down (2 vs. 5 this time last year), proactivity up 54.6%, and a 66.7% homicide clearance rate. Councilmembers broadly supported the idea, with some including Fire Chief Brian Carr. The city manager received direction to explore options. No vote was taken.

  • 15.2 (Arch-Airport Sperry Road Precise Road Plan Amendment): Approved 4-2 (Fugazi and Villapudua dissenting) to allow a right-out driveway for a Maverick fueling station on county-approved land. Concerns about traffic safety were addressed by staff.

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinance 2026-02-17-1601: Adopted an urgency ordinance updating tobacco retail licensing with minor amendments. The smoking lounge category remains but will be re-discussed at the Ledge Committee. Vote: 6-0 (Enríquez absent). The moratorium on new tobacco retailers (item 15.3) was removed as moot.
  • Resolution 2026-02-17-1502: Approved the Precise Road Plan Amendment for the Arch-Airport Sperry Road area. Vote: 4-2.
  • Consent Agenda: Approved 6-0 (later 7-0 in transcript, but minutes show 6-0).
  • Closed Session: No reportable actions.
  • Future Agenda Items: Vice Mayor Lee requested a presentation on CESP agreement with BIA and NAACP for the first week of April. The item was seconded and added.

Meeting Transcript

Everyone and welcome to our second meeting in February on the seventeenth day at five thirty PM. Can we go ahead and do roll call? Councilmember Blower. Present. Councilmember Enriquez is absent. Councilmember Ponce. Present. Councilmember Padilla. Present. Councilmember Via Padua. Present. Vice Mayor Lee. Present. And Mayor Fagazi. Present. We have a quorum. Wonderful. Uh, at this time we will be doing the invocation. And I have a Reverend and I want to say this right. I want to say Ellia. Uh, Luna Garza that comes from uh Central Methodist. Press the button. And so on this evening where we are aware that uh it's the first day of Ramadan. It's the lunar new year, and things are starting up. And it's also the eve before Lent for many. I'm just aware of the diversity in this area and all the ways that God is present in all the ways that you are present. And so I invite you to take a pause for just a moment, all who are willing, able, and desiring. As we come before you, we are grateful. We are grateful for Stockton. We are grateful for our neighbors. We are grateful for the industry and the produce. We are grateful for the ways that you work in through for and even in spite of us. And so we come this day. We pray this in the name of all that is holy. Amen. Thank you. Next, we are going to have our Pledge of Allegiance, and we have Alexandra Roland here. She is a fifth grader at Cole Elementary. So would you like us all to stand? Yes. Everybody, please stand. Ready, salute. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. She's our city clerk's daughter. And we're matching in blue. Give it the picture. Come in the picture. Thank you so much. You did an excellent job. Okay, now uh do we have uh any reports of action taken in closed session?

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