Stockton City Council Meeting - June 23, 2026

The Stockton City Council met on June 23, 2026, at 1:03 PM in the Council Chamber of City Hall (the last meeting in Old City Hall) to consider over 20 agenda items, including a controversial ordinance regulating facial coverings, approval of regional dispatch services, formation of the Five Mile Slough Assessment District, and a failed Proposition 218 stormwater rate adjustment. The meeting recessed to closed session at 8:25 PM and adjourned at 10:57 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Item 6.2: Approved a $1.6 million contract with TNB Construction for improvements to the Louis Park Boat Launch Facility (total project authorization up to $2 million).
• Item 6.4: Approved a cooperative purchasing agreement with Life-Assist, Inc. for emergency medical supplies (four-year term, not to exceed $445,000).
• Item 6.5: Adopted a resolution approving a cooperative agreement for the Mokelumne River Integrated Conjunctive Use Program.
• Item 6.6: Approved a contract amendment (+$140,552) with Carollo Engineers for the Westside Sewer Interceptor Condition Assessment.
• Item 6.7: Authorized a contract amendment (+$280,000) with Brenntag Pacific LLC for sodium hydroxide for wastewater treatment.
• Item 6.8: Awarded a $554,551 construction contract to Ace-High Engineering for the 14-Mile Slough Pump Station Discharge Modifications.
• Item 6.9: Approved a three-year agreement with Dr. Jocelyn E. Roland for psychological services for the Stockton Police Department ($176,760).
• Item 6.10: Executed a three-year MOU with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department Community Corps ($140,400).
• Item 6.12: Awarded a professional services contract to MGE Engineering for bridge rehabilitation ($366,506.54).
• Item 6.13: Authorized the Citywide Systemic Road Safety Devices Project (construction contract to St. Francis Electric, $377,976).
• Item 6.14: Approved the N3 Pump Station Warranty Repair Project (settlement and construction contract with Conco-West, Inc., $389,858.95).
• Item 6.15: Awarded a three-year pest control contract to California Pest Control ($224,946).
• Item 6.16: Authorized a change order for the Local Street Resurfacing Program (+$257,805.88).
• Item 6.17: Ratified final expenses of $181,490.74 for security services at New City Hall. All consent items (except 6.1, 6.3, 6.11) were approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kenneth Holloway: Invited council to the Valley Mountain Regional Disability Resource and Cultural Fair on October 9, 2026.
• Leslie Hearon: Praised councilmembers and city parks/pool openings; urged civil discourse.
• Thomas Alfieri: Questioned cancelled meetings and lack of quorum; requested volunteer opportunities on boards.
• Mary Elizabeth: Discussed community outreach plans for Downtown Visioning and Urban Forest Master Plans; highlighted tree concerns and data center opposition; filed documentation.
• Yolanda Amen: Requested interpreter services (language and sign language) for community meetings.
• Lawrence McClure: Shared personal experience as a veteran facing housing discrimination; requested assistance from the city.
• Mark Stebbins: Congratulated new Community Services Director; urged programming in South Stockton parks and warned about trucking/warehousing impacts.
• Alex Lima: Noted Stockton’s low park score (5 out of 100) and per capita spending ($56 vs. $154 national benchmark); called for sustainable park funding and a dedicated parks advocate.
• Robert Oprandy (Delta Sculling Center): Supported the Louis Park boat launch improvements; highlighted community partnership and requested continued involvement.
• Mary Elizabeth (on 6.2): Supported canoe/kayak access; requested continued public input and thanked Army Corps for algae study.
• Alex Lima (Trust for Public Land): Congratulated city on advancing Louis Park project; emphasized partnership with Delta Sculling Center and potential for a water trail.
• Thomas Alfieri (on 6.4): Questioned multiple no-bid contracts; requested transparency on exemption reasons.
• Mary Elizabeth (on 6.5): Supported water rights agreement but raised concerns about timing of flood flow diversions for sediment transport and water quality.
• Mary Elizabeth (on 6.15): Questioned adequacy of trash bins in parks for pest control.
• Michele J. Sherman (on 6.1): Opposed face covering ordinance; argued existing penal code covers mask use during crimes; urged focus on police recruitment and enforcement.
• David Sengthay (on 6.1): Opposed ordinance; cited declining mask-related robberies, litigation risks (ACLU lawsuit in Modesto), and potential uneven enforcement in a majority-minority city.
• Yolanda Amen (on 6.11): Requested transparency on debris removal contracts; asked for performance data, cost breakdown, and disclosure of relationships.
• Mark Stebbins (on 10.3): Supported Mormon Slough restoration but criticized lack of incorporation of South Stockton residents’ and business owners’ visions.

Discussion Items

• Item 6.1 – Facial Covering Ordinance: After extensive debate, the council voted 6-1 to adopt Title 9, Chapter 9.18, prohibiting face coverings (with exceptions for religious, medical, occupational, theatrical, holiday, and law enforcement purposes) in schools, parks, public transit, and city buildings. Mayor Fugazi dissented, citing constitutional concerns and potential unequal enforcement. Vice Mayor Lee supported the ordinance as a public safety tool. Councilmember Padilla expressed concerns about First Amendment violations. Deputy Chief Morris stated the ordinance provides an additional enforcement tool but overlaps state penal code. The council rejected a motion to continue to the next meeting and instead approved the ordinance, effective July 23, 2026.
• Item 6.3 – Regional Dispatch Services: Vice Mayor Lee pulled the item to commend the fire department. Five-year agreements with Manteca, Lodi, Lathrop-Manteca Fire Protection District, and SSJCFA were approved 7-0. Fire Chief Carr noted the contracts reduce the general fund subsidy for dispatch from $3.8 million to $2.4 million.
• Item 6.11 – Debris Removal Contracts: The council awarded three-year service contracts (with optional two-year extensions) to Ready to Work ($660,474.88), Stockton 209 Cares ($786,240), and Greater Valley Conservation Corps ($787,504.64). Vice Mayor Lee raised concerns about a vendor’s past social media attacks but acknowledged negotiated cost reductions and the city’s clean-up progress. Public works staff confirmed the selection followed an RFP process with six applicants.
• Item 9.1 – Five Mile Slough Assessment District: The council formed the district and overruled protests after a 66.81% yes vote on the ballot. The assessment will fund invasive weed control, sediment reduction, debris removal, and grant-writing. Councilmember Fugazi recused herself due to property ownership. The vote was 6-0.
• Item 9.2 – Military Equipment Use (AB 481): The council approved continued use and acquisition of military equipment, including a second Bearcat, Rook armored track vehicle, drones, and a mobile command post. Vote: 7-0.
• Item 10.1 – Stormwater Rate Adjustment (Prop 218): After 11,444 ballots were counted, the rate increase failed (42.8% yes, 57.2% no). Council members expressed disappointment, citing aging infrastructure and the need for future education efforts. The council voted 7-0 to accept the results.
• Item 10.2 – Civil Service Overview: Informational presentation by HR staff. Police and fire chiefs requested changes to streamline hiring: allow sending more candidates to background investigations, reduce repeated interviews, and authorize special civil service meetings. Council members supported expediting the process.
• Item 10.3 – Restore the Delta: Mormon Slough Restoration: Presentation on a community-led plan to restore the slough, including two pilot sites at Solari Ranch and the Emergency Food Bank. Council members expressed support and committed to attending the July 25 community meeting. Vice Mayor Lee offered to convene a meeting with state and federal partners.
• Item 10.4 – Move Downtown Final Report: The council adopted the report (7-0), which provides a multimodal transportation and land-use vision for downtown Stockton, prioritizing El Dorado Street, Center Street, and Weber Avenue. Mayor Fugazi noted the need for healthy food options and parking considerations.
• Item 10.5 – Golden Mussel Emergency Proclamation: The council ratified the local emergency declared June 19, 2026, due to golden mussel infestation at the Delta Water Treatment Plant. The resolution authorizes emergency procurement and use of contingency funds. Vote: 7-0. The city expects to seek reimbursement from state and federal sources.
• Item 10.6 – Rosenberg’s Rules of Order: Informational presentation by City Attorney David Lim on parliamentary procedure, including the use of motions to limit debate, call the question, and reconsider. Council members discussed decorum policy and the importance of consistent rules.

Key Outcomes

• Face Covering Ordinance (6.1): Adopted 6-1 (Fugazi no). Effective July 23, 2026. Misdemeanor penalty up to $1,000 fine.
• Regional Dispatch Services (6.3): Approved 7-0. Five-year agreements with four agencies.
• Debris Removal Contracts (6.11): Approved 7-0. Three-year contracts totaling $2,234,219.52, with optional two-year extensions.
• Five Mile Slough Assessment District (9.1): Formed 6-0 (Fugazi recused). Measure passed with 66.81% approval.
• Military Equipment Use (9.2): Approved 7-0.
• Stormwater Rate Adjustment (10.1): Failed. Results accepted 7-0.
• Move Downtown Final Report (10.4): Adopted 7-0.
• Golden Mussel Emergency (10.5): Ratified 7-0.
• No reportable action from closed session.