Stockton City Council Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Stockton City Council met on July 7, 2026, in the new Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting covered unanimous approval of consent items, public hearings on economic development subsidies, a major residential development (Bear Creek South), delinquent utility assessments, and a discussion on council-initiated investigations and the 2026 Grand Jury Report. The meeting included public comments on community safety, infrastructure, and governance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 9, 2026) - approved 7-0.
• Appointment to Measure A Citizens' Advisory Committee - Barbara King appointed.
• Designation of Voting Delegate for League of California Cities Annual Conference.
• Certification of June 2, 2026 Primary Municipal Election results.
• Approval of MOUs with Stockton Firefighters Local 456 (fire unit and management), Stockton Police Management Association, and Stockton Police Officers Association. All approved 7-0. Councilmembers expressed support and acknowledged the long negotiation process.
• Revision of 2026 Meeting Calendar.
• Contract with Condor Earth Technologies for Fats, Oils, and Grease Inspection Services (5-year, $1,851,165).
• Delta Water Supply Project Addendum - moved to future meeting.
• Overruling protests and confirming delinquent code enforcement charges.
• Amending International Property Maintenance Code regarding records retention and vegetation height.
• Amendment to agreement with Axon Enterprise for Prepared 911 services ($1,478,272).

All consent items were approved 7-0. Public comments were heard on several items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Richard Sepulveda - complained about gang stalking and vandalism, expressed frustration with lack of police response.
• Armando Rodriguez - congratulated staff on new City Hall, introduced himself as a community organizer.
• LanPhoung Nguyen - raised concerns about a burned-down house in her neighborhood abandoned for three years.
• Holanda - urged council unity, criticized neglect of South Stockton (Districts 5 and 6) in infrastructure and tree removal.
• Linda Bazer - announced July 15 Sister Cities event with Fushan, China delegation.
• Cynthia Gail Boyd - criticized council behavior, called for focus on public safety and homelessness.
• Zoyla Moreno - requested lights on the greenbelt in Weston Ranch, thanked Los Comerciantes Unidos for supporting students.
• Denise Friday Hall - invited council to August 1 backpack giveaway event.
• Pandora Crowder - requested backpacks for Conway Homes Resident Council.
• Leslie Hearon - thanked council.
• Lars Knutsen - offered community message, scripture.
• Donald Tafoya - introduced himself as a Regional Transit District representative.
• Nate Knodt - transit advocate, urged proper funding for transit.
• Latonia Watkins - shared personal story of violent crimes against family, requested help with housing.
• Heather Freligh - Miss San Joaquin Teen, advocated for CPR training and outdoor AED stations.
• Mary Elizabeth - raised concerns about general plan map, alcohol land uses, and urged council to consider municipal code amendments.
• Pat Barrett - criticized council decorum, requested investigation accountability policy.
• Lauren Cardanelli - recited scripture, called for public safety support.
• Additional comments on specific agenda items (see below).

Discussion Items

9.1 Public Hearing: Economic Development Subsidy 2025 Annual Report Staff presented the annual report showing approximately $12 million in subsidies provided in 2025, including $9.6 million in PFF fee waivers to seven recipients under the CESP program, and $2.2 million in sales tax rebates under the Office and Industrial Sales Tax Incentive Program. Councilmember Padilla requested tracking of local hire requirements. Public comment from Mary Elizabeth criticized subsidies to above-moderate-income housing. The report was accepted unanimously (7-0).

9.2 Bear Creek South Residential Development (2,241 Units) Public hearing for pre-zoning, development agreement, and annexation. Staff recommended approval. The project includes 530 acres, 2,241 residential lots, 54 acres of parks and open space. A late 188-page comment letter from Laborers International Union Local 73 challenged the CEQA analysis, but staff and applicant team responded that the project is consistent with the General Plan and CEQA exemptions. The appeal from Mary Elizabeth was denied. Councilmembers expressed support, noting the need for housing and parks. Motion passed 7-0.

9.3 Public Hearing: Delinquent Utility Service Assessments Staff reported 4,254 accounts remain delinquent totaling $8.75 million. Payments of $1.5 million were received. After administrative hearings, 88 appeals were heard. The council overruled protests and approved the assessments. Vice Mayor Lee asked Waste Management about customer service improvements. Motion passed 7-0.

10.2 Community Development Department Process Overview (Informational) Staff presented an overview of permitting processes, showing that Stockton CDD processes 231 permits per employee (highest among peer cities). Average building permit processing time is 50 calendar days, with 55% of time attributable to applicant. The department has implemented online services, AI tools, and process improvements. No action taken.

10.3 Stockton Opportunity Zones 2.0 Prioritization List Staff presented the recommended prioritization of eligible census tracts for submission to the Governor. The list focuses on downtown, South Stockton, and select North Stockton areas. Motion to submit the list was approved 7-0.

10.4 Discussion on Council-Initiated Investigations and Associated Costs Mayor Fugazi opened discussion on the status and costs of investigations. Total expenditure reported as $770,508. The 2026 Grand Jury Report was also discussed. Councilmembers shared perspectives on governance, transparency, and the need for unity. Vice Mayor Lee requested a full breakdown of costs and to bring the Optic investigation report to a future meeting. Council agreed to agendize the waiver of privilege for the Optic investigation and to provide a comprehensive cost breakdown. The DA's letter concluding no criminal wrongdoing by former interim city manager was noted. Public comments addressed the need for transparency. No action taken except consensus to bring items to future meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar - all items approved 7-0.
• Economic Development Subsidy Report - accepted 7-0.
• Bear Creek South Development - approved 7-0 (including denial of appeal, pre-zoning, development agreement, annexation application).
• Delinquent Utility Assessments - approved 7-0.
• Opportunity Zones 2.0 List - approved 7-0.
• Council Investigations - consensus to agendize waiver of privilege for Optic investigation, provide cost breakdown, and respond to Grand Jury report within 90 days.
• Adjournment - meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM after closed session (no reportable action).