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Lodi council tightens CalCard rules, hears downtown and tourism plans in night of mixed actions
Summary
Council adopted a revised CalCard policy and an updated authorized‑positions list, approved an employment agreement increase for a department director, and received updates on Visit Lodi’s sports tourism strategy and the downtown specific plan; staff outlined Union Pacific parcel scenarios and potential grant funding for Main Street improvements.
In other action Sept. 3, the Lodi City Council revised its procurement card policy and considered related operational measures while receiving two informational presentations.
Procurement and CalCard policy: Council adopted a rewritten CalCard (procurement card) policy that clarifies authorized and prohibited purchases, requires monthly reconciliation and training, and makes the policy council‑approved going forward. Staff reported that the city previously had about 145 active cards and that the updated authorized‑positions resolution reduces that to 85 positions; departments will shut off excess cards and require retraining and signed acknowledgements for remaining holders.
Downtown Specific Plan: Community Development staff and consultants (RRM/GPA) presented outreach results and concepts for the downtown specific plan, including alleyway conversions into Paseos, Main Street streetscape improvements, cultural placemaking to reflect the city’s diverse history, and three development scenarios for Union Pacific parcels (temporary activation like a food truck park under lease; easement with limited improvements; or full acquisition for redevelopment). Staff noted potential grant opportunities, including a cap‑and‑trade/VMT funding round that could support Main Street corridor work.
Visit Lodi sports tourism plan: Visit Lodi president Wes Ray briefed council on a 45‑page sports tourism strategic plan. The report finds Lodi is a desirable destination but faces strong regional competition and infrastructure gaps; recommendations include increased stakeholder coordination, better marketing, a sports advisory board and targeted facility upgrades (locker rooms, Wi‑Fi, parking) and consideration of a future indoor multiuse facility.
Employment contract: The council adopted an amended employment agreement increasing Christina Jeremy’s salary to $213,000 retroactive to July 1, 2025. No public comment was offered on that item.
What happens next: staff will bring drafts and funding strategies for public review on the downtown plan (expected draft and public comment in coming months), stand up the sports advisory coordination called for by Visit Lodi, and implement the CalCard rollbacks and training program for remaining cardholders.
