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Lodi Mayor JoAnne Mounce gives her State of the City speech Thursday at Hutchins Street Square in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
State of the City
Mayor Mounce says Lodi has 'many problems and opportunities' in store
Lodi Mayor JoAnne Mounce lauded the City Council and its work in the past year and highlighted the opening of the World of Wonders Science Museum during her State of the City speech today.
Mounce addressed a packed room of around 200 people who filled Kirst Hall at Hutchins Street Square to listen to the annual speech by Lodi's mayor.
Those who attended were treated to a catered lunch while being brought up to speed on Lodi's current conditions; including its promising commerce, slightly sagging tourism industry, lower-than-normal unemployment rate and even where plans are on the proposed greenbelt.
Mounce, who was recently re-elected along with Councilman Bob Johnson, said each member of the council is passionate about his or her work to make Lodi a better place. She also urged members of the community to get involved and make their voices heard.
Pat Patrick, president and CEO of the Lodi Chamber of Commerce, was the host of the event. He remarked on the large audience, giving his opinion of the turnout.
"This is the best turnout we've ever had, and that's a reflection of the popularity of our mayor," Patrick said early on in the presentation.
Mounce responded during her presentation, saying it wasn't her popularity, but that "I just invited everyone I know."
Lodi community members and leaders pack Hutchins Street Square on Thursday to hear the State of the City speech given by Lodi Mayor JoAnne Mounce. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)
Throughout the course of the luncheon, presentations were given by Patrick; Nancy Beckman, the president and CEO of Visit Lodi!; San Joaquin County Supervisor Ken Vogel; and Bruce Fry, the vice president of operations for Mohr-Fry Ranches in Lodi.
Patrick talked about Lodi's strong connection between China and Costa Rica, pointing out that those relationships have been a catalyst in exporting wine to both countries.
Though Beckman talked about a less-than-ideal tourism industry, she presented numbers that showed Lodi is better off than most. It's also the perfect geographic location for "staycations," Beckman said.
Beckman said that the tourism industry's outlook for the immediate future is more of the same.
"The good news is we have a great product in our wines and a great staff in our city leaders. When the economy turns around, we'll be in a great position," Beckman said.
Vogel told the crowd to be mindful of proposals made that will affect Lodi's water supply, and to preserve its agriculture and agriculturists.
"The challenge is to protect and promote agriculture. There will be growth in the county and Lodi," Vogel said.
Rounding out the guest speakers was Fry, who maintained that if Lodi wants an ag zone to separate Lodi from Stockton, it would need to promote the growers in the area.
"Agriculture is a business," Fry said. He said the proposed greenbelt area — a half mile north and south of Armstrong road from Interstate 5 to Highway 99 — needs to be called an "ag business zone."
A plan was recently completed by an organization called the Armstrong Road Property Owners. In it, the plan called for a modified AL-5 zone that would allow wineries and one house per five acres. It would disallow traditional agriculturally zoned businesses such as hog farms and quarries.
Mounce's key points
"Is it all rosy? No," Mayor JoAnne Mouce said, nearing the end of her State of the City address. But she said Lodi has "many problems and opportunities" ahead of it. Of the key points Mounce covered were:— News-Sentinel staff
"This will create an area that will foster and facilitate agritourism," Fry said, adding that his plan is one of two that the City Council will consider at a regular meeting on Nov. 19. Mounce was happy with the "community separator" plan Fry presented, saying Lodi finally had cooperation with San Joaquin County and the property owners.
In her State of the City address, Mounce smiled as she reminded everyone of the events and attractions that have occurred in Lodi over the past year. She mentioned the California Mille, featuring vintage race cars which made a stop in Lodi, the world-record yo-yo drop attempt, the Sandhill Crane Festival, Lodi Lake's many offerings, the Lodi International Wine Awards, Celebration on Central and several others.
Mounce commended the Downtown Lodi Business Partnership and Lodi Chamber of Commerce, stating that the city partners with the organizations to "get things done."
"If you haven't had a chance to experience 'what's in your own back yard,' I urge you to do so," Mounce said, after talking about the Farmers Market and Street Faire.
The mayor painted a picture of Lodi's public art scene, talking about the Wall Dogs project, Cherokee mural restoration and the upcoming sidewalk mosaic art project.
Recent construction projects such as the Hampton Inn and Suites and the in-progress Tuscany Inn were used to strengthen tourism's role in Lodi. "Lodi is going to become a tourist destination," Mounce said.
Mounce also pointed out that the city's unemployment rate was lower overall than San Joaquin County's by 2.6 percent, pointing out the number of industries that are locating in Lodi and creating jobs. Patrick reinforced her sentiments by saying seven out of eight Chamber of Commerce Industrial members were currently hiring.
Most telling, perhaps, of Mounce's goals for Lodi's future was the mention of the General Plan update. She urged citizens to get involved in workshops revolving around the plan, to make their voices heard and participate.
"I want Lodi to be what you want it to be — not what a bunch of consultants want it to be: Anytown, America," Mounce said.
Contact Business Editor Marc Lutz at marcl@lodinews.com.
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