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Stuck in neutral? Hardly!
From new water plant to crafting a general plan, Lodi council and staff are moving steadily forward
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 6:18 AM PST
In a recent column, John Johnson implied that the city was stuck in neutral. He further quoted an unnamed council member who stated that council goals have been to "simply keep the ship afloat."
Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a great deal of activity taking place at City Hall. Allow me to mention just a few:
1. A new General Plan will be adopted shortly, which will provide the blueprint for Lodi's future growth over the next 20-plus years. The plan outlines a potential 50-percent population increase as well as accommodating new industrial, office and commercial development.
2. The city is embarking on a multi-year response to a state-mandated requirement to install water meters throughout the city. This includes the upgrading of numerous new water lines in many of the older neighborhoods.
3. We recently completed a $23 million major upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant.
4. Plans are progressing for the construction of a $30 million water treatment plant to treat up to 12 million gallons of quality water daily for our future needs.
5. The city recently organized a "Downtown Summit" to discuss the future of Downtown Lodi. Property owners and business owners are now meeting to see how they can best leverage their assets for the betterment of the Downtown area.
6. DeBenedetti Park is currently under construction, and new playing fields are expected to be ready by the fall of 2010.
7. The city has partnered with a not-for-profit housing developer to construct an 80-unit affordable senior housing project on Tienda Drive.
8. The sale of the property to accommodate the senior housing project will enable the city to move forward with the development of the new park.
9. Construction will begin shortly on the reconstruction of Lodi Avenue from the tracks to Cherokee Lane. This $2.5 million project will completely revamp Lodi Avenue with new street surface, new sidewalks, curbs and gutters, new underground utilities, new upgraded lighting and new landscaping.
10. A $1.6 million upgrade has begun at the Grape Bowl. This project will include improved handicapped accessibility, upgraded lighting and new all-weather playing surface.
11. The city has completed its commitment to the creation of an enterprise zone which will enable all industrial and most commercial property owners in the zone to claim tax credits for the hiring of qualified employees. This will provide not only an incentive for new investment and construction, but will also provide quality jobs for our community.
12. Shortly, we expect that customers will be able to make in-person utility bill payments at locations other than the Finance Department.
13. A program is being explored that will provide commuter services from Merced to Sacramento. The city has taken a very active role to insure that this service will include a stop in Lodi.
14. The Electric Utility Department is currently working on plans for a new power line to the west. This will provide a redundant source of power and lessen our reliance on PG&E as our sole source of power resulting in fewer power outages.
15. The city is partnering with NCPA in the construction of a new 300 megawatt power plant at White Slough. This will provide Lodi with lower-cost power in the future.
16. Police and fire communications capabilities have been enhanced substantially by the purchase of new radios and supporting equipment.
17. The city continues to actively lobby both Congressman McNerney and Assemblywoman Huber for funding to rehabilitate the levee at Pigs Lake in order to save the Lodi Lake Wilderness Area from possible flooding.
18. The city is embarking upon a program to completely reconstruct several Eastside alleys.
19. The city continues to support "Art in Public Places," which adds to and enriches the character of our community.
All these points and numerous others are being accomplished while managing city assets during the worst economic recession in 80 years. This hardly looks like a council and city staff that is stuck in neutral. Perhaps John Johnson and my "unnamed" council colleague should stop continually harping on the negative and acknowledge that the glass is at least half full!
Bob Johnson is a member of the Lodi City Council.
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edumacation wrote on Nov 11, 2009 8:54 PM:
LodiFreeThinker wrote on Nov 9, 2009 4:41 PM:
The council is willfully ignorant. "Stuck in neutral" is a getting off light. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 9, 2009 1:22 PM:
Today is an excellent day for REAL LEADERS who put themselves LAST, and taxpayers FIRST, to make a real difference.
The first we can do is have a temporary moratorium on construction. We need to evaluate our priorities. What is on our DISASTER CONTINGENCY PLAN for an economic upheaval of Tsunami proportions?
I guess we don't have one. Can we develop one quickly without having to hire friends and relatives as subcontractors? In a month we could have a REAL plan.
But instead you talk about building projects when people will be looking for shelter, food and healthcare.
Nero fiddles---unless thinking and action intervene. The old "Same old same old" plan of old won't work this time. Do you have ANY other realistic plans that won't bankrupt us?
What will the city do when unemployment goes above 25%? I know, lets build more houses to be appraised.
Safety, Health and Welfare issues should be the PRIORITY. I am not talking cash handout welfare---I am talking about a structure of support for taxpayers in distress. "
ZZ wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:50 AM:
edumacation wrote on Nov 9, 2009 11:10 AM:
How can you turn former verdant and vernal pools into "homesites" that are worth megabucks? They even have an island for sale, in the middle of a river. What happens when the snow melts? Does your "island" become an underwater retreat? It reminds me of Sea World. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:58 AM:
You seem to be in a good mood? How would you like to have a belly laugh that will make you fall down with laughter?
Use Google and type in "Woodbridge, CA".
On the upper right you will see some buttons marked Traffic, More, Map Satellite and Terrain.
Click the MAP button and look for the intersection of E Woodbridge Rd and Windwood Dr. Follow the Windward Drive in the northerly direction until it stops. Now click on Satellite View.
Note the large green pools. On my view I see ten large pools. Now zoom in. Notice the little yellow man icon . Drag and drop the icon to the end of Willow Wood Drive. Question: Whats on the other side of the block wall? Now follow Meadow Oak drive North to Rivermist DR. Whats on the other side of these walls? What is on the other side of these walls? Look at the satellite image. Can you savor the nuances of "Woodbridge Gold"? Want a drink? "
edumacation wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:01 AM:
"Looming foreclosure wave will derail recession recovery in California"
http://centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13549&ref
Are ALL these bankers and businessmen WRONG? Please explain why you think they are wrong.
They claim that by 2010, 67.9% of California mortgage holders will be underwater on their existing loans.
They also predict that by 2011 that 90% will be underwater.
This is a potential economic disaster!!!
Within California, Riverside, San Joaquin and Sacramento counties suffer the most.
Mr. Johnson, are all these people, including Deutsche Bank, who owns many of these mortgages, incorrect?
Please tell us why?
If they are correct, or even close, don't you think we should be planning for reality and necessity instead of featherbedding?
Please explain.
To everyone who is interested here is the link. Read it and weep.
http://centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=13549&ref "
OTH wrote on Nov 9, 2009 8:30 AM:
If it's visible from I-5 how about the name on the side with Livable,Lovable,Lodi and some dancing lights as a highlight? What better way to showcsae Lodi to new home buyers.
The Gold Liquer has a nice ring to it. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 9, 2009 7:36 AM:
OTH wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:51 PM:
Can't you just picture the wine mingler they will have for the opening of the Hansen, Johnson, and Katzakian Memorial House of DOO? You recommended a gold. Well that gold better be tequila. "
OTH wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:47 PM:
Oh be still my heart. The Lodi plant gets UV lights And people want to eat fish tacos off those trucks? Not on your life. I stopped eating off those when they caught a guy cutting up his meat, flies, maggots and all in his backyard.
I'll get slapped for this, but if his hand is in your pocket it ain't your money he's feeling for. The city of Lodi is broke. They have nothing, nada,zip, zilch,zero. What that plant is going to be processing is exactly what they're feeding the fish. Unless they get money from Uncle Sugar or raise our rates through the roof, not to worry. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 9:10 PM:
Honk honk---Get em fresh here....White Slough Fish Tacos and Hansens Lodi gold.
Burp. "
sam wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:42 PM:
Visit Lodi... the Zin and White Slough Fish Taco capital of the world. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:27 PM:
"Beans beans the musical fruit---the more you eat-----." "
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:22 PM:
Lets bottle it and call it "LODI GOLD"?
Or even better yet---"Hansens brand Lodi Gold Effluent Tonic.
This could compete with our other fine beverages.
Fine White Slough fish tacos and Hansens Lodi Gold - what a treat?
We need to get Emeril out here to do a a show! "
sam wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:20 PM:
... adn may I also add "incompetent." "
sam wrote on Nov 8, 2009 6:14 PM:
City officials should be held accountable for their lack of responsibility. Lodi's rotting sewer pipes are also destroying the areas water supply, but to the good ole CC ... everything is under control.
Pathetic, irresponsible leadership. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 5:51 PM:
Take I5 South to 8 mile road turn West on 8 mile. Take 8 mile road west to the levee. Before you cross the bridge to King Island, turn right on North Rio Blanco Rd. Follow this road North. Follow the road until you see fishermen in boats. That big building you see to the East next to the "water" is the Lodi poop plant. Now walk into the area and tell the anglers what the plant is---there are no signs.
How long have you been fishing here?---Years! What are you catching---these beauties.
Thats...progress. They should post NO FISHING, NO swimming signs, for miles around this place.
In Canada and other countries, that care about health, BUILDING HOUSES within 1 mile of a sewage treatment plant is ILLEGAL. We need to do that here. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 5:37 PM:
sam wrote on Nov 8, 2009 5:19 PM:
I do have a friend who changed his career from doctor to farmer. He bought his land near the LPF and found, after years of farming and tons of money, that the LPF distributes a butt-load (I could not help myself wth that one) of nitrates that destroys farmland.
The cities make farmland useless and wonder why farmers leave the area. "
sam wrote on Nov 8, 2009 5:14 PM:
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 4:55 PM:
The Lodi plant gets the UV light tubes and the anglers catch the fish in the effluent (REALLY!!) at the slough. OH YUMMY!! I bet those are FAT fish?
Many trollers call it Hansens Slough known for HUGE smiling catfish.
This reminds me of the glowing three eyed fish in the effluent of Homer Simpsons nuclear power plant. Duh---You are what you eat. Yecch!
The Woodbridge poop plant is low tech.
They have a "gloppetta gloppeta" machine (thats what the locals call it) that makes the "glopetta" sound all night while its grinding and separating stuff.
They say its like low tide on a "hot night". That North wind---Ooh ?
On those nights, its time to go for a drive. But that won't stop the GOB from selling these million dolla' McMansions.
Don't try swimming in the Sanitary District settling ponds -- without shots for West Nile, H1N1--and maybe Polio as well? I think you need to sign a release to go swimming in them? "
OTH wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:21 AM:
Yes you may borrow the arrow at Mr Hansen. I had several others but was not sure this one would make it past the dwarfs in the censorship room.
I have said it before on another blog and will say it again. Anyone who buys a home within smelling distance of that plant, I don't care who builds it or what enticements they may offer, is just plain stupid! However that brings to mind P.T. Barnum
We can blame the RE business for some of the mess but a good portion goes to the banks and lending cos. They are still making questionable loans today. Why not, Uncle Sugar will make it okay. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:03 AM:
I thought Tracy was called the "dried bean capital" not Lodi? "
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 10:56 AM:
There are plenty of these sharks to watch out for. Watch for the blood in the water as they get new victims.
Praise the Lord and buy this house. Thats in the new Testament in the book of Properotomy. And I quote---"...For whoever believith in me buyeth this house..." Yeah right. It's called the "Church of Whats Happening Now---incorporated" "
edumacation wrote on Nov 8, 2009 8:23 AM:
"The LHE factor around here is so deep we need waders".
I like your post you are bullseye on target.
I have a question for you. Would you like to pay $200,00 k PLUS cash for a 1/4 acre "homesite" adjacent to the Woodbridge sewage treatment plant?
There are plenty waiting to be scooped up at these low low price. Why don't the movers and shakers who are selling these things, buy a few themselves to build THEIR OWN houses on? Who is buying?
I think everyone needs to run right out and buy some for investment? Only problem is I think RE selling prices are decreasing not increasing?
"Flipper", late night TV millionaires all...? I am thinking of the wonderful "ARMANDO".
I can see the brochures now. Overlooking tender morsels at the plant you can see blue skies and watch birds like the "short wallet sucker" or the "Carbonated swamp warbler". "
OTH wrote on Nov 8, 2009 8:00 AM:
No I have never heard one of the them admit it in public. They may amongst themselves but that's a closed knit group. I would not buy property from anyone who talks about God and points in the same breath.
Can we name it the Larry Hansen Effluent Plant? "
edumacation wrote on Nov 7, 2009 10:52 PM:
The way I get parity, is to watch with glee as these lose any equity they have as the bubble makes a huge sucking sound of money going in the opposite direction. Whoosh "Mr rich guy", see you at the welfare office? Do you want fries with that? ---in your cozy $500 k 1932 800 sq ft fixer? LOL ROFL!
This carnage could not have happened to a nicer bunch of "professionals". Every time I learn that one of them goes BK or gets audited by the tax boys, I get a big smile on my face.
Maybe there is a GOD, because he/she is sure dishing back some the bad karma, that these "professionals" encouraged.
I have aways known that a certain number of these people were just evil!
They also seem to be the ones who claim that they are religious.
"Activity creates activity" Better yet CRIMINAL activity creates more beds in prison.
Book em Danno! "
OTH wrote on Nov 7, 2009 9:47 PM:
re: your post of Nov 5 to Sam.
There are no ethical REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS. If they were ethical they would be lawywers. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 7, 2009 7:40 PM:
The reason they call politicians fixers, is because thats what they do. They "fix things for the GOB. Who told me that? The GOB brag about it.
Puppet strings are pulled by those with the connections (puppet masters). The politicians are the "fixers" who make sure that butter is on the appropriate piece of bread. If a little butter falls off the bread, they get greased.
It is very simple. We all know that Phil and Bob and company (there is only one exception I know of) are "objective" about anything having to do with real estate, development, building, construction etc. Yeah Right! Does anyone want an ocean view lot in NEVADA?
The GOB pull the strings and the "fixers" only have to know "how much". It's business as usual in loveable liveable.
Do you wonder what ever happened to the RDA scam? Property owners on the eastside want all taxpayers to pay them to clean up their own messes. "
lodidian wrote on Nov 6, 2009 9:42 PM:
I watched the council meeting where you and Katzakian supported Hansen's push to approve a million dollars just to develop the plan. No discussion as annual costs to manange and maintain the plant it. No discussion regarding the total cost of the "treatment plant water" vs. ground water. Hopefully someone is doing the math to find out how much treatment plant water will have to sell for in order to cover the total cost of production. "
edumacation wrote on Nov 6, 2009 4:44 PM:
1) "Build and they will come"
2) "Activity creates activity"
3) "They ain't making land no more"
He is THE Real Estate PROFESSIONAL so he should know right?
In my experience, I would add one more to his list.
"Caveat Emptor" - Let the Buyer beware.
Warren Buffet recently said: "You don't ask a barber if you need a haircut".
Prudent house sellers should know about the phrase:
"Caveat venditor" - Let the seller beware. This relates to caution the seller should have when selling or listing her property. Sellers can also be deceived during the transaction. 6% commish is NOT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. 3% is more reasonable. There are plenty out there at 3%. "
Observer wrote on Nov 6, 2009 3:05 PM:
edumacation wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:08 PM:
edumacation wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:47 PM:
He must know the inside track since he IS in the business! You know-- a REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL who ethically can NEVER give me bad advice.
I am thinking about scooping up several fixers and starters that have been for sale the last few years.
Like Rush says---spend money, spend money and make the libs sweat.
But, what if these real estate professionals are wrong? You can be "upside down" (owe more than house is worth) on your mortgage in a week.
It can be painful working to pay only interest only a house that is worth less than you paid for it. The balance only gets larger as repairs are required= MONEY PIT. Lets take a chance and BUY NOW? Billions for rebates must mean it is okay to borrow from the FHA? "
edumacation wrote on Nov 5, 2009 12:12 PM:
House prices in Lodi are the lowest they have ever been. The way to riches is to buy more houses. If we can keep the prices high enough, than our tax base will increase so we can have more money for the Lodi budget. Just yesterday I was doing volunteer work and met a person down at the Salvation Army who was down on their luck. But only temporarily. This person just qualified for a no money down cash back loan for his very own first house!
Isn't that great! What do they say? Activity creates more activity! So with a positive attitude, even people with part time jobs and minimum wages can still get those rare deals on houses. Home ownership is the key to success. In a few years, you can sell it for a huge profit and continue being successful! Don't you agree? Now is the best time to buy real estate! Why I know Realtors who have made millions this way. Lets build more houses! "
Rhodie wrote on Nov 5, 2009 9:02 AM:
Um, I look at the park every day and can tell you construction is not happening on it. In fact Mr. Hood recently said that the next phase of construction, the water pump is still in the design phase and yet to be approved. So there is no way of knowing when the park will be open.
16. Police and fire communications capabilities have been enhanced substantially by the purchase of new radios and supporting equipment.
Boy, does nayone else want to see what this cost the city. Not saying they didn't need it but everytime I hear of government buying eq. it seems to be much higher than the average person could have bouht it for.
1: The plan outlines a potential 50-percent population increase as well as accommodating new industrial, office and commercial development.
Um, 50% population increase in 20 years? Where did those numbers come from? "
sam wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:56 PM:
I DO NOT want my land devalued by a false document.
My point? Leave us alone. We are perfectly happy being in the county. "
El Rushbo wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:32 PM:
sam wrote on Nov 4, 2009 3:48 PM:
Otherwise you are knowingly falsifying Lodi's legal document. "
mp wrote on Nov 4, 2009 1:40 PM:
If you need help keeping Bob Johnson out in his next election, I'm with you. "
El Rushbo wrote on Nov 4, 2009 12:22 PM:
wtf wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:49 AM:
To put it another way....everything you've listed sure "sounds" good; but you neglected to tell us where the money is going to come from....guess that's John Johnson's job. ;)
No, what I get from your article, Bob, is the feel of your hand in my pocket searching, searching, searching for that last coin and being so greedy that you'd take the lint found there.
I will be so glad to vote you OUT next time you're up for election. "
mp wrote on Nov 4, 2009 11:40 AM:
Comments on this story are now closed.