AGENDA TITLE:
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Adopt a Resolution Updating City Staff Signers on City of Lodi Farmers & Merchants Bank Accounts (ISD - BUD)
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MEETING DATE:
June 4, 2025
PREPARED BY:
Jennelle Baker, Budget Manager
recommendation
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt a Resolution Updating City Staff Signers on City of Lodi Farmers & Merchants Bank Accounts.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Authorized signers on the City’s bank accounts held at Farmers & Merchants Bank (“F&M”) have been previously designated as the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager and the Budget Manager. While the City Manager is on leave and the permanent positions are vacant, the City needs to update the list of those who can approve banking transactions and sign for the City to maintain compliance with banking signature authority.
On May 7, 2025, the City Council appointed James Lindsay as the Acting City Manager and approved his corresponding employment agreement. Sections 1.2(b-d) of Mr. Lindsay’s employment agreement specifically provide that he shall:
“(b) Conduct the efficient administration of all the affairs of the City, which are under their control. In addition to the ACM's general powers as administrative head, and not as a limitation thereon, it is their duty and they shall have power to complete the tasks and responsibilities outlined in Lodi Municipal Code Section 2.12.060;
(c) Perform all legally permissible and proper duties as the City Council may assign and as may be modified from time to time;
(d) Comply with all applicable federal, state, and City laws and regulations;”
To accomplish his designated tasks and carry out the affairs of the City, Mr. Lindsay needs to be added to the list of authorized signers with F&M. F&M requires City Council approval of the Corporate Authorization Resolution as shown in Attachment 1, to update the City’s bank records (“Resolution”). The Resolution states in part that “the signature of an Agent on this resolution is conclusive evidence of their authority to act on behalf of the Corporation”.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 36936, “[r]esolutions, orders for the payment of money, and all ordinances require a recorded majority vote of the total membership of the city council.” Therefore, Staff is presenting this item to the City Council and requesting authorization for the following individuals to be listed as designated signers on the Resolution:
James Lindsay, Acting City Manager
Jennelle Baker-Bechthold, Budget Manager
If approved by Council, these individuals will serve as signers on City of Lodi bank accounts with F&M, which is required in order to conduct City banking business.
Staff is recommending that Council approve the Resolution adding Acting City Manager James Lindsay and Budget Manager Jennelle Baker-Bechthold as designated signers for the City’s F&M accounts. In light of his current status on administrative leave, Mr. Carney cannot act on behalf of the City, and his name has been removed from the Resolution at this time. Staff will bring this item back to Council to authorize updates to the Resolution and authorized signers list as needed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Not applicable.