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2/13/2025 9:00:00 AM
MODESTO CITY COUNCIL
www.modestogov.com
MINUTES
City of Modesto
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Council Workshop Regarding
Goals and Budget Priorities for Upcoming Budget - Day 2 Arbor Room, Modesto Centre Plaza,
1001 K Street
Modesto, California
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Roll Call – Present: Councilmembers Alvarez (arrived at 9:07 A.M.), Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Ricci, Williams, Wright, Mayor Zwahlen
PUBLIC COMMENT IN PERSON
Dean Richardson spoke regarding meeting with tree advocate group called Urban Forest Modesto. He also clarified that the Modesto Garden Club's Annual Arbor Day tree planting on March 7, 2025 at 10 A.M. but announced the location has changed to Roosevelt Park west of the tennis courts on W. Orangeburg Ave. Councilmember Williams will be speaking at this event. He also requested Council to vote in favor the City Foresty Budget, and emphasized the past 20 years the Foresty has been neglected, but with the help of Measure H it could be improved. His hope is that Modesto becomes a world class Urban Forest with a lush, beautiful tree canopy that will have many benefits to the City.
Daniel Yockey, representing the Modesto Garden Club, is requesting financial assistance from the City Council to restore and protect the Elaine Gallo Memorial Clock. The club, which has been beautifying Modesto for 100 years, faces ongoing issues with vandalism and damage to the clock, including broken arms and destroyed plantings. The request includes funds for a security fence to deter damage, relocation of the sprinkler system controls, and overall restoration to return the clock to its original status as one of the few flower clocks in the U.S. The club has traditionally been self-funded but has struggled financially since COVID-19. He is asking for $25,000 for immediate restoration and - 2 -
2/13/2025 9:00:00 AM
$10,000 annually for five years to maintain the project. He hopes for the Council’s support in continuing the Club’s beautification efforts.
Juan Telles, representing Valley Improvement Projects and West Modesto, emphasized the need for increased housing and a more comprehensive urban canopy plan, particularly in areas affected by extreme heat like West and South Modesto. He also advocated for integrating blockchain and fintech technologies to improve city efficiency, budgeting, and inventory management. Additionally, he encouraged collaboration with organizations like Yuda and Valley Improvement Projects to move Modesto toward becoming a zero-waste city and to address housing shortages for mental health services.
NEW BUSINESS
Recessed 9:51 A.M. Resumed 10:00 A.M.
Recessed 10:37 A.M. Resumed 10:44 A.M.
Lunch Recess 11:32 A.M. Resumed 12:15 P.M.
1. City Council Workshop Regarding Goals and Budget Priorities for Upcoming Budget. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
City Council Workshop Regarding Goals and Budget Priorities for Upcoming Budget.
CITY COUNCIL; Sue Zwahlen, 209-571-5597, [email protected] ACTION: Council gave direction for the City Manager's Office to conduct a workshop for the prioritization of the goals.
ACTION: Council gave direction for a two-year budget forecasting, with Councilmembers Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Williams, Wright, and Mayor Zwahlen expressing support, and Councilmember Ricci and Alvarez expressing opposition to the plan.
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting adjourned at 1:20 P.M.
Attest: ______________________________
Dana Sanchez, Assistant City Clerk