- 1 -
3/26/2025 8:30:00 AM
MODESTO CITY COUNCIL
www.modestogov.com
MINUTES
City of Modesto
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Arbor Theatre, Modesto Centre Plaza
1001 K Street
Modesto, California
Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
[Lunch Recess: 11:30 am -1:00 pm]
Roll Call Present: Councilmembers Alvarez (arrived at 9:36 am), Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Ricci, Williams, Wright, Mayor Zwahlen
Absent: None
Conflict of Interest: Councilmember Williams - Item 1
PUBLIC COMMENT
Emerson Drake expressed concerns regarding public participation and accessibility at City meetings. He criticized the City Council for its handling of the Salida annexation issue, stating that the Council did not engage directly with Salida residents. He also raised concerns about transparency and decision-making processes, referencing the involvement of a developer.
Alexis Chavez, voiced support for bringing a professional soccer team to the city, emphasizing the economic and community benefits. He proposed The Fields by John Truman Field as a potential stadium location due to its accessibility and proximity to the freeway. He encouraged the Council to consider the positive impact of a local team on youth and community pride.
- 2 -
3/26/2025 8:30:00 AM
NEW BUSINESS
Councilmember Williams Recused
1. Update regarding the expansion of the United Soccer League (USL) into the City of Modesto and potential locations for a soccer stadium and sports district. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Receive update regarding the expansion of the United Soccer League (USL) into the City of Modesto and to discuss and provide staff with direction regarding potential locations for a soccer stadium and sports district.
CITY MANAGER; Joseph Lopez, 209-577-5223, [email protected] The item was presented. Council and staff discussed the item.
Recessed at 10:15 am
Reconvened 10:20 am
Mayor Zwahlen invited public comment on this matter. Several members of the public commented on this item.
ACTION: (Escutia-Braaton/Wright; 6/0; Williams Recused) Motion directing staff to focus on both the Downtown North Site, and the Municipal Golf Course Site and directing staff to gather further data and come back at a later workshop to review before the September Letter of Intent deadline.
[Lunch Recess: 11:30 am -1:00 pm]
2. Discussion of potential updates to the Modesto Municipal Code regarding Smoke Shop regulations. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Discuss and provide staff with direction regarding potential updates to the Modesto Municipal Code regarding Smoke Shop regulations.
CITY MANAGER; Joseph Lopez, 209-577-5223, [email protected] The item was presented. Council and staff discussed the item.
Councilmember Alvarez departed the meeting at 1:55 pm.
Recessed at 2:05 pm
Reconvened 2:10 pm
Mayor Zwahlen invited public comment on this matter. Several members of the public commented on this item.
ACTION: No formal action. Council discussed and provided direction to staff on potential updates to the Modesto Municipal Code regarding Smoke Shop regulations. - 3 -
3/26/2025 8:30:00 AM
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting adjourned at 2:56 p.m.
Attest: ____________________________
Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk