- 1 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
MODESTO CITY COUNCIL
www.modestogov.com
MINUTES
City of Modesto
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Chambers, Basement Level
Tenth Street Place, 1010 10th Street
Modesto, California
Tuesday, September 09, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Special City Council – Closed Session Meeting 3:15 p.m.
Roll Call - Present: Councilmembers Alvarez, Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Ricci, Williams, Wright, Mayor Zwahlen
Absent: None
Regular City Council Meeting 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call- Present: Councilmembers Alvarez, Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Ricci, Williams, Wright, Mayor Zwahlen
Absent: None
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Invocation: Jeremy Brown, Doctors Medical Center
City Clerk’s Announcements:
Written public comment was received and forwarded to Council.
Additionally, there will be a Special City Council meeting immediately following the adjournment of this meeting.
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest:
None.
- 2 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
Reports from Closed Session:
The City Council met in Closed Session on several items related to property negotiations, existing litigation, and anticipated litigation. One of the items included in the Closed Session was related to the National Opioid Litigation. By unanimous vote, the City Council gave direction to the City Manager and the City Attorney to take the necessary actions to participate in this round of settlements involving Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, and eight opioid manufacturers. This will result in additional funds for the City to use in combating the negative impacts of opioids. The exact amount of the settlements are still uncertain, but it can be up to $769,248.88, payable over a period of 16 years.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation declaring September 15th - October 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Month. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
CITY COUNCIL; Breanna Griffin, 209-577-5421, [email protected] ACTION: Mayor Zwahlen presented proclamation declaring September 15th - October 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
2. Proclamation recognizing California's 175th Anniversary of Statehood. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
CITY COUNCIL; Breanna Griffin, 209-577-5421, [email protected] ACTION: Mayor Zwahlen presented proclamation recognizing California's 175th Anniversary of Statehood.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Karla thanked the City Council for recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and expressed appreciation that her family settled in Modesto. She highlighted concerns about community safety, particularly regarding the City’s Mask Ordinance. Karla expressed that the Ordinance has led to disproportionate targeting of Black and Hispanic residents by police, citing an ACLU complaint about excessive force. She urged the Council to remove the Ordinance and voiced frustration that despite repeated requests since July, the issue has not been placed on the agenda, questioning the Council’s commitment to the Hispanic community.
Ryann Hall, an Administrative Manager for Cal Pride, urged the City Council to repeal or significantly amend Modesto’s Ordinance restricting certain items at public assemblies. She argued that the Ordinance endangers residents and journalists by limiting their ability to protect themselves at demonstrations and noted that groups such as the ACLU and the First Amendment Coalition have also called for change.
Hall stated the Ordinance as discriminatory and unworkable, pointing out that law enforcement has admitted to enforcing it with a “guilty until proven innocent” - 3 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
approach. She expressed concern that the ban disproportionately affects marginalized communities who are more likely to participate in protests, discourages civic engagement and journalism, and undermines constitutional rights to free assembly, speech, and press. She called on the Council to act without delay, regardless of the Community Police Review Board’s stance.
Barry Jackson, a longtime Modesto resident, expressed support for efforts to bring professional baseball back to the City. He then addressed concerns about law enforcement practices, particularly the use of masks by Federal officers such as ICE agents, which he described as troubling and reminiscent of authoritarian tactics. While noting that he has not personally been targeted as an older white man, he emphasized that younger Hispanic and immigrant communities are more vulnerable. Jackson, who supports law enforcement in general, urged City leaders to ensure the Modesto Police Department does not cooperate with masked Federal agents, calling such practices unacceptable.
Terhesa Gamboa, chairwoman of Woodland West Community and a Neighborhood Watch coordinator, spoke to thank City staff and Public Safety personnel for their support. She noted that a sewer line replacement project on Mercy Avenue has been handled efficiently with minimal disruption, and she expressed appreciation to Will Wong, Pete Kambel, and City engineers and workers for their responsiveness and innovative approach. Gamboa also praised MPD Lieutenant Eric Schuler for promptly addressing neighborhood traffic concerns and thanked the Crime Reduction Unit and patrol officers for their ongoing service. She concluded by inviting the community to attend Woodland West’s upcoming Family Fun Day at Sharp Park. Danielle Morgart, representing Assemblyman Juan Alaniz’s office, provided a Legislative update. She noted that the current legislative session will conclude on Friday and resume in January 2026, though the office will remain open to assist constituents with State agency matters. Morgart reported that AB 16, related to ballot counting efficiency, is still awaiting additional Senate hearings; AB 528, addressing child sexual abuse material evidence, has been held in Senate appropriations and will carry over as a two-year bill; and AB 310, the Nevaeh Law cleanup bill, is awaiting a floor hearing. She invited the Council and public to reach out to the Assemblyman’s office with any questions or concerns.
Bryan Evin addressed the Council with concerns about the Modesto Police Department, recounting an incident where he reported a burglary but was later arrested himself after officers released the suspect. He described being jailed based on what he said were false claims, which resulted in significant personal and financial hardship, including two years of legal proceedings and high bail costs. He argued that the City is responsible under State Law for such actions and criticized the denial of his claim for damages. He also expressed broader frustration with what he views as the City’s mishandling of development projects and lack of facilities like a convention center and stadium. He urged the Council to take responsibility and pay his claim. - 4 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
Celia Garcia Perez, a longtime Modesto resident with a background in Chicana and Chicano Studies, recommended that the City adopt the term “Latinx Heritage Month” instead of “Hispanic Heritage Month.” She explained that “Latinx” is more inclusive of diverse communities, including Indigenous, Afro-Latino, and non–Spanish-speaking groups, and avoids centering Spanish colonial history. She noted California has already recognized Latino Heritage Month and urged Modesto to follow suit to better represent the richness of its communities.
Steve addressed the Council regarding their refusal to discuss repealing the City’s Ordinance on public assembly. Citing a Modesto Bee article stating the Council has full authority to take up the issue, he questioned why members have avoided debate, suggesting it reflected disregard for community concerns or fear of political pressure.
He stated that City leadership and Police discriminated against communities of color and requested that Councilmembers place repeal of the ordinance on a future agenda. Anthony Drobnic expressed concerns regarding the City Council not repealing Municipal Code 4-2302, which restricts certain items at public assemblies. He stated the Ordinance undermines First Amendment rights, enables politically motivated arrests, and disproportionately harms vulnerable groups, including unhoused youth. He stated that the Council deferred responsibility to the Community Police Review Board rather than taking direct action and did not pursue independent oversight of police conduct. He highlighted contradictions, such as police wearing masks while residents are prohibited, and reminded the Council of their oath to uphold the Constitution. Nic urged the City Council to repeal the City’s Mask Ordinance. He began by noting some positive developments, including Council support for the Latinx community and the dismissal of charges related to a recent rally, but expressed frustration that broader systemic issues remain unaddressed. The speaker stated that maintaining the Ordinance reinforces systemic racism, empowers unaccountable law enforcement, and undermines civil rights. He described the repeal as the “bare minimum” action the Council could take to protect Modesto residents, particularly communities of color, from what they characterized as discriminatory and oppressive systems at both the local and national level.
Laura Connor urged the City Council to place Municipal Code 4-23.02, Subsection 13 the City’s Anti-Masking Ordinance, on the agenda for repeal. She stated the Ordinance is unconstitutional, violates First Amendment rights, and enables biased enforcement against vulnerable groups such as people of color, immigrants, and unhoused youth.
She cited the June 14 anti-deportation protest, where she said police selectively enforced the Ordinance, leading to the detention of unhoused youth for nearly 12 hours. She emphasized that the Council’s concern for unhoused residents should extend to those who speak out politically, not just those perceived as passive. Connor shared firsthand quotes from unhoused youth describing fear, intimidation, and mistreatment by law enforcement during the protest, and concluded by urging the Council to listen to lived experiences rather than uphold policies created without regard for equity or justice.
- 5 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
A community member urged the City Council to place Municipal Code 4-23.02, section 13—the mask ordinance—on the agenda for repeal, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of First Amendment rights. They stated the Ordinance enables selective enforcement by police and cited the June 14 Central Valley protest, where participants were met with confiscated equipment and aggressive law enforcement despite peacefully demonstrating against mass deportations. The speaker emphasized that continued public pressure demonstrates community solidarity and urged the Council to act responsibly, framing repeal as the “right side of history.” Madison Condit addressed the City Council regarding the mask ordinance and its impact on free speech, citing the June 14 ICE protest where participants were arrested and intimidated. She raised concerns regarding the Council failing to take meaningful action or communicate effectively with the community, noting that the Ordinance was originally passed quickly in 2019 under police influence. She stated that referring the issue to the Community Police Review Board delays action and undermines residents’ First Amendment rights. She emphasized that claims of public safety have been misused to justify the ordinance and expressed frustration that residents feel fearful of exercising free speech due to the Council’s inaction.
Leah Hassett spoke over the continued enforcement of the Mask Ordinance. She expressed concern that the City is ignoring community voices and replicating patterns of intimidation and discrimination seen at the national level. Hassett emphasized the Ordinance’s negative impact on vulnerable residents, arguing that it undermines Modesto’s ability to be a supportive, inclusive community. She urged the Council to repeal the Ordinance.
Will from Modesto discussed the Mask Ordinance and its impact on protests. He pointed out that wearing a mask and protesting were both legal activities on their own, but when combined, they had become criminal offenses under the Ordinance. He expressed concern that this combination led to arrests and discouraged people from protesting due to fears of police intimidation. He shared that he had felt unsafe during a protest, despite being a tall, white male, and suggested that others may have felt even less safe. He believed that people should not have to feel unsafe when exercising their right to protest.
A community member expressed concerns about the ongoing discussions regarding the Mask Ordinance. He noted that while the Ordinance was quickly enacted, months had passed without resolution, and despite repeated mentions of its unconstitutionality by groups like the ACLU, no progress had been made. The speaker questioned why the Ordinance had not been addressed on the agenda and emphasized the importance of being able to protest while concealing identities for protection against various authorities, including ICE. He affirmed the right to speak out against authority and stated that if the Ordinance was not repealed, they would work with the ACLU to sue the City. He also suggested that a lawsuit could set a precedent in California, preventing other cities from enacting similar Ordinances. - 6 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
CONSENT ITEMS – ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED
ACTION CONSENT ITEMS: 3-19, 21 (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0)
CONSENT
Consent
3. Consider approving the minutes for the August 26, 2025 Council Meeting. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Motion approving the minutes for the August 26, 2025 Council Meeting.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion approving the minutes for the August 26, 2025 Council Meeting.
Consent
4. Consider appointing a voting delegate to the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference to be held in Long Beach, CA on October 8-10, 2025. (Funding Source:
Not Applicable)
Motion approving Councilmember Williams as a voting delegate and Mayor Zwahlen as the alternate voting delegate for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference to be held in Long Beach, CA on October 8-10, 2025.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion approving Councilmember Williams as a voting delegate and Mayor Zwahlen as the alternate voting delegate for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference to be held in Long Beach, CA on October 8-10, 2025.
Consent
5. Consider approving the response to the Findings and Recommendations of the 2024- 2025 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury Consolidated Report- Case #25-23GJ . (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Resolution approving the response to the Findings and Recommendations of the 2024-2025 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury Report- Case #25-25GJ.
CITY MANAGER; Scotty Douglass, 209-577-9149, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-314 approving the response to the Findings and Recommendations of the 2024-2025 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury Report- Case #25-25GJ.
Consent
6. Consider accepting the Accounts Receivable Internal Controls Review Report. (Funding Source: General Fund)
Motion accepting the Accounts Receivable Internal Controls Review Report. - 7 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
CITY AUDITOR; Colleen Rozillis, 206-302-6795, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion accepting the Accounts Receivable Internal Controls Review Report.
Consent
7. Consider accepting the Capital Improvement Program Assessment Report. (Funding Source: General Fund)
Motion accepting the Capital Improvement Program Assessment Report.
CITY AUDITOR; Colleen Rozillis, 206-302-6795, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion accepting the Capital Improvement Program Assessment Report.
Consent
8. Consider accepting the Permitting Efficiency Study Update Report. (Funding Source:
General Fund)
Motion accepting the Permitting Efficiency Study Update Report.
CITY AUDITOR; Colleen Rozillis, 206-302-6795, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion accepting the Permitting Efficiency Study Update Report.
Consent
9. Consider approving the recommended budget adjustments to Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets and amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Position Allocation. (Funding Source: Various Funds)
Resolution amending Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Project Fund Budgets and authorizing the City Manager, to take the necessary steps to implement the provisions of this Resolution.
Resolution amending the Position Allocation for Fiscal Year 2025-26 as adopted in the operating budget.
BUDGET; Kaceey Culbertson, 209-571-5855, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-315 amending Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating and Capital Improvement Project Fund Budgets and authorizing the City Manager, to take the necessary steps to implement the provisions of this Resolution.
ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-316 amending the Position Allocation for Fiscal Year 2025-26 as adopted in the operating budget.
Consent
10. Consider adopting Notice of Exemption EA/C&Ed NO. 2025-15, which affirms that - 8 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and accepting the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Fiscal Year 2025-26 Grant in the amount of $450,000 for the development of the Downtown Modesto Multimodal Transportation Network and Land Use Compatibility Plan. (Funding Source: Grant Funds and In-Kind Match) Resolution certifying and adopting notice of exemption EA/C&ED 2025-15, which affirms that the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines and, accepting the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant for the Fiscal Year 2025-26, in the amount of $450,000 for the development of the Downtown Modesto Multimodal Transportation Network and Land Use Compatibility Plan, and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute all Grant Agreements and documents related thereto.
Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 multi-year project budget to establish a project in the amount of $508,500 for the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to take the necessary steps to implement the provisions in this Resolution.
CED; Vanessa Castro, 209-577-5282, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-317 certifying and adopting notice of exemption EA/C&ED 2025-15, which affirms that the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines and, accepting the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant for the Fiscal Year 2025-26, in the amount of $450,000 for the development of the Downtown Modesto Multimodal Transportation Network and Land Use Compatibility Plan, and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute all Grant Agreements and documents related thereto.
ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-318 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 multi-year project budget to establish a project in the amount of $508,500 for the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to take the necessary steps to implement the provisions in this Resolution.
Consent
11. Consider accepting the Upgrade Traffic Signals 2019 Project as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $1,688,191 to St. Francis Electric, LLC., of San Leandro, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion. (Funding Source: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality)
Resolution accepting Upgrade Traffic Signals 2019 Project as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $1,688,191 to St. Francis Electric, LLC., of San Leandro, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion.
- 9 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Pete Kambel, 209-577-5444, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-319 accepting Upgrade Traffic Signals 2019 Project as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $1,688,191 to St. Francis Electric, LLC., of San Leandro, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion.
Consent
12. Consider approving the Subdivision Improvement Agreements (SIAs) and Final Maps for The Founders Point II Woodglen Villages 4A, 4B, and 6, which together comprise approximately 20.1 acres consisting of 138 residential lots, five (5) landscape lots, and public road right-of-way dedications of approximately 5.1 acres all located at the southwest corner of Bangs Avenue and Tully Road APNs # 046-007-048 and 046-007- 049. (Funding Source: Developer Fees)
Resolution approving the Final Maps for Founders Point II Woodglen Villages 4A, 4B, and 6, approving the Subdivision Improvement Agreements and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreements with FOR California Development LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company and authorize the City Clerk to certify the Final Maps and record with the Stanislaus County Recorder’s Office.
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Jaspreet Mangat, 209-577-5253,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-320 approving the Final Maps for Founders Point II Woodglen Villages 4A, 4B, and 6, approving the Subdivision Improvement Agreements and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreements with FOR California Development LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company and authorize the City Clerk to certify the Final Maps and record with the Stanislaus County Recorder’s Office.
Consent
13. Consider delegating the responsibility for investment transactions to the Director of Finance and accepting the Annual Investment Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. (Funding Source: Various Funds)
Resolution delegating the responsibility for investment transactions to the Director of Finance and accepting the Annual Investment Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Calogero Maniscalco, 209-577-5219,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-321 delegating the responsibility for investment transactions to the Director of Finance and accepting the Annual Investment Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Consent
- 10 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
14. Consider approving the purchase for one Fleet Replacement and one Fleet Addition for Fleet Vehicles which includes one 2025 Ford F-350 Truck and one Digger Derrick Truck in a total amount not to exceed $653,670. (Funding Source: Measure H and Fleet Replacement Fund)
Resolution approving the Competitive Bidding Process from Sourcewell to Rush Enterprises dba Rush Truck Centers of New Braunfels, TX under the authorized dealer, Rush Medium-Duty Truck Centers of California Inc. dba Rush Truck Centers, Ceres, CA for the purchase of one 2025 Ford F-350 Truck for an amount not to exceed $83,987; and authorizing the Director of Finance, or her designee, to issue the Purchase Order; and authorizing the Director of Finance or her designee to execute any Change Orders not to exceed 15% of the total purchase price.
Resolution approving the Competitive Bidding Process from Sourcewell to Terex Utilities, Inc., Watertown, SD for the purchase of one Digger Derrick Truck for an amount not to exceed $449,553 plus $40,098 in taxes and fees to be paid directly to the state; and authorizing the Director of Finance, or her designee, to issue the Purchase Order; and authorizing the Director of Finance or her designee to execute any Change Orders not to exceed 15% of the total purchase price.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Dianne Love, 209-571-5164, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-322 approving the Competitive Bidding Process from Sourcewell to Rush Enterprises dba Rush Truck Centers of New Braunfels, TX under the authorized dealer, Rush Medium-Duty Truck Centers of California Inc. dba Rush Truck Centers, Ceres, CA for the purchase of one 2025 Ford F-350 Truck for an amount not to exceed $83,987; and authorizing the Director of Finance, or her designee, to issue the Purchase Order; and authorizing the Director of Finance or her designee to execute any Change Orders not to exceed 15% of the total purchase price.
ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-323 approving the Competitive Bidding Process from Sourcewell to Terex Utilities, Inc., Watertown, SD for the purchase of one Digger Derrick Truck for an amount not to exceed $449,553 plus $40,098 in taxes and fees to be paid directly to the state; and authorizing the Director of Finance, or her designee, to issue the Purchase Order; and authorizing the Director of Finance or her designee to execute any Change Orders not to exceed 15% of the total purchase price.
Consent
15. Consider approving the Emergency Purchases, for an amount not to exceed $155,990, to cover all costs incurred by the urgent and significant water and mold damage repairs to Fire Station 11. (Funding Source: General Fund)
Resolution approving the Emergency Purchases, for an amount not to exceed $155,990, to cover all costs incurred by the urgent and significant water and mold damage repairs to Fire Station 11.
FIRE DEPARTMENT; Kevin Wise, 209-572-9590, [email protected] - 11 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-324 approving the Emergency Purchases, for an amount not to exceed $155,990, to cover all costs incurred by the urgent and significant water and mold damage repairs to Fire Station
11. Consent
16. Consider approving the Third Amendment with West Coast Door and Gate, Ceres, CA for On-call Commercial Roll-up Door Maintenance and Repair Services increasing the Agreement amount by $160,000 and extending the term of the Agreement to June 2, 2026. (Funding Source: General Fund)
Resolution approving the Third Amendment with West Coast Door and Gate, Ceres, CA for On-call Commercial Roll-up Door Maintenance and Repair Services increasing the Agreement amount by $160,000 to a new total amount of $446,000 and extending the term of the Agreement from December 2, 2025 to June 2, 2026, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Amendment.
FIRE DEPARTMENT; Kevin Wise, 209-572-9590, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-325 approving the Third Amendment with West Coast Door and Gate, Ceres, CA for On-call Commercial Rollup Door Maintenance and Repair Services increasing the Agreement amount by $160,000 to a new total amount of $446,000 and extending the term of the Agreement from December 2, 2025 to June 2, 2026, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Amendment.
Consent
17. Consider approving the First Amendment to the Agreement with Moss Adams, LLP Stockton, CA, for City Auditor and City Auditing Services to amend the original agreement to include the compensation language “per each Fiscal Year Audit Plan.” (Funding Source: General Fund)
Resolution approving a First Amendment to the Agreement with Moss Adams LLP Stockton, CA for City Auditor and City Auditing services to amend the original agreement to include the compensation language “per each Fiscal Year Audit Plan”; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Amendment.
HUMAN RESOURCES; Christina Alger, 209-571-5126, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-326 approving a First Amendment to the Agreement with Moss Adams LLP Stockton, CA for City Auditor and City Auditing services to amend the original agreement to include the compensation language “per each Fiscal Year Audit Plan”; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Amendment.
Consent
18. Consider approving the Agreements with Telcion Communication Group, Turlock, CA - 12 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
for the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) system implementation project for a total amount not to exceed $167,592. (Funding Source: Department of Justice Grant) Resolution approving the Agreements with Telcion Communication Group, Turlock, CA for the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) system implementation project for a total amount not to exceed $167,592; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Agreements.
IT; Dameon Booker, 209-571-5229, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-327 approving the Agreements with Telcion Communication Group, Turlock, CA for the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) system implementation project for a total amount not to exceed $167,592; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Agreements.
Consent
19. Consider approving Secondary Agreements with Law Enforcement Psychological Services, Inc., Los Gatos, CA and CORE Psychological Corporation, Gold River, CA, for Pre-Employment Psychological Services for a total combined amount not to exceed $40,000 over three years. (Funding Source: General Fund) Resolution approving the Secondary Agreements with Law Enforcement Psychological Services, Inc., Los Gatos, CA and CORE Psychological Corporation, Gold River, CA, for Pre-Employment Psychological Services for a total combined amount not to exceed $40,000 over three years, and authorizing the Director of Finance to adjust agreement totals between vendors based on contractor’s availability and department’s needs, ensuring the combined total amount does not change and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreements.
POLICE DEPARTMENT; Jessica Nicholson, 209-572-9500,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2029-328 approving the Secondary Agreements with Law Enforcement Psychological Services, Inc., Los Gatos, CA and CORE Psychological Corporation, Gold River, CA, for PreEmployment Psychological Services for a total combined amount not to exceed $40,000 over three years, and authorizing the Director of Finance to adjust agreement totals between vendors based on contractor’s availability and department’s needs, ensuring the combined total amount does not change and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreements.
Removed from Consent
20. Consider approving the Agreement for On-Call Electrical Services to Advanced Lighting Services, Inc., Dublin, CA for a total amount not to exceed $1,334,456 over five years. (Funding Source: Building Maintenance Fund) Resolution approving the Award of Bid and Agreement for On-Call Electrical Services to Advanced Lighting Services, Inc., Dublin, CA for a two-year Agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual - 13 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
amount of $267,114 and a total amount not to exceed $1,335,566 over five years; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
PUBLIC WORKS; Gabe daSilva, 209-652-2579, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2025-329 approving the Award of Bid and Agreement for On-Call Electrical Services to Advanced Lighting Services, Inc., Dublin, CA for a two-year Agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $267,114 and a total amount not to exceed $1,335,566 over five years; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
Consent
21. Consider approving a Prequalified Local Consultant List for Civil Engineering Services for a period of five years. (Funding Source: Various Capital/Non-Capital Projects)
Resolution approving a Prequalified Local Consultant List for Civil Engineering Services for a period of five years.
UTILITIES; Edgar Vargas, 209-577-5424, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2025-330 approving a Prequalified Local Consultant List for Civil Engineering Services for a period of five years.
COUNCIL COMMENTS & REPORTS
Councilmember Williams shared a brief comment about attending the 63rd annual Ag Luncheon organized by the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. The event, held at the MJC Ag Building, featured keynote speaker Mike West from the West Family. He announced that the West Family business, which has been around for 116 years, would be keeping its headquarters in Modesto. While Williams did not disclose the specific location, he expressed his satisfaction that the company would remain in the City. Councilmember Alvarez began by echoing Councilmember Williams' comments about Hispanic Heritage Month and mentioned El Concilio's upcoming celebration on the 19th, which will feature comedian Gina Brillon. He then highlighted positive crime statistics for Modesto from August, noting decreases in major violent crimes (down 13%), robberies (down 26%), property crimes (down 21%), auto theft (down 43%), and several other offenses. He commended the Modesto Police Department, particularly Chief Gillespie, for their efforts in public safety. Alvarez also praised the City Manager and staff for their quick response to blight issues in District 2, specifically thanking the Measure H Blight Abatement Team for their work in addressing debris and issues from homeless encampments. Councilmember Escutia-Bratton highlighted the grand opening of Vallarta Supermarket on Oakdale Boulevard, emphasizing the Gonzalez family's generosity. - 14 -
9/9/2025 5:30:00 PM
She noted their donation of $7,500 to local schools and charities and the creation of 421 jobs between their two Modesto locations. She praised the supermarket for its vibrant, community-focused atmosphere. She also discussed the potential redevelopment of the old courthouse site into a warehouse market, similar to iconic markets like Findlay Market in Cincinnati, and encouraged the public to attend a community input session on September 24th to share ideas for the site’s future. Finally, she commended the Modesto Police Department for recent crime reductions, particularly a 41% decrease in auto thefts and a 26% drop in robberies. She expressed support for Chief Gillespie and reaffirmed the Council's commitment to ensuring the department has the resources needed to maintain this progress. Vice Mayor Bavaro addressed the upcoming closure of the Downtown Streets Team in Modesto, set to close by October 31st due to financial and political challenges. He expressed deep concern about the program's impact, emphasizing that it has been crucial in supporting the unhoused community by providing work opportunities and helping individuals regain self-respect and employment. Bavaro highlighted the team's significant contributions, including picking up over 53 tons of trash and over 1,300 needles in the City last year. He acknowledged the efforts of the Community and Economic Development Department, led by Jessica Hill, who are working tirelessly to find a solution and continue the program under a different nonprofit. He assured the public that efforts would be made to keep the program running. Mayor Zwahlen shared recent activities, including meeting Modesto’s new Superintendent, Vanessa Buitrago, attending the Asian American Pacific Islander Festival, and participating in a radio interview about soccer in the City. She highlighted a community workshop on street safety and encouraged public input on improvements.
She also joined a leadership panel at the Stanislaus County Office of Education, engaging with students, and attended the Modesto Police Clergy Council meeting to collaborate with local law enforcement, pastors, and community members.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS & REPORTS
None.
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting adjourned at 7:03 P.M.
Attest: ____________________________
Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk