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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, November 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Special City Council – Closed Session Meeting 4:45 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: Pastor Darrell Cummings, Christ Community Church City Clerk’s Announcements: None.
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest: Item 12 – Councilmember Williams recused due to location of project to Real Property Interest.
Reports from Closed Session: No reportable action.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation declaring November 29th as Small Business Saturday. (Funding Source:
Not Applicable)
CITY COUNCIL; Breanna Griffin, 209-577-5421, [email protected] - 2 -
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ACTION: Mayor Zwahlen presented proclamation declaring November 29th as Small Business Saturday.
2. Proclamation declaring November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
CITY COUNCIL; Breanna Griffin, 209-577-5421, [email protected] ACTION: Mayor Zwahlen presented proclamation declaring November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Hillary Moak, a local resident and the Central Valley Program Director for the Yosemite Rivers Alliance, reported recent community projects at the Tuolumne River Regional Park, including a community planting day, a river cleanup, and a community hike. She noted upcoming events such as MJC’s Turkey Trot and highlighted the need for Commissioners to ensure quorum for the December 10th TRRP Commission meeting.
Danielle Morgart from the Office of Assemblyman Juan Alanis reported on a large set of recently signed state bills affecting cities. The new laws focus on housing and landuse reforms, CEQA streamlining, transparency and Brown Act updates, homelessness program requirements, short-term rental enforcement, and cybersecurity provisions.
Many take effect January 1, with others phased in through 2026. She noted major changes to ADU processing, density rules, and infill project approvals, as well as new homelessness reporting standards and short-term rental data-sharing requirements. Her office has provided a detailed document outlining each bill and its timeline. Dan Vega, a Modesto resident, addressed the proposed $188 million soccer stadium, noting that City resources could instead be allocated to essential needs, including affordable housing, mental health services, community facilities, and emergency preparedness. He stated that the City currently does not maintain emergency food or water reserves and suggested that a modest investment could provide basic supplies for residents. He recommended storing these supplies in multiple locations and distributing them through City services and trained volunteers during emergencies. Juan Telles, a West Modesto resident, recognized Councilmember Williams for attending recent youth-focused and technology events. He highlighted the upcoming December 9, 2026 Innovation Social to discuss AI, blockchain, and technology investments, and noted plans for a New Year’s Day hike with VIP, Latino Outdoors, and Powerade. He also mentioned the California State Park’s ongoing envisioning process, which ends January 4, encouraging public input on its future development. Jerry Thompson provided an update on the Modesto High School’s police car lowrider project. The final assembly phase was completed, and the car will move to MJC West - 3 -
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Campus for body and paint work. Students installed airbags and other components, gaining hands-on experience beyond standard maintenance. He also noted that the new baseball club owner, David Heller, engaged with the community to address feedback, and he thanked those who supported the process.
CONSENT ITEMS – ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED
ACTION CONSENT ITEMS: 3-8 (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0)
CONSENT
Consent
3. Consider approving the minutes for the November 4, 2025 Council Meeting. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Motion approving the minutes for the November 4, 2025 Council Meeting.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Motion approving the minutes for the November 4, 2025 Council Meeting.
Consent
4. Consider accepting the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Cal Fire Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program Grant Award in the amount of $20,000, with a 50% Local Match, for the Procurement of Wildland Personal Protective Equipment. (Funding Source: General Fund)
Resolution accepting the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Cal Fire Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program Grant Award in the amount of $20,000, with a 50% Local Match, for the Procurement of Wildland Personal Protective Equipment, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the grant Agreement.
FIRE DEPARTMENT; Kevin Wise, 209-572-9590, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2025-398 accepting the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Cal Fire Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program Grant Award in the amount of $20,000, with a 50% Local Match, for the Procurement of Wildland Personal Protective Equipment, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the grant Agreement.
Consent
5. Consider the First Amendment with George Hills Company, Rancho Cordova, CA, for Third-Party Administration (TPA) of the City’s General Liability Claims increasing the Agreement amount by $284,500 and a new total not to exceed $2,284,500 to complete the term of the Agreement. (Funding Source: General Liability Fund) Resolution approving the First Amendment to the Agreement with George Hills Company, Rancho Cordova, CA, for Third-Party Administration of the City’s General Liability Claims increasing the Agreement amount by $284,500 and a new total not to exceed $2,284,500 to complete the term of the Agreement and - 4 -
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authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the Amendment.
HUMAN RESOURCES; Christina Alger, 209-571-5126, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2025-399 approving the First Amendment to the Agreement with George Hills Company, Rancho Cordova, CA, for Third-Party Administration of the City’s General Liability Claims increasing the Agreement amount by $284,500 and a new total not to exceed $2,284,500 to complete the term of the Agreement and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the Amendment.
Consent
6. Consider the Second Amendment with Greentek Services, LLC, Oroville, CA, for Tree Pruning and Removal Services, increasing the Agreement amount by $960,000 and Rumble Tree, Inc., Modesto, CA for Tree Pruning and Removal Services increasing the Agreement amount by $690,000. (Funding Source: Measure H Fund) Resolution recommending the Second Amendment for Tree Pruning and Removal Services with Greentek Services, LLC, Oroville, CA, increasing the Agreement amount by $960,000 to a new total amount of $4,435,000 and for Tree Removal and Stump Grinding Services with Rumble Tree, Inc., Modesto, CA increasing the Agreement amount by $690,000 for a new total amount of $3,604,350 and a total amount not to exceed between both Agreements of $8,039,350; 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 Amendments.
PUBLIC WORKS; Mike Johnson, 209-342-4566, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2025-400 recommending the Second Amendment for Tree Pruning and Removal Services with Greentek Services, LLC, Oroville, CA, increasing the Agreement amount by $960,000 to a new total amount of $4,435,000 and for Tree Removal and Stump Grinding Services with Rumble Tree, Inc., Modesto, CA increasing the Agreement amount by $690,000 for a new total amount of $3,604,350 and a total amount not to exceed between both Agreements of $8,039,350; 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 Amendments.
Consent
7. Consider approving the purchase of 30,487 square feet of real property located at Assessor’s Parcel Number 016-034-014-000, Grayson, CA, owned by Stanislaus County for $91,461, plus $10,000 in closing costs to be used for the Grayson Water Infrastructure Improvements Project. (Funding Source: Water Fund) Resolution approving the purchase of 30,487 square feet of Real Property located at Assessor’s Parcel Number 016-034-014-000, Grayson, CA owned by Stanislaus County for $91,461, plus $10,000 in closing costs, to be used for the - 5 -
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Grayson Water Infrastructure Project, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement and all related documents required to complete the transaction.
Resolution approving an Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget in the amount of $100,000 to fund the Purchase of Real Property for the Grayson Water Infrastructure Improvements Project and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to implement the provisions of the Resolution.
UTILITIES; Edgar Vargas, 209-577-5424, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2025-401 approving the purchase of 30,487 square feet of Real Property located at Assessor’s Parcel Number 016-034-014- 000, Grayson, CA owned by Stanislaus County for $91,461, plus $10,000 in closing costs, to be used for the Grayson Water Infrastructure Project, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement and all related documents required to complete the transaction.
ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2025-402 approving an Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget in the amount of $100,000 to fund the Purchase of Real Property for the Grayson Water Infrastructure Improvements Project and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to implement the provisions of the Resolution.
Consent
8. Consider approving an Agreement with Badger Meter, Inc., Milwaukee, WI for BEACON AMA Software as a Service (SaaS), meter reads and associated hardware for a total amount not to exceed $398,194 over five (5) years. (Funding Source: Water Fund)
Resolution approving the Sole Source Agreement with Badger Meter, Inc., Milwaukee, WI for BEACON AMA Software as a Service (SAAS), meter reads and associated hardware for a two-year Agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $67,682 and a total amount not to exceed $398,194 over five (5) years; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
UTILITIES; Manuel Martinez, 209-342-4592, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2025-403 approving the Sole Source Agreement with Badger Meter, Inc., Milwaukee, WI for BEACON AMA Software as a Service (SAAS), meter reads and associated hardware for a two-year Agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $67,682 and a total amount not to exceed $398,194 over five (5) years; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
COUNCIL COMMENTS & REPORTS
Councilmember Wright reported that crime in Modesto is down across all categories - 6 -
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compared to last year, including a 100% reduction in homicides. He acknowledged the work of the Police Department, Chief Gillespie, the Chat Team, and Community Service Personnel in contributing to public safety.
Councilmember Alvarez acknowledged David Heller, the Roadster’s owner, for engaging with the community. He highlighted the South Modesto Businesses United annual Christmas Posada on December 3, which provides free gifts, food, and groceries to families. He also provided an update on the Cesar Chavez Park renovation, noting progress on the skate park, infrastructure, and public restrooms, with the project currently on schedule.
Councilmember Ricci acknowledged David Heller and the Modesto Baseball Club for engaging with the community, including hiring J.T. Snow as manager and selecting the team’s name. He also echoed Councilmember Wright’s comments on the effectiveness of the Police Department in reducing crime through technology and staffing.
Additionally, he recognized the work of Lilly, Betty, and Jerry on the Modesto High School lowrider project, noting the skills students are gaining and the community collaboration involved.
Councilmember Williams recognized the new baseball team name and the South Modesto toy giveaway and mentioned an upcoming tree lighting. He thanked participants in the Veterans Day Parade, which honored multiple military branches and featured a large photo display. He noted that while crime rates are down, traffic safety remains a concern during the holiday season.
Councilmember Escutia-Braaton noted the positive reception of the newly named baseball team, the Roadsters, and highlighted the owner’s commitment to the community. She recognized local small businesses, including JS West and Mancini Sleep World, for their contributions and expansions within Modesto. She also mentioned the upcoming December 1st tree lighting hosted by South Modesto Businesses United and encouraged community participation. Mayor Zwahlen highlighted recent community events and initiatives she attended, including the Stanislaus State BioCirCA Conference, the City Ministry Network presentation on economic development, the annual Ruby Bridges commemorative walk, the Modesto Children’s Museum Subaru “Share the Love” event, the Modesto Police Department promotions ceremony, and the Giving Machine at the Modesto Mall, which supports local and global nonprofits.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS & REPORTS
City Manager Lopez expressed gratitude to Chief Kevin Wise for his years of service to the community and wished him well in retirement, noting that his last day is Monday. - 7 -
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HEARINGS
Published in the Modesto Bee on November 9, 2025
9. Hearing to consider accepting the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Report of Funds Held for Future Improvements and making findings related to each security on file. (Funding Source: Developer Deposits)
Resolution accepting the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Report of Funds Held for Future Improvements and making findings related to each security on file.
CED; Edgar Garcia, 209-577-5211, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Wright; 7/0) Resolution 2025-404 accepting the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Report of Funds Held for Future Improvements and making findings related to each security on file.
Published in the Modesto Bee on November 9, 2025.
10. Hearing to consider accepting the Capital Facilities Fees Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and making findings related to each of the fee categories. (Funding Source:
Capital Facilities Fees)
Resolution accepting the Capital Facilities Fees Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and making findings related to each of the fee categories.
CED; Sean Rando, 209-577-5211, [email protected]
ACTION: (Escutia-Braaton/Wright; 7/0) Resolution 2025-405 accepting the Capital Facilities Fees Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and making findings related to each of the fee categories.
Published in the Modesto Bee on November 14, 2025.
11. Hearing to rezone the property located at 3401 N. McClure Road from Highway Commercial to Low Density Residential. (Funding Source: Application Fee) Resolution certifying and adopting the CEQA Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration EA/C&ED No. 2025-19 for a proposed rezone from Highway Commercial (C-3) to Low-Density Residential (R-1) at the property located at 3401 N. McClure Road.
Motion introducing and waiving the first reading of an Ordinance amending Section 25-3-9 of the zoning map of the City of Modesto to rezone from Highway Commercial (C-3) zone to Low Density Residential (R-1) zone, property located at 3401 N. McClure Road. (Self Help Enterprises) CED; Vanessa Castro, 209-577-5282, [email protected] ACTION: (Bavaro/Williams; 7/0) Resolution 2025-406 certifying and adopting the CEQA Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration EA/C&ED No. 2025-19 for a proposed rezone from Highway Commercial (C-3) to Low-Density Residential (R-1) at the property located at 3401 N. McClure Road.
ACTION: (Bavaro/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion introducing and waiving the first reading of Ordinance 3803-C.S. amending Section 25-3-9 of the zoning map of the - 8 -
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City of Modesto to rezone from Highway Commercial (C-3) zone to Low Density Residential (R-1) zone, property located at 3401 N. McClure Road. (Self Help Enterprises)
Councilmember Williams Recused
Published in the Modesto Bee on November 16, 2025.
12. Hearing to approve the issuance of bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) for the benefit of Seventh Street Village LP to provide for the financing of the Seventh Street Village project, for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of the Tax and Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA), issuance of a HOME Investment Partnership Loan in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000, and approval of a license agreement for placement of private stormwater facilities in right-of-way. (Funding Source: Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships)
Resolution of the City Council of Modesto approving a plan of finance of the California Municipal Financial Authority to issue and reissue revenue bonds for a qualified residential rental project for the benefit of Seventh Street Village LP, and certain other matters relating thereto.
Resolution approving a HOME Investment Partnership program loan in a total amount not to exceed $5,000,000 at 3% simple interest to begin accrual after the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc., a California non-profit, Stockton, CA, for the development of Seventh Street Village, an additional $150,000 for staff activity delivery, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute Agreements.
Resolution approving a License Agreement for the placement of stormwater facilities in the public right-of-way property located at 914-930 7th Street, Modesto, California also known as Stanislaus County Assessor’s parcel numbers 104-006-007, 104-006-008, 104-006-009, 104-006-010 to Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc, a California nonprofit, Stockton, CA for the development of Seventh Street Village, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute Agreements.
Resolution approving a First Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded loan in a total amount not to exceed $2,000,000 at 3% simple interest for 55-years to begin accrual after issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, for acquisition, predevelopment, site improvements, and off-site improvements of Seventh Street Village, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute the Amendment.
CED; Edgar Garcia, 209-571-5101, [email protected] ACTION: (Alvarez/Wright; 6/0; Williams Recused) Resolution 2025-407 of the City Council of Modesto approving a plan of finance of the California Municipal Financial Authority to issue and reissue revenue bonds for a qualified residential rental project for the benefit of Seventh Street Village LP, and certain other matters relating thereto.
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ACTION: (Alvarez/Escutia-Braaton; 6/0; Williams Recused) Resolution 2025-408 approving a HOME Investment Partnership program loan in a total amount not to exceed $5,000,000 at 3% simple interest to begin accrual after the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc., a California non-profit, Stockton, CA, for the development of Seventh Street Village, an additional $150,000 for staff activity delivery, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute Agreements.
ACTION: (Escutia-Braaton/Alvarez; 6/0; Williams Recused) Resolution 2025-409 approving a License Agreement for the placement of stormwater facilities in the public right-of-way property located at 914-930 7th Street, Modesto, California also known as Stanislaus County Assessor’s parcel numbers 104-006-007, 104-006-008, 104-006- 009, 104-006-010 to Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc, a California nonprofit, Stockton, CA for the development of Seventh Street Village, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute Agreements.
ACTION: (Alvarez/Williams; 6/0; Williams Recused) Resolution 2025-410 approving a First Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded loan in a total amount not to exceed $2,000,000 at 3% simple interest for 55- years to begin accrual after issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, for acquisition, predevelopment, site improvements, and off-site improvements of Seventh Street Village, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute the Amendment.
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Attest: ______________________________
Dana Sanchez, Assistant City Clerk
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All Closed Session Matters Heard Prior to the Meeting
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
One Case (Pursuant to Section 54956.9(d)(2) of the Government Code) Letters from the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation and the First Amendment Coalition regarding Modesto Municipal Code Section 4-23.02 related to restrictions on use of specified items during public assembly