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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, January 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Special City Council – Closed Session Meeting _4:15 p.m.
Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Alvarez (Arrived at 4:17 p.m.), *Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Ricci, Williams, Wright (Arrived at 4:25 p.m.), Mayor Zwahlen
* Councilmember Bavaro attended remotely via Zoom pursuant to a Senate Bill 707 ADA accommodation, California Government Code §54953(c).
Absent: None
Regular City Council Meeting 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Alvarez, *Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Ricci, Williams, Wright, Mayor Zwahlen
* Councilmember Bavaro attended remotely via Zoom pursuant to a Senate Bill 707 ADA accommodation, California Government Code §54953(c), and disclosed that his wife was present at his location.
Absent: None
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Invocation: Mike Gunnarson
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City Clerk’s Announcements: None.
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest: None.
Reports from Closed Session: No reportable action.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Consider approving the appointment of Steven Zagaris to the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission to serve a partial unexpired term expiring on December 31, 2026. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
Resolution appointing Steven Zagaris to serve a partial unexpired term with an expiration of December 31, 2026 to serve on the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Williams; 7/0) Resolution 2026-001 appointing Steven Zagaris to serve a partial unexpired term with an expiration of December 31, 2026 to serve on the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission.
2. Consider approving the reappointment of Marshall Riddle with a term expiring December 31, 2029, and the appointment of Odle Towe with a term expiring December 31, 2029, to the City of Modesto Board of Zoning Adjustment. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
Resolution reappointing Marshall Riddle to the City of Modesto Board of Zoning Adjustment with a term expiring December 31, 2029. Resolution appointing Odle Towe to the City of Modesto Board of Zoning Adjustment with a term expiring December 31, 2029.
CED; Jessica Hill, 209-577-5267, [email protected]
ACTION: (Williams/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-002 reappointing Marshall Riddle to the City of Modesto Board of Zoning Adjustment with a term expiring December 31, 2029.
ACTION: (Williams/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-003 appointing Odle Towe to the City of Modesto Board of Zoning Adjustment with a term expiring December 31, 2029.
3. Consider approving the reappointment of Mark Farrish to the City of Modesto Landmark Preservation Commission with a term expiring December 31, 2029. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
Resolution reappointing Mark Farrish to the City of Modesto Landmark Preservation Commission with a term expiring December 31, 2029. - 3 -
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CED; Jessica Hill, 209-577-5267, [email protected]
ACTION: (Alvarez/Ricci; 7/0) Resolution 2026-004 reappointing Mark Farrish to the City of Modesto Landmark Preservation Commission with a term expiring December 31, 2029.
4. Consider approving the reappointment of Craig Lewis to the StanCOG Measure L Citizens’ Oversight Committee to represent the City of Modesto for a three-year term. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
Resolution approving the reappointment of Craig Lewis to the StanCOG Measure L Citizens’ Oversight Committee to represent the City of Modesto for a three-year term.
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Toby Wells, 209-571-5542, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2026-005 approving the reappointment of Craig Lewis to the StanCOG Measure L Citizens’ Oversight Committee to represent the City of Modesto for a three-year term.
5. Consider approving the appointment of Carolyn Neumann to the Measure L Citizen’s Transportation Sales Tax Commission for a four-year term from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
Resolution approving the appointment of Carolyn Neumann to the Measure L Citizen’s Transportation Sales Tax Commission for a four-year term from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029.
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Toby Wells, 209-571-5542, [email protected] ACTION: (Escutia-Braaton/Williams; 7/0) Resolution 2026-006 approving the appointment of Carolyn Neumann to the Measure L Citizen’s Transportation Sales Tax Commission for a four-year term from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2029.
6. Consider approving the appointments of Shannon Stevens, Dominique Johnson, and Sandra Hilton Kaepp for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, on the City of Modesto Culture Commission. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) Staff Recommendation:
Resolution approving the appointments of Shannon Stevens, Dominique Johnson, and Sandra Hilton Kaepp for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, on the City of Modesto Culture Commission.
PRN; Valerie Garcia, 209-571-5576, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-007 approving the appointments of Shannon Stevens, Dominique Johnson, and Sandra Hilton Kaepp for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, on the City of Modesto Culture Commission.
7. Consider approving the appointments of Priscilla Castillo-Amador as a Youth - 4 -
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Member-At-Large for a term expiration of December 31, 2026, Ricardo Navarro as a Member-At-Large for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, and the reappointment of Karen Burch as a Dryden Women’s Golf Club Representative for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, on the City of Modesto Golf Courses Advisory Committee. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
Resolution approving the appointments of Priscilla Castillo-Amador as a Youth Member-At-Large for a term expiration of December 31, 2026, Ricardo Navarro as a Member-At-Large for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, and the reappointment of Karen Burch as a Dryden Women’s Golf Club Representative for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, on the City of Modesto Golf Courses Advisory Committee.
PRN; Valerie Garcia, 209-571-5576, [email protected] ACTION: (Zwahlen/Williams; 7/0) Resolution 2026-008 approving the appointments of Priscilla Castillo-Amador as a Youth Member-At-Large for a term expiration of December 31, 2026, Ricardo Navarro as a Member-At-Large for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, and the reappointment of Karen Burch as a Dryden Women’s Golf Club Representative for a term expiration of December 31, 2029, on the City of Modesto Golf Courses Advisory Committee.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Milt Trieweiler opposed outward expansion and urged the City to focus on higherdensity infill development within existing boundaries. He stated this approach would better use existing infrastructure and avoid repeating past planning outcomes. Martha Kelly, representing the Stanislaus Sustainable Communities Coalition, requested an extension of the public comment period, citing limited opportunities for participation during December and January. She stated that additional time would support compliance with state requirements to reduce pollution and improve civic engagement, particularly for communities most impacted by environmental health issues.
Edgar Garibay, speaking on behalf of Valley Improvement Projects and the Stanislaus Sustainable Communities Coalition, requested an extension of the public comment period for the General Plan land use scenarios. He raised concerns about outward growth and urged the City to prioritize reinvestment in existing neighborhoods, protect farmland, and support healthier and more equitable planning outcomes. Danielle Morgart, representing Assemblyman Juan Alanis, provided a legislative update noting the Legislature’s return to session. She highlighted two bills scheduled for hearings: AB 767, addressing the placement of sexually violent predators near schools and daycares, and AB 333, which updates recycling payment systems to reduce glass waste and support local recycling jobs.
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Lucas addressed several issues, including concerns about the effectiveness of the ZeroEyes system with existing city cameras and suggested piloting it at local schools.
He also proposed using noise-detection cameras to address vehicle noise pollution and asked for general information regarding the construction timeline at the Coffee and Sylvan intersection.
Carolyn Neumann encouraged residents to apply for the Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury, noting it is a one-year commitment beginning July 1 with an average time requirement of about 20 hours per month. She directed interested individuals to the Stanislaus County Superior Court website for application details and interviews. Sebastian Jones spoke about his long-standing advocacy related to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including renaming a park and proposing changes to how Dr. King is recognized on City facilities. He requested the City’s support in collaborating on statues honoring Dr. King and Cesar Chavez and exploring funding opportunities to advance those efforts.
Jerry Thompson provided an update on the lowrider police car project, noting it is being restored by Modesto Junior College automotive students, who will earn course credit while gaining hands-on experience. They also shared updates on renovations at the Graffiti Museum, including a new radio studio and upcoming activities during Graffiti Week.
Juan Telles thanked City staff for their public engagement efforts on the General Plan but expressed concern that the comment period during the holidays limited meaningful participation. He requested more time for community input and stated a preference for higher-density growth over outward sprawl, suggesting a hybrid approach to the proposed plans.
CONSENT ITEMS – ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED
ACTION CONSENT ITEMS: 8-20 (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0)
CONSENT
Consent
8. Consider approving the minutes for the December 9, 2025 Council Meeting. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Motion approving the minutes for the December 9, 2025 Council Meeting.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Motion approving the minutes for the December 9, 2025 Council Meeting.
Consent
9. Consider approving the Plans and Specifications for the 2026 Sport Court Lighting Project at Downey Community Park, East La Loma Park, and Roosevelt Park, - 6 -
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accepting the Bid and Awarding a Construction Contract to Bockmon & Woody Electric Co., Inc. of Stockton, CA, in the amount not to exceed $ 327,828. (Funding Source: Measure H)
Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the 2026 Sport Court Lighting Project, accepting the Bid and Awarding a Construction Contract to Bockmon & Woody Electric Co, of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $292,703, authorizing $35,125, for contingency (if needed), for a total payment amount not to exceed $327,828, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Non-Capital Improvement Program budget to fund Project #101672 (25-26 Park Maint – Measure H) and Project #101602 (24/25 Preventative Maintenance – Measure H) in an amount not to exceed $100,879, in transfers, revenue, and to budget expenditures to fund the project, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to implement the provisions of this resolution.
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Nathan Houx, 209-571-5526, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-009 approving the Plans and Specifications for the 2026 Sport Court Lighting Project, accepting the Bid and Awarding a Construction Contract to Bockmon & Woody Electric Co, of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $292,703, authorizing $35,125, for contingency (if needed), for a total payment amount not to exceed $327,828, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-010 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Non-Capital Improvement Program budget to fund Project #101672 (25-26 Park Maint – Measure H) and Project #101602 (24/25 Preventative Maintenance – Measure H) in an amount not to exceed $100,879, in transfers, revenue, and to budget expenditures to fund the project, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to implement the provisions of this resolution.
Consent
10. Consider approving a Second Amendment to the Agreement with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. for additional tasks related to Construction Documentation and Bidding and Construction Support for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Renovation Project, for a new total amount not to exceed $874,419. (Funding Source: Various Fund)
Resolution approving a Second Amendment to the Agreement with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. for additional tasks related to Construction Documentation and Bidding and Construction Support for the Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park Renovation Project, increasing the Agreement amount by $90,000 to a new total amount not to exceed $794,927, plus $79,492 in additional services, if needed, for a total amount not to exceed $874,419, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Amendment.
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Nathan Houx, 209-571-5526, [email protected] - 7 -
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ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-011 approving a Second Amendment to the Agreement with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. for additional tasks related to Construction Documentation and Bidding and Construction Support for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Renovation Project, increasing the Agreement amount by $90,000 to a new total amount not to exceed $794,927, plus $79,492 in additional services, if needed, for a total amount not to exceed $874,419, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Amendment.
Consent
11. Consider accepting the Downtown Signal Coordination G Street and H Street, CML 5059(261) Project as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $1,307,037 to Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC., of Alviso, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion. (Funding Source: Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality and Measure L Funds)
Resolution accepting Downtown Signal Coordination G Street and H Street, CML 5059(261) Project as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $1,307,037 to Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC., of Alviso, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion.
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Peter Kambel, 209-577-5444, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-012 accepting Downtown Signal Coordination G Street and H Street, CML 5059(261) Project as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $1,307,037 to Bear Electrical Solutions, LLC., of Alviso, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion.
Consent
12. Consider accepting the Paradise Road Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Project, ATPL-5059(233) as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $9,108,764 to George Reed, Inc. of Modesto, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion. (Funding Source: Active Transportation Program (ATP) and Local Measure L Funds)
Resolution accepting Paradise Road Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Project, ATPL-5059(233) as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $9,108,764 to George Reed, Inc. of Modesto, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion.
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Peter Kambel, 209-577-5444, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-013 accepting Paradise Road Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvements Project, ATPL-5059(233) as complete, releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $9,108,764 to George Reed, Inc. of Modesto, CA, and authorizing the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion.
Consent
13. Consider approving First Amendments with Bay City Electric Works of Livermore, CA, and PowerGen, Inc., of Tracy, CA for Generator Repair and Preventative - 8 -
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Maintenance Services increasing the combined Agreement amounts by $1,070,064. (Funding Source: Various Funds)
Resolution approving the First Amendments with Bay City Electric Works and PowerGen, Inc for Generator Repair and Preventative Maintenance Services increasing the combined Agreement amounts by $1,070,064 to a new total combined amount not to exceed $2,284,864 over five years for both agreements; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Amendments; and authorizing the Director of Finance or her designee to adjust agreement totals between vendors based on contractor’s availability and department’s needs, ensuring the combined total amount does not change.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Dianne Love, 209-571-5164, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-014 approving the First Amendments with Bay City Electric Works and PowerGen, Inc for Generator Repair and Preventative Maintenance Services increasing the combined Agreement amounts by $1,070,064 to a new total combined amount not to exceed $2,284,864 over five years for both agreements; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Amendments; and authorizing the Director of Finance or her designee to adjust agreement totals between vendors based on contractor’s availability and department’s needs, ensuring the combined total amount does not change.
Consent
14. Consider approving an Agreement with GovernmentJobs.com, Inc., El Segundo, CA, doing business as NEOGOV, for an electronic recruitment, performance management, onboard, learn platform, and eForms modules with Single Sign-on service for a total amount not to exceed $558,393 over three years. (Funding Source: Various Funds) Resolution approving the Sole Source Agreement with GovernmentJobs.com, Inc., El Segundo, CA, doing business as NEOGOV, for an electronic recruitment, performance management, onboard, learn platform and eForms modules with Single Sign-on service for a three-year agreement, for a total amount not to exceed $558,393 and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute this Agreement.
HUMAN RESOURCES; Christina Alger, 209-571-5126, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-015 approving the Sole Source Agreement with GovernmentJobs.com, Inc., El Segundo, CA, doing business as NEOGOV, for an electronic recruitment, performance management, onboard, learn platform and eForms modules with Single Sign-on service for a three-year agreement, for a total amount not to exceed $558,393 and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute this Agreement.
Consent
15. Consider an Agreement with York Orthopedic Recovery, Modesto, California, for Employee Wellness Program to provide athletic training, injury-prevention support, and therapeutic recovery services for a total amount not to exceed $390,453 over three years. (Funding Source: Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund) - 9 -
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Resolution approving an Agreement with York Orthopedic Recovery, Modesto, California, for Employee Wellness Program to provide athletic training, injuryprevention support, and therapeutic recovery services for a three year Agreement, for an estimated annual amount of $130,151, and a total amount not to exceed $390,453 over three years; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Agreement.
POLICE DEPARTMENT; Christopher Adams, 209-572-9500,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-016 approving an Agreement with York Orthopedic Recovery, Modesto, California, for Employee Wellness Program to provide athletic training, injury-prevention support, and therapeutic recovery services for a three year Agreement, for an estimated annual amount of $130,151, and a total amount not to exceed $390,453 over three years; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Agreement.
Consent
16. Consider approving a Purchasing Agreement with Adamson Police Products, Los Alamitos, CA, for Ballistic Vests for a total amount not to exceed $884,635 over five years. (Funding Source: General Fund, Measure H)
Resolution approving the Agreement with Adamson Police Products, of Los Alamitos, CA, a distributor for Safariland, LLC by utilizing the Competitive Bid Process with State of Colorado in collaboration with NASPO Value Point, for Ballistic Vests, for a two-year Agreement with three one-year extension options, for an annual estimated amount $176,927, and a total amount not to exceed $884,635 over five years; and authorizing the Director of Finance, or her designee to execute the Agreement.
POLICE DEPARTMENT; Jessica Nicholson, 209-572-9500,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-017 approving the Agreement with Adamson Police Products, of Los Alamitos, CA, a distributor for Safariland, LLC by utilizing the Competitive Bid Process with State of Colorado in collaboration with NASPO Value Point, for Ballistic Vests, for a two-year Agreement with three one-year extension options, for an annual estimated amount $176,927, and a total amount not to exceed $884,635 over five years; and authorizing the Director of Finance, or her designee to execute the Agreement.
Consent
17. Consider approving the Draft Groundwater Use Management Program and Draft Well Mitigation Plan as part of the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers Groundwater Basin Association Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s 2027 Groundwater Sustainability Plan Update. (Funding Source: Water Fund)
Resolution approving the Draft Groundwater Use and Management Program and Draft Well Mitigation Plan as part of the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers Groundwater Basin Association Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s 2027 - 10 -
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Groundwater Sustainability Plan Update.
UTILITIES; Timothy Barahona, 209-577-5485, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-018 approving the Draft Groundwater Use and Management Program and Draft Well Mitigation Plan as part of the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Rivers Groundwater Basin Association Groundwater Sustainability Agency’s 2027 Groundwater Sustainability Plan Update.
Consent
18. Consider approving an Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding with Stanislaus County for the South Modesto Area Strengthen and Replace Water Mains Project in an amount not to exceed $15,869,000 and rescinding Resolution No. 2024- 120. (Funding Source: Water Fund)
Resolution approving an Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding with Stanislaus County for the South Modesto Area Strengthen and Replace Water Mains Project, in an amount not to exceed $15,869,000, rescinding Resolution No. 2024-120, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget in the amount of $3,019,000 to be transferred into the Project from Water Fund Reserves to fund the South Modesto Area Strengthen and Replace Water Mains Project and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to implement the provisions of the Resolution.
UTILITIES; David Felix, 209-577-5488, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-019 approving an Amended and Restated Memorandum of Understanding with Stanislaus County for the South Modesto Area Strengthen and Replace Water Mains Project, in an amount not to exceed $15,869,000, rescinding Resolution No. 2024-120, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-020 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget in the amount of $3,019,000 to be transferred into the Project from Water Fund Reserves to fund the South Modesto Area Strengthen and Replace Water Mains Project and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to implement the provisions of the Resolution.
Consent
19. Consider approving the First Amendment with HB Restoration Inc., Rio Linda, CA, for the Painting of Water Wells and Tank Sites increasing the Agreement amount by $868,453 for a new total amount of $1,537,529. (Funding Source: Sewer Operations Funds)
Resolution approving the First Amendment with HB Restoration Inc., Rio Linda for the Painting of Water Wells and Tank Sites, increasing the Agreement amount by $868,453 for a new estimated annual amount of $326,000, and a new total amount of $1,537,529 through the term of the - 11 -
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agreement and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Amendment.
UTILITIES; Jeff Daniels, 209-577-6255, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-021 approving the First Amendment with HB Restoration Inc., Rio Linda for the Painting of Water Wells and Tank Sites, increasing the Agreement amount by $868,453 for a new estimated annual amount of $326,000, and a new total amount of $1,537,529 through the term of the agreement and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Amendment.
Consent
20. Consider approving a Second Amendment to the Agreement with West Yost Associates, Inc., of Sacramento, CA, for Design Services for Del Rio Replacement Well 271, increasing the Agreement amount by $395,900. (Funding Source: Water Fund)
Resolution approving a Second Amendment to the Agreement with West Yost Associates, Inc., of Sacramento, CA, for Design Services for Del Rio Replacement Well 271, increasing the Agreement amount by $395,900, for a new total amount not to exceed $1,294,290 and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Amendment.
Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget in the amount of $395,900 to be transferred into the Project from Water Fund Reserves to fund the Del Rio Replacement Well 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 2026-022 approving a Second Amendment to the Agreement with West Yost Associates, Inc., of Sacramento, CA, for Design Services for Del Rio Replacement Well 271, increasing the Agreement amount by $395,900, for a new total amount not to exceed $1,294,290 and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Amendment.
ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-023 amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget in the amount of $395,900 to be transferred into the Project from Water Fund Reserves to fund the Del Rio Replacement Well Project and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to implement the provisions of the Resolution.
COUNCIL COMMENTS & REPORTS
Councilmember Escutia-Braaton highlighted that this week is Human Trafficking Prevention Week and urged the community to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and treat all individuals with dignity and safety. She also recapped 2025 accomplishments in Modesto, including zero homicides, new affordable housing and - 12 -
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shelter projects, approval of a USL soccer stadium, and the finalization of the Strategic Plan, emphasizing continued focus on public safety, housing, and sustainable economic growth in 2026.
Vice-Mayor Williams wished everyone a Happy New Year and recognized recent local awards, including the Excellence in Public Safety award to Chief Gillespie and the American Legion Post 74 Citizen of the Year and Community Hero awards. He also highlighted upcoming Martin Luther King Day events, including a luncheon hosted by the King-Kennedy Board and a program at Christian Love Baptist Church. Councilmember Wright thanked the police department for their efforts in maintaining public safety and noted the city’s interest in high-density housing. He explained that the main challenge is attracting developers for affordable high-rise projects and highlighted upcoming projects, including a five-story apartment complex on Seventh Street.
Councilmember Ricci expressed concerns about Stanislaus Animal Services, citing ineffective programs, poor customer service, and budget issues, and urged community members to attend the strategic planning meeting on Thursday, January 15. He also highlighted excitement for the upcoming Modesto Roadsters baseball season and praised the Parks Department for ongoing lighting upgrades and upcoming projects at several local parks.
Councilmember Alvarez highlighted the City’s 2025 accomplishments, including a historic reduction in violent crime with zero homicides, infrastructure improvements funded through Measure L, and housing and homelessness initiatives. He emphasized the importance of continuing these efforts in 2026 with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a focus on outcomes that positively impact residents’ daily lives. Mayor Zwahlen recapped several community events from December and early January, including the Modesto Garden Club table viewing, a City Hall caroling event, the General Plan meeting at Harvest Hall, and the McHenry Mansion Candlelight Tour.
She highlighted the Modesto Roadsters baseball team announcement, community service at the Modesto Gospel Mission, the launch of Hope Works, and the ribboncutting for American Family Care Urgent Care, emphasizing that public engagement leads to meaningful action in the city.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS & REPORTS
None.
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
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This meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.
Attest:____________________________
Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk