- 1 -
1/20/2026 8:30:00 AM
MODESTO CITY COUNCIL
www.modestogov.com
MINUTES
City of Modesto
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City Council Workshop Regarding Team Building,
Strategic Plan Goals and Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 26/27 Arbor Room, Modesto Centre Plaza,
1001 K Street
Modesto, California
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Alvarez, Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Ricci, Williams, Wright, Mayor Zwahlen
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Dean Richardson encouraged continued investment in the Forestry Division to support Modesto’s Tree City USA designation and City beautification goals. He also urged the City Council to advance improvements to the Tuolumne River Regional Park and approve related budget recommendations.
Tom Myers advocated for allocating Measure H and other funds to improve the Tuolumne River Regional Park, citing an approved five-year plan and long-standing funding needs. He emphasized that continued upgrades would increase accessibility, awareness, and recreational use, helping connect surrounding neighborhoods and strengthen the park’s role as a City asset.
Mohamed Rashid raised a safety concern regarding uneven sidewalks in downtown Modesto, specifically near 11th and I Street, after experiencing a fall. Hilary Moak encouraged the City Council to invest in the Tuolumne River Regional Park as a way to support neighborhood pride, downtown revitalization, and economic development goals. She highlighted the park’s ecological value, recreational - 2 -
1/20/2026 8:30:00 AM
opportunities, and potential to serve as a regional destination supported by Measure H funding.
Milt Trierweiler urged the City Council to make long-term, responsible land-use decisions that protect agricultural land and natural resources for future generations.
They opposed proposed sprawl and recommended focusing growth on infill and redevelopment within existing urban areas rather than expanding outward. Chris Guptill described extensive volunteer involvement and advisory work supporting the Tuolumne River Regional Park and emphasized that volunteer efforts have reached their limits. They urged the City Council to support proposed investments to improve access, parking, and maintenance, noting that data and community input support making the park a true regional destination.
Juan Telles urged investment in the Tuolumne River Regional Park due to its connection to underserved neighborhoods. He also recommended expanding citywide tree canopy goals, particularly in West and South Modesto, to improve climate resilience, air quality, and public health.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Break Recess 9:34 A.M. Resumed 9:45 A.M.
Break Recess 10:08 A.M. Resumed 10:16 A.M.
Lunch Recess 11:32 A.M. Resumed 12:03 P.M.
1. City Council Workshop Regarding Team Building, Strategic Plan Goals and Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 26/27. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) City Council Workshop Regarding Team Building, Strategic Plan Goals and Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 26/27.
CITY COUNCIL; Sue Zwahlen, 209-571-5597, [email protected] ACTION: No reportable action.
Vice Mayor Williams recused during the Soccer Stadium discussion, leaving at 9:45 am and returning at 10:32 am.
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting adjourned at 12:29 P.M.
Attest: ____________________________
Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk