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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 27, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Special City Council – Closed Session Meeting 3:45 p.m.
Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Alvarez (Arrived 3:47 p.m.), Bavaro, EscutiaBraaton, 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: Joel Boone, Big Valley Grace Church
City Clerk’s Announcements: None
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest: None
Reports from Closed Session: Item 1 - No Reportable Action. Item 2 & Item 3 - The Mayor reported that the City Council completed closed-session annual evaluations of the City Auditor and City Attorney. The majority of the Council found the City Auditor continues to perform positively and provide essential services, and they look forward to future audit reports. The Council unanimously concluded the City Attorney remains an invaluable asset to the City of Modesto and expressed appreciation and confidence in continued success. - 2 -
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation declaring February 2026 as National Black History Month. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
CITY COUNCIL; Breanna Griffin, 209-577-5421, [email protected] ACTION: Mayor Zwahlen presented proclamation declaring February 2026 as National Black History Month.
2. Proclamation declaring February 2026 as National Cancer Prevention Month. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
CITY COUNCIL; Breanna Griffin, 209-577-5421, [email protected] ACTION: Mayor Zwahlen presented proclamation declaring February 2026 as National Cancer Prevention Month.
MISCELLANEOUS
3. Consider approving the appointment of Rajmeet Grewal as the Planning Commission Representative to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) for 2026, with a term expiration of December 31, 2026. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) Staff Recommendation:
Resolution appointing Rajmeet Grewal to the Board of Zoning Adjustment as a Planning Commission Representative for 2026, with a term expiration of December 31, 2026.
CED; Michael Hren, 209-577-5267, [email protected]
ACTION: (Bavaro/Williams; 7/0) Resolution 2026-024 appointing Rajmeet Grewal to the Board of Zoning Adjustment as a Planning Commission Representative for 2026, with a term expiration of December 31, 2026.
4. Consider approving the appointment of Cecil Russell as the Planning Commission Representative to the Citizens Housing and Community Development Committee for 2026, with a term expiration of December 31, 2026. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) Staff Recommendation:
Resolution appointing Cecil Russell to the Citizen’s Housing and Community Development Committee as a Planning Commission Representative for 2026, with a term expiration of December 31, 2026.
CED; Michael Hren, 209-577-5267, [email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 5/2; Alvarez, Ricci Noes) Resolution 2026-025 appointing Cecil Russell to the Citizen’s Housing and Community Development Committee as a Planning Commission Representative for 2026, with a term expiration of December 31, 2026.
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5. Consider approving the appointment of Michelle Patino to the Blight Abatement Advisory Committee for a four-year term with an expiration date of December 31, 2029. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
Resolution approving the appointment of Michelle Patino to the Blight Abatement Advisory Committee for a four-year term with an expiration date of December 31, 2029.
PUBLIC WORKS; John Chavez, 209-577-5453, [email protected] ACTION: (Alvarez/Ricci; 7/0) Resolution 2026-026 approving the appointment of Michelle Patino to the Blight Abatement Advisory Committee for a four-year term with an expiration date of December 31, 2029.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Charles R. Evins II, a past Master of Silver Square Lodge 66 in Modesto, addressed the Mayor and City Council to request that the Prince Hall–affiliated Grand Lodge of California be given the opportunity to lay the cornerstone in ancient form at the new King Kennedy Center.
Derek Castle praised the City of Modesto’s Bridge Housing program but noted limited progress due to reliance on donated land. He urged the City to improve the program by increasing community awareness, convening local leaders to identify sites, considering the use of City-owned land, and allowing staff to lease or purchase property so the program can better serve the unhoused population.
Juan Rosales of District Council 16 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades addressed the approved contract amendment for HB Restoration, citing the company’s history of wage theft judgments, OSHA safety violations, and the lack of competitive bidding as the contract expanded to over $1.5 million. He urged the Council to suspend further payments, audit the vendor’s labor and safety compliance, and strengthen oversight to ensure fiscal accountability, worker protection, and responsible use of public funds.
TJ Gardner II, a certified coatings inspector and application specialist, expressed concerns about expanding the HB Restoration contract to additional wastewater and potable water facilities. He emphasized the need for contractors with proven qualifications and experience in highly sensitive and corrosive environments, noting past observations that raised questions about HB Restoration’s ability to meet specialized coating standards and protect critical City assets. Nathan Alonzo of Pacific Gas and Electric provided an update announcing residential rate reductions, including a 3–5% decrease for gas customers, reflecting PG&E’s affordability efforts. He also noted ongoing coordination with the City of Modesto to align infrastructure work and expressed interest in returning later in the year to share further company and local project updates.
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Sebastian Jones urged the City Council to display Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s full name, stating it is a long-standing issue of respect and recognition, especially ahead of Black History Month. He also advocated for statues honoring Dr. King and Cesar Chavez, seeking the City’s permission and partnership to make them a reality, and emphasized his years of dedication to these efforts.
Michael Masuda introduced himself to the Council as a candidate for California’s 5th Congressional District, sharing his background in the region and public service. He emphasized the need to address affordability, housing, healthcare, and national division, and stated his commitment to locally driven solutions and working with Modesto leaders to bring federal resources back to the community. Kevin McClarty alerted the Council to a misaligned “no left turn” sign at the J Street, Downey, and McHenry intersection, noting it has been pointing the wrong direction for months and could unfairly confuse drivers. He urged the City to notify the state, which oversees the highway, and suggested that any tickets issued due to the unclear signage should be dismissed.
Emmanuel, owner of HB Restoration, introduced himself and his company, explaining its history since 2013 and experience completing painting and restoration projects for cities, districts, and school systems across California. He emphasized his long-standing workforce, commitment to paying employees, addressing issues when they arise, and encouraged the City to review the company’s references and past work.
CONSENT ITEMS – ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED
ACTION CONSENT ITEMS: 6-7, 9-11 (Williams/Alvarez; 7/0)
CONSENT
Consent
6. Consider approving the Minutes for the January 13, 2026 Council Meeting. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Motion approving the Minutes for the January 13, 2026 Council Meeting.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Alvarez; 7/0) Motion approving the Minutes for the January 13, 2026 Council Meeting.
Consent
7. Consider approving an Agreement for Executive Team and Management Engagement Services to The Table Group doing business as (dba) Neil Sullivan LLC, Concord, California, for a total amount not to exceed $909,500 over five years. (Funding Source:
Various Funds)
Resolution approving the Agreement for Executive Team and Management Engagement Services to The Table Group doing business as (dba) Neil Sullivan - 5 -
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LLC, Concord, California, for a two-year agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $181,900, and a total amount not to exceed $909,500 over five years and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
CITY MANAGER; Scotty Douglass, 209-577-9149, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-027 approving the Agreement for Executive Team and Management Engagement Services to The Table Group doing business as (dba) Neil Sullivan LLC, Concord, California, for a two-year agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $181,900, and a total amount not to exceed $909,500 over five years and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
Removed from Consent
8. Consider approving the Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Park Security Lighting Project at Muncy Park, Riverside Park and Sutter Park, accepting the Bid and Awarding a Construction Contract to Bockmon & Woody Electric Co., Inc. of Stockton, CA, in the amount not to exceed $601,108. (Funding Source: Measure H) Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Park Security Lighting Project, accepting the Bid and Awarding a Construction Contract to Bockmon & Woody Electric Co, of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $536,703, authorizing $64,404, for contingency (if needed), for a total payment amount not to exceed $601,107, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
ENGINEERING SERVICES; Nathan Houx, 209-571-5526, [email protected] ACTION: (Escutia-Braaton/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-028 approving the Plans and Specifications for the 2025 Park Security Lighting Project, accepting the Bid and Awarding a Construction Contract to Bockmon & Woody Electric Co, of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $536,703, authorizing $64,404, for contingency (if needed), for a total payment amount not to exceed $601,107, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
Consent
9. Consider accepting an Informational Report for the November 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) Motion accepting an Informational Report for the November 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Maria Garnica, 209-577-5249,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Williams/Alvarez; 7/0) Motion accepting an Informational Report for the November 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report.
Consent
10. Consider approving the purchase for eight Harley-Davidson Road Glide Motorcycles - 6 -
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for the Modesto Police Department (MPD) for a total amount not to exceed $300,889. (Funding Source: Fleet Replacement Fund and State Grant) Resolution approving the Award of Bid for the purchase of eight 2026 HarleyDavidson Road Glide Motorcycles to Ray Mitchell, Inc. dba Mitchell’s Harley Davidson, Modesto, CA for a total amount not to exceed $300,889; 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: (Williams/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-029 approving the Award of Bid for the purchase of eight 2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Motorcycles to Ray Mitchell, Inc. dba Mitchell’s Harley Davidson, Modesto, CA for a total amount not to exceed $300,889; 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
11. Consider approving an Agreement for Vector Airport System’s PlanePass with Virtower to provide billing and collection services for the Airport’s established landing fees for an amount not to exceed $100,000 over five years. (Funding Source: Airport Fund)
Resolution approving the Sole Source Agreement with Vector Airport Systems, LLC – PlanePass with Virtower, Herndon, VA for Professional Services for a three-year Agreement with two one-year extension options, for an estimated annual service fee of 22% from the collected landing fees, and an amount not to exceed $100,000 over five years; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
PUBLIC WORKS; Marisol Navarro, 209-577-5319, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Alvarez; 7/0) Resolution 2026-030 approving the Sole Source Agreement with Vector Airport Systems, LLC – PlanePass with Virtower, Herndon, VA for Professional Services for a three-year Agreement with two one-year extension options, for an estimated annual service fee of 22% from the collected landing fees, and an amount not to exceed $100,000 over five years; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
COUNCIL COMMENTS & REPORTS
Councilmember Ricci highlighted three updates: the launch of the Hope Work Street Team, which provides employment opportunities for the homeless; ongoing reforms at Stanislaus Animal Services, inviting the public to a February 2nd meeting to continue improving shelter operations; and a Modesto Police Department crackdown on four smoke shops involved in illegal gambling, expired food sales, and tobacco violations, resulting in arrests, fines, and seized cash.
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Vice-Mayor Williams praised the newly redone Scenic Road near the cemetery, acknowledged receiving the MLK Community Service Award alongside Councilmember Alvarez, and shared his participation in a California League of Cities conference in Sacramento. He highlighted joining the Housing Policy Committee to explore state-supported solutions for Modesto’s housing challenges. Mayor Zwahlen highlighted recent community events: the groundbreaking of the $400 million Sutter Health Advanced Cancer Center, offering centralized cancer care; the Gallo Center for the Arts’ 2026 State of the Center event, celebrating its international recognition; and the First Tee program’s three-hole golf course groundbreaking, supporting youth leadership and mentorship through golf.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS & REPORTS
None.
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Attest:____________________________
Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk