- 1 -
3/3/2026 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, March 03, 2026 at 5:30 PM
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: Mike Gunnarson, City Ministry Network
City Clerk’s Announcements: Item 13 will be continued to the March 10, 2026 City Council Meeting.
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest: None.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation by Stanislaus Council of Governments regarding 2026 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
CITY MANAGER; Joseph Lopez, 209-577-5223, [email protected] ACTION: Michael Schmitt presented the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.
- 2 -
3/3/2026 5:30:00 PM
2. Proclamation declaring March 2026 as National Women's History Month. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
CITY COUNCIL; Breanna Griffin, 209-577-5421, [email protected] ACTION: Mayor Zwahlen presented the proclamation declaring March 2026 as National Women's History Month.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Milt Trieweiler, a lifelong Stanislaus County resident, emphasized the responsibility of public officials to make rational, forward-looking decisions that protect Modesto’s unique farmland and natural resources for future generations. He urged the City to reject the 2050 sprawl proposals and instead pursue high-density infill development using existing infrastructure to accommodate growth sustainably without increasing taxes or repeating past planning failures.
Terhesa Gamboa announced an upcoming Woodland West neighborhood watch meeting to discuss community issues, including growth, and invited the public to attend. She supports preserving the rich agricultural soil in Wood Colony, stating that further development should be avoided to protect this unique resource. Pedro Meza stated that he traveled to Modesto to inform City representatives that a Save Mart contractor replaced a long-standing unionized janitorial workforce with a non-union cleaning company. He explains that this change resulted in the loss of union representation, health benefits, and wages, and he asks City officials to encourage the company to restore those employment conditions.
Jesus Barrios stated that he traveled from Concord to Modesto to reiterate concerns about Save Mart contractors replacing a unionized janitorial workforce with a nonunion company after decades of service. He explains that this change resulted in reduced wages, limited benefits, and loss of job protections, and he asks local officials to coordinate with other cities and counties to address the situation affecting him and his coworkers.
Mark Sharwood, a vice president of SEIU United Service Workers West, explained that the union represents janitors who have cleaned local supermarkets for decades and raises concerns about recent contractor changes affecting those workers. He asks the City Council to consider actions to address the issue, noting that comparable stores such as Safeway maintain union contracts and benefits, and that Save Mart, which is based in Modesto, could do the same.
Lydia and Lincoln Bertram introduced themselves as members of the Institute for Cultural Communicators, which teaches public speaking. They stated that they are attending the City Council meeting as part of an assignment for their group and thanked the City Council for the opportunity to come and observe the meeting. - 3 -
3/3/2026 5:30:00 PM
Alex Garcia, a political organizer for SEIU United Service Workers West, addressed the City Council regarding Save Mart Supermarkets. He explained that the company replaced a long-standing union janitorial contract with a non-union contractor, resulting in reduced wages and loss of health benefits, and asked the Council to encourage Save Mart to return to a union contractor that honors the previous collective bargaining agreement.
Jerry Thompson, stated that he reviewed the questionnaire at the StanCOG table outside the Chambers and found it informative and educational. He noted that it focuses on building within the City rather than urban sprawl, suggesting adaptive reuse of existing buildings for housing and mixed-use development, and recommended others review the questionnaire and its options.
CONSENT ITEMS – ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED
ACTION CONSENT ITEMS: 3-12 (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0)
CONSENT
Consent
3. Consider approving the Minutes for the February 24, 2026 Council Meeting. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Motion approving the Minutes for the February 24, 2026 Council Meeting.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion approving the Minutes for the February 24, 2026 Council Meeting.
Consent
4. Consider approving the updated City Council District Map to include annexed territory known as Founders Point East to District 5 pursuant to California Election Code Section 21625(a). (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Resolution approving the updated City Council District Map to include annexed territory known as Founders Point East to District 5 pursuant to California Election Code Section 21625(a).
CITY ATTORNEY; Jose Sanchez, 209-577-5284, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2026-055 approving the updated City Council District Map to include annexed territory known as Founders Point East to District 5 pursuant to California Election Code Section 21625(a).
Consent
5. Consider directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Dry Creek Meadows Subdivisions Nos. 1-6). (Funding Source: Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 1)
Resolution directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 - 4 -
3/3/2026 5:30:00 PM
Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Dry Creek Meadows Subdivisions Nos. 1-6) and designating the City Engineer as the Engineer of Work.
CED; Sean Rando, 209-577-5211, [email protected]
ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2026-056 directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Dry Creek Meadows Subdivisions Nos. 1-6) and designating the City Engineer as the Engineer of Work.
Consent
6. Consider directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2 (Dry Creek Meadows Subdivisions Nos. 7-10, Creekwood Meadows Subdivision and Yosemite Meadows Subdivisions Units 1 and 2). (Funding Source: Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2)
Resolution directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2 (Dry Creek Meadows Subdivisions Nos. 7-10, Creekwood Meadows Subdivision and Yosemite Meadows Subdivisions Units 1 and 2) and designating the City Engineer as the Engineer of Work.
CED; Sean Rando, 209-577-5211, [email protected]
ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2026-057 directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. 2 (Dry Creek Meadows Subdivisions Nos. 7-10, Creekwood Meadows Subdivision and Yosemite Meadows Subdivisions Units 1 and 2) and designating the City Engineer as the Engineer of Work.
Consent
7. Consider directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Shackelford Landscape and Lighting District. (Funding Source: Shackelford Landscape and Lighting District)
Resolution directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Shackelford Landscape and Lighting District and designating the City Engineer as the Engineer of Work.
CED; Sean Rando, 209-577-5211, [email protected]
ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2026-058 directing staff to prepare and file the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Engineer’s Annual Report for City of Modesto Shackelford Landscape and Lighting District and designating the City Engineer as the Engineer of Work.
Consent
8. Consider accepting the Monthly Investment Report for November 2025. (Funding - 5 -
3/3/2026 5:30:00 PM
Source: Various Funds)
Motion accepting the Monthly Investment Report for November 2025.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Calogero Maniscalco, 209-577-5219,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion accepting the Monthly Investment Report for November 2025.
Consent
9. Consider accepting an Informational Report for the December 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) Motion accepting an Informational Report for the December 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Maria Garnica, 209-577-5249,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion accepting an Informational Report for the December 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report.
Consent
10. Consider accepting an Informational Report on the November and December 2025 Grant Applications and Awards. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) Motion accepting an Informational Report for November and December 2025, Grant Applications and Awards.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Maria Garnica, 209-577-5249,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Motion accepting an Informational Report for November and December 2025, Grant Applications and Awards.
Consent
11. Consider approving the Community/Special Event and Program Grants providing $2,500 in in-kind support and $5,000 in grant funding and authorizing $5,000 in inkind support and $10,000 in financial funding support through the City’s cosponsorship program, for events and programs planned in the second half of Fiscal Year 2025-2026. (Funding Source: General Fund)
Resolution approving Community/Special Event and Program Grants providing $2,500 in in-kind support and $5,000 in grant funding for eligible events and authorizing $5,000 in in-kind support and $10,000 in financial funding support through the City’s co-sponsorship program during the second half of Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
PRN; Jeremy Rogers, 209-577-5347, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2026-059 approving Community/Special Event and Program Grants providing $2,500 in in-kind support and $5,000 in grant funding for eligible events and authorizing $5,000 in in-kind - 6 -
3/3/2026 5:30:00 PM
support and $10,000 in financial funding support through the City’s co-sponsorship program during the second half of Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
Consent
12. Consider approving the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Modesto (City) and Stanislaus County (County) for the provision of rock well maintenance services at Charles M. Sharp Park, 1812 Torrid Avenue, Modesto, CA. (Funding Source: Storm Drain Fund)
Resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Modesto and Stanislaus County for the provision of rock well maintenance services at Charles M. Sharp Park, located at 1812 Torrid Avenue, Modesto, CA, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
UTILITIES; Jeff Daniels, 209-577-6255, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Escutia-Braaton; 7/0) Resolution 2026-060 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Modesto and Stanislaus County for the provision of rock well maintenance services at Charles M. Sharp Park, located at 1812 Torrid Avenue, Modesto, CA, and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
COUNCIL COMMENTS & REPORTS
Vice Mayor Williams announced an upcoming Women’s Month celebration on the 26th at the DoubleTree Hotel, highlighting women in construction, including Mrs.
Carol, who has operated a women-owned business for over 60 years. He also acknowledges his wife in honor of the occasion.
Councilmember Ricci addressed several local issues, noting traffic safety concerns at the Carpenter and Briggsmore intersection, and urging adjustments to improve safety.
He also addressed the reductions in janitorial contracts at Save Mart that affect wages, benefits, and pensions. He also called for regulations to address safety concerns with bike takeovers and increasing e-bike use on trails.
Councilmember Bavaro addressed three topics: a recent tour of the Real-Time Crime Center with District Four residents, safety concerns related to e-bikes on trails, and the impact of reduced wages and lost benefits for local employees. He noted that when employers cut benefits, costs may shift to public programs, and he emphasized the importance of providing living wages and benefits to prevent financial hardship and homelessness among workers.
Councilmember Alvarez noted that the City has limited authority over private companies like Save Mart, but emphasized that the company’s decision to reduce wages and benefits impacts workers, the local economy, and public resources. He also highlighted ongoing local projects, including the Seventh Street Village mixed-use affordable housing development and the Dryden Park Golf Course Clubhouse - 7 -
3/3/2026 5:30:00 PM
renovation, and concluded with condolences for the passing of veteran and community advocate Basilio Basel Jr.
Councilmember Wright praised the police department for reducing crime and highlighted the recent installation of red-light cameras to improve intersection safety.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that new housing is paired with quality local jobs and affordable transportation to support the community and reduce commuting.
Councilmember Escutia-Braaton announced that she would be in Sacramento the following day participating in Valley Voice, meeting with Assembly members and Senators from eight Central Valley counties. She stated that the delegation would address issues including air quality, safety, mobility, transit funding, and passenger rail, aiming to secure resources and funding to benefit Modesto and the broader Central Valley.
Mayor Zwahlen reported on the third annual Black History Month celebration hosted by the Cesar Chavez Community Celebration Committee and attended the Larry Dean Crom End of Watch Memorial flag-raising honoring fallen police officers. She also addressed traffic safety measures, noting recent changes to intersections, emphasizing enforcement to prevent crashes, and acknowledging the work of law enforcement and firefighters in responding to incidents.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS & REPORTS
None.
HEARINGS
Published in the Modesto Bee on February 11, 2026. - Item requested to be continued to the March 10, 2026 Council meeting.
13. Hearing to consider an application to rezone 1.35 acres at 3213 Coffee Road, west of Thorsen Avenue, from Professional Office (P-O) Zone to Medium Density Residential (R-2) Zone. (Funding Source: Application Fees)
Motion to continue item to March 10, 2026.
CED; Katharine Martin, 209-577-5267, [email protected] ACTION: (Ricci/Wright; 7/0) Motion to continue item to March 10, 2026.
NEW BUSINESS
14. Consider accepting the Enterprise Risk Assessment Report dated January 5, 2026. (Funding Source: General Fund)
Motion accepting the Enterprise Risk Assessment Report.
CITY AUDITOR; Colleen Rozillis, 206-302-6795, [email protected] - 8 -
3/3/2026 5:30:00 PM
ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 7/0) Motion accepting the Enterprise Risk Assessment Report.
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Attest:____________________________
Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk