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4/28/2026 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, April 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Special City Council – Closed Session Meeting 4:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Alvarez (Arrived at 4:33 p.m.), Bavaro, Ricci, Williams, Wright, Mayor Zwahlen
Absent: Councilmember Escutia-Braaton
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest: Item 2 – Williams recused due to a property related conflict of interest
Regular City Council Meeting 5:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Present: Councilmembers Alvarez, Bavaro, Escutia-Braaton, Ricci, Williams, Wright, Mayor Zwahlen
Absent: Councilmember Escutia-Braaton
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Invocation: Bill Kenoyer, Redeemer Church
City Clerk’s Announcements: Written public comment was received and forwarded to Council
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest: None
Reports from Closed Session: No reportable action
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation declaring May 2026 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
CITY COUNCIL; Breanna Griffin, 209-577-5421, [email protected] ACTION: Mayor Zwahlen presented proclamation declaring May 2026 as National Mental Health Awareness Month.
MISCELLANEOUS
2. Consider accepting the resignation of Ricardo Ortiz from the Entertainment Commission. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
• Resolution accepting the resignation of Ricardo Ortiz from the Entertainment Commission.
CED; Amber Abruzzo, 209-577-5244, [email protected] ACTION: (Williams/Wright; 6/0) Resolution 2026-118 accepting the resignation of Ricardo Ortiz from the Entertainment Commission.
3. Consider accepting the resignation of Brad Hawn from the Community Police Review Board. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
Staff Recommendation:
• Resolution accepting the resignation of Brad Hawn from the Community Police Review Board.
CITY MANAGER; Scotty Douglass, 209-577-9149, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Alvarez; 6/0) Resolution 2026-119 accepting the resignation of Brad Hawn from the Community Police Review Board.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
• Rhonda Allen emphasized the importance of the Tuolumne River and surrounding natural systems in supporting water quality, flood control, and environmental health in Modesto. She urged the City to balance development with environmental protection through measures like low-impact development, habitat restoration, and preservation of oak woodlands.
• Garrard Marsh addressed the Council about the lack of affordable housing in Modesto, noting that current developments are priced beyond what most residents can afford based on median income levels. He encouraged the City to support higher-density housing options, such as apartments and condos, and to proactively pursue strategies to increase affordable housing availability.
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• Sarah Boyle introduced herself as the new Director of Government and Public Affairs for the Building Industry Association of the Greater Valley. She stated she will represent the region, including Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties, and looks forward to working with the Council.
• Danielle Morgart, representing Assemblyman Juan Alanis’ office, provided an update on several bills that recently passed Assembly committees, including measures related to controlled substance disposal, disabled veteran license plates, impaired driving detection, and hit-and-run accountability. She offered the office as a resource for any questions or concerns.
• Guneet Bella, a Modesto High School student, spoke about her work leading a youth initiative focused on mental health awareness and wellness. She highlighted challenges students face in accessing resources and asked the City to consider supporting or collaborating with youth-led efforts to expand outreach and accessibility.
CONSENT ITEMS – ROLL CALL VOTE REQUIRED
ACTION CONSENT ITEMS: 4-13 (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0)
CONSENT
Consent
4. Consider approving the Minutes for the April 7, 2026 Council Meeting. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
• Motion approving the Minutes for the April 7, 2026 Council Meeting.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Motion approving the Minutes for the April 7, 2026 Council Meeting.
Consent
5. Consider approving the sale of 1,875 square feet of surplus exempt property identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 017-012-012 located at Grimes Ave. Modesto, CA. in the amount of $7,500, and the sale of 880 square feet of surplus exempt property identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 072-040-001 located at 917 Carolyn Dr. Turlock, CA. in the amount of $4,500. (Funding Source: Water Fund)
• Resolution approving the sale of 1,875 square feet of surplus exempt property identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 017-012-012, located at Grimes Ave.
Modesto, CA in the amount of $7,500 to Jannah Trust 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 the sale of 880 square feet of surplus exempt property identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 072-040-001 located at 917 Carolyn Dr.
Turlock, CA. in the amount of $4,500 to Richard Anthony Rodriguez & Norma Patricia Reyes Rodriguez and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to - 4 -
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execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement and all related documents required to complete the transaction.
CITY MANAGER; Scotty Douglass, 209-571-5571, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Resolution 2026-120 approving the sale of 1,875 square feet of surplus exempt property identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 017- 012-012, located at Grimes Ave. Modesto, CA in the amount of $7,500 to Jannah Trust 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/Bavaro; 6/0) Resolution 2026-121 approving the sale of 880 square feet of surplus exempt property identified as Assessor’s Parcel Number 072- 040-001 located at 917 Carolyn Dr. Turlock, CA. in the amount of $4,500 to Richard Anthony Rodriguez & Norma Patricia Reyes Rodriguez and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement and all related documents required to complete the transaction.
Consent
6. Consider approving an Agreement with Turning Point Community Programs providing short-term rental assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness in the amount not to exceed $1,341,040. (Funding Source: Encampment Resolution Funding) • Resolution approving an Agreement with Turning Point Community Programs providing short-term rental assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness in the amount not to exceed $1,341,040 and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
CED; Meggan Clifford, 209-577-5311, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Resolution 2026-122 approving an Agreement with Turning Point Community Programs providing short-term rental assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness in the amount not to exceed $1,341,040 and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
Consent
7. Consider accepting the Monthly Investment Report for January 2026. (Funding Source:
Various Funds)
• Motion accepting the Monthly Investment Report for January 2026.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Calogero Maniscalco, 209-577-5219,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Motion accepting the Monthly Investment Report for January 2026.
Consent
8. Consider accepting an Informational Report for the February 2026 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) • Motion accepting an Informational Report for the February 2026 Accounts - 5 -
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Payable Payment Register and Void Report.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Maria Garnica, 209-577-5249,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Motion accepting an Informational Report for the February 2026 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report.
Consent
9. Consider accepting an Informational Report on the January and February 2026 Grant Applications and Awards. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) • Motion accepting an Informational Report for January and February 2026 Grant Applications and Awards.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Maria Garnica, 209-577-5249,
[email protected]
ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Motion accepting an Informational Report for January and February 2026 Grant Applications and Awards.
Consent
10. Consider approving the purchase for a Trailer Mounted Portable Stage to Century Industries, LLC, Sellersburg, IN for a total amount not to exceed $275,303. (Funding Source: Measure H)
• Resolution approving the Competitive Bidding Process from HGAC Buy to Century Industries, Sellersburg, IN for the purchase of one Trailer Mounted Portable Stage for an amount not to exceed $255,136 including $20,167 in taxes and fees to be paid directly to the State; and authorizing the Director of Finance, or her designee, to issue the Purchase Order; and execute any Change Orders not to exceed 15% of the total purchase price.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT; Dianne Love, 209-571-5164, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Resolution 2026-123 approving the Competitive Bidding Process from HGAC Buy to Century Industries, Sellersburg, IN for the purchase of one Trailer Mounted Portable Stage for an amount not to exceed $255,136 including $20,167 in taxes and fees to be paid directly to the State; and authorizing the Director of Finance, or her designee, to issue the Purchase Order; and execute any Change Orders not to exceed 15% of the total purchase price.
Consent
11. Consider rescinding Resolution 2026-76 to rectify a clerical error between the Resolution and Lease Amendment with Beard Land Improvement Company of Modesto, CA for the Lease of the Modesto Fire Department Administration Building located at 409 12th Street, Modesto, CA, extending the term of the agreement to March 31, 2029, increasing the agreement amount by $490,716 to a new estimated total amount not to exceed $1,196,790. (Funding Source: Not Applicable) • Resolution rescinding Resolution 2026-76 to rectify a clerical error between the Resolution and Lease Amendment with Beard Land Improvement Company of - 6 -
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Modesto, Ca for the Lease of the Modesto Fire Department Administration Building located at 409 12th Street, Modesto, Ca, extending the term of the agreement to March 31, 2029, increasing the agreement amount by $490,716 to a new estimated total amount not to exceed $1,196,790 and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Amendment.
FIRE DEPARTMENT; Shanon Evans, 209-572-9590, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Resolution 2026-124 rescinding Resolution 2026- 76 to rectify a clerical error between the Resolution and Lease Amendment with Beard Land Improvement Company of Modesto, Ca for the Lease of the Modesto Fire Department Administration Building located at 409 12th Street, Modesto, Ca, extending the term of the agreement to March 31, 2029, increasing the agreement amount by $490,716 to a new estimated total amount not to exceed $1,196,790 and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee to execute the Amendment.
Consent
12. Consider approving an Agreement for General Liability Third-Party Administration (TPA) to George Hills Company, Rancho Cordova, CA, for a total amount not to exceed $2,511,800 over five years. (Funding Source: General Liability Fund) • Resolution approving the Award of Proposal and Agreement for General Liability Third-Party Administration to George Hills Company, Rancho Cordova, CA, for a two year agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $502,360 and a total not-to-exceed $2,511,800 over five years; and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the Agreement.
HUMAN RESOURCES; Christina Alger, 209-571-5126, [email protected] ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Resolution 2026-125 approving the Award of Proposal and Agreement for General Liability Third-Party Administration to George Hills Company, Rancho Cordova, CA, for a two year agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $502,360 and a total not-toexceed $2,511,800 over five years; and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the Agreement.
Consent
13. Consider approving an Agreement for the Transport of Non-Hazardous Wastewater Debris to Disposal Site Services with Bertolotti Modesto Disposal, Inc., Modesto, CA, for a total amount not to exceed $158,946 over five years. (Funding Source: Sewer Operations Fund)
• Resolution approving the Award of Bid and Agreement for the transport of Non-Hazardous Wastewater Debris to Disposal Site Services to Bertolotti Modesto Disposal Inc., Modesto, CA, for a two-year Agreement with three oneyear extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $29,645, for a total amount not to exceed $158,950, over five years and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
UTILITIES; Jeff Daniels, 209-577-6255, [email protected] - 7 -
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ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Resolution 2026-126 approving the Award of Bid and Agreement for the transport of Non-Hazardous Wastewater Debris to Disposal Site Services to Bertolotti Modesto Disposal Inc., Modesto, CA, for a two-year Agreement with three one-year extension options, for an estimated annual amount of $29,645, for a total amount not to exceed $158,950, over five years and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Agreement.
COUNCIL COMMENTS & REPORTS
• Vice-Mayor Williams shared a personal note, wishing his twin sons a happy 38th birthday and expressing his love for them.
• Mayor Zwahlen shared updates including the appointment of the new Fire Chief, Shannon Evans, and noted recent community involvement, including her State of the City address and a visit to a local third-grade class. She also acknowledged the Fire Department’s recent response to a personal emergency and expressed appreciation for their professionalism.
• Councilmember Ricci expressed support for the Modesto Roadsters, highlighting their investment in the stadium, a naming rights agreement generating revenue for the city, and plans to open a local office and create jobs. He described the partnership as a positive development for Modesto.
• Councilmember Alvarez highlighted recent and upcoming community events in District 2, including a Kids Day (Día del Niño) celebration supported by Save Mart that provided toys and activities for families. He also announced the upcoming Cinco de Mayo parade on Crows Landing Road and noted strong community participation in these events.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS & REPORTS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
14. Consider accepting the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission 2026 Recommendations for the Mayor and Councilmembers’ salaries and setting a public hearing for the May 12, 2026 Council meeting to consider an Ordinance amending the salaries pursuant to Modesto Charter Section 703. (Funding Source: General Fund) • Motion accepting the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission 2026 Recommendations for the Mayor and Councilmembers’ salaries. • Motion setting a Public Hearing for the May 12, 2026 Council Meeting and directing the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the salaries for the Mayor and Council Members pursuant to Charter Section 703.
CITY CLERK; Diane Nayares-Perez, 209-577-5396, [email protected] - 8 -
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ACTION: (Wright/Bavaro; 6/0) Motion accepting the Citizens’ Salary Setting Commission 2026 Recommendations for the Mayor and Councilmembers’ salaries.
ACTION: (Alvarez/Williams; 6/0) Motion setting a Public Hearing for the May 12, 2026 Council Meeting and directing the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance amending the salaries for the Mayor and Council Members pursuant to Charter Section 703.
15. Consider selecting a preferred Land Use Alternative for the Comprehensive General Plan Update. (Funding Source: Not Applicable)
• Motion to select the preferred Land Use Alternative as presented by staff for the Comprehensive General Plan Update, in order to evaluate all of the environmental impacts, potential mitigation measures and any alternatives.
CED; Michael Hren, 209-577-5267, [email protected]
Recessed 7:03 p.m.
Reconvened 7:10 p.m.
Recessed 8:31 p.m.
Reconvened 8:36 p.m.
ACTION: (Bavaro/Alvarez; 5/1; Ricci No) Motion to select the preferred Land Use Alternative as presented by staff for the Comprehensive General Plan Update, with the additional properties as identified, in order to evaluate all of the environmental impacts, potential mitigation measures and any alternatives,
MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA
None.
ADJOURNMENT
This meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
Attest:____________________________
Diane Nayares-Perez, City Clerk