City Council - Regular Meeting

The text in my email.

It having reached the hour of 05:30PM, I am calling the 01/13/2026 Modesto City Council meeting to order and ask the city clerk to

please call the roll. Mayor, before doing so, I would like to state for the record that council member Bavaro is attending virtually pursuant to government code section five four nine five three c under an ADA accommodation. Councilmember Scuthia Brayton? Here. Councilmember Alvarez? Here. Councilmember Ricky?

Here.

Councilmember Bavaro?

Beware of you.

Alright. We can we cannot hear you. Unmute. Okay. Is it okay to proceed without his ability to So we just

have to he does have

to confirm that, whether there's anybody there pursuant to the the technical whether there's anybody in the room.

Okay. Alright. That's right. So he was gonna try to call in, it looks like.

Scott, you're muted. Okay. Good. I'm unmuted.

Oh, okay.

You're you're you're good.

I'm good. Okay. Yes, mayor. I'm present. I'm participating virtually since I had soldier, shoulder surgery yesterday. For the record, I would like to disclose that the only person other than myself present at my location is my wife.

Thank you very much.

Vice mayor Williams?

Here.

Council member Wright? Here. And mayor Zwolland?

Here. Will everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance followed by the invocation from Mike Gunnarsson with City Ministry Network. I pledge allegiance to the

flag of The United States Of America

Thank you for this opportunity to pray. Heavenly father, I come to you tonight grateful for the city and the people who call Modesto home. I thank you for the responsibility you have entrusted to these council members, staff, and public servants to seek the good of the community, especially when the work is hard and the outcomes are not simple. Your word tells us that wisdom is a gift you delight to give. So tonight, I ask for wisdom that is clear headed, courageous, and compassionate. Grant discernment in decisions, patience in disagreement,

and humility in leadership. Where there is tension, bring understanding. Where there is weariness, bring strength.

Where there is division, plant seeds of peace. I pray especially for those in our city who feel unseen, the struggling family, the unhoused neighbor, the elderly resident, the young person searching for hope, may the choices made in this room tonight reflect a genuine concern for the flourishing of all. Lord, you taught that those who lead are called to serve. Shape our leadership by that truth. Guide every conversation, every vote, and every plan with integrity and love. I entrust this meeting, this city, and this year ahead to you. Amen. Amen.

Thank you. Does the city clerk have any announcements?

Yes, mayor. Just a reminder, public comment is three minutes, and there are speaker cards at the entrance of the chambers.

Alright. Do any of the council members have any conflicts of interest? I do not see any. Will the city attorney report out on closed session?

Yes, mayor. The council met in closed session today regarding two items for potential for existing litigation and one item related to property negotiations. No reportable action was taken.

Alright. Thank you. Next is item one, consider approving the appointment of Stephen Zagaris to the Citizens Salary Setting Commission to serve a partial unexpired term expiring on 12/31/2026. Does council have any questions of staff? Seeing none, I'll open this item up to the public.

Any members of the public that would like to come forward on this item? Seeing none, I'll close public comments. Any comments from council members? Seeing none, I have I need a motion for resolution appointing Steven Zagaris to serve a partial unexpired term with an expiration of 12/31/2026 to serve on the Citizens Salary Setting Commission. So

move. Second.

Motion by council member Wright, second by vice mayor Williams. And will the

clerk please call the roll? Council members Goodyear Brayton. Aye. Council member Alvarez. Aye. Council member Ricky. Aye. Council member Bavaro.

Aye.

Vice mayor Williams.

Aye.

Council member Wright.

Aye.

And mayors Welland.

Aye. Carries unanimously. Item two, consider approving the reappointment of Marshall Riddle with the term expiring 12/31/2029 and the appointment of Odell Toe with the term expiring 12/31/2029 to the city of Modesto board of zoning adjustment. Any questions from council? Any comments from the public? Seeing none, I'll close public comments. Any comments from council members? Alright. I, have two resolutions. Are we able to vote on those together?

City attorney Sanchez. Alright. A resolution reappointing Marshall Riddle to the city of Modesto Board of Zoning Adjustment with the term expiring 12/31/2029 and a resolution appointing Odell Toe to the city Modesto Board of Zoning adjustment with the term expiring 12/31/2029. Do you have a motion?

Motion. Second.

Motion by vice mayor Williams, second by council member Alvarez. Will the clerk please call the roll for item two?

Council member Scoutier Brayton. Aye. Council member Alvarez. Aye. Council member Ricky. Aye. Council member Bavaro. Aye. Vice mayor Williams. Aye. Council member Wright? Aye. And mayor Swalen?

Aye. Carries unanimously. Item three, consider approving the reappointment of Mark Farrisch to the city of Modesto Landmark Preservation Commission with a term expiring 12/31/2029. Does council have any questions regarding this item? Seeing none, I'll open it up to the public. No comments. I'll close public comments. Any comments from council members? Alright. I need a motion for resolution reappointing Mark Farris to the city of Modesto Landmark Preservation Commission with a term expiring 12/31/2029.

So

Motion by council member Alvarez. Second. Second by council member Ricky. And will the clerk please call the roll for this item?

Council member Scoutier Brayton. Aye. Council member Alvarez.

Aye.

Council member Ricky. Aye. Council member Bavaro. Aye. Vice mayor Williams. Aye. Council member Wright. Aye. And mayors Wallin.

Aye. Carries unanimously. Item four, consider the re approving the reappointment of Craig Lewis to the Stancock Measure L Citizens Oversight Committee to represent the city of Modesto for a three year term. Any questions from council members? Seeing none, I'll open this up to the public. I do not see any comments from the public. I'll close public comments. Comments from council members. Seeing none, I have a resolution approving the reappointment of Craig Lewis to the Stamcog Measure L Citizens Oversight Committee to represent the city of Modesto for a three year term. Do I have a motion?

So moved.

Moved by council member Wright. Second. Second. Seconded by council member Scudia Brayton. And will the clerk please call the roll?

Council member Scooby of Brayton. Aye. Council member Alvarez.

Aye.

Council member Ricky.

Aye.

Council member Bavaro. Aye. Vice mayor Williams. Aye. Council member Wright. Aye. And mayors well in.

Aye. Carries unanimously. Item five, consider approving the appointment of Carolyn Newman to the Measure L Citizens Transportation Sales Tax Commission for a four year term from 07/01/2025 to 06/30/2029. Any questions from council members? Seeing none, comments from the public.

I will close public comments. Comments from council members. Seeing none at this time, I have a resolution approving the appointment of Carolyn Newman to the Measure l Citizens Transportation Sales Tax Commission for a four year term from 07/01/2025 to 06/30/2029. Do I have a motion?

So moved.

Moved by council member Escutia Brayton, second by vice mayor Williams. Will the clerk please call the roll?

Council member Escutia Brayton. Aye. Council member Alvarez.

Aye.

Council member Ricky.

Aye.

Council member Bavaro. Aye. Vice mayor Williams. Aye. Council member Wright. Aye. And mayors Wellen.

Aye. Carries unanimously. Item six, consider approving the appointments of Shannon Stevens, Dominique Johnson, and Sandra Hilton Kepp for a term expiration of 12/31/2029 on the City of Modesto Culture Commission. Does council have any questions of staff? Seeing none, I'll open this up to the public. I do not see anyone. I'll close public comments. Any comments from council members? Seeing none, I have a resolution approving the appointment. Where am I?

Item six. Correct? Appointments of Shannon Stevens, Dominique Johnson, and Sandra Hilton Kepp for a term expiration of 12/31/2029 on the city of Modesto Culture Commission. Do I have a motion?

So move. Second.

Who made the motion? Motion by council member Wright, second by council member Alvarez. Will the clerk please call the roll for this item?

Council member Scothea Brayton? Aye. Council member Alvarez? Aye. Council member Ricky?

Aye.

Council member Bavaro?

Aye.

Vice mayor Williams. Aye. Council member Wright. Aye. And mayor Zwolland.

Aye. Carries unanimously. Item seven, consider approving the appointments of Priscilla Castilla Amador as a youth member at large for a term expiration of 12/31/2026. Ricardo Navarro as a member at large for a term expiration of 12/31/2029, and the reappointment of Karen Birch as a Dryden Women's Golf Club representative for a term expiration of 12/31/2029 on the City of Modesto Golf Courses Advisory Committee. Do I have any questions from council?

Seeing none, open this to the public. I do not see anyone. I'll close public comments. Comments from council members. Vice Mayor Williams.

Thank you, mayor. I'd like to thank all of those seven particular categories, those who chose to participate in our commissions and committees. Thank you very much.

Alright. I have a resolution approving the appointments of Priscilla Castillo Amador as a youth member at large for a term expiration of 12/31/2026. Ricardo Navarro as a member at large for term expiration of 12/31/2029, and the reappointment of Karen Birch as a Dryden Women's Club golf club representative for a term expiration of December 30 thirty first, excuse me, 2029 on the city of Modesto golf courses advisory committee. I will make the motion. Do I have a second? Second. Second from vice mayor Williams. And will the clerk please call the roll for this item?

Council member Scoutier Brayton. Aye. Council member Alvarez.

Aye.

Council member Ricky.

Aye.

Council member Bavaro. Aye. Vice mayor Williams.

Aye.

Council member Wright. Aye. And mayors Wallin.

Aye. Carries unanimously. Thank you very much. Alright. Next on the agenda is public comment. As noted on the agenda, public comment will only be in person. Zoom will still be available for viewing and wordly translation. Okay. Alright. Thank you all for being here tonight.

The city of Modesto council meetings are a place where everyone is encouraged to listen, share views, and participate in the decision making process that benefits our community. Your engagement is valuable and it helps our council and city staff collaborate on finding solutions that enhance the quality of life for the residents of Modesto. To be fair and equitable, every individual has the right to speak at this council meeting. However, it's imperative that we foster and maintain a respectful environment for the well-being and safety for everyone present at these proceedings. It is the mayor's responsibility to preserve strict order and decorum at all council meetings.

Pursuant to the charter of the city of Modesto, article six, the mayor, section six zero one, powers and duties of mayor, the mayor shall have authority to preserve order at all council meetings and to remove or cause the removal of any person from any meeting of the council for disorderly conduct to enforce the rules of the council and to determine the order of business under the rules of the council. Accordingly, the modest the city council meeting decorum rules are as follows. Please be respectful of all presenters, council members, staff, and members of the public. Please refrain from clapping other than following a presentation. All speakers are encouraged to state their name and city of residence.

All questions must be directed to the mayor. Please do not block the view of others by holding signs up during council meetings. Time limits for public comment is three minutes, but may be limited at the discretion of the mayor to manage the business of the council. Speaking over others or interrupting while others have the floor is not permitted. Cell phones should be turned off or shall be set to vibrate during meetings.

Thank you for your patience and participation as we work together to address the issues impacting the community. Maintaining order and decorum during the city council meeting is crucial to the effective governance of Modesto and ensuring the council's decisions are reflective of the community's priorities. Anyone disrupting the council meeting may be asked to leave. Does anyone wish to speak on any item under public comment? This is for items not on the council agenda, and you have three minutes to speak.

Anyone wishing to address the city council is asked to follow the rules of decorum, and they are posted at the entrance of the chambers. So I will read the the blue cards as I receive them. The first is Milt Treeweiler.

Good evening, mayor, council staff, community members. Milt Treeweiler. I'm a lifetime Stanislaus County resident. We must all be thoughtful and open minded when making decisions that have a direct impact on our children and descendants. With this in mind, how could anyone wanna destroy the best farmland on earth with unnecessary development?

We must all be very conscious of weighing all the good and bad effects that long range decisions will produce. We may think that we have good plans, but we must test these plans to find out if they're facts and if their facts are reality. In 1995, when the general plan was updated and presented, it was the solution for all of Modesto's problems. It was presented as a plan that would make Modesto a great community. Today, we see the results of that plan.

Modesto has become a disaster. We must grow up on the infill and blighted areas where there are already city services available for this growth. We can build large numbers of high rise luxury condominiums and high rise luxury apartments and also affordable apartments in other parts of the city. This will preserve Modesto's current footprint. The city could then utilize the current water, sewer, and storm drain infrastructure.

The city can also use the current police and fire service protection by increasing the size of the stations. This can be done without increasing the taxes and the utility rates on the current and future residents of Modesto. It's hard to believe that anyone would think that proposing three plans that are the very same as the plan that was proposed in 1995 will improve the city of Modesto in any way. The results of the presented plans will actually make Modesto worse than it is today. The answer to the problem of Modesto is not sprawl, but it is growing up with six, eight, or more stories of high rise luxury condos, high rise luxury apartment units, and also affordable apartments in other parts of the city.

We do not have the time and the resources to make the same mistake spakes same mistakes over and over again at the expense of higher taxes and utility rates for the residents of Modesto. Mayor and council, you can make a you can make Modesto a showcase for the nation by growing up and not sprawling sprawling outward. Mayor and council, I urge you to go back to the drawing board and develop a plan for growing up and not out. Let's truly make Modesto a great city this time. We don't get this chance over and over again.

This is a time to do it right, not what you did, not another complete repeat of nineteen ninety nine, ninety five. Thank you.

You're welcome. Next is Martha Kelly. Martha Armas Kelly. I'm gonna just ask you to stop for just one moment. I'm not seeing Okay.

All right. Could we give her time to begin again? Because the English translation did not come up immediately. So do you mind? No, no problem.

No problem. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Alright.

Next is Edgar Carabe.

Good evening, mayor, city council. My name is Edgar Garibay, and I work with Valley Improvement Projects. I'm also the I'm also speaking on behalf of the Stanisl Sustainable Communities Coalition in relation to the general plan land use scenarios. As we know, it this is a plan that helps to shape and how we move around in the city, and also it affects our quality of life for generations to come. We're requesting that the city extend the public comment period beyond January 15 that was expressed that was sorry, that was provided for this particular, portion of the general plan.

The current timeline does not allow enough time as I think has been previously mentioned for residents, especially those that are impacted by pollution and land use decisions to meaningfully engage and share their perspectives. We want to specifically also raise concerns about the alternative competitive regional opportunity, which emphasizes outward growth, sprawling development patterns often leading to longer commutes, increased vehicle dependence, worsening air quality, higher public service costs, and the loss of prime agricultural farmland. These impacts affect everyday life from the air our children breathe to the time families spend commuting and the resources available in the existing neighborhoods. Under senate bill 1,000, planning for healthy communities, the city of Modesto has the responsibility to reduce pollution exposure, support meaningful civic engagement, and prioritize improvements in community that in communities that have for communities that have been historically left behind, specifically those that face the greatest environmental burdens. Land use choices that continue business as usual sprawl risk sprawl risk moving the city further away from these goals.

We ask and urge the city to extend the public comment period, provide additional opportunities for community input, and reconsider the land use scenarios that promote sprawl. The general plan should prioritize reinvestments in existing neighborhoods, protecting prime farmland, and supporting healthier, more equitable outcomes for all of Modesto residents. We urge the city to take the time needed to ensure that this plan truly reflects community priorities. Thank you very much.

You're welcome. Next is Danielle Morkart.

Good evening, mayor, vice mayor, and council members, and happy new year. My name is Danielle Morgart. I'm from the office of assemblyman Juan Alanis to provide a legislative update. As you may know, last week, the legislature did return to session for the year. For this month, two of assemblyman Alanis' bills that didn't make it out of the respective committees from last year are now scheduled. We have a b seven six seven, which keeps sexually violent predators away from schools and day cares and will be heard in public safety committee. And the second one is AB three thirty three. This fixes how recycling payments work so glass containers don't end up in landfills and create incentives for local recycling jobs instead. It will be heard in the natural resources committee. As always, if you have any questions, concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. Thank you.

You're welcome. Next is Lucas.

Hello, mayor, council, and public. I have a few issues that I wanted to address today, and I would like you guys to take in better consideration. So as you may know, my first one off is Zero Eyes. I thought Zero Eyes would be a very good tool for us, but I actually talked to a city of Modesto police officer about this program. And unfortunately, they had some bad says about this because it didn't work with our cameras that we have existing at the moment.

So I thought, well, what if we took in a better consideration and trying it on high schools and elementary schools and see how things play out and go from there. Second issue is, as you may know, Modesto is home to a lot of classic cars, but also noisy cars. So and to help up to better address noise pollution in the city, I would like you guys to take into consideration a new piece of technology that I've seen. It's called a noise camera. What that is, it's basically like a red light camera.

But instead of a red light sensor, it uses noise sensors instead. And what that does is it helps mitigate noise pollution on our roads. And then another thing is I know there's construction on Coffey And Sylvan. Right? Coffey And Sylvan? Right. Yeah. And I would like what the chief said we should be done in April. Am I right? With all the construction?

I can't personally clarify that for you, but go ahead. Proceed. So

what I'm trying to find out is, if we're done in April, how long is usually one intersection using up? How much time?

Okay. This isn't a question and answer. It's our time to hear

Well, from I'm just trying to get answers. Okay.

Thank you. You feel free to reach

out. Okay.

All right. Next is Carolyn Newman.

Hello. My name's Carolyn Newman, and I'm here tonight, in addition to being appointed. Thank you all very much. I was on the Stanislaus County civil grand jury for 2425, and it is that time of year where we are recruiting for next year's panel. It starts July 1.

It's a one year commitment, but it comes out to about twenty hours a month, more if you're ambitious. And the recruitment, you can go to the Stanislaus County, Superior Court website and look at the details. You know, you'll have to do an interview. If you like, getting to understand how your government works, I promise you will very quickly. And, if you if you like learning about rules and systems, it's a great place to be and a great place to make friends and, you know, really be a part of your community in a special way. Thank you.

You're welcome. Thank you. I will mention also to Lucas also, you if Scotty could give you a card, I think that staff up here, Lucas would be able to more appropriately answer your questions.

Thank you, Mayor.

You're very welcome. Next is Sebastian Jones. And I have a comment. Feel free to come up to the podium. Mister Jones, before you start speaking, it is my understanding that you have requested an accommodation. We are sorry to learn that you are having difficulties communicating with us. Accordingly, after going through the accommodation process with the city as required by law, you will be provided five minutes for your public comment. Welcome.

Thank you, mayor.

Mhmm.

And all the city council, we made it through '26. And all the people that's in here, it's lovely when you can see your fellow people that you know. Well, mayor, I don't waste too many time. Mister Jones is trying to clear the air. You know, working on doctor Martin Luther King, I don't think there's nobody in this town has worked hard as I have.

I have over two or 3,000 signatures. I went across I think her name is Dolores Huata. She signed my petition in 2018. She said it was about time. And what she was saying is is putting doctor King alone on the building and changing the park.

And as you know, I worked hard to get that park changed. A lot of people didn't like it. I don't know why. But I'm still here. And what I'm offering here to the city council, and it's just too right if we all look at that doctor King. He stands alone. He doesn't share his name. I was looking on the web. Now they got the that other group. Now they call they self the Martin Luther King collaborative.

Then we got Robert Kennedy. He's got three names on that building. It's obvious. See, I was fortunate to meet the old timers, the community activists. I'm the second oldest on the King Kennedy board of director.

Many years, over twenty years, and I'm still standing. Listen. I'm asking you guys to whatever y'all got against mister Jones, if it's true, let's remove it. Y'all know how I talk, you know. But you also know when I'm in the public, I welcome you guys with love because I always figure, what's in the people house, stay in the people house, and all you guys sitting there thinking, you know what he has?

He comes and hug and shake hands. He don't discuss nothing else. But I need the county, the city, the statue that I've been fighting for dearly for a Cesar Chavez statue. Everybody know how they messed up his statue and ran a truck or whatever and left the head dangling. But I would like for you guys to come work with me.

Cut it all out. Listen. I'm 64, and y'all know I'm not gonna give in. My wife didn't vote cancer three times, and she tell me, go on down there. I told her, baby, I really don't wanna come down there. But I'm asking you guys, let's work and get this statue for two icon people, Cesar Chavez and doctor Martin Luther King. Most of you seen the statue that I want. I raised $3,000, but I know I need to raise more. But I need your help. I'm a soldier.

I'm not gonna give in. You know, you guys had your whatever ceremony. It it kinda hit me a little bit that I wouldn't invite it, but it's okay. We brought $8,500,000 to you. We had a schedule five years.

That part wasn't gonna come up until 2027. We got it done in 2022 on my birthday, June 18. That's a good thing. But please, in God's name, if you have a heart and understand, doctor King stands alone. It is so embarrassed to put a man name, his last name on a building.

All I've been talking about is over 20 I don't know. Eighteen years. Eighteen. Let's move, and we can get money Grants are set aside for doctor King. We'll get a new building. I thank you. Please, let's show some love and some compassion.

Okay. Thank you.

Mira, thank you. Mhmm. And I pray for all. Pray for me too. Thank you. Mhmm.

Alright. Is there anyone else would like to speak under public comment for items that are not on the agenda? I do not have any other blue cards at this time.

Happy New Year, mayor, city council. Hope everybody had a really nice holidays. I'd like to give an update on the Lowrider police car. It is currently at MJC over in the automotive department. Head instructor, Jeff Bebe, will be instructing the students, which will start in March the March, and they're gonna convert the car back to its original black and white color instead of it being all white.

And they're gonna do a little extra bling to the paint. So it's gonna be nice to see it once it's done and looking forward to, seeing how the kids interact and learn something new and get a new exposure to what it's like and get a little taste of what it's like to go to an actual college, because they are gonna earn units while they're working on this project. And then they're gonna be required to do home study on their weekends like you would be required going to college. So it's gonna be, I think, a positive outcome for these students. They're gonna get a taste of what it's like and hopefully, it'll motivate them to continue on at MJC if they can't afford to go to a four year college or a university.

So, this is something that we're really looking forward to. And then also, don't know if anybody has been down at the graffiti museum lately, but, I was there through the holidays and I noticed the renovation they've done. They're putting in an actual, which is probably almost done, an actual radio station studio inside the facility along with a record store. So it's kind of cool. It's going to be some nostalgia.

They're going to have live broadcasting from there during the time of graffiti week, which I understand is coming up in March for the people that want to participate for open attendance. So, lot of things are going on and I'm looking forward to this year and hope the year continues to be prosperous for everybody in a positive way and everybody stays safe. So, looking forward to 2026. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else wishing to come forward to speak under public comment at this time?

Juan Thales, Westminster resident. I just wanted to share real quickly. You know, I wanted to give thanks for city staff. They did great in terms of public engagement around the general plan. Although I do think that having it during December and having the thirty day comment period during holiday time is not effective in terms of public engagement and really being transparent and allowing citizens to give their input.

Know as someone who works with community members and tries to engage them, tries to give them more awareness of what's going on, learning about our general plan and the impact it could have on a community and then deciding what their thoughts on it is a big undertaking. And as a community organizer I would have liked more time. Starting that process in December, mid December and you're thinking October folks, it's hard enough to get organized around professionals to get to meetings and decide on big things. Right? Community members need more time and I just don't think that we've given folks adequate time to learn about our general plan and also give their their feedback.

And then I do have some concerns with some of the plan. I do I do wanna see us grow up and not out. I'm really against sprawl And so I would like to see probably a hybrid of some of the plans come together. But thank you. Appreciate you for your time.

You're welcome. Alright. Anyone else at this time? All right. Seeing no one else. Next on the agenda is consent items. An item may be removed from consent and discussed at the request of a member of the public or council member. Is there anyone on the council that would like a consent item removed for further discussion? I do not see anyone. Is there anyone in the public that would like an item removed from consent for further discussion or comment? Alright, seeing none, will the city clerk please read the consent items.

Item eight, consider approving the minutes for the 12/09/2025 council meeting. Item nine, consider approving the plans and specs for the 2026 sport lighting project at Downey Community Park, East Loloma Park, and Roosevelt Park, accepting the bid and awarding a construction contract to Wachman and Woody Electric Company Incorporated out of Stockton, California, and the amount not to exceed $327,828. Item 10, consider approving a second amendment to the agreement with Calendar Associates Landscape Architecture Incorporated for additional tasks related to construction documentation and bidding and construction support for the Doctor. Martin Luther King Junior Park renovation project for a new total amount not to exceed $874,419. Item 11, consider accepting the downtown signal coordination G Street and H Street CML 5059261 project as complete.

Releasing securities releasing payments totaling $1,307,037 to Bear Electric Solutions LLC of Elviso, California, and authorizing the city clerk to file a notice of completion. Item 12, consider accepting the Paradise Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvement Project, ATPL five zero five nine two three three as complete. Releasing securities, releasing payments totaling $9,108,764 to George Reed Incorporated of Modesto and authorizing the city clerk to file a notice of completion. Item 13, consider approving the first amendments with Bay City Electric Works of Liverpool, California and PowerGen Incorporated of Tracy for generator repair and preventative maintenance service increasing the combined agreement amount by $1,070,064. Item 14, consider approving an agreement with governmentjobs.com Incorporated, El Segundo, California doing business as NeoGov for an electric recruitment performance management onboarding onboard learn platform and e forms modules with single sign on service for a total amount not to exceed $558,393 over three years.

Item 15, consider 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 total amount not to exceed $390,453 over three years. Item 16, consider approving a purchase agreement with Adamson Police Products Los Alamitos, California for ballistic vests for a total amount not to exceed $884,635 over five years. Item 17, consider approving the draft ground water use management program and draft well mitigation plan as part of the San Jose and Tuolumne Rivers Groundwater Basin Association Groundwater Sustainability Agencies 2027 Groundwater Sustainability Plan Update. Item 18, consider approving an amended and restated memorandum of understanding with Santa Claus County for the South Modesto area, strengthen and replace water mains project in the amount not to exceed $15,869,000 and rescinding Resolution twenty twenty four-one 120. Item 19, consider approving the First Amendment with HB Restorations Incorporated, Rio Hondo, California, 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.

And item 20, consider approving a second amendment to the agreement with West Hills Incorporated of Sacramento, California for design services for Del Rio replacement well February, increasing the agreement amount by $395,900.

Alright. I have no. Alright. May I have a motion to approve the consent calendar?

So move. Second.

A motion by council member Wright, second by council member Alvarez. Is that correct? Alright. Will the clerk please call the

roll? Council member Scoutia Breiten. Aye. Council member Alvarez.

Aye.

Council member Ricky.

Aye.

Council member Bavaro.

Aye.

Vice mayor Williams. Aye. Council member Wright. Aye. And mayor Zwolland.

Aye. Carries unanimously. Next on the agenda is council comments and reports. Council member Escudia Brayton.

Thank you, mayor. I'm surprised this wasn't mentioned by a business or an organization from the community. But this week is the prevention of human trafficking week. This is a subject that is hard to hear and often not spoken, but it is a subject that many people in this community, including myself, actively work to educate, to inform, and to just bring attention to the prevention of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a real thing, and it's happening here.

Human trafficking can be sex trafficking, it can be labor trafficking, it can be organ trafficking. And believe it or not, it happens in plain sight, and it's happening in Central Valley, and it's happening in our community. It affects children, it affects women, and it affects men. Awareness of this issue is the first step in ensuring that it is addressed and prevented. Tonight, I would like to ask the city council and our community to renew our commitment and vigilance and compassion as well just to ensure that all individuals are treated with respect and every person deserves dignity, they deserve freedom, they deserve safety and hope.

And it begins with us. If for any reason you have any suspicion of anyone involved in human trafficking of any kind, I encourage you to contact Modesto Police Department at their nonemergency phone number. Or feel free to speak to me if you have any questions in that regard. Also, mentioned before, I want to wish everyone a happy New Year's. I'm also very excited for 2026.

I'm looking forward to it very, very much. I wanna do take a moment to recognize the many accomplishments we did have collectively as a city in 2025. They really made a difference to our entire community. In the area of public safety, we achieved something very remarkable as many of you might have heard already with zero homicides and reduced crime. This is an amazing accomplishment, and I wish to thank Modesto's police department, both their men and women in law enforcement, for their dedication and service in making this happen.

Thank you very, very much. We also made an important stride in housing and neighborhood revitalization. We approved the 7th Street Village affordable housing project, multilevel infill housing, as well as we partnered with many others in our community with opening Dignity Village and opening Jenny's house. This brought a hope and stability to many individuals who were unhoused and now on a path for a dignified shelter and home. And in strengthening our economic future, we approved the site for our USL soccer stadium.

Yay. We also welcome Pioneer League as well as our new Roadster baseball team. Very exciting. And again, all these accomplishments are just not benefiting our community today, right now, but for generations to come. Additionally, the Modesto strategic plan was finalized and will guide growth, jobs and opportunities for years to come. As we look forward to 2026, our focus remains clear, including but not limited to public safety, affordable housing and sustainable economic growth. This will continue to be guided by transparency, collaboration, and service. Thank you all very much, and have a wonderful, blessed New Year. That's it. Thank you.

Vice Mayor Williams?

Go ahead. He's going first. Okay. Alright. Happy New Year to everyone, and thank you councilwoman Scudia Brayton for that update.

It was great to be reminded of the things that city of Modesto has done. Just on the last week, Thursday, at the Sunrise Rotary, they gave an excellence in public safety award, and it went to our very own chief of police, Brandon Gillespie. So we are thankful that you were able to receive that. However, you were taking care of other things in Monterey as, of course, you weren't on vacation. You were at a at a function for the police department with all of your other colleagues throughout the state, which was a very important place for you to be, but I wanted to congratulate you here at our city council meeting.

Also, for just the other day, Saturday, was the American Legion Post seventy four awards dinner, and citizen of the year went to missus Anne Inslee. I don't know why I have have drawn a blank there. Anne Inslee received the citizen of the year. And one of our very own colleagues, former colleagues of city city council member Brad Hahn received the Community Hero Award and there were about a couple 100 people there to be there in his their opportunity to receive that along with two of my colleagues, one being council member Nick Bavaro and then also council member David Wright. So this coming weekend, most of you already know, and up to Monday is MLK, Martin Luther King Day, which is on Monday.

But this coming Saturday, the King Kennedy board of directors are having a luncheon from one to three at the senior center. There is a donation cost to that. You can get more of that information online. Also, on Monday at the Christian Love Baptist Church is their thirty eighth annual event that they that takes place there. That's 202 8th H Street, 202 H Street.

They will be having an MLK event as well on Monday, which is the day of the Martin Luther King Day. Other than that, madam president, I think I'm at a Kiwanis meeting or something or a rotary.

Oh, I thought you meant president of The United States.

No. I said, madam. Mayor, thank you. That concludes what I have to say at this moment.

Alright. Council member Wright.

Thank you, mayor. I wanna also thank our police department and the work that they do in order to make this a very safe city. As it's been mentioned, our crime is down. No homicides last year, and hopefully, there'll be no homicides this year. And everything that our department does, my hats off to you.

Also, the gentleman spoke about housing going upwards. The city is very interested in housing upwards. The issue is that there's no contractors or developers that wanna do that. And the reason for it's not affordable. So any developers that wanna come to Modesto to do high rise for for housing, we are open to that.

We are working with our grants to do affordable housing. We have a five the five story apartment complex that will be going in on 7th Street. I think groundbreaking is next week on that and some other projects. So this city welcomes any developer that would like to do a high rise of affordable living or marketplace. And that's it for me, mayor.

Thank you. Council member Ricky.

Thanks, mayor. The issues with Stanislaus Animal Services are glaringly obvious. They don't have an effective spay and neuter program. They don't have a vaccination program. They don't have a TNR program. Their customer service is atrocious. They don't answer the phones, and good luck getting any kind of appointment with them. They spend two thirds of their budget on salaries. Stanislaus Animal Services is just broken and everybody knows it. And now they're doing a strategic planning meeting this Thursday, the fifteenth. It's an all day thing. It starts at 09:00. And the kicker is they don't have any public comment until 12:40PM. So it's critical that you come to this meeting. It's bad enough that they do these meetings when people work.

It's worse that they push public comment to the end, especially when they could do public comment at the beginning and the end. I don't know why we don't do these meetings on an evening or weekend. But regardless, the outcome of this meeting is absolutely critical. The way strategic plans work is once they're set, there's really no change in them. So if improving animal service is a priority for you, please try to find a way to be at the meeting in series at the community center by no later than 12:30PM on Thursday.

Also, really looking forward to baseball returning to Modesto with our new team, the Roadsters. Opening day is going to be May 19, and what a day that's gonna be for our city. It's gonna be a tough ticket to get. I know I'm working on getting mine right now. But you can go to modestoroadsters.com, check it out.

You can get on the ticket list and they will contact you when they go on sale. And finally, I just want to give some props to our parks department for their tireless work upgrading the lighting systems at our parks, including Davis and Greseda. And I'm really excited about the upcoming projects at Downey La Loma and Roosevelt Parks. Making our parks more usable, especially at times when a lot of people are off work, It's a really fantastic way to make Modesto better, and I appreciate it. Thank you, mayor.

Councilmember Alvarez.

Thank you, mayor. I wanna, take a moment to also acknowledge as my council, colleague, Rosa Scouti Brain, acknowledged some accomplishments we had in 2025. I want to first start by basically picking up where Rosa left off without being redundant. But in 2025, our community made meaningful progress in public safety, including a significant reduction in violent crime, zero homicides in 2025 historic, haven't seen that in about four decades. That's not accidental however, it reflects a coordination between city leadership, first responders and residents who care deeply about this community and with intention.

The city has also advanced important infrastructure investments from street and ADA improvements funded through Measure L to continue planning for improvement in transit and mobility. These projects may not always grab headlines, but they directly affect the quality of life in our neighborhoods and they are executed by the quiet victories that happen every day by city staff. I also want to recognize the city's efforts around housing and homelessness, including temporary and permanent supportive housing initiatives and workforce programs that aim to move people towards stability and self sufficiency. And I want to also encourage my council colleagues to continue building on these successes in 2026 with transparency, fiscal discipline and responsibility, and a focus on outcomes residents can actually feel every day. So I want to thank my council colleagues for a memorable 2025.

And I also want to thank each of us for your service and for the work we continue to do on behalf of the city of Modesto. Thank you.

You're welcome. Thank you. I have a brief report that seems like a long time ago because some of the events happened in December. But they tie into what has been mentioned today, I believe. I did attend the Modesto Garden Club table viewing.

And we were invited by someone from the president of the Modesto Garden Club that came to this podium and invited us. And some of us responded and did attend. We had a caroling event within City Hall, which is always fun and brings some cheer to the building with staff. It's a great event. And I did see one of our public members here that was in the hall that day when we were doing that, and I think that he witnessed firsthand that enthusiasm.

I attended the first general plan community meeting that was at Harvest Hall in Cornucopia off of Crow's Landing, and it was very engaging. Many people attended that were really interested in our general plan, and that was on December 16. The McHenry Mansion candlelight tour is phenomenal. It's much more than just a holiday event. It had meaning.

It was historical. It was about twenty minutes, but so impressive. And everyone there was singing Jessica Flores' praise from our Parks and Recreation Department. It's something that is is really great to participate in. The Modesto Roadsters had a press release.

Their first general manager was named, Michael Nice. He was there, is excited about being in Modesto, and looking forward to the baseball season. But and one reason I bring this up is that this illustrates again that we took care of a situation. We knew baseball was leaving, but the very next day, we had the Pioneer League starting with now the Modesto Roadsters. And that is a result of the people that came to this meeting and spoke and made their opinions very clear, and we listened and made it work.

Christmas at the Mission, I served food to those at the Modesto Gospel Mission. This is another example of a partnership with people that came to these meetings and spoke about downtown streets teams and how important they were to our community. When they left, we launched Hope Works. And they started just this week with their with the first, cohort. So this is another example of, as the other council members have mentioned, that we do listen to public comment.

We hear it, and we take action. And it is a result of people being interested and engaged in our community. Today, I attended with vice mayor Williams a ribbon cutting for American Family Care Urgent Care, which will provide health care services to residents of Modesto. It was on an honor to be there to represent our city. So that is it for public comment. Council member Bavaro, do you have any comments at this time?

No. I don't.

Alright. Thank you very much. Does the city manager have any comments and reports? Not at this time. Are there any matters too late for the agenda? Seeing none, I am calling this meeting of the city council to be adjourned.