4/7/2026 - City of Modesto Council Meeting

The City of Modesto Council held a meeting on April 7, 2026, which included several proclamations recognizing Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, Donate Life Month, National Volunteer Month, Emergency Dispatcher Week, and Earth Day. The council approved multiple consent items including budget adjustments, contract awards, and capital improvement projects such as signal coordination and restroom replacement. Notably, the council approved a contract with St. Francis Electric LLC for $2,716,890 for a traffic safety project and agreements for fire prevention plan check services, HVAC maintenance, pest control, elevator maintenance, and an asset management gap analysis totaling several hundred thousand dollars. A significant discussion and vote occurred on a fifth amendment to a legal services agreement with Swingle, Van Edgeman, and Heitinger, increasing the contract by $250,000 for tort case representation, and a third amendment with Meyers Nave for litigation support, also increasing by $250,000. The council voted 6-1 to approve these amendments. Public comments included concerns about the city defending an anti-mask ordinance in a lawsuit with the ACLU, with many urging repeal to avoid costly litigation. The council also heard extensive public input and approved several land use and subdivision map amendments related to residential development in the Tivoli specific plan area, including conditions for street improvements and fencing. The meeting reflected active community engagement on public safety, development, and fiscal responsibility issues.