[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6585995,"mediaKeyId","5566374-0bc9b014e1c4196c4af5e75099d19da3","parentId",5566374,"title","Council approves several appointments, ordinances and contracts; summary of votes","audioSeconds",8842,"startMs",2968000,"endMs",11810000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566374-0bc9b014e1c4196c4af5e75099d19da3&start=2968&end=11810","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566374-0bc9b014e1c4196c4af5e75099d19da3/thumbnail_2968000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6585995/Modesto-City/Stanislaus-County/California/Council-approves-several-appointments-ordinances-and-contracts-summary-of-votes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585995-96f837bb36d4a3cf3f6d40163e54e808/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434553&Signature=N20zbTiHoSg5HwjAdse0FxHFNyZTPcFzAlZ4iSp5GzGLB2yRLgif91W2zDjvKowyDSvMh5WAOtq7UaEB~89-VPz7Gic35-XOLDBwjL2D3OIHjxoL7PentCpWvizuDCyDMiqyYXOqxxqMRbRFbfNWiZCVbkwo7eja6NrpmgC~UJLEP0noP3bM3E2zYWn5y4jtxAPj12GVUCnMqBFnNRXTTc5kEx0k7MjdBh4CVVc6L3LAqGPOlKXfMiKUmVn9s1jcWcKzywKsLNq8hz2x3efHJ0NVmPU6USxdT4d3XtanE0VoUjYz6rLb60O8XQm3fvGlDldKhP2alws3VMR19XeLOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Modesto","date","2025-08-13T04:34:39.193Z","article","The Modesto City Council took multiple formal actions during the meeting, including appointments to advisory bodies, final adoption of an ordinance governing smoke shops, contract awards for citywide fire‑extinguisher services, authorization of a passport acceptance program in the city clerk’s office, and the red‑light camera purchasing agreement. All actions below passed by recorded roll call votes listed as noted.

Votes at a glance

1) Appointments to the Modesto Culture Commission (Item 3)
- Action: Approve appointment of Lupe Hodges, Abigail Powers and Jennifer Oyama to the Modesto Culture Commission for four‑year terms ending 12/31/2028.
- Motion: Motion by Councilmember Jeremiah Williams; second by Councilmember Alvarez.
- Vote: Vice Mayor Bavaro — Aye; Councilmember Jeremiah Williams — Aye; Councilmember Scudia Brayton — Aye; Councilmember Alvarez — Aye; Councilmember Ricky — Aye; Mayor Zwolan — Aye. Outcome: approved, 6–0.

2) Appointments to City of Modesto Golf Courses Advisory Committee (Item 4)
- Action: Approve appointment of Bob Cantela (member at large, term to 12/31/2028) and Martin Montez (youth member at large, term to 12/31/2025).
- Motion: Motion by Vice Mayor Bavaro; second by Councilmember Ricky.
- Vote: unanimous, 6–0. Outcome: approved.

3) Final adoption — Smoke shops ordinance (Item 7, Ordinance No. 3801‑CF)
- Action: Final adoption (second reading) of an ordinance amending Modesto Municipal Code to establish regulations and permitting for smoke shops, including zoning and enforcement provisions.
- Motion: Motion by Vice Mayor Bavaro; second by Councilmember Ricky.
- Vote: Vice Mayor Bavaro — Aye; Councilmember Jeremiah Williams — Aye; Councilmember Scudia Brayton — Aye; Councilmember Alvarez — Aye; Councilmember Ricky — Aye; Mayor Zwolan — Aye. Outcome: adopted, 6–0.

4) Award of fire‑extinguisher inspection, testing and maintenance agreements (Item 13)
- Action: Award two agreements for citywide fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance to Fire Code Safety Equipment, Inc. (primary) and National Fire Systems, Inc. (secondary), estimated annual combined amount $30,000; total not to exceed $160,269 over five years.
- Motion: Motion by Vice Mayor Bavaro; second by Councilmember Scudia Brayton.
- Vote: unanimous by roll call; Outcome: approved, 6–0.

5) Passport service program and fees (Item 15)
- Action: Adopt resolution authorizing city clerk to establish and administer a passport acceptance service and approve related fees (execution fee $35; optional photo fee $15; copy fee 25¢ per page); proposed hours Tuesday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., by appointment; proposed opening 09/02/2025.
- Motion: Motion by Councilmember Alvarez; second by Councilmember Jeremiah Williams.
- Vote: unanimous, 6–0. Outcome: approved.

6) Red‑light photo enforcement contract (Item 16)
- Action: Approve five‑year purchasing agreement using HGAC cooperative procurement with American Traffic Solutions (Verra Mobility) for automated red‑light photo enforcement technology, not to exceed $3,691,891 over five years; estimated year‑one cost $703,218.
- Motion: Motion by Councilmember Jeremiah Williams; second by Vice Mayor Bavaro.
- Vote: Vice Mayor Bavaro — Aye; Councilmember Jeremiah Williams — Aye; Councilmember Scudia Brayton — Aye; Councilmember Alvarez — Aye; Councilmember Ricky — Aye; Mayor Zwolan — Aye. Outcome: approved, 6–0.

Consent calendar
- The council approved the consent calendar (minutes, investment report, vehicle purchases and other routine items) by roll call; two items (Item 7 smoke shops and Item 13 fire extinguisher agreements) were pulled for separate discussion and later approved as noted above.

How to read the roll calls
- Roll calls list members recorded by the clerk. Where votes were recorded as 'Aye' on the transcript, this roundup records 'Aye'; dissenting, abstaining or absent votes are recorded when present in the clerk’s roll call.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","8/12/2025 - City of Modesto Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its meeting the Modesto City Council approved appointments to boards, adopted a smoke‑shop ordinance, awarded two maintenance contracts and authorized a passport program and the red‑light camera contract. This roundup lists each formal action and vote tally.","taxTitle","Modesto City, Stanislaus County, California","taxId",3811,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586000,"City approves 5‑year red‑light camera contract citing rising traffic fatalities; public and experts urge redesign alternatives",2820,8990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566374-0bc9b014e1c4196c4af5e75099d19da3&start=8990&end=11810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566374-0bc9b014e1c4196c4af5e75099d19da3/thumbnail_8990000.jpg","/articles/6586000/Modesto-City/Stanislaus-County/California/City-approves-5year-redlight-camera-contract-citing-rising-traffic-fatalities-public-and-experts-urge-redesign-alternatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586000-e495cd95cd16aa6a3063a12d6bb7b8a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434553&Signature=ULca2~~aF-yGXTfmGcE25ATzu2Nr8QWVQ-eqDjQPlpXai5VRy6WhHsygn4ito3eNiuFD7H1yudIp0sGzv2nEx4X-4G5hzgdUy9IoCWeUtYIQjgNKCqohqJSzS7D8QuFov-m9WWkdxCzhokYIDQcGsQW-a8bBl0777rwxuCp2KEx0ULSTaWbWu3Cre6sOsMP9MzScpu7lYoLS7XmAbPfBQZrcmxuQxSDNCOqvPF~2yfmBKQbmCGWN3PFqjV7ZuOSCMbTA0Sgowr3cSI1V-cEXuzvWOGeyyw42FUm872ar7O8utoqOcO9d7cJJEIlvbOYKBUEqjUgB57cUHHuY07mxNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Modesto City Council approved a five‑year purchasing agreement with American Traffic Solutions (doing business as Verra Mobility) for automated red‑light photo enforcement technology, authorizing the use of a cooperative purchase through the Houston‑Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC). The contract total was capped at $3,691,891 over five years; staff estimated an initial annual cost of about $703,218 and $5,250 per month per location.

Lieutenant T.J. Moffett of the Modesto Police Department said the city ranks poorly in the Office of Traffic Safety reports, citing a troubling trend in fatal crashes: \"In 2024 we had 21 fatalities,\" he told the council, and the department reported 12 fatalities year‑to‑date in 2025 as of July. Moffett said the department has expanded enforcement and seeks automated enforcement as one tool in a broader traffic‑safety strategy.

Under the proposed system, Verra Mobility would deploy cameras at 10 city intersections chosen for collision outcomes, traffic volume and proximity to schools and pedestrian areas. The vendor’s cloud‑based system records still photos and short video clips; Modesto staff must review each potential violation and confirm a red‑light infraction before the city mails a notice to the alleged driver. Staff said the system can be tuned to ignore low‑speed right turns by setting a speed threshold for right‑turn detection.

The contract calls for a 30‑day, public education and warning period at each intersection before fines would be issued. Staff said any revenue collected would be deposited into the city’s traffic safety fund and used for traffic‑safety programs; they emphasized the fund is governed by California law and cannot be used for general purposes.

Councilmembers raised questions about privacy, driver identification and the effect on other crash types. Vice Mayor Bavaro asked about reviewer qualifications; staff said sworn officers and trained police civilian investigators will review footage and confirm violations. Councilmember Jeremiah Williams asked whether map services could display camera locations; staff said they would research that and planned an education campaign.

Public commenters and some experts urged caution and broader engineering changes. A resident cited academic research showing red‑light cameras reduce angle collisions but can increase rear‑end crashes; another commenter recommended redesigns such as roundabouts, narrower corner radii, raised crossings and other traffic‑calming treatments. Joseph Jackson, who said his company does traffic engineering, encouraged combining camera enforcement with synchronization and targeted education.

Several residents raised operational concerns: how the city would identify the driver when a vehicle was loaned to another person, how the system would handle vehicles trapped in an intersection during heavy congestion, and how equipment would react to a malfunctioning signal. Staff responded that the city will only issue a mailed notice after staff confirm a driver’s identification; they said congested intersections where vehicles are stopped would not automatically generate violations if the vehicle entered on green and was later stranded.

After the public comment period and council questions, the council voted 6–0 to approve the contract and authorized the city manager to execute the agreement. Staff estimated a six‑month implementation timeline; intersections on state highways will require Caltrans coordination and may take longer. Once a camera is active, the city will run a 30‑day warning period and post signage at photo‑enforced intersections.","Modesto City Council approved a five‑year agreement with Verra Mobility for automated red‑light photo enforcement at 10 intersections, citing high rankings for fatal and injury collisions. Speakers and several public commenters urged complementary street redesigns, better pedestrian protections and community education.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586004,"Modesto Council honors Latino Leadership Initiative cohort and hears Youth Commission report",822,1650000,2472000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566374-0bc9b014e1c4196c4af5e75099d19da3&start=1650&end=2472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566374-0bc9b014e1c4196c4af5e75099d19da3/thumbnail_1650000.jpg","/articles/6586004/Modesto-City/Stanislaus-County/California/Modesto-Council-honors-Latino-Leadership-Initiative-cohort-and-hears-Youth-Commission-report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586004-16f9c188aee745be762bdfee84063221/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434553&Signature=Lj8-N~nq1KTKUbqvnlzoVVv56vu-GGO1W5hdJOclqwSVoiV4TqlT3Vuz19TjMzpxXig7TRU89Irf~F42JUfbjqs6ijwQPbnynfWBbh90ipwQLp7J8BN9KJM19LNVbtNRBAc94ptSfrsMqHH0h-tH~GgChxT8lvJO7Iup0REfkJk8YVlkznuBm59cxq72CzQd4SDnma2ZWMG9kOHUHtylzVA3Vo0uu42FEcZW7W4GNuROmoNpJJBJ-MrFdnB1Yqa4FH0KG-bSGEuJTJHxYCIDd~sS5tgN-Qu80cYAeKnUqhEjOD0530X7Kr6HPBjIsS~SkDoKqLaPFLg0M10VhE0R0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Modesto City Council presented a proclamation recognizing the work of the Latino Leadership Initiative and acknowledged National Youth Day before receiving a report from the Modesto Youth Commission.

Councilmembers presented the proclamation to John Torres and Marvin Jacobo, leaders of the Latino Leadership Initiative. Councilmember Rosa Escutia Brayton said, “You have the best of the best,” and praised the cohort’s civic engagement after the group’s eight‑month leadership program.

Jeremy Rogers, who introduced the commission to the council, said the Modesto Youth Commission was reinstated for the 2022–23 school year and has now completed three terms. Vice Chair Sabrina Torr led a presentation outlining the commission’s work this year, saying, “This year we focused on expanding the youth commission to involve more youth to get more diverse perspectives.” Torr reported the commission formed six subcommittees — outreach, community service, social media and communications, diversity/equity/inclusion, legislative, and wellness — and that commissioners filled 11 vacancies from 18 applications.

Commission members described partnerships with the city’s recreation division — staffing booths and activities at events including the Celebration of Lights holiday parade, 10 movie nights in the park, a Halloween event, and National Night Out — and participation in the California Association of Youth Commissions conference, where the Modesto commissioners led a panel on youth voting in school board elections.

Commissioners said wellness, diversity/equity/inclusion and legislative subcommittees are developing projects to inform peers how local government affects youth and to increase youth participation. The commission also plans more monthly departmental visits, a summit to teach teens how local government works and recurring community outreach events; applications were announced open through Aug. 24 on the city website.

Councilmembers praised the commission and its mentors. Councilmember Jeremiah Williams and others noted attendance at the cohort’s graduation and encouraged continued mentorship.

The presentation was listed as a report only; the council took no action on the items presented.

Councilmembers and staff posed logistical questions and offered to publicize upcoming commission events. The council invited commissioners and the Latino Leadership Initiative cohort to remain engaged with the city for future civic opportunities.","The Modesto City Council presented a proclamation to leaders of the Latino Leadership Initiative and received a report from the reinstated Modesto Youth Commission outlining volunteer events, subcommittees and outreach plans for 2025–26.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves several appointments, ordinances and contracts; summary of votes

City approves 5‑year red‑light camera contract citing rising traffic fatalities; public and experts urge redesign alternatives

Modesto Council honors Latino Leadership Initiative cohort and hears Youth Commission report