Residents urge action on flooding, sidewalks and blight; advocates seek strategic planning input and tech training

Several residents and community representatives used the Feb. 25 public-comment period to press the council on neighborhood infrastructure and livability, to propose community engagement on the city’s strategic plan, and to promote local technology training and workforce development.

James Marble, who identified himself as formerly of Modesto and as secretary and president-elect of the McHenry Museum and Historical Society, addressed prior public criticism of the society. Marble acknowledged "a failure of compliance with state regulation pertaining to annual filings" and said the society has corrected the filings and is working with city officials to provide requested documentation. He said donations are used for general expenses unless a donor specifies a purpose; he also said executive director David Seymour co-authored a county history book and denied that Seymour authored a children’s book about the museum.

Realtor Jesse Wiggins said owners and landlords often lack referral partners to help with property repairs and code compliance; he said he has discussed a potential referral program with city staff to guide owners who may be elderly or unfamiliar with current requirements.

Danielle Morgart, representing the office of Assemblyman Juan Alaniz, provided a legislative update, noting the assemblyman authored and introduced 18 bills this session and co-authored additional bills; she encouraged constituents to contact the assemblyman’s office with questions.

Community organizer Juan Taez asked the city to partner on listening sessions as part of the strategic-planning process so residents can provide input; staff offered to exchange contact information following the remarks.

Resident Claudia Ponce urged action on flooding and a lack of sidewalks in parts of Southside Modesto and proposed city-supported cleanups and additional trash receptacles at bus stops. Another commenter raised concerns about graffiti near McHenry and Wood Colony and asked about a planned intersection upgrade that may include a roundabout.

Daisy Mayorga, representing a local tech-training initiative, urged the city to support workforce training in blockchain, AI and Web3 technologies, saying such programs could create pathways to high-paying jobs and help the region compete for investment.

Council members and staff responded to some individual requests by offering contact cards, noting upcoming housing-related meetings in the consolidated-plan process, and confirming that community workshops and online surveys for the five-year consolidated plan are available at ModestoGov.com.

The public-comment period did not produce any council votes or directives recorded as binding actions during the Feb. 25 meeting.