Modesto Council Watch

The Modesto City Council on Tuesday:

Rejected a businessman's plea to waive $4,349 in building fees. Philip Peterson argued he shouldn't have to pay the charges, because his glass business is outside the city limit and does not receive city services. His shop sits in the city's planned growth area and is subject to building fees that pay for new roads according to the terms of a tax sharing agreement between the city and Stanislaus County. Councilwoman Kristin Olsen said she disagrees with the city's plan to charge him interest on money he refused to pay.

Ayes: Mayor Jim Ridenour, council members Brad Hawn, Janice Keating, Dave Lopez and Garrad Marsh.

Nays: Olsen

Councilman Will O'Bryant did not attend the meeting.

Accepted a report describing how the city would spend extra revenue if voters approve a countywide ballot measure that would raise sales tax charges by half a cent to pay for road improvements. Modesto's share would total about $6.9 million a year for 20 years.

Vote: Unanimous

Hired National Demographics Corp., a Glendale consultant, to advise the city on how to draw boundaries for City Council districts. The company could earn up to $70,000.

Vote: Unanimous

Signaled its intent to submit an application to host a stage of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California cycling race.

Vote: Unanimous

Awarded a $2.1 million contract to Modesto's George Reed Construction for work on Floyd Avenue traffic improvements.

Vote: Unanimous

Agreed to buy eight vehicles for the Public Works Department at a cost of $932,147.

Vote: Unanimous

Adjusted a Modesto Area Express bus route to provide better access to a county medical facility at 401 Paradise Road.

Vote: Unanimous

-- Adam Ashton