Modesto Council Watch

The Modesto City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to vote on:

Approving a document that describes how Modesto would spend its share of revenue if voters approve a proposed sales tax to fund road improvements in Stanislaus County. Modesto would get about $137.6 million for road upgrades over 20 years if voters approve the measure in the fall.

Agreeing to keep open a public pool at César Chávez Park on Sierra Drive. The pool was one of six the council planned to close this summer because of a downturn in tax revenue. Residents stepped forward and said they would raise money to keep the pool open. The city is creating an account to accept their donations.

Awarding a $1.1 million contract to the Turlock branch of Teichert Construction for a project extending Claratina Avenue from Coffee Road to Oakdale Road. Teichert's bid is 46 percent below what the city expected to spend on the project.

Dividing federal housing grants Modesto receives each year to dedicate $940,427 to build 18 apartments for low-income adults in the 400 block of Lincoln Avenue; reserve $732,162 to help the Stanislaus Affordable Housing Corporation build 31 housing units for young adults with low incomes and mental health disabilities; earmark $42,000 to assist the Stanislaus Affordable Housing Corporation in expanding its Garden Gate apartment complex at Fifth and F streets.

Rejecting a plea from Modesto rancher

Dan Nickles, who wants the city to modify a development agreement for a project that borders his property. Nickles wants the developers of the 8.45-acre project to build a wall between their project and his property. The Planning Commission in April gave the Hillglen builders an extra two years to construct their project without facing increased city fees. Those rights were to expire in February.

Confirming city expenses incurred when the city demolished two airport neighborhood properties in April. The two property owners will be billed to reimburse Modesto. One is expected to owe $3,787; the other is expected to owe $7,089. Both agreed to let the Modesto Police Department's Beat Health unit set up the demolitions.

Appoint Ed Bearden as Modesto's next poet laureate. He is scheduled to succeed Sam Pierstorff.

Accepting an offer from Sacramento lobbying firm Aaron Read and Associates to work for Modesto for $1 over the next year. Modesto has paid the group up to $80,000 a year for its work. The firm offered to waive its fees because of Modesto's budget cutbacks.

Creating a schedule for the council to consider and adopt a farmland mitigation policy for new development by December. The schedule includes workshops and public meetings for people to speak.

Hiring San Francisco-based System Concepts to install a high-density evidence storage system for the Police Department at a cost of $91,439.

Endorsing a letter calling for the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge to incorporate the Dos Rios Ranch at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers. The ranch includes 1,600 acres of land bordering the rivers.

Accepting a $139,761 state grant to pay for a traffic safety program and a $100,000 state grant to pay Alcoholic Beverage Control program.

In addition, the council is scheduled to meet in closed session before the meeting to discuss:

Contract negotiations with the Modesto City Employees Association, Modesto Confidential and Management Association, Modesto Police Non-Sworn Association and employees who are not represented by unions.

-- Adam Ashton