Modesto Council Watch

The Modesto City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to:

• Apply for $8.2 million in federal public transit grants that could offset pending reductions in state funding

• Approve a program that describes how the city will use $13.3 million in federal housing grants. A large chunk of the money, $8.2 million, comes from a foreclosure prevention program that Congress passed a year ago.

• Reject bids for a water line replacement project along Highway 132. The city received 16 bids, nine of which were below its projected cost for the project. The lowest bidder, however, is awaiting disciplinary action from a state labor agency. Also, the city has learned that the California Department of Transportation intends to move forward with a repaving project that conflicts with the water line plans. Accordingly, the city wants to scale back its water line project to accommodate the roadwork.

• Award a $283,000 contract to Preston Pipelines of Milpitas to build a storm drain pump station on Pelandale Avenue