Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Riverbank public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues with medium priority
State Park Grant Application
The council will approve applying for a Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program grant — state money for parks.
Part-Time Employee Compensation Plan
A citywide study found Riverbank pay is a few percent behind the market at the top of the ranges. The council adopted the study and new salary schedules for both bargaining units — about $211,000 in implementation costs, aimed at recruiting and keeping staff.
City communications plan
Only seven entries came in, and council felt none fully captured Riverbank, so it extended the contest 60 days and asked for better promotion through schools and community groups.
Veterans parade and America's 250th anniversary recognition
Council Member Call proposed a July 4, 2026 community celebration with a drone light show at Riverbank Community Park, seeking a $7,500 Parks and Rec contribution toward a ~$20,000 event; the council sent it to a future agenda.
Zellman Court three-lot subdivision
A vacant 14,704-square-foot lot near Oakdale Road will be split into three parcels, each getting a single-family home. It's infill housing in an established neighborhood, separate from the nearby tiny-homes project despite the same developer.
Jacob Myers Park Trail Project Discontinued
Protected elderberry beetles, overgrown vegetation, and a December 31 ARPA spending deadline made the one-mile trail loop unaffordable. The council killed the project and moved the remaining money.
License Plate Reader Privacy
A resident questioned who operates and accesses the city's license plate cameras; a council member later explained data is held about a year locally, shared only within California, and not with federal agencies.
School Capacity and Transportation for New Growth
Riverbank Unified raised its Level 1 fees: residential jumps from $5.17 to $5.38 per square foot and commercial/industrial from $0.84 to $0.87 — costs that flow into new development.
Traffic on Patterson, McHenry and Coffee Roads
Speakers said Oakdale Road, Patterson and Highway 108 are already congested, and Riverwalk's only practical outlet is via a few key intersections; the developer commits to widening roughly half a mile of Patterson and signalizing the Coffee/Patterson entrance.
Modesto subdivision referral near truck routes
Modesto is proposing a 127-lot subdivision that could affect Riverbank's regional truck routes south of the Ammo plant. Riverbank staff will send a letter after consulting the city engineer.
Downtown infill duplex development
A vacant lot between 2nd and 3rd Streets downtown will get a two-unit duplex. It's part of the city's goal to reuse underutilized parcels in the infill opportunity area.
Bike ordinance concerns and general plan update raised by council
After a street takeover by about 60 bike riders damaged vehicles on Patterson, the city is cracking down on dangerous riding — with a 30-day bike impound, a $150 release fee, and an appeal process. The ordinance covers e-bikes, scooters, streets, parks, trails, and shopping center parking lots.
Local authority over housing decisions
The council backed a Cal Cities resolution pushing for a constitutional amendment to restore local control over housing and land use, responding to more than 500 state housing laws enacted since 2010. It doesn't commit Riverbank to any future ballot measure.
Beer and wine service at downtown Kinfolks Flatstone Grill
The Claribel Road Target wants to sell distilled spirits, not just beer and wine, and host instructional tastings. Neighbors weighed in at a public hearing about whether more alcohol sales fit the area.
Opportunity Stanislaus economic development contract
Council declined to renew the $25,000-a-year economic development MOU, with members saying they hear about services but don't feel them. Staff will look at partnering with local chambers instead; Opportunity Stanislaus's CEO asked for a six-month deferral.
Sierra House contract performance
Council wants performance metrics for the Sierra House homeless shelter by its September renewal, citing low occupancy (~3-5 people) and high per-person costs.
Illegal fireworks enforcement
Deputy Tovar laid out this year's plan: aerial surveillance to identify properties, $1,000/$2,000/$3,000 escalating fines to homeowners, and extra deputies on July 4.
Roselle Avenue overpass reopening
Residents want to know if Roselle Avenue will reopen southbound by October as the overpass work wraps up; a resident asked the city to seek answers from the state and post updates.
LGU Homes dog park in River's Edge
LGI Homes will build a ~$480,000 dog park in the 36-lot River's Edge subdivision in exchange for a $202,000 park fee credit. The city will maintain it through the CFD.
Annual landscaping, lighting and storm drain assessments for FY 2026/27
The council started the annual levy process for five landscaping/lighting districts and two storm drain districts (Heartlands and Sterling Ridge). Property owners in those districts will keep paying the assessments on their tax bills.
Settlement in Advance Materials lawsuit; direction on Miller Arms case
The council unanimously decided to settle the Advance Materials case and gave staff direction in the Miller Arms case — both long-running suits against the city.
Tivoli North specific plan EIR scoping
Modesto's massive Tivoli North plan (up to ~3,900 homes) extends Claribel Road between Oakdale and Roselle; residents can comment on the EIR scope through June 5.
McRitchie Community Center event rentals and alcohol service
The downtown community center can now be rented for private events with alcohol served, supporting downtown revitalization. Renters must obtain any required ABC license and security.
Crossroads pedestrian safety
A resident raised concerns about unsafe walking access into the Crossroads shopping center from Oakdale and Claribel. Staff explained sidewalks and crosswalks will come as pad buildings and apartments are built out, and the county will finish the Claribel/Oakdale corner.