The Aransas Pass City Council approved two harbor improvement actions on Oct. 20: a contract to replace deteriorated parking-lot lights at Con Brown Harbor and an authorization for Leadership Class 10 to install donor-funded benches along the harbor’s hike-and-bike trail.

The council voted to award the parking-lot lights project at Con Brown Harbor to Turboville Construction for $20,876.75. Mickey, a Public Works representative speaking on behalf of Public Works Director David Flores, told the council three bids were received and that the work will replace dilapidated lighting. When council members asked about warranty and maintenance, Mickey said the lights will come with a warranty but that he did not have the specific warranty length at the meeting; staff said they would confirm warranty details with the contractor.

Separately, members of Leadership Class 10 presented a community improvement package for Con Brown Harbor that proposed five recycled-plastic benches (about $880 each including mounting and concrete) and a large non-illuminated aluminum sign as a photo opportunity. Leadership Class representatives said bench sponsorships would offset the cost and emphasized the project would not require city funding for purchases; the group asked only for limited maintenance support (weed-eating) from Parks and Maintenance once the benches were installed.

Council members supported the benches and unanimously approved a motion to allow Leadership Class 10 to install “as many benches as sponsorships will cover,” with the understanding the benches are removable and mounted to concrete pads. Council members asked staff to meet with Leadership Class representatives to identify optimal bench placement (water-facing vs. trail-facing) and to return a recommendation on the proposed sign’s location and any TxDOT or right-of-way agreements needed for signage.

Council also confirmed that walking-trail fixtures remain under separate warranty arrangements and that Public Works is replacing fixtures as those warranties are exercised. Public Works said a one-man lift used for fixture work is aging and limits the city’s ability to service some fixtures quickly.

Votes at a glance: The contract award to Turboville Construction was approved; the bench installations advanced by motion; the larger harbor sign was deferred for a staff meeting with the Leadership Class to identify location and maintenance implications.

Ending: Staff will return to council with warranty details for the lighting contract and a site recommendation for any harbor sign; Leadership Class 10 may proceed with benches as sponsorships are secured.