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Council approves addendum to lease for solar lighting along HG Faucet Canal Trail
Summary
The council authorized an addendum to the 1996 lease with the Central California Irrigation District to install solar lights along the HG Faucet Canal Trail, accepting a $125,000 grant and anticipating roughly $175,000 in city funding to complete a projected $300,000 project.
The City Council voted to adopt Resolution No. 6895, authorizing the interim city manager to execute Addendum No. 1 to the lease with the Central California Irrigation District (CCID) to allow installation of solar lighting along the HG Faucet Canal Trail.
Staff presentation: Director Hine told the council the trail—leased from CCID under an agreement first signed in 1996 and renewed through 2029—runs from Pioneer to I Street and is heavily used. The city applied for a $125,000 grant from the San Joaquin River Exchange to fund lighting; Hine said staff selected solar fixtures to avoid the higher trenching and electrical costs ordinary wiring would require.
Project budget and steps: Hine said the full project is estimated at about $300,000, with the grant covering $125,000 and staff estimating roughly $175,000 of local funding would be required. The city will seek that funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process; if approved by the council, staff will present the addendum to the CCID board, then proceed to bidding and construction.
Council questions and concerns: Councilmembers asked whether the grant covered the full cost and about the risk posed by the lease’s remaining term—the lease expires in 2029. Hine said the grant covers only part of the cost and that the anticipated city portion would be requested during the FY26 budget. On the lease term, Hine said the relationship with CCID has been cooperative and the city has previously added improvements (for example, a footbridge) under similar arrangements, but he could not guarantee future renewals.
Resident impacts: Council members emphasized sensitive fixture selection to avoid light pollution where residences abut the canal. Hine said fixture type and placement would be considered in later design work.
Vote: Councilmember Chavez moved approval; Councilmember Saunders seconded. The motion carried with councilmembers voting in favor.
Next steps: If CCID approves the addendum, staff will release a bid package and seek construction funding through the FY26 budget.
