Votes at a glance: Council approves street projects, airport grant, purchase, and ordinances (Sept. 2)

At its Sept. 2 meeting the Brawley City Council approved multiple actions on infrastructure, public-works procurement and municipal code updates. Key outcomes:

- Crack fill machine purchase: The council approved the purchase of a Super Shot 125 crack-fill machine from Craftco Inc. in an amount not to exceed $78,574.19. The purchase was funded in the FY 2025–26 capital budget from Measure D and will allow the Public Works crew to perform crack sealing in-house. Motion recorded: moved by Councilman Keller and seconded by Councilmember John Grass; outcome approved by voice vote.

- B Street improvement project award: The council awarded the B Street improvement project (Eastern Avenue to Palm Avenue) to Rove Engineering for the low responsive bid amount of $525,572 with a 15% contingency for a total project budget of $604,407.80. Work includes micro milling, asphalt leveling, replacement of approximately 40 ADA ramps and storm inlet adjustments; construction was projected to start mid-October. Motion: moved by Councilman Grama, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Galvan; outcome approved.

- Balancing change order — East Brawley Street maintenance: A balancing change order was authorized for the East Brawley Phase 1 street maintenance contract with American Asphalt to reconcile quantities and finalize the contract. Staff reported the contract increase was covered by the project contingency; the council authorized the change order (no additional appropriation required).

- Airport grant and engineering services: The council accepted a Federal Aviation Administration grant for apron crack sealing and authorized a professional engineering services agreement to proceed with the airport project. The FAA grant covered 95% of the project cost; the city’s local share was noted as small. The council approved the grant acceptance and engineering contract.

- Shopping-cart ordinance (first reading): The council approved the first reading of an ordinance (chapter 19J) regulating unauthorized removal and abandonment of shopping carts and establishing a requirement for owners to retrieve abandoned carts; the fine structure and compliance timeline were discussed and staff will return with final language for second reading.

- Camping and storage in public space (code amendment): The council approved amendments to Chapter 19 of the municipal code to address camping and storage of personal property in public spaces. The ordinance updates enforcement procedures, clarifies proof-of-permission for private-property encampments and sets signage and storage requirements; council approved on first reading/ordinance procedural vote as recorded.

Several of these items were described in staff reports as budgeted or covered by contingency funds; the council’s approvals in most cases authorized staff to execute contracts, change orders or grant documents so work can proceed.