El Centro council approves downtown Clean California design, park project plans and several landscaping-district levies

The El Centro City Council on June 3 approved design plans for a downtown revitalization funded by a Caltrans Clean California grant, authorized plans and specifications for Fraser Field improvements so the project can be bid, and approved engineer—iles and fiscal-year levies for four landscaping and lighting districts.

The council also accepted a staffing-vacancies report required under Assembly Bill 2561, heard a presentation from the Medical Treatment Center (a methadone clinic at 200 South Fish Street), authorized a public vehicle auction resolution and appointed members to the city—ivil Personnel Appeals Board.

The Clean California project, funded through the California Department of Transportation, will rework the Town Square and adjacent Main Street with new trash and recycling receptacles, benches, lighting and storm-drain protections, refreshed paving and signage and space reconfiguration to better host food trucks and downtown events. Adriana Nava, El Centro—ommunity services director, told the council the award followed years of downtown planning and community outreach; Core Design Group project manager Chris McMurray presented renderings showing entry gateways, refurbished surfaces, and new furnishings aimed at reducing litter and improving safety and nighttime visibility.

Nava said the city included non-infrastructure elements in the grant scope: three murals, a 12-month post-construction security-services allocation and funding for downtown events to encourage regular use. The council voted 5-0 to approve the design and direct staff to proceed with the project schedule presented by Core Design Group.

The council also approved plans and specifications for the Fraser Field Improvement Project and authorized staff to solicit bids. Community services staff said the project addresses accessibility and safety at the multi-field ballpark used by local Little League teams and will add a six-foot walkway to the rear fields, new dugouts, two batting cages, new…