Los Banos council approves grant application, awards contracts and clears retail alcohol permits; directs study of old police station

The Los Banos City Council on Aug. 6 approved a series of resolutions and took direction on several capital projects, moving forward with park, utility and public-safety plans while approving two conditional-use permits for off‑sale alcohol at new convenience-market developments.

Key votes at a glance - Resolution No. 6962: Authorized submittal of a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) application for renovations to Colorado Ballpark. Staff said the city is eligible as the park sits in a disadvantaged census tract and that federal award decisions are expected in winter 2025; the council approved the application. - Resolution No. 6970: Awarded a construction contract to SW Construction Inc. for the Orchard Terrace Sewer Lift Station Rehabilitation Project ($759,586.60 plus a 10% contingency). Staff said the award was to the lowest responsible bidder after vetting. - Resolution No. 6972: Approved Conditional Use Permit 2024‑03 for a Type 21 (general off‑sale) ABC license for Northgate 42 LLC (a convenience market with fuel pumps and an automated car wash). Planning staff said the project was cleared by a mitigated negative declaration; the council included conditions such as camera coverage to the satisfaction of the police chief. - Resolution No. 6973: Approved Conditional Use…