The Ione City Council approved a project to reconnect hydrants at Howard Park and adopted a corresponding budget amendment on Dec. 16, 2025, after hearing a technical presentation and a short council debate.

Zach Finch presented a plan to run roughly 1,200 feet of pipe to reconnect several hydrants—serving the arena, the hydrant behind Evelyn Bishop Hall, the wharf hydrant near the barn and Hunter Lane—so the hydrants will no longer depend on the park’s soccer irrigation system. Finch told the council the route is the shortest and most practical. Council discussion referenced a quote for the work and noted the project cost at approximately $30,000.

One council member questioned whether Hunter Lane properties should contribute because a private connection exists and raised procurement questions, saying the work did not appear to go out for a formal RFP; legal and staff members noted that informal bids apply for projects under the $50,000 RFP threshold. After discussion, the council moved and voted to approve the fire-line project.

Following approval, the council considered a related budget amendment required to fund the work. Andrea, the city clerk, said a formal resolution number was not yet available because the clerk’s office had staffing issues; council nevertheless moved and voted to adopt the budget amendment.

Separately, council directed staff to issue an RFP for parking-design work at Howard Park to formalize plans for parking areas between the baseball and soccer fields and adjacent lots. The motion to issue the RFP passed.

Council members also accepted a $45,000 contribution from the Motherlode Youth Soccer League toward irrigation improvements at Howard Park; representatives presented checks during the meeting.

City manager Lee reported he asked the county board of supervisors for help contributing to irrigation-line construction; he said the county deferred action to a later meeting and that ACRA is returning about $16,000 in previously held impact-fee funds to the city.

The council did not specify firm implementation dates for construction during the meeting; staff was directed to proceed with procurement steps for design and to return with details as they become available.