Council approves park restroom, streetscape grants, compensation changes and first reading on microtrenching
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Summary
The Fairfield City Council unanimously approved a Lee Bell Park prefabricated restroom contract, a $372,000 North Texas Street revitalization grant program and changes to the city manager's compensation; council also approved the microtrenching ordinance on first reading and adopted the remaining consent items.
Fairfield — The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to award a contract for a prefabricated restroom at Lee Bell Park, adopt a North Texas Street revitalization grant program and approve changes to the city manager’s compensation and leave accruals. Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to permit restricted microtrenching in city streets to align local code with state broadband policy.
The council pulled item K4 from the consent calendar to allow a resident to speak about safety and maintenance concerns tied to the proposed Lee Bell restroom. After public works staff outlined design features intended to increase visibility and deter misuse — including siting the facility facing the parking lot, adding lighting and evaluating exterior camera funding — the council moved and approved the project award to Globe Engineering Development. The motion to approve the remaining consent items (K1–K3) carried unanimously as well.
On new business, the council approved Resolution 2026-610 to launch a grant program for the North Texas Street district, allocating just over $372,000 for reimbursements to commercial property owners for safety and landscape improvements and authorizing a six-month cleanup pilot. Staff said the program will offer more favorable matches for small, independently owned businesses and will include translated guidelines and street-level outreach.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-612 to align the city manager’s compensation and leave limits with recently negotiated executive adjustments: a one-time cash payment and a modest ongoing salary change, along with adjustments to leave banks and caps. HR staff estimated the one-time cash payment cost at roughly $9,252 and the ongoing salary change at about 1.08%.
In other action, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 16 to permit microtrenching — narrow, shallow cuts for broadband conduit — with size and placement restrictions consistent with state guidance (SB 367). Staff said they will return with refined specifications after further review.
The meeting closed with a memorial acknowledgment for Jordan Allen and adjournment.
Votes at a glance: - K4 — Lee Bell prefabricated restroom: Motion to award to Globe Engineering Development — Passed (unanimous). - Consent K1–K3: Approved — Passed (unanimous). - Resolution 2026-610 (North Texas Street revitalization program): Approved — Passed (unanimous). - Resolution 2026-612 (City Manager compensation changes): Approved — Passed (unanimous). - Ordinance (microtrenching) — Introduced and approved on first reading — Passed (first reading).
