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Victorville council approves package of water, traffic‑safety and park projects
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Summary
Council unanimously approved several procurement and construction items including RRFB pedestrian beacons ($501,912.50), SCADA radio microwave links for the Water District (not to exceed $618,320.55), procurement of two custom truck beds ($272,729.83), Utilis leak detection amendment, CNG skid installation ($130,522), playground equipment purchase, hazard mitigation plan consultant award ($150,190) and acquisition of an 8,600‑sq‑ft parcel for about $60,000.
At its April 7 meeting the Victorville City Council approved a series of infrastructure and procurement items covering pedestrian safety, water‑system upgrades, park equipment and hazard mitigation work.
Traffic safety: City Engineer Freddy Bonilla recommended awarding a construction contract to Gentry General Engineering Inc. for the 2025 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) project at nine locations across the city. Bonilla said RRFB installations have been shown to increase driver yielding by up to 98% and reduce pedestrian crashes by as much as 47%. The council awarded the contract for $501,912.50 and staff expects to target summer construction to coincide with school breaks.
Water and utilities: Director of Public Works and Water Doug Matthews outlined several water‑district items. The council authorized a negotiated purchase not to exceed $618,320.55 for 61 Aviat WMT‑4000 licensed microwave radio links (Petroleum Telecom Inc., sole authorized reseller) to transition the SCADA network away from the congested public spectrum and to improve communications security. The board approved sole‑source procurement of two custom truck beds for valve exercising and emergency response from Skelsey Enterprises Inc. for $272,729.83; staff said the chassis were procured in 2023 and the manufacturer extended warranties until installation.
Leak detection: Staff brought an Amendment No. 1 to the Utilis (dba Astera) satellite leak‑detection contract for an additional year of services and field verification. Matthews said one prior round of work identified leaks equivalent to roughly 183,000,000 gallons — approximately 1,600 households' annual use — and that the city is budgeting acoustic equipment to supplement detection. The transcript did not list an amendment dollar amount on the record; the council approved the amendment.
Other projects: The council approved purchase and installation of playground equipment for Eagle Ranch Pocket Park through GameTime via Great Western Recreation; awarded RMS Construction Services a contract for $130,522 to install a compressed natural gas skid at the McCart Road station; authorized a professional services agreement with Michael Baker International for a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update for $150,190 with a related budget amendment of $164,325; and approved a negotiated purchase of an approximately 8,600‑square‑foot parcel (APN 0478‑042‑17) for about $60,000 to regularize wellness center parking and enable future options.
All listed items passed on unanimous votes. Council discussion included questions about scope, hours of field verification for leak detection (320 field hours reported), security improvements from a licensed radio frequency, and achieving the work in a way that minimizes school disruption.
