Fremont Utility and Infrastructure Board backs Safe Streets plan, forwards software and engineering purchases to City Council

The City of Fremont Utility and Infrastructure Board on May 12 recommended that the City Council adopt the Safe Streets 4 Fremont Safety Action Plan (Resolution 2026-121), a transportation safety strategy that commits the city to a goal of zero roadway fatalities and zero serious injuries by 2036 and supports pursuing federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding.

The board also moved several administrative recommendations to the council. The board voted 4-0 to recommend that staff be authorized to issue a purchase order for a three‑year renewal of the Information Technology department’s SolarWinds Help Desk software in the amount of $19,841.82 plus taxes. Chris Gunderson, the city’s director of information systems, presented the IT overview to the board prior to the motion.

Separately, the board recommended approval of an amendment to the HDR Engineering agreement for additional engineering services related to the LDW Power Plant in the amount of $15,139.00. City Engineer Anna Allen presented the item and answered questions. The motion carried with Ayes from Members Wiese, Wilson and Bolton; Member Fryklind abstained, recorded as a recusal.

The board also formally received the letter of resignation from board member Maggie Lipsys. Utility General Manager Jeff Shanahan provided an overview of the resignation when the board moved to receive the letter; the motion passed 4-0.

Shanahan provided a broader update on Department of Utilities projects and answered board questions before the meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.

All board motions reported at the session were recommendations to the City Council; final approvals will be made by the council when those items appear on its agenda.