Council approves $2.2 million amendment to Aztec Telecom broadband contract to add homes, staff says project must finish by Dec. 2026

HUNTINGTON PARK — The City Council voted to approve Amendment No. 1 to Aztec Telecom’s construction contract for the city’s broadband infrastructure project, a change staff said expands the scope to include more homes and increases the contract by about $2.2 million.

Public Works Director Jerry told the council the California Public Utilities Commission approved an expanded project scope that adds additional households. "By adding that scope, we increased the budget by $2,200,000 which is within — still within budget," Jerry said, noting the project remains funded and on schedule to begin ground work "in the next few weeks."

Jerry and project staff also described a procurement shift: the city will separate design and construction rather than proceed solely as a design‑build contract. Jerry said Entrust will manage the design while Aztec remains the construction contractor, a step staff said will speed delivery and align the city with adjacent regional plans. "We are pretty close to a full design on the project," Jerry said, adding the city anticipates breaking ground soon and completing work by December 2026.

Councilmembers pressed staff on the procurement change and timeline. One councilmember said the city originally used a design‑build approach but needed to alter the method to meet deadlines and to leverage Entrust’s regional design work. Legal and project‑management staff said the city went through a formal bid process and selected the lowest responsive bidder for construction; moving the design to Entrust followed that procurement and was not a sole source award.

The council then voted to approve the amendment. The roll call recorded Councilmember Karina Macias, Vice Mayor Jonathan Sanabrio and Mayor Eduardo "Eddie" Martinez voting yes.

What it means: Staff said the increase brings the Aztec construction contract total to roughly $17.8 million and will allow the project to reach more homes within the existing overall budget. Officials emphasized a tight federal and state funding timeline and the importance of meeting the December 2026 completion target to use those dollars.

Next steps: Staff said construction is expected to begin within weeks and that Entrust will finalize design documents to coordinate connections with neighboring jurisdictions. Councilmembers asked staff to provide regular progress reports and to flag any potential scope or schedule risks as design work proceeds.

Sources: City presentation and council discussion. All quotes and vote tallies come from the public meeting record.