Willows council extends municipal-code contract, approves Civic Center ADA door amendment and seeks more local bidding

The Willows City Council on July 14 authorized a new contract with Prentice Long PC through Dec. 31, 2026 to finish updates to the municipal code and approved an amendment to a Civic Center ADA door upgrades agreement with Bilson Construction to adjust for material- and bond-cost increases.

Council members expressed frustration that the contract presented in the packet contained the original 2023 language with dates changed instead of the council’s new standard template and asked for clarity on outstanding scope items and the leverage the city has if work is incomplete. Staff said the contract is effectively a new contract rather than an extension because the prior agreement lapsed; council approved the time-limited contract 4–0.

On the Civic Center ADA door upgrades, staff explained the original CDBG‑CV grant funding deadline was missed and the city later secured CDBG program-income funds, a library building forward grant contribution, and a modest solid‑waste administrative allocation to cover local match and increased costs. The project includes front and back Civic Center doors, library doors, and associated ADA parking and path improvements. Staff noted the project had been publicly bid previously but drew only one (later nonresponsive) bid; because of funding timeframes, staff recommended an amendment and sole-sourcing to retain the contractor who paused and waited under the original contract. Council approved the ADA amendment 4–0 after hearing public requests to increase local outreach and build a vendor list for future bids.

Council also discussed adding local bidding preferences into the municipal code to increase competition by notifying and prioritizing local contractors when appropriate and consistent with grant rules.