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Council endorses downtown activation, park exhibits, public-art purchase and routine city business
Summary
Council endorsed an interactive Cody River Park geology exhibit concept, approved the Railroad Square weekend closure/resolution, authorized the FreeNotes outdoor instruments purchase ($44,796.64), approved a Malden & Jenkins FY25 audit engagement ($52,600 plus single-audit fees), and approved transfer of police K9 'Havoc' to its handler.
The City Council took several votes to advance park amenities, downtown activation and routine city business.
Investigation Station director Lisa Campos presented a concept for 12 interactive geology stations along the Cody River Park sidewalk; staff noted the site is in a special flood hazard area and recommended removable interactive tables and careful siting. After questions about maintenance, sponsorship recognition and placement (Cody River Park versus James E. Great Preserve), the council endorsed the concept and directed staff to refine locations and return with details.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-12 to close Railroad Square to motorized vehicles on weekends and authorize a designated weekend wet zone that would allow possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in plastic cups during the closure. Staff said the change supports walkability and downtown economic vitality.
The council approved using the public art fund to buy FreeNotes Harmony Park outdoor musical instruments for Grand Boulevard Park at a direct cost of $44,796.64; the Cultural Affairs Committee had recommended the purchase citing ADA compliance, warranty coverage, and thematic designs tied to the city's monarch-butterfly designation.
Separately, staff presented authorization to contract Malden & Jenkins under the State Master Agreement for the FY25 audit, at $52,600 plus single-audit fees of $5,700 per major program; council approved the engagement letters and funding. The council also approved a resolution transferring ownership of police canine Havoc to handler Brian Finch and authorized a waiver and indemnification agreement.
Each of these items passed on the record (votes recorded as unanimous unless noted).
