Council directs staff to prioritize Golden Avenue bridge earmark, delays fuel‑tank funding and asks consultant to reprioritize streets

During a study session on the FY25‑26 Capital Improvement Program on Feb. 18, Public Works Director Chris Taneo presented a slate of proposed projects and funding scenarios. Two projects were labeled critical: replacement of the Golden Avenue bridge (estimated construction cost ~$5.5M; the city has a $2.2M federal earmark and must authorize funds for construction by fall to keep the earmark) and removal/replacement of single‑walled underground storage tanks (estimated cost ~$1.1M) driven by state deadlines and a December 2023 environmental health inspection that detected a leak in the unleaded tank.

Staff outlined the city’s Measure U funding options (40% vs. 50% allocation depending on reserves); at 40% staff estimated $3.47M would be available for Measure U‑eligible infrastructure, leaving a shortfall if both critical projects are funded. Council discussion compared street condition index strategy (preventive maintenance vs. worst‑first reconstruction) and residents urged acceleration of repairs in severely degraded neighborhoods. Several council members expressed concern about allocating Measure U to the police locker room and other unfunded items; staff clarified those projects were unfunded placeholders.

Following discussion, Councilmember [motion maker recorded in minutes] moved and the council voted 5‑0 to direct staff to use 50% of Measure U toward infrastructure, to confirm use of Measure U funds toward the Golden Avenue bridge to secure the federal earmark, to hold off on Measure U funding for the fuel tank replacement while staff explores alternatives, and to work with the pavement management consultant to revisit prioritization and return with recommendations for accelerating streets in need.