Tuesday, November 4, 2025

The council's largest spending approval was $1.4 million to United Pacific Services, Inc. for tree trimming, passed on the consent agenda 4-0-1 (Darton abstaining) as three split line items ($700,000, $400,000, and $300,000); the city manager stated additional funds may be requested to bring the year's total to $1 million. The same 4-0-1 consent vote also approved $88,151 to Nunez Office Installation DBA NOI Installations for Water Department furniture, structured as three separate payments ($44,076, $36,989, and $7,087). The council approved a $143,270 professional services contract with The Natelson Dale Group for an economic development strategic plan, 4-0-1 (Darton abstaining), despite lower competing bids on record at $137,675 and $129,500; the firm also appears in a separate Successor Agency action item, bringing its total across both agenda items to seven line items and $440,260. A six-year lease with Fathers and Mothers Who Care — which included a $175,000 city expenditure for improvements at a city-owned property on North Alameda — was tabled with no formal vote after council members questioned whether building and safety had inspected the facility and whether the improvement terms had been adequately documented. Approximately fifteen residents spoke during public comment, with multiple speakers raising complaints about Water Department billing fees, inconsistent charges, and staff conduct.