Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The council approved 35 routine items on consent, including a $985,925 contract with a law firm to serve as city attorney and $456,470 for annual audit services with Maze & Associates. Other major purchases included $360,000 for equipment rentals from Hertz and $245,000 for ten new police cars.

The council updated the city's rules for cell towers and wireless equipment placement to address modern technology like 5G infrastructure. The measure passed 6-1, with Bates voting no.

The council approved a request for an $800,000 state grant to study closing gaps in the Ohlone Greenway bike path. The grant would come from Regional Measure 2 bridge toll funds to improve continuous bike and pedestrian travel.

The council hired Design, Community and Environment for $149,282 to design improvements at Wendell Neighborhood Park. The contract runs through June 2010 and covers plans for new playground equipment and landscaping.

The council approved changes to allow sewer fees to be collected through property tax bills instead of separate billing. The council also amended the law creating the citywide Youth Commission to make it more inclusive and effective."} The council also approved the city manager's response to a grand jury report on travel spending policies.