The council voted to approve the public art application for the Papa Jake Larson statue in Plaza Ignacio, including a statue size of 3 feet, and let the city manager sign an agreement with the Applicant, Brandy Leidgen, and the Artist, Paula B. Slater, M.A.
Yes
Zorn, Howard, Young, Malhi, McKillop
Context
Why The city's 2022 Public Art Policy lets it approve public art like this statue after a review board checks that it reflects the community's history and values, adds to quality of life, and encourages civic pride.
Proposed Approve the public art application for a proposed statue honoring “Papa Jake Larson” in Plaza Ignacio, and let the city manager sign a contract with the applicant, Brandy Leidgen, and the artist, Paula B. Slater, M.A., in a form the city attorney approves.
The council voted to hear from anyone who wants to speak, skip reading it aloud in full, and take the first of two votes on a change to Section 3.40.040 (Claim Prerequisite to Suit) of the city's rules on claims against the city (Chapter 3.4).
Yes
Zorn, Howard, Young, Malhi, McKillop
Context
Why In 2015 the council gave the city manager authority to settle claims against the city up to $25,000, reflecting the city's interest in efficient, timely handling of claims.
Proposed Hear from anyone who wants to speak, skip reading it aloud, and take the first of two votes on a change to the city's rules on filing a claim before suing the city (Section 3.40.040, Claim Prerequisite to Suit, of Chapter 3.4).
The council voted to set aside $400,000 of Measure D money in the 2025-26 budget year for the Zone 4 Paving Maintenance & Rehabilitation Project No. C1083.
Context
Why The project's initial five-year improvement budget did not include money for design work this year, so the city needs to add funds now to finish design in time for next year's construction season.
The council voted to accept the Pine Meadow Park Project No. C5048 as finished under its contract, and tell the city clerk to file the document recording that the work is done.
Context
Why The project was substantially completed in June 2025, with a ribbon-cutting on July 3, 2025, after additional contract adjustments totaling $142,951.38 for drainage, soil additives, and irrigation changes.
The council voted to accept the 2023-24 Surface Seal Project No. C1076 as finished under its contract; have the city clerk file the paper that records the work is done; and move $15,350 from Fund 51 (Measure F) to the project.
Context
Why The city rejected the project's first round of bids and re-advertised, then accepted a new bid and added funds from Fund 51 (Measure F) to help pay for the finished project.
The council voted to accept the 2023 Water Main Replacement Project No. C7052 as finished under its contract, and have the city clerk file the paper that records the work is done.
Context
Why This project supports the city's plan to invest in water pipes, pump stations and meters citywide as part of its five-year water rate plan.
The council voted to let the city manager sign three-year contracts and approve work orders under them: Carollo Engineers, water system design; Psomas, water system design; Coastland, water, storm drain and civil design and construction management; Restoration Design Group, civil engineering, landscape architecture and environmental planning, each up to $250,000 a year; Geosyntec Consultants, NPDES permit work, up to $100,000 a year.
Context
Why An on-call list of pre-qualified firms lets the city efficiently get services on an as-needed basis and reduces the administrative staff time for consultant selection by doing it once rather than each time.
The agenda does not say what NPDES permit work covers.
The council voted to let the city manager sign the first change to the city's license agreement with Verizon Wireless.
Context
Why Verizon's 20-year license for a small piece of city land on Wildcroft Drive near Thistle Way expires on October 31, 2026, and Verizon asked in March 2025 for a 20-year extension.
The council voted to skip reading it aloud and take the final vote on city law No. 1478, which changes the rules on nuisances (Chapter 1.3) and city tickets (Chapter 1.15), drops the old graffiti chapter (1.16) in Title 1, and changes the graffiti rules (8.28), the property nuisance rule (8.36.030), the rules on empty buildings (8.38) and cross-references in the rules on empty property (8.40.040 of Chapter 8.40) in Title 8.
Context
Why Residents have repeatedly told the council about ongoing code violations, property nuisances, vacant commercial buildings, and fire-damaged properties, so the council asked staff for better tools to enforce the rules.
The council was asked to hear the city's quarterly investment report for the month ended September 30, 2025.
Context
Why Each quarter, the city treasurer checks that the city's investments follow its rules for safety, cash availability and reasonable returns, and reports the results to the council.
The agenda does not say whether the report covers the month or the three months ending September 30, 2025.
The council was asked to approve the public art application for a mural on the northern wall of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Contra Costa at 1301 Alhambra Avenue, and let the city manager sign a contract with the applicant, MCE, and the artist, Timothy Hon, in a form the city attorney approves.
Context
Why MCE, a nonprofit community clean energy provider, proposed the mural to celebrate its 15th anniversary, and the city's Public Art Review Committee recommended adding Martinez-specific details before approving the plan.