Warden City Council approves contracts and community event

WARDEN — The Warden City Council unanimously approved several agenda items during its June 23 meeting, including awarding a major infrastructure contract and authorizing a community event at Warden City Park. 

Council members approved the agenda, minutes and consent items without opposition, with all actions passing unanimously throughout the evening. 

During department reports, officials highlighted ongoing public safety and maintenance efforts.  

Warden Police Chief Jeff Gann was not present at the meeting, with Mayor Rosaelia Martinez giving his staff reports. Martinez noted improvements in animal control and code enforcement.  

“Since (Victor DeLeon) started Oct. 20, he has picked up 74 dogs,” Martinez said. “Could you imagine if Warden had 74 dogs running around? He has done a very good job in the 18 months he has been here.”  

In business items, the council approved awarding the Warden booster pump station project to POW Contracting, the lowest responsive bidder at $1.52 million, below the engineer’s estimate of about $1.92 million. Officials said the contractor had completed similar work and was recommended by engineers. 

“We’ve worked with them quite a bit, and they’re a good contractor,” City Administrator Kristine Shuler said.  

Council also approved a professional services agreement with Gray & Osborne for construction management services related to the project. The agreement, not to exceed $352,800, covers oversight, inspections and coordination responsibilities during construction. 

“This is protection for us,” Schuler said. “They are the liaison between the city and the contractor.” 

In other business, the council approved a special event permit for the Queen of All Saints Catholic Church to host a festival at Warden City Park on Aug. 15. The event is expected to draw about 500 attendees. 

“We’ve always had good turnout, and they’ve done a wonderful job,” Martinez said.  

Before adjournment, officials also discussed scheduling an executive session to review candidate qualifications for employment.