Valley Center council approves festival sponsorship, smaller grants and routine contracts

The Valley Center City Council approved several community-focused appropriations, procurement actions and routine contract changes during its meeting.

Budget and events: Council approved a $5,000 city sponsorship for the 2026 Fall Fest after staff reviewed available allocations in the community development budget. The council also approved a $500 donation to the Mudbers summer baseball team to support field fees and community programming.

Procurement and contracts: Council authorized an RFP for 2026 roadway upgrade services for South Cica to obtain competing cost estimates (base bid: 5-inch asphalt; alternate: 7-inch asphalt over a 6-inch crushed concrete base). The council also authorized staff to reissue an RFP for abatement mowing and debris removal after the previous contractor moved out of state, and approved contract change orders on Amber Ridge (storm sewer alignment) and Harvest Place (sidewalk cover) to keep those projects moving toward completion.

Land-use and code: On land-use issues, council approved rezoning of 135 North Ash (Ordinance 1442-26) to R2 to allow a duplex on the lot and approved first reading of an ordinance to unify residential sign standards and limit large development display signs to a 10-year permit when developments do not progress.

Public comment and staff reports: A resident, Alan Schmidt, used public forum to raise a concern about insurance acceptance at the recreation center; staff reiterated the city owns the building but the rec commission and school board operate it and advised him to raise the issue with those bodies. Staff also announced a weekly Thursday farmers market beginning in May and reminded council of a Main Street America site visit planned for May 6.

The council approved the consent agenda, several routine motions and adjourned at the meeting's close.