Pleasant Hill council approves mural, event permit, public-works purchases and multiple project payments

The Pleasant Hill City Council on July 14 approved a slate of routine and project items, including a new community mural, a special-event permit for a September pickleball fundraiser, several public-works payments and change orders for an intersection project, and final acceptance of a culvert replacement.

Communications Specialist Candace Bell told council the Public Arts Advisory Commission, with grant funding from Bravo Greater Des Moines and partnership funding from Feed Energy Group, identified 4400 E. University Ave for a new mural. A selection committee including Councilmembers Alyson DeMoss and Len Murray unanimously selected DiBari & Associates to execute the design. The mural will use durable exterior-grade materials with an expected lifespan of 20-plus years. Council approved Resolution #071426-04 (DeMoss/Birch), roll call 4-0.

Parks and Recreation Manager Ryan Merritt briefed council on a special-event application from Dorothy’s House and Eastern Polk County Pickleball for a Sept. 26 fundraiser at Hickory Glen Park; staff and reviewing departments recommended approval. Council approved the special event (Konrad/Murray), roll call 4-0.

Public Works Director Russ Paul recommended purchasing a Super Shot 125D melter from Logan Contractors Supply to allow in-house crack sealing as a cost-saving measure during FY2027; council approved the purchase (Birch/DeMoss), roll call 4-0.

On larger infrastructure work, council approved Payment Application No. 2 and Change Orders Nos. 1–3 for the University Avenue and Shadyview Boulevard intersection improvement project. Staff said Change Order No. 1 changes subgrade work to geogrid after discovering shallower-than-expected utilities; CO No. 2 relocates a fire hydrant; CO No. 3 lowers a storm structure to avoid a utility conflict. City Engineer Eric Cannon reported 26 working days remain on the contract before the contractor pauses work while awaiting signal delivery, with signals anticipated in November for installation. Council approved the payments and change orders (Konrad/DeMoss), roll call 4-0.

The council also approved final acceptance of the Parkridge Avenue Culvert Replacement Project, including Payment Application No. 11 and Change Order No. 13 adjusting as-built quantities; staff recommended retainage be released after 30 days if no claims are filed (DeMoss/Konrad), roll call 4-0.

The meeting record shows routine consent items were approved (minutes, claims, monthly report), and a proclamation declaring Parks and Recreation Month was received. The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.

Votes at a glance:
• Approve Agenda — Birch/DeMoss; vote 4-0 (SEG 006).
• Consent items (minutes, claims, reports, right-of-way public-hearing resolutions, hotel market study receipt, proclamation) — Murray/Konrad; vote 4-0 (SEG 008).
• Resolution #071426-04 — Approve mural contract with DiBari & Associates (DeMoss/Birch); vote 4-0 (SEG 010).
• Special event approval — Dorothy’s House & Eastern Polk County Pickleball (Konrad/Murray); vote 4-0 (SEG 011–012).
• Resolution #071426-05 — Approve public safety camera pilot at Sunrise Park (Murray/Birch); vote 4-0 (SEG 013).
• Resolution #071426-06 — Approve purchase of crack seal machine (Birch/DeMoss); vote 4-0 (SEG 014).
• Resolution #071426-07 — Approve Payment Application No. 2 and Change Orders 1–3 for University Ave & Shadyview Blvd (Konrad/DeMoss); vote 4-0 (SEG 015–016).
• Resolution #071426-08 — Approve Payment Application No. 11, Change Order No. 13, and final acceptance of Parkridge Ave Culvert Replacement Project (DeMoss/Konrad); vote 4-0 (SEG 017).

Next steps: staff will draft the camera policy and communication plan tied to the Sunrise Park pilot, continue recovery and monitoring work related to the July flooding event, and proceed with equipment acquisition and construction scheduling as reported.