DELANO — The Delano City Council approved a $1.09 million construction contract Aug. 3 for traffic signal and intersection improvements at Randolph Street and County Line Road.

The contract, totaling $1,092,676.30, was awarded to Mac General Engineering Inc., according to the council’s meeting minutes.

The approval also authorized the city manager or her designee to sign documents needed to complete the project.

Council members approved the contract as part of a 15-item consent agenda on a 4-0 vote. Salvador Solorio-Ruiz, Mario Nunez, Joe Alindajao and Liz Morris voted in favor. Bryan Osorio was absent.

The city received five bids after advertising the project in June, according to a report prepared by City Engineer Brandon Rodriguez. The bids were opened July 9, and staff identified Mac General Engineering as the lowest bidder meeting the project’s requirements.

The work calls for a new traffic signal and minor intersection improvements. Staff said an April traffic study supported the project and described its goals as improving traffic flow, reducing congestion and enhancing safety.

The meeting minutes do not specify when construction will begin, how long it will take or whether drivers should expect closures or detours.

The intersection contract was among several actions at the meeting, which also included spending on city facilities and emergency equipment, a change to the pension committee and requests to address park maintenance and traffic safety.

Council members approved a $432,197.41 payment to Southern California Edison related to placing overhead power lines underground in the Jefferson-Kensington alley south of City Hall, according to the minutes.

The utility work is part of the City Hall Campus Improvements Project. A staff report describes plans to bring the former Methodist Church and two adjoining residential properties into a government campus, with a new civic center, additional City Hall space, green space and parking.

The council also approved $49,795 for two pumps intended for emergency flooding and sewer bypass operations. Public Works staff said the city’s existing equipment was insufficient to handle simultaneous emergencies or major system failures. The additional pumps are intended to help crews manage stormwater and maintain sewer service during repairs.

Other consent-agenda approvals included a $119,296.87 contract with Sierra School Equipment Company for human resources office furniture and an auditing agreement with Van Lant & Fankhanel capped at $76,525.

Council members also accepted the Local Roadway Safety Plan Project No. 3 and the transit maintenance facility roofing project, authorizing notices of completion for both.

In a separate 4-0 vote, the council approved Donna Gonzalez’s appointment to replace Carlton Lennon on the city’s pension committee.

Gonzalez told council members she had 25 years of banking experience, including nine years working with government clients. Alindajao asked about her work and background before the vote.

Lennon addressed the council before his replacement was approved, describing more than 26 years of experience in investments, financial planning and portfolio management. He said his familiarity with financial markets provided a valuable perspective on the committee and that he sometimes voted differently from other members.

Solorio-Ruiz thanked Lennon for his service and said the appointment would bring different perspectives and experience to the committee. The mayor moved to appoint Gonzalez, and Nunez seconded the motion.

Traffic safety also surfaced during public comment. Fernando Bravo raised concerns about speeding near a school on Garces Highway and asked whether the city or Caltrans would be responsible for installing speed bumps. Roberto Ibarra requested safer conditions for people riding bicycles.

During council statements, Nunez asked staff to evaluate city parks within roughly 60 days after observing damaged equipment and tables needing replacement.

Solorio-Ruiz asked staff to explore another gun buyback event and a victims’ vigil. The minutes record those requests but no vote approving either event or a park repair program.

The council adjourned at 5:52 p.m. Meeting minutes, council statements and adjournment