Logo courtesy of the City of Marysville

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - At its June 2 meeting, the Marysville City Council considered a $3.18 million contract with Lamon Construction Co. Inc. for pavement rehabilitation on streets north of Highway 20 and west of D Street.

The project is funded through the city's federal Community Development Block Grant award, which supports local infrastructure improvements benefiting low-income neighborhoods.

Based on current estimates, the total project cost is $3.67 million, exceeding the available grant funding of $3.3 million. However, estimates were conservative, and the projected $500,929 funding gap may be reduced once work begins. Staff proposed covering any remaining shortfall with available SB 1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account funds.

The council approved the contract.

Council members also considered submitting concept proposals for the Urban Greening Grant Program through the California Natural Resources Agency. The statewide program supports projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate urban heat islands, expand urban tree canopies and improve climate resilience.

The city identified two potential projects. The Downtown Urban Canopy and Climate Resilient Streetscape Initiative would replace or install trees along downtown streets, improve irrigation systems and repair sidewalk damage caused by tree roots. The Ellis Lake Greenway, Urban Canopy and Climate Resilience Project would enhance pathways and open spaces around Ellis Lake while increasing accessibility and shade coverage.

The first phase of the grant process requires submission of project concepts to determine eligibility and competitiveness. The city has a professional services agreement with Roach & Campbell Landscape Architects to prepare two concept proposals at a cost not to exceed $5,900 from existing budget appropriations.

If selected for the next phase, the city would submit full grant applications. Potential awards range from $3 million to $5 million.

The council approved both concept proposals for submission.

The council also considered a Planning Commission recommendation to amend the Municipal Code and Downtown Specific Plan to allow conditional use permits for automobile-related uses in the mixed-use corridor and indoor commercial recreation facilities in mixed-use neighborhood zoning districts.

City staff said the amendments were recommended in response to business requests that do not fit current zoning allowances. Any proposed use would still require a conditional use permit and be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure compatibility with surrounding areas.

The council approved the amendments.

Council members also discussed the possible creation of a noise ordinance. Staff suggested quiet hours beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Some council members expressed concern that a noise ordinance could negatively affect dining and entertainment venues, particularly downtown.

Mayor Chris Branscum said the city must consider all potential consequences, including "the impact it might have on businesses that sustain our city and sustain the character of our city. Marysville’s always been a party town ... and I'd hate to create an ordinance that would dampen the spirit of the city."

Councilmember Stuart Gilchrist said, "It's a family town, and do we really want to encourage late-night parties?" He added that an ordinance could provide a tool for enforcement when needed.

Councilmember Marjory Rollins said the discussion originated from resident complaints.

"These are your constituents. They're not happy," Rollins said. She added that police currently have limited enforcement options when responding to excessive noise complaints.

City Manager Jim Schaad said similar issues exist in many communities and expressed confidence that staff could develop a balanced approach. A future report and recommendation will return to the council for consideration.