City staff and project representatives updated the council on construction at Howard Park and the on-site amphitheater, reporting that concrete work is complete, the structure is starting to go up and welding will begin later this week. The contractor said paving of the front parking lot and maintenance roads is targeted for late November or December, weather permitting.

During construction, crews exposed irrigation as-builts that staff say are inaccurate: several hydrants that should be fed from a potable distribution line are tied into a 4-inch irrigation main that currently supplies the soccer field system. Project staff described this arrangement as a safety risk because shutting down the irrigation system for repairs could deprive fire hydrants of water.

The contractor proposed installing a separate line to feed the hydrants independently of the irrigation system; staff said they will seek bids and asked the city manager for direction on pipe sizing and temporary connections. A council member offered to pursue donated pipe temporarily to maintain fire-hydrant service while the permanent separation is designed.

The city manager also said he has sought county participation for funding assistance tied to future development impact fees and will return with a funding request at a December meeting if negotiations progress.

The council did not vote on construction contracts at this meeting but was briefed on the scope of additional irrigation work needed to protect fire safety.