A Walnut Creek infrastructure project in the Shadelands business district came in 32 percent over its original budget, and the City Council signed off on the final tab at its Tuesday, July 21, regular meeting.

The Shadelands and Wiget Green Infrastructure Improvement project, built by FJ&I Engineering Inc., finished at an authorized total of $118,650. That's $28,782 more than the $89,868 the council unanimously approved when it awarded the contract on March 3. The agenda documents do not detail the reason for the cost increase.

On July 21, the council increased the construction contingency from $14,978 to $43,760 and approved a change order of $28,782. It also accepted the project as complete and authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the Contra Costa County Recorder, according to the posted meeting agenda.

Councilmember Cindy Silva had pulled the original March 3 contract award from the consent calendar for questions before the full council approved it. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Cindy Darling and carried with yes votes from Darling, Craig DeVinney, Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Matt Francois, and Mayor Kevin Wilk.

New catering partner for Lesher Center

At the same meeting, the council authorized the city manager to sign a five-year exclusive concessionaire agreement with Agave Grill Corp, doing business as JR Catering & Events, to handle beverages and food at private receptions held at the Lesher Center for the Arts, the city's anchor performing arts venue in downtown Walnut Creek.

The contract runs from Friday, August 1, 2026, through Thursday, July 31, 2031, with a not-to-exceed value of $750,000 over the five-year term, according to the agenda. JR Catering & Events markets itself as a corporate and social events caterer.

Both actions passed on the consent calendar. All five council members were present.

The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, at 6 p.m.