Report Prepared by: Denise Frazier, Chief Building
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of the Professional Services Agreements with Interwest Consulting Group Inc., CSG Consultants Inc., and Bureau Veritas North American Inc. for Building Services Including, but not Limited to, Plan Checking and Inspection Services, for a Term of Two (2) Years with an Option to Extend for One (1) Additional Year, in an Amount not to Exceed Funds Available in the Approved FY 26-27 Budget
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving Professional Services Agreements with three consultants for plan check, inspections, and other building division related services.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the contract for Professional Services with Interwest Consulting Group Inc., for two years term of services with extension option for one additional year term, in an amount not to exceed funds available in the approved budget; and,
B. Approving the contract for Professional Services with CSG Consultants Inc., for two years term of services with extension option for one additional year term, in an amount not to exceed funds available in the approved budget; and,
C. Approving the contract for Professional Services with Bureau Veritas North American Inc., for two years term of services with extension option for one additional year term, in an amount not to exceed funds available in the approved budget; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the above agreements.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve contracts, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Deny contracts; or,
3. Continue the item to a future City Council meeting (date and time to be specified in motion).
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-27 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The City Development Services Department, Inspection Services or “Building Division”, utilizes professional consultants on an “as needed” basis or “on call” basis to perform Building Plan Checks, Inspections, and other Building Related Services. These services are needed on a daily basis due to the work volume within the division. The Building Department averages 2,900 permits issued per year, these applications need processing, some need plan review and all receive inspections.
These consulting services are essentially an extension of those provided directly by City Staff and require no additional effort or additional fees to those requiring the services. Additionally, it should be noted that the City collects fees from the customer in the form of Plan Check Fees or Building Permit Fees which pay for these services, as well as City Staff, in advance of the work being performed. The payment to the professional consultants is a “pass through” minus any City overhead that can be retained. These fees are collected and paid from Development Services Department, Inspection Services Division.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None, adequate funds have been approved in the 2026-27 Budget to provide services for the remainder of the Fiscal Year.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Contract with Interwest Consulting Group Inc.
2. Professional Services Contract with CSG Consultants Inc.
3. Professional Services Contract with Bureau Veritas North American Inc.