Report Prepared by: Stephanie Dietz, Assistant City Manager
Title
SUBJECT: Approve Amendment to Professional Services Agreement to Perform Tracking Survey Related to the Proposed Public Facilities General Obligation Bond and Approve Related Budget Transfer
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider approving an amendment to the professional service agreement to the opinion research services contract to perform a second tracking survey related to the proposed Public Facilities General Obligation Bond Measure ballot language and approving the necessary budget transfers from the Public Facilities Financing Fees - Police of $29,250.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving an amendment to the service agreement to the opinion research services contract to perform a second tracking survey for the proposed Public Facilities General Obligation Bond measure; and,
B. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unreserved fund balances in the amounts of $14,625 from fund 047 and $14,625 from fund 057 and transfer to Fund 449 Public Safety CIP, and appropriating the same amount to Project #116040 New Police Headquarters; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments and authorizing the City Manager or Assistant City Manager to sign the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by the Assistant City Manager; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to staff for further study.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Budget.
DISCUSSION
On August 7, 2017, the City Council approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement and Lease between McClatchy Newspapers, Inc. and the City of Merced for the Property at 3033 North “G” Street. During the consideration of this agreement, the Council requested that staff provide an update on the status of all Public Facilities within the City. On August 21, 2017, staff provided the Council with an update on the current condition of all City-owned facilities and presented options for construction financing. During this meeting, direction was provided to staff to take the initial step of conducting an opinion survey to determine if the community would support a ballot initiative that would directly fund the construction of a new Police Headquarters Station, a New Fire Station, the expansion of the Corporation Yard, and the remodeling of 10 bathrooms within City of Merced parks.
At the Council’s direction, staff worked quickly to secure professional services to develop and conduct a public opinion survey. The survey was conducted between October 24th and October 29th and the results were posted on the City’s website on December 7, 2017. Based on the findings of the survey, Council provided staff direction to continue education and outreach efforts associated with the need to construct new facilities that provide essential public safety and public services to City residents. It is recommended by the Public Opinion consultant that a tracking survey be performed in June to reassess the proposed General Obligation Bond ballot measure’s viability within the community. Staff recommend that the City Council amend the Opinion Research Services profession services contract to perform the necessary tracking survey to allow for the Council to have adequate time to take action on the proposed General Obligation Bond ballot measure.
A transfer of funds is recommended to support the amendment to the professional services agreement.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Funding for these services is available from the Public Facilities Financing Fees - Police in Fund 047 and Fund 057. This report recommends a transfer in the amount of $14,625 from Fund 047 and $14,625 from Fund 057 to Fund 449, Public Safety Capital Improvement Projects, and appropriating the same to Project #116040 - New Police HQ.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, Inc. Contract
2. Contract Amendment