Artesia City Council
August 10, 2026

DFPI Licensure and Oversight:
• Daily reporting of enrolled PACE solicitors and solicitor agents • Regular examinations
• Annual reports
• Robust complaints procedures
Contraction of the market: In 2026 there are four licensed residential PACE providers – with only two of those actively originating new assessments. Previously there were at least four additional residential PACE providers who either did not seek licensure, or who had a license revoked.

DFPI Annual report for 2024 is the most recently published:

Declining number of assessments year over year:
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Total number of
assessments 12,335 10,129 5,651 3,721 2,756 2,149
$ amount of assessments
$362,347,
433
$332,517,
305 $201,385,624 $138,858,354 $106,797,956 $78,686,202
Declining number of PACE solicitors and solicitor agents:
2019 2024
Enrolled solicitors 6,443 3,636
Enrolled solicitor agents 51,095 23,312
Low and overall declining % of defaults reported:
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Defaulted Rate 1.39% N/A 0.41% 0.36% 0.28% 0.29%
Note: For the fiscal year 2024-2025 the California State Controller’s Office reported a default rate of 1.6% on all properties across the State, meaning defaults are actually less common on properties with PACE assessments.

Negligible and Declining number of foreclosures reported:
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Foreclosures 5 0 2 2 1 0

Since 2019, when five foreclosures were reported, there has been a total of only ten foreclosures.

Declining number of complaints to DFPI with zero unresolved in 2024 – compared to the number of outstanding assessments in California:
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Total Complaints 157 169 69 75 61 47
Total Complaints Resolved 104 157 67 74 59 47
CAEATFA reported outstanding # of
assessments 152,057 136,194 118,158 100,457 92,624 76,991

RESOLUIION N0. 1547
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCn, OF THE CITY OF ARTESIA

APPROVING, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING EXECUTION OF AN

AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE CALIFORNIA STATEWmE COMMUNIIIES

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the (jty of Artesia, California ("Cjty") has expressed an merest m participating in the economic development financing p (the "Programs') autho underthat certain Amended and Restated Jom Exercise of Powers Agyeemd Relatmgtothe Califomia Statewide Commues Developmmt Authority, dated as of June 1, 1988 (the "Agreanent"); and WHEREAS, thereis now before City Cound the form ofthe A@eement; and WHEREAS, the Citypurposes to participate mthe Prog and desires that artam projects to be located fromtimetotime wthe City be fmmicedpursuanttothe Prog; and WmEREAS, the Cityhas determiedthat k is inthepublic mterest and forthe public benadiat the Cky do so; and
WHEREAS, the has been filed w& the City Clerk and manbers ofthe City Council ofthe City, with the assistance of h staff, have reviewed said documem; NOW, 'nE[EREFORE9 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARTESIA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The Agmt is hereby approved. The Mayor, the City Manager or authorized designeether is herebyauthorized and dirededto exethe Agreement, w& sudi dxanges, insertions and omissions as may be approwd by said official, andthe City Clerk or sudi Clerk's designee is hereby audiorized and directedto affixthe Cjty's sealtothe Agreement and attestthereto.

SECTION2. TheMayor,theCityManager,theCityClerkandallotherproperofficersand officials ofthe City are hereby authorized and directedto execute sudi other agents, documents and certificates, andtoperform sudi odier acts and deeds, as may benecessaryor convenientto effedthe purposes of%s Resolution andthetmsadions herein autho.

SECnON3. TheCityClerkoftheCityshaIlforwardacertifiedcopyofthisResolutionandan orig'nally exe Agreementto:

Ana Marie del Rio, Esq.

Orrick, Herrmgton & Sutcliffe, LLP
Old Federal Reserve Bank Building
400 Sansome Street
San Francisco, Califomia 9411i
SECTION4. ThisResoluiionshalltakeeffectiediatelyupon:bpassage.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 10th dayof July, 2000.

ATIEST:

CLERK

SALLY FLO , MAYOR
I, Barbara Bmwn, City Cbrk ofthe City of Artesia, dohereby certifythatthe forego:mg Resolutim was introduced and adopted at a regular meeting ofthe City Council ofthe City of Artesiaheld on the 10th day of July, 2000, bydie followmg vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

COUNCILMEMBERS: Flowers, Nelson, Lya'i, Mendoza, Menezes COUNCILMEMBERS: None
COUNCn,MEMBERS: None
COUNCn,MEMBBRS: None

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 ITEM NO: 9K.

TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Consideration of Award of Professional Services Agreement With Communications LAB FROM: Danielle Osborne, Management Analyst
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager
Jamie Murguia, Finance Director
HongDao Nguyen, City Attorney
Abel Avalos, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council approve, and authorize the City Manager to execute on it's behalf, a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Communications LAB to create a Citywide Strategic Communications Plan at a cost not to exceed $49,350.00.

BACKGROUND:

Alignment with Fiscal Year 2026-27 Goals:

Goal(s) No. 5 - Create a Comprehensive Communications Plan for the City On Monday, February 23, 2026, the City Council participated in its annual Goal Setting Session, determining key initiatives and priority actions for the upcoming fiscal year. An emergent priority of the City Council was to solicit a consulting firm to audit and evaluate existing communication efforts, and to develop a Strategic Communications Plan to create a road map for communications strategies and to guide staff efforts in community outreach, engagement, and promotional endeavors throughout the entire organization. To further support this goal, the City Council allocated funding in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget to be used towards the procurement of services as they relate to the Citywide Strategic Communications Plan.

ANALYSIS:

The Council formed an ad-hoc committee, consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Ramoso and Councilmember Ahir, who met with staff and identified key goals and areas of need in Citywide communications. Top priorities included general engagement/civic awareness, Council action, code changes, media relations, scripted media, crisis communications, strategic campaigns, and internal communications. Upon discussion, it was determined that the best course of action would be to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for qualified individuals or firms to develop a Strategic Communications Plan. To that end, the committee determined the following scope of work for the RFP:

1. Create a comprehensive and modern communications strategy to be implemented by the City following adoption,

2. Establish communication and engagement standards and best practices across the organization,

3. Identify communications gaps and resources needed,

4. Outline tools, including translation services, which allow the City to reach a diverse audience, and

5. Provide strategies and best practices for inclusive internal communications.

Recognizing the scale of the request and the potential need for additional support in implementing some of the broader goals of the plan, the ad-hoc committee also requested that the RFP include a section for an optional/addon services and a separately itemized price sheet for implementation services. The scope would include staff training on recommended strategies and best practices, as well as the creation of basic templates for the City's use.

On June 3, 2026, the City released an RFP for the Citywide Strategic Communications Plan. The RFP was advertised for six (6) weeks, and included an opportunity for prospective proposers to ask and attain answers to clarifying questions. The RFP closed on June 24, 2026, and a total of nine (9) proposals were received from the following firms:

Consultant Firm
Proposed
Cost
Atypical Global $58,000
Communications LAB $58,500
CV Strategies $35,000
InnoNative Consulting $82,500
JPW Communications $57,635
Murakawa
Communications
$153,028.96
Raftelis $70,000
Tripepi Smith $92,705
WeUsThem $79,955
A three-member panel conducted the initial evaluation to determine finalists based on the following criteria: (1) Quality of the proposal, (2) Adherence to the requirements, (3) Expertise in the fields necessary to execute the proposal, (4) Recent relevant experience, (5) Professional qualifications and education of team members, (6) Methodology for project approach, (7) Resources, capability, and commitment to complete all tasks, and (8) Cost competitiveness and value for the money. Upon evaluation and discussion, the panel invited the top four firms to finalist interviews.

Finalist interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams on July 22, 2026 by a four-member panel. Proposers were asked a series of questions which allowed them to dive further into their proposals and showcase their experience and capabilities, and to make a case for why they believed they were the best fit for Artesia. Communications LAB emerged as the top candidate, having demonstrated a clear understanding of the City's priorities, and having provided a tailored approach to help the City bridge gaps and meet goals.

Communications LAB is a California Limited Liability Company (LLC) that offers full communications services, including public relations and media relations, strategic and crisis communications, social and digital media management, graphic design and branding, video production and photography, web development, and bilingual/multicultural community outreach, all managed under one project team.

Most recently, Communications LAB has conducted extensive strategic planning for the City of Placentia and the Port of Long Beach, and it currently serves as the City of Cypress' embedded public information arm.

Communications LAB stood out for its deep understanding of what is required of a public agency when performing community outreach, and it offers a unique perspective, with its founder currently serving as an elected city official in Orange County. This firm comprehends the challenges faced by a small city with a lean workforce like Artesia, is flexible when working with limited budgets, and is professionally ingrained in the industry, understanding the importance of compliance with issues such as the ADA Title II web accessibility requirements.

The attached proposal reflects the broadest scope of services offered by Communications LAB in response to the City's RFP, however the final scope included in the Professional Services Agreement was modified to fit the City's budget for this project. As requested in the RFP, Communications LAB has also included an optional add-on proposal for implementation services at a cost not to exceed $12,000. Staff intends to evaluate the need for additional services once the plan progresses, and the the City's support needs are clear.

Based on its experience, knowledge, and demonstrated understanding of Artesia's needs, Communications LAB emerged as the clear front-runner, and was unanimously selected by the panel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget allocates resources from the General Fund for the procurement of services for a Citywide Strategic Communications Plan.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Staff recommends that the City Council approve, and authorize the City Manager to execute on it's behalf, a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Communications LAB to create a Citywide Strategic Communications Plan at a cost not to exceed $49,350.00.

Attachments
Proposal - Communications LAB.pdf
Communications LAB - Revised Scope & Compensation.pdf
PSA - Communications LAB.pdf
701 E Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866 P: 949-215-5539 | F: 949-215-5549 [email protected] Prepared For: City of Artesia

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CITYWIDE STRATEGIC

COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 1

1. Title Page

COMMUNICATIONS LAB

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CITYWIDE STRATEGIC

COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Prepared for:

City of Artesia
18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701
Proposal Submitted: June 24, 2026
Submitted by: Communications LAB (dba of Barrios & Associates, LLC) 701 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
P: 949-215-5539 ext. 101
C: 714-878-4864
[email protected]
www.CommunicationsLAB.com
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 2

2. Table of Contents

1. Title Page 1

2. Table of Contents 2

3. Cover Letter 3

4. Introduction & Approach 5

5. Experience 8

6. Project Overview 11

7. Detailed Work Plan 13

8. Project Team 16

9. Quality Control 19

10. Cost Proposal 21

11. References 24

12. Required Statements 26

13. Agreement for Professional Services 28

14. APPENDIX 30
Communications LAB appreciates the opportunity to submit this proposal to the City of Artesia and looks forward to discussing our qualifications in greater detail.

Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 3

3. Cover Letter
June 24, 2026
Danielle Osborne, Management Analyst,
City of Artesia • Administrative Services Department
18747 Clarkdale Avenue
Artesia, CA 90701
RE: Request for Proposals – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Dear Ms. Osborne and Members of the Selection Committee:

Communications LAB is pleased to submit this proposal in response to the City of Artesia’s Request for Proposals for a Citywide Strategic Communications Plan. We are an award-winning, full-service strategic communications, public relations, and digital media firm with more than two decades of combined experience guiding municipal organizations through this kind of citywide self-assessment and planning process – most recently for the Port of Long Beach, the City of Placentia, and the City of Cypress.

Artesia is a uniquely textured city – 85% people of color, anchored by deep Asian and Hispanic communities, a federally recognized disadvantaged census tract in North Artesia, and a resident base reached through outlets from the Artesian magazine and Radio TV Artesia to Rave Mobile Reverse 911. That texture is exactly where Communications LAB does its best work: we arrive with a process – communications audits, stakeholder ascertainments, and audience-specific strategy – custom-built to a community’s real channels, real language needs, and real capacity to sustain a plan once we are gone.

Our team will function as a genuine extension of Artesia’s Administrative Services Department, not an outside vendor working at arm’s length, and will bring forward a specific recommendation for meeting the revised Title II ADA webaccessibility requirements ahead of the federal April 26, 2028 deadline. Communications LAB meets and exceeds every qualification standard outlined in this RFP, and we respectfully request the opportunity to put our experience to work for Artesia.

Consultant: Communications LAB
Address: 701 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866
Phone: 949-215-5539 ext. 101
CA SOS Entity No.: 201302410206
Proposal Contact: Arianna Barrios, CEO
Address: 701 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA 92866
Email: [email protected]
Entity Type: Single-Member LLC;
Arianna Barrios, Owner/CEO, Authority to bind firm.

This proposal, and the fees contained herein, shall remain valid and binding for a period of not less than 120 calendar days from the date of submittal.

Sincerely,
Arianna Barrios, CEO
Communications LAB | 701 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866 O: 949-215-5539 ext. 101 | C: 714-878-4864 | E: [email protected] Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 4

4. Introduction & Approach
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 5

4. Introduction & Approach
Firm Overview
Communications LAB is the dba of Barrios & Associates, LLC, a California limited liability company wholly owned by CEO Arianna Barrios, who holds full legal authority to bind the firm to the terms of this proposal (CA Secretary of State Entity No. 201302410206). Originally founded as a sole-proprietorship consulting practice in 2005, the firm incorporated as an LLC in 2013 and has grown into a 20-person, full-service strategic communications, public relations, and digital media agency, headquartered at 701 E. Chapman Avenue in the historic Old Towne district of Orange, California, with a satellite office in Pasadena serving Los Angeles County clients.

Recognized in 2023 as one of the Top 10 public relations firms in Orange County (Orange County Business Journal), Communications LAB is a certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) at the local, state, and federal levels. The firm is in good standing with the California Secretary of State and is registered with the California Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Communications LAB is structured as a true full-service shop – public relations and media relations, strategic and crisis communications, social and digital media management, graphic design and branding, video production and photography, web development, and bilingual/multicultural community outreach all sit in-house, under one roof, managed by one project team. The City of Artesia will never be handed off between subcontractors for different pieces of its Communications Plan.

What Differentiates Communications LAB
▪ A specific, repeatable track record of citywide strategic communications planning – not just tactical execution – most recently for the City of Placentia and currently for the Port of Long Beach, giving Artesia a partner who has run this exact process and knows where it succeeds and where it needs to flex. ▪ True extension-of-staff partnership. Communications LAB has served as the embedded public information arm for the City of Cypress since 2022 and the City of Huntington Beach since 2019 – we are accustomed to working inside small municipal teams, not around them.
▪ A multidisciplinary, multicultural in-house bench – strategists, project managers, graphic designers, videographers, and bilingual outreach specialists – that mirrors the demographic complexity of Artesia’s 85% people-of-color community.
▪ Demonstrated experience evaluating communications activities qualitatively and quantitatively (audits, ascertainments, statistically valid community surveys) to build best-in-class, defensible recommendations rather than generic templates.
▪ Direct, current awareness of the Department of Justice’s revised Title II ADA web accessibility rule and its April 26, 2028 compliance deadline, and a workplan that builds compliance review into Phase 1 of the engagement rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Our Approach
Each city, agency, and community has its own story, and respecting that story – rather than dropping in a one-sizefits-all template – has shaped every strategic communications plan Communications LAB has delivered. Our approach to Artesia’s Citywide Strategic Communications Plan is built on three principles:

1. Listen before we write. Before a single recommendation is drafted, our team conducts a full communications audit and a structured round of staff, elected official, and community stakeholder ascertainments. The Plan we deliver reflects what Artesia’s own residents, businesses, and staff tell us – not what worked somewhere else.

Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 6

2. Build for the team that has to run it. Artesia’s Administrative Services Department manages communications alongside grant administration, public safety coordination, and economic development – the same small-team reality we have supported for Cypress and Placentia. Our recommendations, templates, and training are sized to a lean in-house team, not an outsourced agency.

3. Plan for every resident, not just the easiest-to-reach ones. With Asian (42%) and Hispanic (35%) communities comprising Artesia’s two largest population groups, and North Artesia formally recognized as a disadvantaged community, our audience-profile and translation strategy will be built around real reach, not assumed reach.

General Firm Information
Organization Size 20 employees (18 full-time, 2 part-time) Office Locations Orange, CA (HQ) and Pasadena, CA
Years in Business 21 years overall (founded 2005); 13 years as an LLC (incorporated 2013) State of Incorporation California – Limited Liability Company Principal / Owner Arianna Barrios, Sole Member & Chief Executive Officer Other Principal Brian Lochrie, President
Certifications SBE / DBE / MBE / WBE / WOSB (state and federal) A full organizational chart for this engagement is provided in Section F, Project Team.

5. Our Experience
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 8

5. Experience
The three case studies below were selected because, together, they demonstrate the full range of work the City of Artesia’s Citywide Strategic Communications Plan will require: large-scale public-agency research and message testing (Port of Long Beach), a citywide strategic communications planning engagement nearly identical in scope to Artesia’s (City of Placentia), and sustained, embedded, extension-of-staff communications support for a small municipal organization (City of Cypress).

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Port of Long Beach – Community Surveys & Stakeholder Ascertainments Contact: Eleanor Torres, Managing Director, Strategic Advocacy | (562) 756-8383 | [email protected] In 2024, the Port of Long Beach’s Office of Strategic Advocacy engaged Communications LAB to design and field a communitywide survey assessing local sentiment toward the Port as a neighbor, job center, and community partner – the first scientifically valid instrument of its kind in over a decade. The engagement gave the Port’s communications team the baseline metrics it had been missing to evaluate future outreach.

The multi-phased project included a review of prior survey findings, development of a 30-question communitywide survey, 500+ live-interview qualitative and quantitative responses (margin of error of +/-4.4%), 18 key stakeholder ascertainments, and 52 community intercept surveys, with the sample stratified to mirror Long Beach’s actual demographic and council-district composition.

The results gave the Port its strongest baseline yet – an 87% favorable opinion among the local community, the highest of any comparable local organization tested – and a defensible, data-driven foundation the Port now uses to plan and measure its ongoing communications and community outreach programs.

SERVICES PROVIDED
– Communitywide research & survey design
– Stakeholder ascertainment interviews
– Community intercept surveys
– Message testing & strategic recommendations

KEY STAFF ASSIGNED
– Arianna Barrios, Strategic Advisor
– Diana Moreno, Project Manager
– Research Partner (subconsultant)

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
City of Placentia – Communications & Marketing Strategic Plan Project led by Diana Moreno, Project Manager | Engagement: 2023 In 2023, Communications LAB was engaged by the City of Placentia to undertake a strategic review of the City’s communications strategies and activities, with an eye toward building a new strategic communications plan that incorporated modern best practices, met stakeholders where they were, and could be managed efficiently by a small in-house team – the same fundamental brief outlined in Artesia’s RFP.

Communications LAB approached the project in three phases: Research & Ascertainments, Social & Digital Strategy, and Plan Delivery. Phase 1 included a full communications audit of every existing channel, an informal community survey on resident communications preferences, and more than 20 stakeholder ascertainments spanning City staff, elected leaders, business owners, and residents. Phase 2 focused exclusively on the City’s social and digital Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 9 channels; in the process, our team identified several departments quietly running unsanctioned “shadow” social channels outside the City’s official presence – channels we helped the City consolidate and shut down while building the templates and tools the internal team needed to maintain consistency going forward.

Phase 3 delivered a comprehensive Strategic Communications Plan that established a clear chain of command for who leads communications under the City Manager, articulated where Placentia’s messaging was headed, and equipped staff with editorial calendars, brand guidelines, and channel-specific best practices. The final plan was approved by the Placentia City Council and Communications LAB went on to facilitate the citywide training sessions that accompanied its rollout.

SERVICES PROVIDED
– Communications audit
– Stakeholder ascertainments (20+)
– Social & digital channel assessment
– Strategic communications plan & brand guidelines
– Citywide staff training

KEY STAFF ASSIGNED
– Diana Moreno, Project Manager
– Arianna Barrios, Strategic Advisor
– Brooke Hester, Project Coordinator

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
City of Cypress – Strategic Communications & Community Outreach Contact: Peter Grant, City Manager | (714) 229-6700 | [email protected] Since 2022, Communications LAB has served as the City of Cypress’s embedded public information arm – the clearest demonstration in our portfolio of what it means to work as a genuine extension of municipal staff. Our team develops and implements the communications and marketing efforts behind City news, services, programs, and signature events such as the Spring Egg Hunt, Summerfest, Concerts on the Green, the Cypress Run, State of the City, and the Holiday Sing.

Working directly with the City Manager and individual departments, Communications LAB introduced a new brand guide, adopted a citywide social media strategy, improved video production quality, and streamlined newsletter production. As the City’s digital storyteller, our team produces daily social content, bi-weekly “Minute with the Mayor” video segments, and a bi-weekly e-newsletter, while monitoring social channels, responding to resident inquiries, and flagging emerging issues to City staff. We also executed citywide outreach campaigns educating residents on the California Voting Rights Act and recent municipal elections.

The result is measurable: in a statistically valid community survey Communications LAB fielded for the City, 95% of residents reported feeling Cypress is a safe place to live and 91% rated it an excellent or good place to live and raise a family – evidence that consistent, well-targeted communications support builds durable community trust over time.

SERVICES PROVIDED
– Government relations & Special Projects
– Media Relations & PR
– Graphic Design & Website Management
– Social Media, Email Outreach & Newsletters
– Video Production
– Branding & Visual Identity

KEY STAFF ASSIGNED
– Diana Moreno, Project Manager
– Brooke Hester, Asst. Project Manager
– Arianna Barrios, Crisis Communications
– Brian Lochrie & Jose Vazquez, Video Production
– Max Lochrie, Digital & Social Media
– Jessica Van Oyen, Graphic Design

6. Project Overview
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 11

6. Project Overview
The City of Artesia is seeking a Citywide Strategic Communications Plan that reviews existing communications outlets and efforts and establishes best practices to reach and inform the broadest possible audience about Artesia – while also equipping the Administrative Services Department with the templates, training direction, and accessibility roadmap to sustain that plan after Communications LAB’s engagement ends. Communications LAB’s Project Manager will work hand-in-hand with the City’s Management Analyst throughout the engagement, treating Artesia’s Communications goals as our own.

Special Considerations We Have Identified
▪ ADA Title II Compliance Deadline. The Department of Justice’s revised Title II regulations require Artesia’s web-based information to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards by April 26, 2028. Because this is a fixed federal deadline, we have built a web accessibility review directly into Phase 1 of our workplan rather than treating it as a closing recommendation – giving the City the runway it needs to budget and execute remediation well ahead of the deadline.
▪ A Demographically Complex Audience. With an 85% people-of-color population (42% Asian, 35% Hispanic) and North Artesia formally designated a disadvantaged community, a single generic communications plan will not reach every Artesia resident equally. Our audience-profile and translation strategy is built to identify which channels, languages, and message formats reach which populations – and where current gaps exist. ▪ A Lean In-House Team. The Administrative Services Department manages communications alongside grant administration, public safety coordination, economic development, and emergency management. Every tool, template, and training recommendation in our Plan is sized to be maintained by that existing team – not dependent on hiring additional staff.
▪ An Unusually Rich Existing Channel Mix. Artesia already operates an uncommonly broad set of outlets – from the quarterly Artesian magazine and a Radio TV Artesia partnership to a South Street marquee sign and Rave Mobile Reverse 911. Our communications audit will assess which of these channels are earning their place in the mix, which are underused, and where consolidation or retirement (as we identified for the City of Placentia) may be warranted.
▪ A One-Year Engagement Window. We understand the City intends this agreement to run for a one-year term or until the Plan is complete. Our workplan is sequenced to deliver the final adopted Plan well inside that window, while preserving time for Council review, staff training, and any City-directed scope adjustments.

Our Unique Strengths for This Engagement
▪ Direct, current experience completing this exact deliverable – a citywide strategic communications plan – for a comparably sized Southern California general-law city (City of Placentia), built and approved within a single fiscal year.
▪ An in-house, multilingual outreach team (Spanish-language translation and interpretation capability is provided in-house, not subcontracted) suited to Artesia’s Hispanic and broader immigrant communities. ▪ A senior strategist – Arianna Barrios – who is herself a sitting elected municipal official (City of Orange), giving the City a strategic advisor who personally understands the pressures and optics elected leaders face around public communications.
▪ An established, repeatable Quality Control methodology (Section G) built around the same projectmanagement platforms – Asana, Microsoft SharePoint, or Microsoft Teams – already familiar to most municipal IT environments.

7. Detailed Workplan
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 13

7. Detailed Workplan
Communications LAB proposes a three-phase workplan that directly maps to all five goals identified in Section III, Scope of Work, of the RFP. We have organized the work this way – the same structure that proved successful for the City of Placentia – because it front-loads listening and research before a single recommendation is drafted, and because it lets phases overlap where efficient rather than forcing a rigid, sequential timeline.

PHASE 1 | Research, Audit & Ascertainment (Months 1–2)
Addresses RFP Goal 1 (comprehensive, modern communications strategy) and Goal 4 (tools to reach a diverse audience).
▪ Kick-Off: Facilitate a meeting with the Management Analyst to confirm project governance, select a shared project-management platform, and finalize the engagement schedule. ▪ Communications Audit: Conduct a comprehensive communications audit of all current outlets – City website/E-notify, press releases, the Artesian magazine, Radio TV Artesia, monthly e-newsletters, street banners, print collateral, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, tabling/event presence, the South Street marquee, and Rave Mobile Reverse 911 – assessing consistency of brand voice, frequency, channel effectiveness, and dormant or duplicative channels.
▪ Ascertainments: Conduct up to 20 staff, elected official, and community stakeholder ascertainment interviews using a standardized, City-approved question set, including City Council members, department heads, business and Chamber representatives, and residents from North Artesia. ▪ Community Survey: Launch a short, cost-effective, broadly distributed community engagement survey (print and digital) to capture communications preferences across Artesia’s Asian, Hispanic, and broader resident population. Available in multiple languages and advertised through all current City channels and locations. ▪ ADA Review: ADA Title II web accessibility review of the City’s website and digital communications against WCAG 2.1 AA standards, producing a prioritized remediation roadmap aligned to the April 26, 2028 federal deadline.
▪ Audience Profiles: Development of audience profiles identifying which channels, languages, and message formats reach Artesia’s residential, business, visitor, and harder-to-reach populations, with initial recommendations on where translated materials should be published.

PHASE 2 | Standards, Strategy & Toolkit Development (Months 2–4) Addresses RFP Goal 2 (engagement standards & best practices) and Goal 5 (inclusive internal communications). ▪ Strategy Development: Citywide content strategy for storytelling, routine public messaging, council action updates, code changes, and events/programs, including guidance on how to approach potentially controversial topics.
▪ Best Practices: Social media, alert-message, and FlashVote survey best practices, plus a style guide and editorial-calendar templates for planned social posts and campaigns. ▪ Plans & Templates: Crisis communications plan and template library – statements, talking points, sample press releases/op-eds, and a current media list – built specifically around scenarios relevant to Artesia (public safety, code changes, emergency events).

Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 14 ▪ Recommendations: Provide recommendations on advertising outlets and best practices, and best practices for establishing a citywide photo and video asset database. ▪ Internal Communications: Develop an Internal communications strategy for sharing information over the City’s Intranet and Teams groups, plus a staff engagement framework to build internal awareness of City activities.
▪ Training: Recommended media-training opportunities for staff and elected officials, and KPI/metric reporting templates so the City can track reach, engagement, and message acceptance going forward.

PHASE 3 | Plan Finalization, Council Adoption & Training (Months 4–5) Addresses RFP Goal 3 (identify communications gaps and resources needed) and finalizes deliverables across all five goals.
▪ Strategic Communications Plan: Draft Citywide Strategic Communications Plan assembled from all Phase 1 and Phase 2 findings, including a gap analysis identifying where City staff capacity, budget, or outside consultant support will be needed to implement specific recommendations. ▪ Collaborative Review: Internal review cycle with the Management Analyst and City leadership, followed by revisions.
▪ Presentation: Final presentation(s) of the Plan to City staff and, upon request, to the City Council, including an executive summary of ascertainment findings, target audiences, preferred channels, key messages, and success metrics.
▪ Delivery: Delivery of all final templates, the style guide, the crisis communications toolkit, and the ADA remediation roadmap in editable, City-owned formats.
▪ Training: Up to three (3) staff training sessions – General Communications, Social Media Best Practices, and Spokesperson/Media Training – provided at no additional cost as part of the base proposal (see Section H, Cost Proposal).

Assumptions & Required City Support
▪ The City will designate the Management Analyst (or other staff representative) as the single point of contact responsible for scheduling ascertainment interviews, routing internal approvals, and granting access to existing communications materials, analytics, and the City website/CMS for the ADA review. ▪ Communications LAB will recommend a project-management platform (Asana, SmartSheet, or Microsoft Teams) for shared visibility into milestones; we assume the City can provide limited staff access to whichever platform is selected.
▪ All work products will be developed using standard, widely available software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva); no proprietary City software licenses are assumed. ▪ If, during Phase 1, any RFP-listed task is found to be better served by an alternative approach (for example, if existing analytics data is insufficient to support quantitative channel-effectiveness analysis), Communications LAB will document the issue and propose an alternative method for the City’s approval before proceeding. ▪ Full ADA remediation (as opposed to the audit and roadmap) is scoped as part of the Optional Add-Alternate budget in Section H, consistent with the City’s own framing of implementation support as an optional, separately priced service.

8. Project Team
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 16

8. Project Team
Communications LAB proposes a five-person core team for the Artesia engagement, supported as needed by our broader 20-person in-house bench (bilingual outreach, graphic design, and video production). Diana Moreno will serve as the City’s single, consistent point of contact for the life of the engagement; no key team member will be removed or substituted without prior written notice to the City. (Full Team Resumes are included in the APPENDIX.) City of Artesia
Management Analyst
Diana Moreno
Project Manager
Arianna Barrios
Strategic Advisor & Sr. Training Facilitator
Max Lochrie
Digital Media Manager
Brooke Hester
Account Coordinator
Brooke Dailey
Digital Media Coordinator
Arianna Barrios
Strategic Advisor & Senior
Training Facilitator
701 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA
92866 | 949-215-5539 ext. 101 |
[email protected]
CEO of Communications LAB since 2013 and a 20+ year communications, marketing, and public policy professional with a B.A. in Communications (Public Relations emphasis) from CSU Fullerton. Ms.

Barrios currently serves as an elected Councilmember for the City of Orange, District 1, giving her firsthand, current insight into the pressures elected officials face around public messaging.

On the Artesia engagement, Ms. Barrios will provide senior strategic and crisis-communications counsel, oversee message-platform development, and personally lead the proposed media/spokesperson training sessions for City Council and executive staff.

Diana Moreno
Project Manager
701 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA
92866 | 949-215-5539 ext. 120 |
[email protected]
Director of Public Affairs at Communications LAB since 2019, with a B.A. in Political Science (Summa Cum Laude) from CSU Fullerton and 10+ years of prior experience as District Director for a California State Senate office and Policy Advisor for the County of Orange. Ms. Moreno led the City of Placentia’s Communications & Marketing Strategic Plan engagement referenced in Section C and currently manages the City of Cypress account.

As Project Manager, Ms. Moreno will serve as Artesia’s day-to-day point of contact, leading the communications audit, ascertainment interviews, and drafting of the final Strategic Communications Plan.

Max Lochrie
Digital Media Manager
701 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA
92866 | 949-215-5539 |
[email protected]
Web developer and digital strategist at Communications LAB since 2023, holding a B.A. in Music Industry & History from UCLA. Mr. Lochrie has designed and launched multiple public-agency and nonprofit websites for the firm, including SaveOCHorses.com, NOCpublicsafety.com, and OCHopecenter.org, and is proficient across the Adobe Creative Suite and modern web platforms.

On this engagement, Mr. Lochrie will lead the City’s digital-channel audit and ADA Title II web accessibility review, and support build-out of the social media and digital strategy and templates.

Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 17 Brooke Hester
Account Coordinator
701 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA
92866 | 949-606-3065 |
[email protected]
Public Affairs Executive at Communications LAB since 2024, holding a B.A. in Communications & Public Relations and a Certificate in Digital Communications. Ms. Hester currently provides account management support for the City of Cypress account as Assistant Project Manager and has direct experience coordinating event logistics, newsletters, and social content for government clients.

For Artesia, Ms. Hester will coordinate ascertainment scheduling, manage the community survey rollout, and support day-to-day deliverable tracking for the Project Manager.

Brooke Dailey
Digital Media Coordinator
701 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA
92866 | 949-215-5539 |
[email protected]
Ms. Dailey supports Communications LAB’s municipal client teams as part of the firm’s outreach and digital content bench, assisting with social media scheduling, content production coordination, and community outreach logistics on current public-agency accounts.

On the Artesia engagement, Ms. Dailey will support the social media editorial calendar, day-to-day channel monitoring, and coordination of graphic and video asset requests alongside the Digital Media Manager.

9. Quality Control
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 19

9. Quality Control
Communications LAB’s quality control process begins with the same project-management discipline we use across every public-agency engagement, paired with a structured, multi-tier review of every work product before it reaches the City.

Project Management & Visibility Tools
Asana
Collaborative day-to-day task
management.

Microsoft Teams
Collaborative day-to-day task
management.

Real-time team & client
communication/sharing.

Microsoft SharePoint
Collaborative day-to-day task
management.

Real-time team & client
communication/sharing.

Document & Deliverable Review Cycle

1. First Draft – prepared by the assigned Account Coordinator or Digital Media team member against the agreed scope and City-provided source material.

2. Strategic Review – the Project Manager reviews every deliverable for accuracy, completeness, brand and tone consistency, and adherence to the City’s communications standards before it advances.

3. Senior Sign-Off – for plan-level deliverables (the audit findings, the draft Strategic Communications Plan, and crisis communications materials), the Strategic Advisor provides a final senior review before delivery to the City.

4. City Review & Revision – all major deliverables are routed to the Management Analyst for review and comment, with a documented revision turnaround built into the project schedule.

This same four-step model is the one Communications LAB used to deliver an accurate, Council-approved Strategic Communications Plan for the City of Placentia on schedule, and it is the model our team uses today to manage the daily volume of content moving through the City of Cypress account without errors reaching residents.

10. Cost Proposal
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 21

10. Cost Proposal
Communications LAB proposes a task-based, all-inclusive not-to-exceed fee for the base scope of the Citywide Strategic Communications Plan, calculated against a single Blended Team Rate of $150 per hour. This fee includes all direct and indirect costs, project management, and standard out-of-pocket expenses (mileage, standard printing of internal review drafts, and routine software). Any pre-approved, City-specific reimbursable cost (such as professional translation certification, paid survey distribution, or third-party printing of final collateral) will be billed at actual cost with no markup.

Base Proposal – Task & Hours Breakdown
Task / Deliverable Est. Hours Fee
Project Management, Kickoff & Team Meetings 48 $7,200
Communications Audit (channels, materials, media coverage, brand) 40 $6,000 Staff & Stakeholder Ascertainments (up to 20 interviews) 36 $5,400 Community & Business Engagement Survey 28 $4,200
ADA Title II Web Accessibility Compliance Review 20 $3,000 Audience Profiles & Translation / Outreach Strategy 18 $2,700 Strategic Communications Plan Drafting 50 $7,500
Engagement Standards, Style Guide & Social Media Templates 36 $5,400 Social Media Strategy & Best Practices 28 $4,200
Crisis Communications Plan & Templates 24 $3,600
Internal Communications Strategy (Intranet / Teams) 16 $2,400 Media & Spokesperson Training Recommendations 12 $1,800 KPI / Metrics Reporting Templates & Tools 12 $1,800
Draft Review, Revisions & Final Plan Presentation(s) 22 $3,300 TOTAL BASE PROPOSAL FEE (390 hours) 390 $58,500
This not-to-exceed fee may also be invoiced as a flat monthly retainer of $9,750 (65 hours) over a six-month engagement, at the City’s preference, consistent with the structure Communications LAB has used successfully on comparable municipal engagements.

Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 22 Hourly Rate Schedule
The table below identifies each key team member’s standard hourly rate and the discounted Blended Team Rate Communications LAB proposes for all work performed for the City of Artesia, across all classifications and tasks, for the term of the Agreement and any authorized renewal. This rate schedule is part of Communications LAB’s quote for use in invoicing progress payments and for any Extra Work authorized by the City outside this scope, and shall remain in effect, including for the Optional Add-Alternate proposal below, for not less than twelve (12) months following award of the base contract.

Team Member / Role Standard Rate Proposed Rate for
City of Artesia
Arianna Barrios – Strategic Advisor & Sr. Training Facilitator $185/hr $150/hr (blended) Diana Moreno – Project Manager $165/hr $150/hr (blended) Max Lochrie – Digital Media Manager $150/hr $150/hr (blended) Brooke Hester – Account Coordinator $135/hr $150/hr (blended) Brooke Dailey – Digital Media Coordinator $125/hr $150/hr (blended) A single blended rate gives the City budget certainty and ensures senior strategic counsel is never billed at a premium rate – the City receives Ms. Barrios’ and Ms. Moreno’s senior-level direction at the same hourly rate as project coordination and digital production work.

Optional Add-Alternate – Implementation & Training Support Consistent with the RFP’s invitation for a separate, optional proposal addressing implementation support, Communications LAB offers the following add-alternate task list, priced separately from the base proposal and using the same $150/hour Blended Team Rate. This add-alternate pricing remains valid for twelve (12) months following award of the base contract and may be authorized by the City in whole, in part, or not at all, at the City’s sole discretion.

Optional Task / Deliverable Est. Hours Fee
General Communications & Customer Service Staff Training (2 sessions) 16 $2,400 Spokesperson & Media Training for Elected Officials / Exec. Staff (1 day) 16 $2,400 Social Media & Digital Best Practices Training for Staff 12 $1,800 Additional Department-Specific Templates & Toolkits 16 $2,400 Train-the-Trainer Reference Guide & Quarterly Office Hours (12 mo.) 20 $3,000 TOTAL OPTIONAL ADD-ALTERNATE (80 hours) 80 $12,000
Combined Base Proposal and Optional Add-Alternate fee, if both are authorized at standard hourly rates = $70,500.

11. Our References
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 24

11. References
Communications LAB has provided the same scope of service being proposed to the City of Artesia – citywide or agencywide strategic communications planning and embedded communications support – to each of the following California public agency clients within the past five years.

Agency Scope of Service / Dates Client Contact Phone Email / Address Port of Long
Beach
Communitywide Survey &
Stakeholder Ascertainments;
2024–Present
Stephanie MontuyaMorisky,
Director,
Communications &
Community Relations
(562)
283-7702
Stephanie.Montuya[email protected]
City of
Placentia
Communications & Marketing
Strategic Plan, Stakeholder
Ascertainments;
2023
Nicolette Vialpando,
City of Placentia
(714)
993-8107 [email protected]
City of
Cypress
Strategic communications &
community outreach;
2022–Present
Shannon DeLong,
City Manager
(714)
229-6680 [email protected]
City of
Brea/North
Orange
County Public
Safety
Collaborative
Strategic Communications,
Branding, Digital & Social Media,
Video Production;
2020–2024
Soo Kang,
Asst. City Manager &
Collaborative
Executive Director
(714)
671-3610 [email protected]
City of Santa
Ana, Police
Department
Strategic & Crisis
Communications, Video
Production, Social Media &
Digital Marketing;
2021–Present
Officer Jason McFall,
SAPD Homeland
Security / UASI
Division
(949)
274-3722 [email protected]

12. Required Statements
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 26

12. Required Statements
a) Compliance with Federal, State & Local Law
Communications LAB hereby states that, in the performance of this Agreement, it shall adhere to all applicable federal laws and regulations notwithstanding any state or local laws and regulations, and that in the event of any conflict between federal, state, or local laws or regulations, the strictest standard shall be applied. b) Non-Discrimination
Communications LAB hereby states that it will not discriminate illegally against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, pursuant to all applicable equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.
c) Labor Code / Prevailing Wage Compliance
Communications LAB hereby states that, to the extent this engagement is determined to constitute a “public works” or “maintenance” project under the California Labor Code, it shall comply with the California Labor Code, including the Federal Labor Standards Provisions, the Federal Prevailing Wage Decision, and the State of California Prevailing Wage Rates, as applicable, and is aware of and will comply with Labor Code Section 1771 et seq. and Section 1725.5/1771.1 registration requirements with the Department of Industrial Relations where triggered. d) Copeland Anti-Kickback Act
Communications LAB hereby states that it shall comply with the Copeland Anti-Kickback Act (18 U.S.C. §874c) and its implementing regulations (29 C.F.R. Part 3), and any amendments thereto, to the extent applicable to the Services performed under this Agreement.

Insurance & Business License
Communications LAB currently maintains Commercial General Liability ($1M per occurrence / $3M aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1M), Umbrella/Excess Liability ($5M), Workers’ Compensation (statutory, $1M Employer’s Liability), and Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions ($2M/$4M) coverage, Cyber Security Liability ($2M) and will provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Artesia, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers as additional insureds within three (3) business days of selection, consistent with Section VI.A of the RFP.

Communications LAB will obtain a City of Artesia Business License prior to contract award, consistent with Section VI.B of the RFP.

Litigation & Contract History
Communications LAB attests that it has no pending or past convictions or indictments of the firm or its officers. The firm has had no adjudication or adverse determination at the federal, state, or local level for violation of equal opportunity or employment law, has never been terminated from a public agency contract for convenience or for cause, and has never been disciplined by any government agency or professional association.

13. Acceptance of Agreement
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 28

13. Acceptance of Agreement
Communications LAB has reviewed the City’s standard Professional Services Agreement provided as Attachment 1 to the RFP and is prepared to accept its terms and conditions in full, including the indemnification, insurance, and Documents & Data ownership provisions, subject only to the customary completion of Exhibits “A” (Scope of Services), “B” (Schedule of Services), and “C” (Compensation) consistent with the scope, schedule, and fees set forth in this proposal.

Communications LAB identifies no term of the Agreement that it is unwilling to accept as drafted. We respectfully request the opportunity to coordinate with the City Attorney’s office during contract negotiation solely to insert the agreed project-specific details (key personnel names, compensation schedule, and term dates) into the Agreement’s bracketed fields.

Submitted on behalf of Communications LAB:

Arianna Barrios, CEO
Barrios & Associates, LLC, dba Communications LAB
June 24, 2026

APPENDIX
Arianna Barrios
701 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
949-215-5539 ext. 101
[email protected]
Summary
Exceptional performance in
identifying market/business
opportunities and creating
programs, promotions, and
relationships to outpace the
competition.

Strong technology experience with
team building qualifications. Awardwinning video producer, web designer, and public policy
consultant.

Elected Office
Rancho Santiago Community
College District, Trustee Area 7
Term: 2011-2020
City of Orange
Councilmember, District 1
Term: 2020 - Present
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Communications
Emphasis: Public Relations
Minor: Political Science
California State University, Fullerton
Areas of Expertise
Project Management
Strategic Communications
Media Training
Marketing Communications
Strategic Messaging
Graphic Design and New Media
Website Production
Public Policy
Government Relations
CEO, Communications LAB
Orange, CA
2013-Present
• Small business owner / operator overseeing a team of highly skilled communications and government affairs professionals.
• Specializing in public works, infrastructure and transportation projects • Develop community outreach strategies and public participation opportunities for public comment during CEQA/NEPA processes. • Provide strategic consultation and award-winning services to clients across the Southern California region.
• Clients Under Management (partial list): Orange County Transportation Authority, Transportation Corridor Agency, East Orange County Water District, Orange Unified School District, William Lyon Homes, LA Metro, Southern California Edison, City of Anaheim, Lumitron Technologies, OC Tax, OC Forum, South Orange County Economic Coalition, Cigna Health Care, Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), Santa Margarita Water District, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.

Marketing & Communications Consultant, Barrios & Associates Orange, CA
2008-13
• Consulting and advising candidates, elected officials, and municipalities on public policy, community outreach, and voter communications
• Developing and implementing social media networks, including Blog, Facebook, and Twitter for community and voter outreach • Developed successful online tactical plans and social media networks for several Orange County businesses and public figures including OC Supervisor Todd Spitzer; Orange Mayor Cavecche; • Partnered on development and implementation of major theme park’s media events, and partners for national premiere • Development of online, interactive promotions and Fortune 500 corporate outreach strategies
Marketing Director, Taylor Woodrow Homes / Taylor Morrison Irvine, CA
2005-2008
• Developed partnership with the Disneyland Resort for the Innoventions Dream Home Project and managed project from construction to launch.
• Proactively developed viable marketing, public relations, and business strategies to increase product awareness.
• Successfully opened new markets and implemented company’s online Internet podcasting, penetrating a larger and more diversified customer base, and reducing advertising costs by 20%.
• Managed internal and external communications, and identifed media opportunities for senior management
Resume: Arianna Barrios
Resume: Diana Moreno
Diana Moreno
701 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
949-215-5539 ext. 120
[email protected]
Summary
Creative and dynamic professional with
experience in media/public relations. Proven
track record of managing demanding media
relations efforts and implementing media
strategies across traditional and digital
platforms in various languages. Expert
proficiency in Spanish, Microsoft Office,
Constant Contact, social media strategies,
media buying and event planning.

Education
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Summa Cum Laude
California State University, Fullerton
Areas of Expertise
Project Management
Strategic Communications and Collaboration
Government Affairs
Community Outreach
Public Affairs & Policy
Certifications
Superior Court of California Leadership
Academy (2012)
Orange County Leadership Academy (2013)
Outreach Projects
OCSan
Construction Communications Assessment
Community Outreach & Survey Intercepts
2022
OCTA
OC Streetcar
Community Outreach & Survey Intercepts
2025
City of Cypress
Voter Education & Outreach
Community Outreach, Communications &
Survey Intercepts
2022
Director, Public Affairs
Communications LAB
Orange, CA
2019-Present
• Delivers effective account management services to diverse clients, including: City of Cypress and County of Orange. • Specializes in public outreach, media strategies,
communications ascertainments, project management, event planning and political campaigns.

District Director, California State Senate
Sacramento, CA
2014-19
• Improved Senator’s visibility by developing/executing press strategies that articulated Senator’s district and legislative priorities to the public; corresponded with local and national media in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, arranged for
media coverage of events and press conferences.
• Drafted press releases, op-eds, speeches, correspondence, newsletters and outreach materials, often produced in rapid response to breaking news.
• Produced and updated content on web page, Facebook,
Twitter and Constant Contact accounts.
• Conducted legislative research, monitored statewide/local issues impacting 34th district, provided policy consultations on key legislative and district issues, organized community events, recruited, trained and managed volunteers,
represented member on community task forces and public
events, served as a constituent liaison with state agencies.

Policy Advisor, District Representative & Legislative Aide, County of Orange
Sacramento, CA
2011-2019
• Co-Managed media communications
• Planned district-wide community events to provide
underserved communities with information and direct
services. -Provided recommendations on County budget,
operations, programs and proposed departmental actions, and action items for special districts and county organized health systems.
• Coordinated services with local municipalities and other regional governmental entities on County/public sector
issues.

Brooke Hester
701 E Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
949-606-3065
[email protected]
Summary
Brooke is a dedicated professional with
a strong foundation in communications
and public relations. She excels in
managing social media platforms,
crafting compelling copy, and
facilitating public outreach initiatives.

Her meticulous approach to client
relations and strategic communication
highlights her passion for amplifying
client voices and driving successful
public affairs campaigns.

Education
Associates Degree, Communications
Bachelor of Arts, Communications & PR
Certificate, Digital Communications
Areas of Expertise
Social Media Management
Strategic Communication
Community Outreach
Public Affairs
Event Management
Program Proficiency
Leadership
Event Management
Community Engagement
Public Outreach
Short and long-form copy
Time Management
Efficient Communications
Microsoft Office
Canva
Mailchimp
Asana
Public Affairs Executive
Communications LAB, Orange, CA
April 2024-Present
• Provide comprehensive account management support for
multiple clients with a focus on government agencies.
• Perform project-specific research to support public outreach and event planning.
• Implements client-specific strategic planning and
communication goals.
• Develop and execute social media, email communication and newsletter campaigns to engage client audiences.

Public Affairs/Social Media Intern
Communications LAB, Orange, CA
August 2023-December 2023
• Coordinated event logistics and communication, ensuring successful outcomes and positive attendee experiences.
• Crafted visually appealing social media graphics with engaging copy, driving increased traffic and engagement.
• Created event newsletters that significantly increased ticket sales.

Podcast Host & Producer
Straight Up, On the Rocks
2020-2020
• Conceptualized and produced weekly podcast episodes
covering a range of topics resulting in increased listenership and engagement.
• Developed a social media strategy to promote the podcast resulting in a 40% increase in followers and a 30% increase in engagement.

Freelance Social Media Manager
Il Sole Nuova Cucina, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
2020-2022
• Created promotional marketing deliverables for special events, resulting in increased attendance.
• Consistently posted on social media platforms, successfully engaging and growing the audience.
• Developed and maintained a cohesive brand identity across all marketing materials.

Resume: Brooke Hester
Resume: Max Lochrie
Max Lochrie
701 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
949-215-5539
[email protected]
Summary
UCLA Alumni with a Bachelor of Arts
degree from the Music History and
Industry program which has equipped
Max with the skills to execute a wide
variety of creative positions with the
utmost proficiency. Max’s objective is to
provide efficient creative insight to client
website projects applying his technical
skills to the delivery of strong, brand
cohesive websites.

Education
Bachelor of Arts, 2023
Music Industry & History
UCLA
Associate of Arts, 2021
Jazz Performance
Los Angeles City College
Areas of Expertise
Logic Pro X
Ableton Live
Pro Tools
Adobe Creative Suite
Adobe Premiere
Wix Design Studio Web Platform
6+ Years of Jazz Guitar
4+ Years of Classical Guitar
Awards & Service Record
Herb Alpert Scholarship UCLA 2021
Marrion Suovanen Classical Guitar
Award LACC 2019
BSA Eagle Scout Award - 2017
Web Developer
Communications LAB
Orange, CA
January 2023 - Present
• Currently working as a website developer and designer for top tier makreting & outreach firm
• Responsible for designing and launching several websites including SaveOCHorses.Com, NOCpublicsafety.com, and
OCHopecenter.org.
• Provides client guidance on technical and stylistic web interfaces with quick and efficient project turnaround times, • Strong programming and design principals.

Audio Engineer
Playground Studios
January 2024 – Present
• Audio engineer and studio assistant for Grammy-award nominated producer, Jeff Gitty.
• Assisted on sessions with variety of recording artists including Syd the Kid, Babyface, The Monsters & Strangerz, Theron Thomas • Duties include setting up the studio for live performances, quantizing audio, tracking vocals, managing the patch bay and outboard gear, and interfacing with artists, songwriters, and producers.

Assistant to General Manager
The Lodge Room
2022 - 2023
• Assist the General Manager in the preparation and oversight of the 500-person capacity venue located in Highland Park Los Angeles • Assist in a wide variety of venue technical operations including sound and lighting set up, general production, security and ticketing check-ing, conducting research and writing band briefs. • Manage VIP hospitality, set-up green rooms for artists and special guests.

Music Studio Consultant
UCLA Res Life
2022 - 2023
• Assisted in day-to-day studio operations, including setting up workstations, sourcing equipment, providing guidance to students interested in recording at the University facilities.
• Coordinated and planned events such as the Res Life concerts on the Hill series, and DAW workshops.
• Coordinated logistics such as scheduling, tech troubleshooting, and front desk work.

I
n 2024, the Port of Long Beach (POLB) Office of Strategic Advocacy engaged Communications LAB and its research partner to develop and deliver a communitywide survey to assess several key metrics of local sentiment regarding the Port as a neighbor, job center, and community partner. A scientifically valid survey had not been done in over a decade and, at the request of the Executive Team, a new instrument was ordered. This was part of a larger initiative to ensure the POLB Communications team was developing strategically holistic outreach programs that met customers and the community where they were at. In addition, because it had been some time since a previous survey had been completed, there was an genuine lack of base metrics by which to measure future projects and ongoing communications programs.

Among the multi-phased project tasks were:
• Review of previous survey findings
• Development of Communitywide Survey (30 Questions)
• Qualitative & Quantitative Research (500+ Participants +/-4.4%) • Key Stakeholder Ascertainments (18)
• Community Intercept Surveys (52)
The survey instrument included 30 questions that ranged from basic sentiment about the Port, message testing/understanding, and message delivery preferences. The team interviewed 500+ respondents via live, professional interviewers and community intercept surveyors. Live interviews were conducted by calling both mobile and landlines. A survey of this size yields a margin of error of +/-4.4% (95% confidence interval). The sample was stratified, meaning that the demographic proportions of respondents accurately reflects the demographic composition of the City of Long Beach and was balanced across counncil districts throughout the City.

The findings were delightfully surprising. Based on the survey results, the Port of Long Beach enjoys the greatest favorable regard against all like local organizations we tested. Overall, the local community had an 87% favorable opinion of the organization. Using this starting metric, the Port is building on this goodwill and focused on delivering communications and community outreach programs in the methods and manner its local community reported worked best for them.

COMMUNITY SURVEYS &

STAKEHOLDER ASCERTAINMENTS
CONTACT: Eleanor Torres, Managing Director, Strategic Advocacy | Port of Long Beach PH: 562-756-8383 | EM: [email protected]
Over eight-in-ten (81.0%)
Feel the Port of Long Beach should be more visible in the community Question: Do you feel that Port of Long Beach should be more visible throughout the community, such as inviting the public to tour facilities, communicating more with residents and holding more outreach events to educate the public about environmental conservation and other Port Initiatives? (714) 906-2061
[email protected]

81.0%

13.0%

6.0%
Yes, the Port should
be more visible
No, the Port’s visibility
is fine how it is
Unsure/refused
In 2023, Communications LAB was engaged by the City of Placentia to undertake a strategic review of the City’s communications strategies and activities with an eye to creating a new strategic communications plan that incorporated modern best practices, met stakeholders right where they were at, and enabled their small, in-house team to manage these efforts with maximum efficiency.

To meet these objectives, Communications LAB approached the project in three, distinct phases under the direction of Project Manager, Diana Moreno were executed.

Phase 1 – Research & Ascertainments included undertaking a thorough Communications Audit that explored all of the City’s exisiting communications channels, and assessing their effectiveness, frequency and appropriateness of content. The team looked for inconsistencies in brand identity, use of voice, and dormant channels that could be removed. In addition, this phase included an informal community survey that allowed residents to provide feedback on their communications preferences. This was coupled with more than 20 stakeholder ascertainments from across the spectrum including city staff, elected leaders, businessowners, and residents. These in-person conversations added context to the survey and communications audit.

Phase 2 – Social & Digital Strategy was similar to Phase 1 but focused solely on the City’s social and digital channels.

Following a basic channel assessment of the platforms being utilized by staff, it was revealed that several departments were running shadow channels to communicate their departmental priorities and outside the known city channels. With assistance from our team, the City shuttered these channels and we began assisting the internal communications team in building the tools and templates they would need to efficiently move forward and follow all the recommended best practices.

Phase 3 – Plan Delivery brought all the components together in the form of a strategic communications plan that the City uses today. This plan incorporates a clear chain of command of how and who leads communications in the City under the direction of the City Manager. It outlines where Placentia is going, how those messages are voiced, and the tools used to implement these strategies such as editorial calendars, brand guidelines, and best practices for each channel.

Key Accomplishments.

With the delivery of research and an extensive communications Audit, Communications LAB was able to build a comprehensive Strategic Communications Plan for the City. The final plan was a collobrative effort that was approved by the City Council for implementation and tcitywide training sessions that Communications LAB facilitated. 1 STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS, AUDITS
& COMMUNICATIONS PLANS
Nicolette Drulias, Communications & Marketing Manager, City of Placentia PH: 714-993-8107 • EM: [email protected]
18 Communications Roles and Responsibilities Overview
City Council Appointed Board,
Committee, and Commission
Members
City Administrator
Mayor and City Council
Placentia Residents
Communications and Marketing Manager/
Public Information Officer
Digital Media Analyst
Department
Communication
Liaisons
Deputy Director of
Administrative Services
Police and Fire and
Life Safety
Public Information
Officers
Social Platforms
Instagram is used to visually inform your audience about the latest news, events and partnerships.

Primary Audience: 35 to 44 year olds, more female
Ideal for connecting with your community and likeminded partners through stories, feed, DM's and comments.

Facebook is used to market content (earned/paid) and form connections with your audience.

Primary Audience: 35 to 44 year olds, more female
Ideal for creating meaningful connections with audience, word-of-mouth marketing, and target audience effectively. 1 POST A DAY
3 - 7 POSTS A WEEK
1 - 2 POSTS A DAY
3 - 7 POSTS A WEEK
Citywide Social Media Accounts
Instagram is used to visually inform your audience about the latest news, events and partnerships.

49.3% Women | 50.7 % Men
Primary Audience: 25 to 54 year olds, more male
Ideal for connecting with your community and likeminded partners through stories, feed, DM's and comments.

Facebook is used to market content (earned/paid) and form connections with your audience.

66.5% Women | 33.5% Men
Primary Audience: 35 to 54 year olds, more female
Ideal for creating meaningful connections with audience, word-of-mouth marketing, and target audience effectively. 1 POST A DAY
3 - 7 POSTS A WEEK
1 - 2 POSTS A DAY
3 - 7 POSTS A WEEK
Police Department
Communications Audit Overview
Internal and External
Collateral Materials
Social Media
Channels Website and App
What Do Internal
Stakeholders Think?
66 Internal
Surveys 17Internal
Interviews
Informing residents of
upcoming community events
and activities.

Encouraging public participation
in local government.

39.43%
0%
Methods of Communication
*Channel 3
Broadcasting City Signage
Billboards
*City Website
Emails/E-Notifications
Social Media
*Least Popular *Most Popular
I
n late 2023, Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) Customer Experience (CX) department engaged Communications LAB and J Wallin Opinion Research to develop customer personas and journey maps that will be used to inform the Authority’s Customer Experience plan and create a roadmap to improve their customers’ experience. Currently in it’s final stages, the Communications LAB team has worked with the Metro Customer Experience team and several other Metro departments to document customer journeys and create a robust understanding of their current customers, their needs and pain points when riding Metro.

Based on the findings, the team is tasked with formulating recommendations to improve the customer experience and recommend metrics to measure performance and customer satisfaction. The research and implementation plan is expected to address Metro and the County’s diverse population and needs.

Among the multi-phased project tasks were:
• Meta-Analysis - Comprehensive Review of Past Internal & Expernal Research • Report on Mobile Ticketing & Apps
• Qualitative & Quantitative Research (8500+ Participants) • Focus Groups (18)
• In-Person Walk-Along Interviews (52)
Over the course of nine months, the team collobrated to create a region-wide survey instrument that, to date, has garnered more than 4000 responses from every important segment of Metro’s ridership pool. In addition, the team conducted more than 50 in-person, Walk-Along Interviews with Metro Riders, following them along their typical trips from end-to-end and throughout the Los Angeles Area. These interviews included Seniors, High School Students, Shift Workers, 9-to-5 Commuters, Potential First Time riders, Spanish Dominant Individuals and Women traveling with children to paint a holistic and robust picture of Metro’s ridership. The same persona profiles were recruited to particpate at in-person and virtual focus groups. To test the efficacy of Metro’s online trip planning tools and potential mobile app development, the team was also asked to conduct a series of online IDI surveys. All of the above elements were video or audio taped, transcribed and will be presented to the Metro Board of Directors and CEO later this year (2024).

CUSTOMER JOURNEY MAPPING &

PERSONA DEVELOPMENT
CONTACT: Robert Heavrin, Director, Customer Experience | LA Metro PH: 213-418-3238 | EM: [email protected]

COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENTS &

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
S
ince 2022, Communications LAB has provided strategic communications support to the City of Cypress. Effectively serving as the City’s public information arm, our team develops and implements communications and marketing efforts to highlight city news, services, programs, and special events (Spring Egg Hunt, Summerfest, Concerts on the Green, Salute to America, Cypress Run, State of the City, Women’s Conference, Holiday Sing and more).

We have introduced several enhancements to improve the quality and reach of the City's communications, including the creation of a brand guide, adoption of a social media strategy, improved video production and streamlining the production of the City’s newsletter. Working in conjunction with the City Manager and various City Departments, our team helps increase transparency by ensuring that the City’s website and mobile app are up to date. In addition, we draft talking points, speeches, press releases, and proactively monitor news sites to stay on top of important topics that may affect the City of Cypress. Our team has also executed citywide outreach campaigns to educate residents on the California Voting Rights Act and the 2022 Election.

As the City’s digital storyteller, our team creates daily social media content (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube) promoting programs, resources, services and events. We also produce bi-weekly “Minute with the Mayor” video segments, a bi-weekly email newsletter, monitor social channels, respond to resident inquiries, and bring issues that need to be addressed to the attention of City staff. On a quarterly basis, City leadership receives reports on social media reach, engagement, and growth. By providing this broad range of communications support, we aim to keep the residents of Cypress informed and engaged.

SERVICES PROVIDED
• Government Relations Special Projects
• Project Management & Administration
• Public Meetings
• Outreach Plans
• Stakeholder Relations
• Print & Distribution of Publications

STAFF ASSIGNED
• Diana Moreno, PM
• Brooke Hester, Asst. PM
• Victoria Torres, Digital
• Arianna Barrios, Crisis Comms
• Brian Lochrie, Video Production
• Jose Vazquez, Video Production
CONTACT: Peter Grant, City Manager - City of Cypress
PH: 714-229-6700 | EM: [email protected]
707 randomly selected
residents participated,
resulting in a margin of error of 3.7%
GENDER
AGE
51% Female
47% Male
1% Other
2% Prefer not
to answer

ETHNICITY

TIME IN CYPRESS
WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER?
38% Caucasian
34% Asian
19% Hispanic
4% African-American/Black
2% Middle Eastern
1% Pacific Islander
1% Mixed Heritage
2% Prefer not to answer
1% Other
<1% American Indian
or Alaskan Native
51% 15 years or longer
19% 1-4 years
17% 5-9 years
10% 10-14 years
2% Less than one year
65%
OWN
HOMES
49% ARE

EMPLOYED
FULLTIME
WHO TOOK THE SURVEY?
37% Ages 35-54
34% Seniors
over 55
24% Under 35

4.1% Prefer not
to say
WHAT DID YOU TELL US?

WHAT SHOULD
WE PRIORITIZE?
Close to 1/3 of respondents could not think of one
change they desired or stated flatly that no changes are needed – everything is fine. These were the two most
frequently mentioned responses to the question!
Addressing homelessness, managing
growth/development, and managing traffic
were identified as the top service needs.
95% feel Cypress is a safe place to live
91% rate Cypress as an excellent/good place to live
rate Cypress as an excellent/good place to 91% raise a family 90% rate Cypress’ quality of life as excellent/good
are very/somewhat satisfied with the City’s efforts 84% to provide municipal services are very/somewhat satisfied with the City’s efforts 98% to provide fire protection and medical services

CITYOF CYPRESS

COMMUNITY SURVEY
Key Accomplishments.

A brand guide and social media strategy have been adopted by the City of Cypress to enhance communications. As part of our services, the City has access to an award-winning video production and graphic design team that has created more visually appealing content.

SERVICES PROVIDED
• Resident Outreach
• Social Media Management
• Newsletter Production
• Email Outreach
• Video Production
• Event Marketing
• Media Relations
• Graphic Design
• Website Management
• Mobile App Management
• Crisis Communications

STAFF ASSIGNED
• Diana Moreno, PM
• Taylor Deitz, Asst. PM
• Kelsey Eiben, Digital
• Amanda McGuire, Social
• Arianna Barrios, Crisis Comms
• Brian Lochrie, Video Producer
• Jose Vazquez, Social & Web Video

SOCIAL CHANNELS FOLLOWING
FACEBOOK 4,655 / 4,070 (LIKES)
INSTAGRAM 3,259
TWITTER 1,031
YOUTUBE 134

SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWING

SOCIALMEDIA
REPORT
To: City of Cypress
From: Michelle Lim, Social Media Manager, Communications LAB Date: November 3, 2022
Re: Social Media Ads Report // Jun-Oct 2022
6/22-10/22

TOP FACEBOOK POSTS
State of the City
Engagements: 6
Reach: 24,056
Cost Per Click: $4.16
Vendors Wanted
Engagements: 67
Reach: 4,251
Links Click: 78
P
AID

TOP SOCIALMEDIA POSTS

TOP FACEBOOK VIDEO

PERFORMANCE

TOP FACEBOOK
EVENTS
O
R
G
A
NIC

SUPPLIER CLEARINGHOUSE

CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
CERTIFICATION EXPIRATION DATE: February 11, 2028
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Barrios and Associates, LLC
The Supplier Clearinghouse for the Utility Supplier Diversity Program of the California Public Utilities Commission hereby certifies that it has audited and verified the eligibility of:
pursuant to Commission General Order 156, and the terms and conditions stipulated in the Verification Application Package. This Certificate shall be valid only with the Clearinghouse seal affixed hereto.

Eligibility must be maintained at all times and renewed within 30 days of any changes in ownership or control. Failure to comply may result in a denial of eligibility. The Clearinghouse may reconsider certification if it is determined that such status was obtained by false, misleading or incorrect information. Decertification may occur if any verification criterion under which eligibility was awarded later becomes invalid due to Commission ruling. The Clearinghouse may request additional information or conduct on-site visits during the term of verification to verify eligibility.

This certification is valid only for the period that the above firm remains eligible as determined by the Clearinghouse .

Utility companies may direct inquiries concerning this Certificate to the Clearinghouse at (800) 359-7998.

VON: 13050174 DETERMINATION DATE: February 11, 2025
hereby grants
to
Barrios and Associates, LLC DBA Communications LAB
who has successfully met WBENC's standards as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE).

This certification affirms the business is woman-owned, operated and controlled and is valid through the date herein.

Certification Granted: March 31, 2017
Expiration Date: March 31, 2027
WBENC National Certification Number: WBE1700580
WBENC National WBE Certification was processed and validated by Women's BusinessEnterprise Council - West, a WBENC Regional Partner Organization.Authorized by Pamela Williamson, President &CEO Women's Business Enterprise Council -West Nat oi nal W  omen's Bus ni ess  Enterprise Certification NAICS: 541820, 512110, 541430, 541511, 541613, 541810, 541860, 541910, 541930, 561410, 711510, 813940UNSPSC: 80141501, 80141505, 80141602, 80141606, 80141612, 80141614, 80170000, 80171503, 80171600, 80171603, 80171604, 82100000, 82101500, 82101801,82140000, 92101503 February 20, 2024 Metro File #6346
Ms Arianna Barrios
Barrios & Associates, LLC DBA Communications LAB
701 E. Chapman Avenue
ORANGE, CA 92866
Subject: Small Business Enterprise Certification
Dear Ms Arianna Barrios:

We are pleased to advise you that after careful review of your application and supporting documentation, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has determined that your firm meets the eligibility standards to be certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) as required under Metro's SBE Program. Your firm will be listed in Metro's SBE database of certified SBEs under the following specific areas of expertise:

NAICS 541430: GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES
NAICS 541613: MARKETING CONSULTING SERVICES
NAICS 541820: PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCIES
NAICS 541860: DIRECT MAIL ADVERTISING
NAICS 541910: MARKETING RESEARCH AND PUBLIC OPINION POLLING Your SBE certification is valid for five years from the date of this letter and applies only for the above NAICS code(s). Any additions and revisions must be submitted to Metro for review and approval.

In order to ensure your continuing SBE status, you are required to submit an annual update along with supporting documentation. If no changes are noted, then your SBE status remains current. If there are changes, Metro will review to determine continued SBE eligibility. Please note, your SBE status remains in effect unless Metro notifies you otherwise.

After the five-year certification period, your entire file will be reviewed in order to ascertain continued SBE certification status. You will be notified of the pending SBE status review and any documentation updates necessary prior to the expiration date.

Also, should any changes occur that could affect your certification status prior to receipt of the annual update application, such as changes in your firm's name, business/mailing address, ownership, management or control, or failure to meet the applicable business size standards or personal net worth standard, please notify Metro immediately.

Metro reserves the right to withdraw this certification if at any time it is determined that it was knowingly obtained by false, misleading, or incorrect information. Your SBE certification is subject to review at any time. The firm thereby consents to the examination of its books, records, and documents by Metro.

Congratulations, and thank you for your interest in Metro's SBE Program. Should you have any questions, please contact us at (213) 922-2600. For information on Metro contracting opportunities, please visit our website at www.metro.net/connect.

Sincerely,
Ramon Ortiz
Director, Certification & Economic Development
February 20, 2024 CUCP# 41694
Metro File #6346
Ms Arianna Barrios
Barrios & Associates, LLC DBA Communications LAB
701 E. Chapman Avenue
ORANGE, CA 92866
Subject: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification Dear Ms Arianna Barrios:

We are pleased to advise you that after careful review of your application and supporting documentation, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has determined that your firm meets the eligibility standards to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) as required under the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Regulation 49 CFR Part 26, as amended. This certification will be recognized by all of the U.S. DOT recipients in California. Your firm will be listed in the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) database of certified DBEs under the following specific area(s) of expertise that you have identified on the NAICS codes form of the application package:

NAICS 541430: GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES
NAICS 541613: MARKETING CONSULTING SERVICES
NAICS 541820: PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCIES
NAICS 541860: DIRECT MAIL ADVERTISING
NAICS 541910: MARKETING RESEARCH AND PUBLIC OPINION POLLING Your DBE certification applies only for the above code(s). You may review your firms information in the CUCP DBE database which can be accessed at the CUCP website at https://californiaucp.dbesystem.com. Any additions and revisions must be submitted to Metro for review and approval.

In order to ensure your continuing DBE status, you are required to submit an annual update along with supporting documentation. If no changes are noted, then your DBE status remains current. If there are changes, Metro will review to determine continued DBE eligibility. Please note, your DBE status remains in effect unless Metro notifies you otherwise.

Also, should any changes occur that could affect your certification status prior to receipt of the annual update, such as changes in your firm's name, business/mailing address, ownership, management or control, or failure to meet the applicable business size standards or personal net worth standard, please notify Metro immediately. Failure to submit forms and/or change of information will be deemed a failure to cooperate under Section 26.109 of the Regulations.

Metro reserves the right to withdraw this certification if at any time it is determined that it was knowingly obtained by false, misleading, or incorrect information. Your DBE certification is subject to review at any time. The firm thereby consents to the examination of its books, records and documents by Metro.

Congratulations, and thank you for your interest in the DBE program. Should you have any questions, please contact us at (213) 922-2600. For information on Metro contracting opportunities, please visit our website at www.metro.net/connect.

Sincerely,
Form W-9
(Rev. December 2011)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Request for Taxpayer
Identification Number and Certification
Give Form to the
requester. Do not
send to the IRS.

Print or type
See Specific Instructions on page 2.

Name (as shown on your income tax return)
Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above Check appropriate box for federal tax classification:

Individual/sole proprietor C Corporation S Corporation Partnership Trust/estate Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=partnership) ▶ Other (see instructions) ▶
Exempt payee
Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.)
City, state, and ZIP code
Requester’s name and address (optional)
List account number(s) here (optional)
Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on the “Name” line to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the Part I instructions on page 3. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN on page 3.

Note. If the account is in more than one name, see the chart on page 4 for guidelines on whose number to enter.

Social security number
– –
Employer identification number
–
Part II Certification
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and

2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and

3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below).

Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions on page 4.

Sign
Here Signature of
U.S. person ▶ Date ▶
General Instructions
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.

Purpose of Form
A person who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) to report, for example, income paid to you, real estate transactions, mortgage interest you paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, or contributions you made to an IRA.

Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN to the person requesting it (the requester) and, when applicable, to:

1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued),

2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or

3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners’ share of effectively connected income.

Note. If a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9.

Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are:
• An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, • A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, • An estate (other than a foreign estate), or
• A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7).

Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax on any foreign partners’ share of income from such business.

Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, a partnership is required to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and avoid withholding on your share of partnership income.

Cat. No. 10231X Form W-9 (Rev. 12-2011)
Jan. 3, 2026
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 1

COMMUNICATIONS LAB

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CITYWIDE STRATEGIC

COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

RFP SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

BEST & FINAL OFFER (BAFO)
Prepared for:

City of Artesia
18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701
Submitted: July 24, 2026
Submitted by: Communications LAB (dba of Barrios & Associates, LLC) 701 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
P: 949-215-5539 ext. 101
C: 714-878-4864
[email protected]
www.CommunicationsLAB.com
Exhibit "C" - Compensation
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 2 BEST AND FINAL OFFER – Supplemental Cost Proposal
Communications LAB is grateful for the opportunity to provide the City of Artesia with a revised cost proposal to meet previously unknown budget parameters. To meet those parameters, our firm is pleased to provide this BEST AND FINAL OFFER (BAFO) cost proposal for the City’s consideration.

When it was initially prepared, our original Cost Proposal was based on similar scopes of work our firm has provided for several larger cities. We therefore feel comfortable with reducing the total number of hours necessary to complete this project based on Artesia’s actual needs, relative size, and our conversation with the city staff.

With that new information, this revised Cost Proposal does two things: reduces the overall price and maintains all previously proposed services.

As shown below, the BAFO continues to be an all-inclusive not-to-exceed fee for the base scope of the Citywide Strategic Communications Plan, calculated against a blended team rate of $150 per hour. This fee includes all direct and indirect costs, project management, and standard out-of-pocket expenses (mileage, printing of review drafts, and routine software).

In addition, as we proposed in the original submission and during our interview, our Cost Proposal INCLUDES all the optional add-on tasks the City requested be shown separately. However, these tasks are all part of our base project offering and therefore included. Best of all, the project timeline of 4-6 months is not impacted by this revised pricing.

Base Proposal – Task & Hours Breakdown
Task / Deliverable Est. Hours Revised Fee Revised
Project Management, Kickoff & Team Meetings 48 40 $7,200 $6,000 Communications Audit (channels, materials, media
coverage, brand) 40 35 $6,000 $5,250
Staff & Stakeholder Ascertainments (up to 20 interviews) 36 30 $5,400 $4,500 Community & Business Engagement Survey 28 24 $4,200 $3,600 ADA Title II Web Accessibility Compliance Review 20 14 $3,000 $2,100 Audience Profiles & Translation / Outreach Strategy 18 14 $2,700 $2,100 Strategic Communications Plan Drafting 50 40 $7,500 $6,000 Engagement Standards, Style Guide & Social Media
Templates 36 36 $5,400 $5,400
Social Media Strategy & Best Practices 28 24 $4,200 $3,600 Crisis Communications Plan & Templates 24 22 $3,600 $3,300 Internal Communications Strategy (Intranet / Teams) 16 14 $2,400 $2,100 Media & Spokesperson Training Recommendations 12 8 $1,800 $1,200 KPI / Metrics Reporting Templates & Tools 12 8 $1,800 $1,200 Draft Review, Revisions & Final Plan Presentation(s) 22 20 $3,300 $3,000 TOTAL BASE PROPOSAL FEE (390 hours) 390 329 $58,500 $49,350 Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 3 This not-to-exceed fee may also be invoiced as a flat monthly retainer of $8,225 (55 hours) over a six-month engagement, at the City’s preference, consistent with the structure Communications LAB has used successfully on comparable municipal engagements.

Optional Tasks – Implementation & Training Support
As previously stated, these additional tasks and hours, are part of our base offering and will not incur the City any additional fees.

Optional Task / Deliverable Est. Hours Fee
General Communications & Customer Service Staff Training (2 sessions) 8 $0 Spokesperson & Media Training for Elected Officials / Exec. Staff (1 day) 8 $0 Social Media & Digital Best Practices Training for Staff 8 $0 Additional Department-Specific Templates & Toolkits 8-12 $0 Train-the-Trainer Reference Guide & Quarterly Office Hours (12 mo.) 16 $0 TOTAL OPTIONAL ADD-ALTERNATE (80 hours) 48 $0
Hourly Rate Schedule
Hourly rate remains unchanged to the blended professional rate show below in the right column.

Team Member / Role Standard Rate Proposed Rate for
City of Artesia
Arianna Barrios – Strategic Advisor & Sr. Training Facilitator $185/hr $150/hr (blended) Diana Moreno – Project Manager $165/hr $150/hr (blended) Max Lochrie – Digital Media Manager $150/hr $150/hr (blended) Brooke Hester – Account Coordinator $135/hr $150/hr (blended) Brooke Dailey – Digital Media Coordinator $125/hr $150/hr (blended) -1-

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE CITY OF ARTESIA AND BARRIOS & ASSOCIATES, LLC

1. PARTIES AND DATE.

This Agreement is made and entered into this 11th day of August, 2026, by and between the City of Artesia, a municipal corporation, organized under the laws of the State of California ("City") and BARRIOS & ASSOCIATES, DBA COMMUNICATIONS LAB, a California Limited Liability Company, with its principal place of business at 701 E. Chapman Avenue Orange, CA 92866 ("Consultant"). City and Consultant are sometimes individually referred to herein as "Party" and collectively as "Parties."

2. RECITALS.

2.1 Consultant.

Consultant desires to perform and assume responsibility for the provision of certain professional services required by the City on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

Consultant represents that it is experienced in providing Communications services to public clients, is licensed in the State of California, and is familiar with the plans of City.

2.2 Project.

City desires to engage Consultant to render such professional services for the Citywide Strategic Communications Plan project ("Project") as set forth in this Agreement.

3. TERMS.

3.1 Scope of Services and Term.

3.1.1 General Scope of Services. Consultant promises and agrees to furnish to the City all labor, materials, tools, equipment, services, and incidental and customary work necessary to fully and adequately supply the professional Communications consulting services necessary for the Project ("Services"). The Services are more particularly described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. All Services shall be subject to, and performed in accordance with, this Agreement, the exhibits attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.

3.1.2 Term. The term of this Agreement shall be from August 11, 2026 to June 30, 2027, unless earlier terminated as provided herein. Consultant shall complete the Services within the term of this Agreement, and shall meet any other established schedules and deadlines.

The Parties may, by mutual, written consent, extend the term of this Agreement if necessary to complete the Services.

3.2 Responsibilities of Consultant.

3.2.1 Independent Contractor; Control and Payment of Subordinates. The Services shall be performed by Consultant or under its supervision. Consultant will determine the means, methods and details of performing the Services subject to the requirements of this Agreement. City retains Consultant on an independent contractor basis and not as an employee. -2-
Any personnel performing the Services on behalf of Consultant shall not be employees of City and shall at all times be under Consultant's exclusive direction and control. Consultant shall pay all wages, salaries, and other amounts due such personnel in connection with their performance of Services under this Agreement and as required by law. Consultant shall be responsible for all reports and obligations respecting such additional personnel, including, but not limited to: social security taxes, income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.

3.2.2 Schedule of Services. Consultant shall perform the Services in a prompt and timely manner and in accordance with the Schedule of Services set forth in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Consultant represents that it has the professional and technical personnel required to perform the Services expeditiously. Upon request of City, Consultant shall provide a more detailed schedule of anticipated performance to meet the Schedule of Services.

3.2.3 Conformance to Applicable Requirements. All work prepared by Consultant shall be subject to the approval of City.

3.2.4 Substitution of Key Personnel. Consultant has represented to City that certain key personnel will perform and coordinate the Services under this Agreement. Should one or more of such personnel become unavailable, Consultant may substitute other personnel of at least equal competence upon written approval of City. In the event that City and Consultant cannot agree as to the substitution of key personnel, City shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement for cause. The key personnel for performance of this Agreement are as follows:

Arianna Barrios, Chief Executive Officer, Diana Moreno, Director, Public Affairs; Brooke Hester, Public Affairs Executive; Max Lochrie, Web Developer.

3.2.5 City's Representative. The City hereby designates Danielle Osborne, Management Analyst, or his/her designee, to act as its representative in all matters pertaining to the administration and performance of this Agreement ("City's Representative"). City's Representative shall have the power to act on behalf of the City for review and approval of all products submitted by Consultant but not the authority to enlarge the Scope of Services or change the total compensation due to Consultant under this Agreement. The City Manager shall be authorized to act on City's behalf and to execute all necessary documents which enlarge the Scope of Services or change the Consultant's total compensation subject to the provisions contained in Section 3.3 of this Agreement. Consultant shall not accept direction or orders from any person other than the City Manager, City's Representative or his/her designee.

3.2.6 Consultant's Representative. Consultant hereby designates Arianna Barrios, Chief Executive Officer, or his/her designee, to act as its representative for the performance of this Agreement ("Consultant's Representative"). Consultant's Representative shall have full authority to represent and act on behalf of the Consultant for all purposes under this Agreement. The Consultant's Representative shall supervise and direct the Services, using his/her best skill and attention, and shall be responsible for all means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures and for the satisfactory coordination of all portions of the Services under this Agreement.

3.2.7 Coordination of Services. Consultant agrees to work closely with City staff in the performance of Services and shall be available to City's staff, consultants and other staff at all reasonable times.
-3-

3.2.8 Standard of Care; Performance of Employees. Consultant shall perform all Services under this Agreement in a skillful and competent manner, consistent with the standards generally recognized as being employed by professionals in the same discipline in the State of California. Consultant represents and maintains that it is skilled in the professional calling necessary to perform the Services. Consultant warrants that all employees and subconsultants shall have sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. Consultant represents that it, its employees and subconsultants have all licenses, permits, qualifications and approvals of whatever nature that are legally required to perform the Services, and that such licenses and approvals shall be maintained throughout the term of this Agreement. Consultant shall perform, at its own cost and expense and without reimbursement from the City, any services necessary to correct errors or omissions which are caused by the Consultant's failure to comply with the standard of care provided for herein. Any employee of the Consultant or its subconsultants who is determined by the City to be uncooperative, incompetent, a threat to the adequate or timely completion of the Project, a threat to the safety of persons or property, or any employee who fails or refuses to perform the Services in a manner acceptable to the City, shall be promptly removed from the Project by the Consultant and shall not be re-employed to perform any of the Services or to work on the Project.

3.2.9 Period of Performance. Consultant shall perform and complete all Services under this Agreement within the term set forth in Section 3.1.2 above (“Performance Time”).

Consultant shall also perform the Services in strict accordance with any completion schedule or Project milestones described in Exhibits “A” or “B” attached hereto, or which may be separately agreed upon in writing by the City and Consultant (“Performance Milestones”). Consultant agrees that if the Services are not completed within the aforementioned Performance Time and/or pursuant to any such Performance Milestones developed pursuant to provisions of this Agreement, it is understood, acknowledged and agreed that the City will suffer damage.

3.2.10 Laws and Regulations; Employee/Labor Certification. Consultant shall keep itself fully informed of and in compliance with all local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations in any manner affecting the performance of the Project or the Services, including all Cal/OSHA requirements, and shall give all notices required by law. Consultant shall be liable for all violations of such laws and regulations in connection with the Services and this Agreement.

All violations of such laws and regulations shall be grounds for the City to terminate the Agreement for cause.

3.2.10.1 Employment Eligibility; Consultant. Consultant certifies that it fully complies with all requirements and restrictions of state and federal law respecting the employment of undocumented aliens, including, but not limited to, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as may be amended from time to time and shall require all subconsultants and sub-subconsultants to comply with the same. Consultant certifies that it has not committed a violation of any such law within the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of execution of this Agreement, and shall not violate any such law at any time during the term of the Agreement.

3.2.10.2 Equal Opportunity Employment. Consultant represents that it is an equal opportunity employer and it shall not discriminate against any subconsultant, employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, national origin, handicap, ancestry, sex or age. Such non-discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, all activities related to initial employment, upgrading, demotion, transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination. Consultant shall also comply with all relevant provisions of City's Minority Business -4-
Enterprise program, Affirmative Action Plan or other related programs or guidelines currently in effect or hereinafter enacted.

3.2.10.3 Air Quality. To the extent applicable, Consultant must fully comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in furnishing or using equipment and/or providing services, including, but not limited to, emissions limits and permitting requirements imposed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and/or California Air Resources Board (CARB). Consultant shall indemnify City against any fines or penalties imposed by SCAQMD, CARB, or any other governmental or regulatory agency for violations of applicable laws, rules and/or regulations by Consultant, its subconsultants, or others for whom Consultant is responsible under its indemnity obligations provided for in this Agreement.

3.2.10.4 Safety. Consultant shall execute and maintain its work so as to avoid injury or damage to any person or property. In carrying out its Services, the Consultant shall at all times be in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and shall exercise all necessary precautions for the safety of employees appropriate to the nature of the work and the conditions under which the work is to be performed.

3.2.11 Insurance.

3.2.11.1 Time for Compliance. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that it has secured all insurance required under this section. In addition, Consultant shall not allow any subconsultant to commence work on any subcontract until it has provided evidence satisfactory to the City that the subconsultant has secured all insurance required under this section. Failure to provide and maintain all required insurance shall be grounds for the City to terminate this Agreement for cause.

3.2.11.2 Types of Insurance Required. As a condition precedent to the effectiveness of this Agreement for work to be performed hereunder, and without limiting the indemnity provisions of the Agreement, the Consultant, in partial performance of its obligations under such Agreement, shall procure and maintain in full force and effect during the term of the Agreement the following policies of insurance. If the existing policies do not meet the insurance requirements set forth herein, Consultant agrees to amend, supplement or endorse the policies to do so.
(A) Commercial General Liability: Commercial General Liability Insurance which affords coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office "occurrence" form CG 0001, or the exact equivalent, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and no less than $2,000,000 in the general aggregate. Defense costs shall be paid in addition to the limits. The policy shall contain no endorsements or provisions (1) limiting coverage for contractual liability; (2) excluding coverage for claims or suits by one insured against another (cross-liability); (3) products/completed operations liability; or (4) containing any other exclusion(s) contrary to the terms or purposes of this Agreement.
(B) Automobile Liability Insurance: Automobile Liability Insurance with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Form CA 0001 covering "Any Auto" (Symbol 1), or the exact equivalent, covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities with limits of not less than $1,000,000 combined limit for each occurrence. -5-
(C) Workers' Compensation: Workers' Compensation
Insurance, as required by the State of California and Employer's Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and disease. (D) Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): Professional Liability insurance or Errors & Omissions insurance appropriate to Consultant’s profession with limits of not less than $1,000,000. Covered professional services shall specifically include all work to be performed under the Agreement and delete any exclusions that may potentially affect the work to be performed (for example, any exclusions relating to lead, asbestos, pollution, testing, underground storage tanks, laboratory analysis, soil work, etc.). If coverage is written on a claims-made basis, the retroactive date shall precede the effective date of the initial Agreement and continuous coverage will be maintained or an extended reporting period will be exercised for a period of at least five (5) years from termination or expiration of this Agreement.

3.2.11.3 Insurance Endorsements. Required insurance policies shall contain the following provisions, or Consultant shall provide endorsements on forms approved by the City to add the following provisions to the insurance policies:
(A) Commercial General Liability: (1) Additional Insured: The City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be additional insureds with regard to liability and defense of suits or claims arising out of the performance of the Agreement.

Additional Insured Endorsements shall not (1) be restricted to "ongoing operations"; (2) exclude "contractual liability"; (3) restrict coverage to "sole" liability of Consultant; or (4) contain any other exclusions contrary to the terms or purposes of this Agreement. For all policies of Commercial General Liability insurance, Consultant shall provide endorsements in the form of ISO CG 20 10 10 01 and 20 37 10 01 (or endorsements providing the exact same coverage) to effectuate this requirement. (2) Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium. (B) Automobile Liability. (1) Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium.
(C) Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): (1)
Cancellation: Required insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium. (2) Contractual Liability Exclusion Deleted: This insurance shall include contractual liability applicable to this Agreement. The policy must “pay on behalf of” the insured and include a provision establishing the insurer’s duty to defend. (D) Workers' Compensation: (1) Cancellation: Required
insurance policies shall not be canceled or the coverage reduced until a thirty (30) day written notice of cancellation has been served upon the City except ten (10) days shall be allowed for non-payment of premium. (2) Waiver of Subrogation: A waiver of subrogation stating that the insurer waives all rights of subrogation against the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers.
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3.2.11.4 Primary and Non-Contributing Insurance. All policies of Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance shall be primary and any other insurance, deductible, or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers shall not contribute with this primary insurance. Policies shall contain or be endorsed to contain such provisions.

3.2.11.5 Waiver of Subrogation. All required insurance coverages, except for the professional liability coverage, shall contain or be endorsed to waiver of subrogation in favor of the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers or shall specifically allow Consultant or others providing insurance evidence in compliance with these specifications to waive their right of recovery prior to a loss. Consultant hereby waives its own right of recovery against City, and shall require similar written express waivers and insurance clauses from each of its subconsultants.

3.2.11.6 Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Any deductible or selfinsured retention must be approved in writing by the City and shall protect the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers in the same manner and to the same extent as they would have been protected had the policy or policies not contained a deductible or self-insured retention.

3.2.11.7 Evidence of Insurance. The Consultant, concurrently with the execution of the Agreement, and as a condition precedent to the effectiveness thereof, shall deliver either certified copies of the required policies, or original certificates on forms approved by the City, together with all endorsements affecting each policy. Required insurance policies shall not be in compliance if they include any limiting provision or endorsement that has not been submitted to the City for approval. The certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. At least fifteen (15 days) prior to the expiration of any such policy, evidence of insurance showing that such insurance coverage has been renewed or extended shall be filed with the City. If such coverage is cancelled or reduced and not replaced immediately so as to avoid a lapse in the required coverage, Consultant shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice of such cancellation or reduction of coverage, file with the City evidence of insurance showing that the required insurance has been reinstated or has been provided through another insurance company or companies.

3.2.11.8 Acceptability of Insurers. Each such policy shall be from a company or companies with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A:VII and authorized to transact business of insurance in the State of California, or otherwise allowed to place insurance through surplus line brokers under applicable provisions of the California Insurance Code or any federal law.

3.2.11.9 Enforcement of Agreement Provisions (non estoppel).

Consultant acknowledges and agrees that actual or alleged failure on the part of the City to inform Consultant of non-compliance with any requirement imposes no additional obligation on the City nor does it waive any rights hereunder.

3.2.11.10 Requirements Not Limiting. Requirement of specific coverage or minimum limits contained in this Section are not intended as a limitation on coverage, limits, or other requirement, or a waiver of any coverage normally provided by any insurance. -7-

3.2.11.11 Additional Insurance Provisions
(A) The foregoing requirements as to the types and limits of insurance coverage to be maintained by Consultant, and any approval of said insurance by the City, is not intended to and shall not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations otherwise assumed by the Consultant pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to, the provisions concerning indemnification.
(B) If at any time during the life of the Agreement, any policy of insurance required under this Agreement does not comply with these specifications or is canceled and not replaced, City has the right but not the duty to obtain the insurance it deems necessary and any premium paid by City will be promptly reimbursed by Consultant or City will withhold amounts sufficient to pay premium from Consultant payments. In the alternative, City may cancel this Agreement.
(C) The City may require the Consultant to provide complete copies of all insurance policies in effect for the duration of the Project. (D) Neither the City nor any of its officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers shall be personally responsible for any liability arising under or by virtue of this Agreement.
(E) The limits set forth herein shall apply separately to each insured against whom claims are made or suits are brought, except with respect to the limits of liability. Further the limits set forth herein shall not be construed to relieve the Consultant from liability in excess of such coverage, nor shall it limit the Consultant’s indemnification obligations to the City and shall not preclude the City from taking such other actions available to the City under other provisions of the Agreement or law.
(F) Consultant shall report to the City, in addition to Consultant’s insurer, any and all insurance claims submitted by Consultant in connection with the Services under this Agreement.

3.2.11.12 Insurance for Subconsultants. Consultant shall include all subconsultants engaged in any work for Consultant relating to this Agreement as additional insureds under the Consultant's policies, or the Consultant shall be responsible for causing subconsultants to purchase the appropriate insurance in compliance with the terms of these Insurance Requirements, including adding the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers as additional insureds to the subconsultant's policies. All policies of Commercial General Liability insurance provided by Consultant’s subconsultants performing work relating to this Agreement shall be endorsed to name the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers as additional insureds using endorsement form ISO CG 20 38 04 13 or an endorsement providing equivalent coverage. Consultant shall not allow any subconsultant to commence work on any subcontract relating to this Agreement until it has received satisfactory evidence of subconsultant’s compliance with all insurance requirements under this Agreement, to the extent applicable. The Consultant shall provide satisfactory evidence of compliance with this section upon request of the City.

3.2.12 Water Quality Management and Compliance. Consultant shall keep itself and all subcontractors, staff, and employees fully informed of and in compliance with all local, -8-
state and federal laws, rules and regulations that may impact, or be implicated by the performance of the Services including, without limitation, all applicable provisions of the City’s ordinances regulating water quality and storm water; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251, et seq.); the California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Water Code § 13000 et seq.); and any and all regulations, policies, or permits issued pursuant to any such authority.

Consultant must additionally comply with the lawful requirements of the City, and any other municipality, drainage district, or other local agency with jurisdiction over the location where the Services are to be conducted, regulating water quality and storm water discharges. City may seek damages from Consultant for delay in completing the Services caused by Consultant’s failure to comply with the laws, regulations and policies described in this Section, or any other relevant water quality law, regulation, or policy.

3.3 Fees and Payments.

3.3.1 Compensation. Consultant shall receive compensation, including authorized reimbursements, for all Services rendered under this Agreement at the rates set forth in Exhibit "C" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The total compensation shall not exceed Forty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($49,350.00) without written approval of the City Council or City Manager as applicable. Extra Work may be authorized, as described below, and if authorized, will be compensated at the rates and manner set forth in this Agreement. The City Manager will have authority to approve Extra Work within 10% of the total compensation.

3.3.2 Payment of Compensation. Consultant shall submit to City a monthly invoice, no later than the fifteenth (15th) calendar day of each month, which indicates work completed and hours of Services rendered by Consultant during the prior month. The invoice shall describe the amount of Services provided since the initial commencement date, or since the start of the subsequent billing periods, as appropriate, through the date of the invoice. City shall, within 30 days of receiving such invoice, review the invoice and pay all non-disputed and approved charges. If the City disputes any of Consultant's fees, the City shall give written notice to Consultant within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice of any disputed fees set forth therein.

Payment shall not constitute acceptance of any Services completed by Consultant. The making of final payment shall not constitute a waiver of any claims by the City for any reason whatsoever.

3.3.3 Reimbursement for Expenses. Consultant shall not be reimbursed for any expenses unless authorized in writing by City, or included in Exhibit "C" of this Agreement.

3.3.4 Extra Work. At any time during the term of this Agreement, City may request that Consultant perform Extra Work. As used herein, "Extra Work" means any work which is determined by City to be necessary for the proper completion of the Project, but which the Parties did not reasonably anticipate would be necessary at the execution of this Agreement.

Consultant shall not perform, nor be compensated for, Extra Work without written authorization from the City.

3.3.5 Rate Increases. In the event that this Agreement is renewed pursuant to Section 3.1.2, the rate set forth in Exhibit “C” may be adjusted at the time of renewal as set forth in Exhibit “C.”
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3.4 Labor Code Requirements.

3.4.1 Prevailing Wages. Consultant is aware of the requirements of California Labor Code Section 1720, et seq., and 1770, et seq., as well as California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 16000, et seq., ("Prevailing Wage Laws"), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on "public works" and "maintenance" projects. If the Services are being performed as part of an applicable "public works" or "maintenance" project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and if the total compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant agrees to fully comply with such Prevailing Wage Laws. City shall provide Consultant with a copy of the prevailing rates of per diem wages in effect at the commencement of this Agreement. Consultant shall make copies of the prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the Services available to interested parties upon request, and shall post copies at the Consultant's principal place of business and at the project site. It is the intent of the parties to effectuate the requirements of sections 1771, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1813, and 1815 of the Labor Code within this Agreement, and Consultant shall therefore comply with such Labor Code sections to the fullest extent required by law. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws.

3.4.2 Registration/DIR Compliance. If the Services are being performed on a public works project of over $25,000 when the project is for construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work, or a public works project of over $15,000 when the project is for maintenance work, in addition to the foregoing, then pursuant to Labor Code sections 1725.5 and 1771.1, the Consultant and all subconsultants must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). Consultant shall maintain registration for the duration of the project and require the same of any subconsultants. This project may also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR. It shall be Consultant’s sole responsibility to comply with all applicable registration and labor compliance requirements, including the submission of payroll records directly to the DIR. Any stop orders issued by the DIR against Consultant or any subconsultant that affect Consultant’s performance of services, including any delay, shall be Consultant’s sole responsibility. Any delay arising out of or resulting from such stop orders shall be considered Consultant caused delay and shall not be compensable by the City. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of stop orders issued by the DIR against Consultant or any subconsultant.

3.4.3 Labor Certification. By its signature hereunder, Consultant certifies that it is aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the California Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for Worker's Compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that Code, and agrees to comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Services.

3.5 Accounting Records.

3.5.1 Maintenance and Inspection. Consultant shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to all costs and expenses incurred under this Agreement. All such records shall be clearly identifiable. Consultant shall allow a representative of City during normal business hours to examine, audit, and make transcripts or copies of such records and any other documents created pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall allow inspection of all work, data, -10-
documents, proceedings, and activities related to the Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date of final payment under this Agreement.

3.6 General Provisions.

3.6.1 Termination of Agreement.

3.6.1.1 Grounds for Termination. City may, by written notice to Consultant, terminate the whole or any part of this Agreement at any time and without cause by giving written notice to Consultant of such termination, and specifying the effective date thereof, at least seven (7) days before the effective date of such termination. Upon termination, Consultant shall be compensated only for those services which have been adequately rendered to City, and Consultant shall be entitled to no further compensation. Consultant may not terminate this Agreement except for cause.

3.6.1.2 Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated as provided herein, City may require Consultant to provide all finished or unfinished Documents and Data and other information of any kind prepared by Consultant in connection with the performance of Services under this Agreement. Consultant shall be required to provide such document and other information within fifteen (15) days of the request.

3.6.1.3 Additional Services. In the event this Agreement is terminated in whole or in part as provided herein, City may procure, upon such terms and in such manner as it may determine appropriate, services similar to those terminated.

3.6.2 Delivery of Notices. All notices permitted or required under this Agreement shall be given to the respective parties at the following address, or at such other address as the respective parties may provide in writing for this purpose:

Consultant: Barrios & Associates, dba Communications LAB 701 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
ATTN: Arianna Barrios, CEO
City: City of Artesia
18747 Clarkdale Avenue
Artesia, California 90701
ATTN: Danielle Osborne
Such notice shall be deemed made when personally delivered or when mailed, forty-eight (48) hours after deposit in the U.S. Mail, first class postage prepaid and addressed to the party at its applicable address. Actual notice shall be deemed adequate notice on the date actual notice occurred, regardless of the method of service.

3.6.3 Ownership of Materials and Confidentiality.

3.6.3.1 Documents & Data; Licensing of Intellectual Property. This Agreement creates a non-exclusive and perpetual license for City to copy, use, modify, reuse, or sublicense any and all copyrights, designs, and other intellectual property embodied in plans, specifications, studies, drawings, estimates, and other documents or works of authorship fixed in -11-
any tangible medium of expression, including but not limited to, physical drawings or data magnetically or otherwise recorded on computer diskettes, which are prepared or caused to be prepared by Consultant under this Agreement ("Documents & Data"). All Documents & Data shall be and remain the property of City, and shall not be used in whole or in substantial part by Consultant on other projects without the City’s express written permission. Within thirty (30) days following the completion, suspension, abandonment or termination of this Agreement, Consultant shall provide to City reproducible copies of all Documents & Data, in a form and amount required by City. City reserves the right to select the method of document reproduction and to establish where the reproduction will be accomplished. The reproduction expense shall be borne by City at the actual cost of duplication. In the event of a dispute regarding the amount of compensation to which the Consultant is entitled under the termination provisions of this Agreement, Consultant shall provide all Documents & Data to City upon payment of the undisputed amount. Consultant shall have no right to retain or fail to provide to City any such documents pending resolution of the dispute. In addition, Consultant shall retain copies of all Documents & Data on file for a minimum of fifteen (15) years following completion of the Project, and shall make copies available to City upon the payment of actual reasonable duplication costs. Before destroying the Documents & Data following this retention period, Consultant shall make a reasonable effort to notify City and provide City with the opportunity to obtain the documents.

3.6.3.2 Subconsultants. Consultant shall require all subconsultants to agree in writing that City is granted a non-exclusive and perpetual license for any Documents & Data the subconsultant prepares under this Agreement. Consultant represents and warrants that Consultant has the legal right to license any and all Documents & Data. Consultant makes no such representation and warranty in regard to Documents & Data which were prepared by design professionals other than Consultant or its subconsultants, or those provided to Consultant by the City.

3.6.3.3 Right to Use. City shall not be limited in any way in its use or reuse of the Documents and Data or any part of them at any time for purposes of this Project or another project, provided that any such use not within the purposes intended by this Agreement or on a project other than this Project without employing the services of Consultant shall be at City’s sole risk. If City uses or reuses the Documents & Data on any project other than this Project, it shall remove the Consultant’s seal from the Documents & Data and indemnify and hold harmless Consultant and its officers, directors, agents and employees from claims arising out of the negligent use or re-use of the Documents & Data on such other project. Consultant shall be responsible and liable for its Documents & Data, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, only with respect to the condition of the Documents & Data at the time they are provided to the City upon completion, suspension, abandonment or termination. Consultant shall not be responsible or liable for any revisions to the Documents & Data made by any party other than Consultant, a party for whom the Consultant is legally responsible or liable, or anyone approved by the Consultant.

3.6.3.4 Indemnification. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its directors, officials, officers, employees, volunteers and agents free and harmless, pursuant to the indemnification provisions of this Agreement, for any alleged infringement of any patent, copyright, trade secret, trade name, trademark, or any other proprietary right of any person or entity in consequence of the use on the Project by City of the Documents & Data, including any method, process, product, or concept specified or depicted. -12-

3.6.3.5 Confidentiality. All ideas, memoranda, specifications, plans, procedures, drawings, descriptions, computer program data, input record data, written information, and other Documents & Data either created by or provided to Consultant in connection with the performance of this Agreement shall be held confidential by Consultant. Such materials shall not, without the prior written consent of City, be used by Consultant for any purposes other than the performance of the Services. Nor shall such materials be disclosed to any person or entity not connected with the performance of the Services or the Project. Nothing furnished to Consultant which is otherwise known to Consultant or is generally known, or has become known, to the related industry shall be deemed confidential. Consultant shall not use City's name or insignia, photographs of the Project, or any publicity pertaining to the Services or the Project in any magazine, trade paper, newspaper, television or radio production or other similar medium without the prior written consent of City.

3.6.3.6 Confidential Information. The City shall refrain from releasing Consultant’s proprietary information ("Proprietary Information") unless the City's legal counsel determines that the release of the Proprietary Information is required by the California Public Records Act or other applicable state or federal law, or order of a court of competent jurisdiction, in which case the City shall notify Consultant of its intention to release Proprietary Information.

Consultant shall have five (5) working days after receipt of the Release Notice to give City written notice of Consultant's objection to the City's release of Proprietary Information. Consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against all liability, loss, cost or expense (including attorney’s fees) arising out of a legal action brought to compel the release of Proprietary Information. City shall not release the Proprietary Information after receipt of the Objection Notice unless either: (1) Consultant fails to fully indemnify, defend (with City's choice of legal counsel), and hold City harmless from any legal action brought to compel such release; and/or (2) a final and non-appealable order by a court of competent jurisdiction requires that City release such information.

3.6.4 Cooperation; Further Acts. The Parties shall fully cooperate with one another, and shall take any additional acts or sign any additional documents as may be necessary, appropriate or convenient to attain the purposes of this Agreement.

3.6.5 Indemnification.

3.6.5.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall defend (with counsel of City’s choosing), indemnify and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents free and harmless from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury of any kind, in law or equity, to property or persons, including wrongful death, in any manner arising out of, pertaining to, or incident to any acts, errors or omissions, or willful misconduct of Consultant, its officials, officers, employees, subcontractors, consultants or agents in connection with the performance of the Consultant’s Services, the Project or this Agreement, including without limitation the payment of all damages, expert witness fees and attorney’s fees and other related costs and expenses except such loss or damage caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. Consultant's obligation to indemnify shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall not be restricted to insurance proceeds, if any, received by Consultant, the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers.

3.6.5.2 If Consultant’s obligation to defend, indemnify, and/or hold harmless arises out of Consultant’s performance as a “design professional” (as that term is -13-
defined under Civil Code section 2782.8), then, and only to the extent required by Civil Code section 2782.8, which is fully incorporated herein, Consultant’s indemnification obligation shall be limited to claims that arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the Consultant, and, upon Consultant obtaining a final adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction, Consultant’s liability for such claim, including the cost to defend, shall not exceed the Consultant’s proportionate percentage of fault.

3.6.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire Agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings or agreements.

3.6.7 Governing Law; Government Code Claim Compliance. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Venue shall be in Los Angeles County.

In addition to any and all contract requirements pertaining to notices of and requests for compensation or payment for extra work, disputed work, claims and/or changed conditions, Consultant must comply with the claim procedures set forth in Government Code sections 900 et seq. prior to filing any lawsuit against the City. Such Government Code claims and any subsequent lawsuit based upon the Government Code claims shall be limited to those matters that remain unresolved after all procedures pertaining to extra work, disputed work, claims, and/or changed conditions have been followed by Consultant. If no such Government Code claim is submitted, or if any prerequisite contractual requirements are not otherwise satisfied as specified herein, Consultant shall be barred from bringing and maintaining a valid lawsuit against the City.

3.6.8 Attorney’s Fees. If either party commences an action against the other party, either legal, administrative or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to have and recover from the losing party reasonable attorney’s fees and all other costs of such action.

3.6.9 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence for each and every provision of this Agreement.

3.6.10 City's Right to Employ Other Consultants. City reserves right to employ other consultants in connection with this Project.

3.6.11 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding on the successors and assigns of the parties.

3.6.12 Assignment; Subcontracting. Consultant shall not assign, sublet, or transfer this Agreement or any rights under or interest in this Agreement without the written consent of the City, which may be withheld for any reason. Any attempt to so assign or so transfer without such consent shall be void and without legal effect and shall constitute grounds for termination. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the Services required by this Agreement, except as expressly stated herein, without prior written approval of City.

Subcontracts, if any, shall contain a provision making them subject to all provisions stipulated in this Agreement.

3.6.13 Construction; References; Captions. Since the Parties or their agents have participated fully in the preparation of this Agreement, the language of this Agreement shall be construed simply, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any Party. Any term referencing time, days or period for performance shall be deemed calendar days and not work -14-
days. All references to Consultant include all personnel, employees, agents, and subconsultants of Consultant, except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. All references to City include its elected officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers except as otherwise specified in this Agreement. The captions of the various articles and paragraphs are for convenience and ease of reference only, and do not define, limit, augment, or describe the scope, content, or intent of this Agreement.

3.6.14 Amendment; Modification. No supplement, modification, or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing and signed by both Parties. The City Manager shall have the authority to authorize changes to the Agreement that do not change the compensation of the Agreement.

3.6.15 Waiver. No waiver of any default shall constitute a waiver of any other default or breach, whether of the same or other covenant or condition. No waiver, benefit, privilege, or service voluntarily given or performed by a Party shall give the other Party any contractual rights by custom, estoppel, or otherwise.

3.6.16 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries of any right or obligation assumed by the Parties.

3.6.17 Invalidity; Severability. If any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid, illegal, or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

3.6.18 Prohibited Interests. Consultant maintains and warrants that it has not employed nor retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, to solicit or secure this Agreement. Consultant warrants that it has not paid nor has it agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Consultant, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. Consultant further agrees to file, or shall cause its employees or subconsultants to file, a Statement of Economic Interest with the City’s Filing Officer as required under state law in the performance of the Services. For breach or violation of this warranty, City shall have the right to rescind this Agreement without liability. For the term of this Agreement, no member, officer or employee of City, during the term of his or her service with City, shall have any direct interest in this Agreement, or obtain any present or anticipated material benefit arising therefrom.

3.6.19 Authority to Enter Agreement. Consultant has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business and to execute, deliver, and perform the Agreement. Each Party warrants that the individuals who have signed this Agreement have the legal power, right, and authority to make this Agreement and bind each respective Party.

3.6.20 Counterparts. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.

3.6.21 Survival. All rights and obligations hereunder that by their nature are to continue after any expiration or termination of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the indemnification obligations, shall survive any such expiration or termination. -15-
[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]
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SIGNATURE PAGE TO

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BY AND

BETWEEN THE CITY OF ARTESIA AND BARRIOS &

ASSOCIATES, DBA COMMUNICATIONS LAB
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

CITY OF ARTESIA BARRIOS & ASSOCIATES, DBA

COMMUNICATIONS LAB
A California Limited Liability Company
By: ____________________________ By: ______________________________ Abel Avalos Arianna Barrios
City Manager Chief Executive Officer
Attest:

City Clerk
Approved as to Form:
______________________________
Best Best & Krieger LLP
City Attorney
Exhibit “A”-1
EXHIBIT "A"

SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Scope of Services shall consist of the Consultant’s proposal dated July 24, 2026, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by this reference.

6. Project Overview
Exhibit "A" - Scope of Services
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 11

6. Project Overview
The City of Artesia is seeking a Citywide Strategic Communications Plan that reviews existing communications outlets and efforts and establishes best practices to reach and inform the broadest possible audience about Artesia – while also equipping the Administrative Services Department with the templates, training direction, and accessibility roadmap to sustain that plan after Communications LAB’s engagement ends. Communications LAB’s Project Manager will work hand-in-hand with the City’s Management Analyst throughout the engagement, treating Artesia’s Communications goals as our own.

Special Considerations We Have Identified
▪ ADA Title II Compliance Deadline. The Department of Justice’s revised Title II regulations require Artesia’s web-based information to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards by April 26, 2028. Because this is a fixed federal deadline, we have built a web accessibility review directly into Phase 1 of our workplan rather than treating it as a closing recommendation – giving the City the runway it needs to budget and execute remediation well ahead of the deadline.
▪ A Demographically Complex Audience. With an 85% people-of-color population (42% Asian, 35% Hispanic) and North Artesia formally designated a disadvantaged community, a single generic communications plan will not reach every Artesia resident equally. Our audience-profile and translation strategy is built to identify which channels, languages, and message formats reach which populations – and where current gaps exist. ▪ A Lean In-House Team. The Administrative Services Department manages communications alongside grant administration, public safety coordination, economic development, and emergency management. Every tool, template, and training recommendation in our Plan is sized to be maintained by that existing team – not dependent on hiring additional staff.
▪ An Unusually Rich Existing Channel Mix. Artesia already operates an uncommonly broad set of outlets – from the quarterly Artesian magazine and a Radio TV Artesia partnership to a South Street marquee sign and Rave Mobile Reverse 911. Our communications audit will assess which of these channels are earning their place in the mix, which are underused, and where consolidation or retirement (as we identified for the City of Placentia) may be warranted.
▪ A One-Year Engagement Window. We understand the City intends this agreement to run for a one-year term or until the Plan is complete. Our workplan is sequenced to deliver the final adopted Plan well inside that window, while preserving time for Council review, staff training, and any City-directed scope adjustments.

Our Unique Strengths for This Engagement
▪ Direct, current experience completing this exact deliverable – a citywide strategic communications plan – for a comparably sized Southern California general-law city (City of Placentia), built and approved within a single fiscal year.
▪ An in-house, multilingual outreach team (Spanish-language translation and interpretation capability is provided in-house, not subcontracted) suited to Artesia’s Hispanic and broader immigrant communities. ▪ A senior strategist – Arianna Barrios – who is herself a sitting elected municipal official (City of Orange), giving the City a strategic advisor who personally understands the pressures and optics elected leaders face around public communications.
▪ An established, repeatable Quality Control methodology (Section G) built around the same projectmanagement platforms – Asana, Microsoft SharePoint, or Microsoft Teams – already familiar to most municipal IT environments.

7. Detailed Workplan
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 13

7. Detailed Workplan
Communications LAB proposes a three-phase workplan that directly maps to all five goals identified in Section III, Scope of Work, of the RFP. We have organized the work this way – the same structure that proved successful for the City of Placentia – because it front-loads listening and research before a single recommendation is drafted, and because it lets phases overlap where efficient rather than forcing a rigid, sequential timeline.

PHASE 1 | Research, Audit & Ascertainment (Months 1–2)
Addresses RFP Goal 1 (comprehensive, modern communications strategy) and Goal 4 (tools to reach a diverse audience).
▪ Kick-Off: Facilitate a meeting with the Management Analyst to confirm project governance, select a shared project-management platform, and finalize the engagement schedule. ▪ Communications Audit: Conduct a comprehensive communications audit of all current outlets – City website/E-notify, press releases, the Artesian magazine, Radio TV Artesia, monthly e-newsletters, street banners, print collateral, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, tabling/event presence, the South Street marquee, and Rave Mobile Reverse 911 – assessing consistency of brand voice, frequency, channel effectiveness, and dormant or duplicative channels.
▪ Ascertainments: Conduct up to 20 staff, elected official, and community stakeholder ascertainment interviews using a standardized, City-approved question set, including City Council members, department heads, business and Chamber representatives, and residents from North Artesia. ▪ Community Survey: Launch a short, cost-effective, broadly distributed community engagement survey (print and digital) to capture communications preferences across Artesia’s Asian, Hispanic, and broader resident population. Available in multiple languages and advertised through all current City channels and locations. ▪ ADA Review: ADA Title II web accessibility review of the City’s website and digital communications against WCAG 2.1 AA standards, producing a prioritized remediation roadmap aligned to the April 26, 2028 federal deadline.
▪ Audience Profiles: Development of audience profiles identifying which channels, languages, and message formats reach Artesia’s residential, business, visitor, and harder-to-reach populations, with initial recommendations on where translated materials should be published.

PHASE 2 | Standards, Strategy & Toolkit Development (Months 2–4) Addresses RFP Goal 2 (engagement standards & best practices) and Goal 5 (inclusive internal communications). ▪ Strategy Development: Citywide content strategy for storytelling, routine public messaging, council action updates, code changes, and events/programs, including guidance on how to approach potentially controversial topics.
▪ Best Practices: Social media, alert-message, and FlashVote survey best practices, plus a style guide and editorial-calendar templates for planned social posts and campaigns. ▪ Plans & Templates: Crisis communications plan and template library – statements, talking points, sample press releases/op-eds, and a current media list – built specifically around scenarios relevant to Artesia (public safety, code changes, emergency events).

Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 14 ▪ Recommendations: Provide recommendations on advertising outlets and best practices, and best practices for establishing a citywide photo and video asset database. ▪ Internal Communications: Develop an Internal communications strategy for sharing information over the City’s Intranet and Teams groups, plus a staff engagement framework to build internal awareness of City activities.
▪ Training: Recommended media-training opportunities for staff and elected officials, and KPI/metric reporting templates so the City can track reach, engagement, and message acceptance going forward.

PHASE 3 | Plan Finalization, Council Adoption & Training (Months 4–5) Addresses RFP Goal 3 (identify communications gaps and resources needed) and finalizes deliverables across all five goals.
▪ Strategic Communications Plan: Draft Citywide Strategic Communications Plan assembled from all Phase 1 and Phase 2 findings, including a gap analysis identifying where City staff capacity, budget, or outside consultant support will be needed to implement specific recommendations. ▪ Collaborative Review: Internal review cycle with the Management Analyst and City leadership, followed by revisions.
▪ Presentation: Final presentation(s) of the Plan to City staff and, upon request, to the City Council, including an executive summary of ascertainment findings, target audiences, preferred channels, key messages, and success metrics.
▪ Delivery: Delivery of all final templates, the style guide, the crisis communications toolkit, and the ADA remediation roadmap in editable, City-owned formats.
▪ Training: Up to three (3) staff training sessions – General Communications, Social Media Best Practices, and Spokesperson/Media Training – provided at no additional cost as part of the base proposal (see Section H, Cost Proposal).

Assumptions & Required City Support
▪ The City will designate the Management Analyst (or other staff representative) as the single point of contact responsible for scheduling ascertainment interviews, routing internal approvals, and granting access to existing communications materials, analytics, and the City website/CMS for the ADA review. ▪ Communications LAB will recommend a project-management platform (Asana, SmartSheet, or Microsoft Teams) for shared visibility into milestones; we assume the City can provide limited staff access to whichever platform is selected.
▪ All work products will be developed using standard, widely available software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva); no proprietary City software licenses are assumed. ▪ If, during Phase 1, any RFP-listed task is found to be better served by an alternative approach (for example, if existing analytics data is insufficient to support quantitative channel-effectiveness analysis), Communications LAB will document the issue and propose an alternative method for the City’s approval before proceeding. ▪ Full ADA remediation (as opposed to the audit and roadmap) is scoped as part of the Optional Add-Alternate budget in Section H, consistent with the City’s own framing of implementation support as an optional, separately priced service.

Exhibit “B”-1
EXHIBIT "B"

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
The Consultant shall complete the Services in accordance with the following schedule:

Phase Estimated Duration Key Activities
Phase 1 – Research, Audit &
Ascertainment
Months 1-2 Kick-off, communications
audit, ascertainments,
community survey, ADA
review, audience profiles
Phase 2 – Standards, Strategy &
Toolkit Development
Months 2-4 Strategy development, best
practices, plans & templates,
recommendations, internal
communications, training
Phase 3 – Plan Finalization, Council
Adoption & Training
Months 4-5 Strategic Communications
Plan, collaborative review,
presentation, delivery,
training
Estimated Project Completion: Within six (6) months following issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

Exhibit “C”-1
EXHIBIT "C"

COMPENSATION
Compensation shall be in accordance with the proposed budget contained in the Consultant’s proposal, attached hereto as Exhibit “C” and incorporated herein by this reference.

Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 1

COMMUNICATIONS LAB

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

CITYWIDE STRATEGIC

COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

RFP SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

BEST & FINAL OFFER (BAFO)
Prepared for:

City of Artesia
18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701
Submitted: July 24, 2026
Submitted by: Communications LAB (dba of Barrios & Associates, LLC) 701 E. Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
P: 949-215-5539 ext. 101
C: 714-878-4864
[email protected]
www.CommunicationsLAB.com
Exhibit "C" - Compensation
Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 2 BEST AND FINAL OFFER – Supplemental Cost Proposal
Communications LAB is grateful for the opportunity to provide the City of Artesia with a revised cost proposal to meet previously unknown budget parameters. To meet those parameters, our firm is pleased to provide this BEST AND FINAL OFFER (BAFO) cost proposal for the City’s consideration.

When it was initially prepared, our original Cost Proposal was based on similar scopes of work our firm has provided for several larger cities. We therefore feel comfortable with reducing the total number of hours necessary to complete this project based on Artesia’s actual needs, relative size, and our conversation with the city staff.

With that new information, this revised Cost Proposal does two things: reduces the overall price and maintains all previously proposed services.

As shown below, the BAFO continues to be an all-inclusive not-to-exceed fee for the base scope of the Citywide Strategic Communications Plan, calculated against a blended team rate of $150 per hour. This fee includes all direct and indirect costs, project management, and standard out-of-pocket expenses (mileage, printing of review drafts, and routine software).

In addition, as we proposed in the original submission and during our interview, our Cost Proposal INCLUDES all the optional add-on tasks the City requested be shown separately. However, these tasks are all part of our base project offering and therefore included. Best of all, the project timeline of 4-6 months is not impacted by this revised pricing.

Base Proposal – Task & Hours Breakdown
Task / Deliverable Est. Hours Revised Fee Revised
Project Management, Kickoff & Team Meetings 48 40 $7,200 $6,000 Communications Audit (channels, materials, media
coverage, brand) 40 35 $6,000 $5,250
Staff & Stakeholder Ascertainments (up to 20 interviews) 36 30 $5,400 $4,500 Community & Business Engagement Survey 28 24 $4,200 $3,600 ADA Title II Web Accessibility Compliance Review 20 14 $3,000 $2,100 Audience Profiles & Translation / Outreach Strategy 18 14 $2,700 $2,100 Strategic Communications Plan Drafting 50 40 $7,500 $6,000 Engagement Standards, Style Guide & Social Media
Templates 36 36 $5,400 $5,400
Social Media Strategy & Best Practices 28 24 $4,200 $3,600 Crisis Communications Plan & Templates 24 22 $3,600 $3,300 Internal Communications Strategy (Intranet / Teams) 16 14 $2,400 $2,100 Media & Spokesperson Training Recommendations 12 8 $1,800 $1,200 KPI / Metrics Reporting Templates & Tools 12 8 $1,800 $1,200 Draft Review, Revisions & Final Plan Presentation(s) 22 20 $3,300 $3,000 TOTAL BASE PROPOSAL FEE (390 hours) 390 329 $58,500 $49,350 Communications LAB | City of Artesia – Citywide Strategic Communications Plan Page 3 This not-to-exceed fee may also be invoiced as a flat monthly retainer of $8,225 (55 hours) over a six-month engagement, at the City’s preference, consistent with the structure Communications LAB has used successfully on comparable municipal engagements.

Optional Tasks – Implementation & Training Support
As previously stated, these additional tasks and hours, are part of our base offering and will not incur the City any additional fees.

Optional Task / Deliverable Est. Hours Fee
General Communications & Customer Service Staff Training (2 sessions) 8 $0 Spokesperson & Media Training for Elected Officials / Exec. Staff (1 day) 8 $0 Social Media & Digital Best Practices Training for Staff 8 $0 Additional Department-Specific Templates & Toolkits 8-12 $0 Train-the-Trainer Reference Guide & Quarterly Office Hours (12 mo.) 16 $0 TOTAL OPTIONAL ADD-ALTERNATE (80 hours) 48 $0
Hourly Rate Schedule
Hourly rate remains unchanged to the blended professional rate show below in the right column.

Team Member / Role Standard Rate Proposed Rate for
City of Artesia
Arianna Barrios – Strategic Advisor & Sr. Training Facilitator $185/hr $150/hr (blended) Diana Moreno – Project Manager $165/hr $150/hr (blended) Max Lochrie – Digital Media Manager $150/hr $150/hr (blended) Brooke Hester – Account Coordinator $135/hr $150/hr (blended) Brooke Dailey – Digital Media Coordinator $125/hr $150/hr (blended)

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 ITEM NO: 9L.

TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Resolution Regarding the Approval of Plans, Specifications and Estimates for the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Traffic Calming Street Improvement Project; And To Award a Construction Contact to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. In the Amount of $957,500 To Implement the Project
FROM: Ernesto Sanchez, Public Works Manager
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager
Jamie Murguia, Finance Director
HongDao Nguyen, City Attorney
Abel Avalos, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council, by motion adopt Resolution No. 26-3109, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Artesia Awarding a Construction Contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Traffic Calming Street Improvement Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $957,500, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract and Certain Non-Monetary Amendments, and Delegating Discretionary Authority to the City Engineer to Approve the Project Design, Plans, Specifications, and Estimates Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6, and Finding the Project Categorically Exempt From CEQA.

BACKGROUND:

In December 2023, the City of Artesia ("City") was allocated grant funds from the California Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program in order to install the following features:

1. Enhanced crosswalk along 166 Street at Alburtis Avenue;

2. Enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of 178 Street and Roseton Avenue;

3. Enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of 178 Street and Jersey Avenue;

4. Enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of Ashworth Street and Clarkdale Avenue;

5. Enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of 183 Street and Elaine Avenue;

6. Enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of 186 Street and Elaine Avenue;

7. Enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of 186 Street and Grayland Avenue; and

8. Enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of 186 Street and Horst Avenue with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon.

9. Enhanced crosswalks at the intersection of 186 Street and Clarkdale Avenue;

10. Enhanced crosswalk along Norwalk Avenue at 186 Street;

11. Enhanced crosswalk along Elaine Avenue at 187 Street;

12. Mid- block crosswalk at Elaine Avenue and Droxford Street;

13. Raised mid-block crosswalk on Grayland Avenue between 186 Street and South Street with a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon; and

14. Enhanced crosswalk along South Street at Grayland Avenue. th
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The Highway Safety Improvement Program grant funding is restricted to the above-mentioned features which are classified as roadway striping and street signage improvements. However, combining additional street improvements using other funding sources results in significant cost efficiencies. Additional proposed improvements were incorporated into the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Traffic Calming Street Improvement Project, which included the re-pavement of segments of Elaine Avenue, Grayland Avenue, 186th Street, Devlin Avenue, 187th Street and Droxford Avenue and the addition of two (2) mini-roundabouts along 186th Street to further calm traffic along 186th Street. These additional improvements would potentially be funded using available Measure M, Measure R and Senate Bill 1 funds. The Project scope of work was divided into three (3) schedules:

Schedule A: Pavement improvements on Elaine Avenue (183rd Street to South Street), Grayland Avenue (183rd Street to South Street), 186th Street (Arline Avenue to the Norwalk Boulevard), Devlin Avenue (186th Street to 187th Street), 187th Street (Devlin Avenue to Elaine Avenue), and Droxford Street (Cul-de-Sac to Elaine Avenue).

Schedule B: Installation of enhanced crosswalks and associated features funded by the Highway Safety Improvement Program.

Schedule C: Installation of two (2) mini-roundabouts on 186th Street. One (1) at the intersection of 186th Street and Clarkdale Avenue, and one (1) at the intersection of 186th Street and Elaine Avenue.

PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION AND PUBLIC MEETINGS:

The City held a Traffic Calming Pop-Up Demonstration Event on August 9, 2025, which featured temporary miniroundabouts and mid-block crosswalks in the same locations proposed in the Project plans. The demonstration was publicly advertised, and flyers were delivered directly to households in the area in order to encourage participation and community feedback. Additional pop-up demonstrations on 186th Street were held on April 14, 2026 and April 21, 2026. The project has been presented and discussed at multiple Public Meetings, including:

Beautification and Maintenance Commission on January 16, 2025 Beautification and Maintenance Commission on April 17, 2025 City Council Meeting on July 14, 2025
Public Works Committee on October 2, 2025
Beautification and Maintenance Commission on October 16, 2025 Beautification and Maintenance Commission on April 30, 2026 Public Works Committee on May 29, 2026
City Council meeting on June 8, 2026
Public Works Committee on June 17, 2026
Public Works Committee on July 29, 2026
ANALYSIS:

The proposed Project is a “public project” as defined in Artesia Municipal Code Section 3-4.19(b)(2)(A). The City has adopted the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (“UPCCAA”) (Pub. Contract Code, § 22000, et seq.), which governs the City’s award of public projects. Public projects valued above $200,000 must use formal bidding procedures in accordance with the Artesia Municipal Code and California Contracting Code. On April 2, 2026, Staff released a Notice Inviting Bids to complete the construction work required to implement the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Traffic Calming Street Improvement Project using three schedules: Schedule A:

Pavement Improvements, Schedule B: Highway Safety Improvement Program Improvements, and Schedule C:

Mini-Roundabouts. The bid remained open until May 21, 2026, and the City received a total of eight (8) sealed bids for the Project. The following bid amounts are Schedule A, B and C combined:

1. Onyx Paving Company, Inc. $793,000.00

2. COPP Contracting, Inc. $840,721.70

3. Sequel Contractors, Inc. $1,020,541.37

4. R.J. Noble Company $1,039,795.35

5. Hardy & Harper, Inc. $1,075,000.00

6. Estate Design & Construction, Inc. $1,095,000.00

7. Excel Paving $1,168,988.15

8. All American Asphalt $1,223,023.28
Public Contract Code section 22000, et seq., and Artesia Municipal Code Section 3-4.14(b) requires that contracts be awarded by the City Council to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. The City Engineer has reviewed the sealed bids and determined that Onyx Paving Company, Inc. is the lowest responsible and responsive bidder at $793,000 and the bid is acceptable and accurate. Onyx Paving Company's schedule breakdown is as follows:

Schedule A: Pavement improvements - $694,000
Schedule B: Highway Safety Improvement Program improvements - $72,000 Schedule C: Installation of two (2) mini-roundabouts - $27,000 On May 28, 2026, June 17, 2026, July 29, 2026, and August 5, 2026 the Public Works Committee convened to review the project scope of work and the bid results. On August 5, 2026, the Public Works Committee made a recommendation that the City Council approve a construction contract with Onyx Paving Company that includes Schedule A and Schedule B for $766,000, and also include a twenty-five percent (25%) contingency to cover any unforeseen work and any necessary design changes required to complete the scope of work during the implementation of the project. The Public Works Committee recommends that the City Council not proceed with the scope of work in Schedule C at this time, as they asked for more time to consider the effectiveness of the roundabouts and research viable alternatives. Based on the Committee's recommendation, Staff reached out to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. to ensure the company would proceed with the Project without Schedule C. Onyx Paving Company, Inc. accepts a construction contract that only includes Schedule A and Schedule B and has recently completed comparable street improvement projects in the nearby cities of Hawaiian Gardens, Paramount, and Cerritos.

Schedule A and Schedule B Project Map and Scope of Work:

1. Road: Elaine Avenue
Segments: 183rd Street to South Street
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Seal cracks and install slurry seal; (2) Remove top 2-inches of asphalt surface, and repave with 2-inch rubberized asphalt surface at select locations; (3) Remove buried longitudinal concrete gutter at the intersection of 187th Street and install full asphalt pavement section; and (4) Install new ADA compliant curb ramps and/or truncated domes at the intersection of Droxford Street for the mid-block crosswalk.

Proposed Traffic Calming Improvements: (1) Install enhanced crosswalks at the intersections of 183rd Street, 186th Street, 187th Street, and Droxford Street; (2) Install enhanced mid-block crosswalk at the intersection of Droxford Street; (3) Install edgeline and centerline striping for visual narrowing; and (4) Install applicable pavement markings and street signage.

2. Road: Grayland Avenue
Segments: 183 Street to South Street rd
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Removal of the top 2-inches of asphalt surface, and repave with 2-inch rubberized asphalt surface; (2) Install a mid-block raised crosswalk with improvements to adjacent sidewalk; and (3) Install new ADA compliant curb ramps and/or truncated domes at the intersection of 186th Street.

Proposed Traffic Calming Improvements: (1) Install enhanced crosswalks at the intersections of 186th Street and South Street; (2) Install enhanced crosswalk including Rapid Flashing Beacon at mid-block crosswalk; (3) Install centerline striping for visual narrowing; and (4) Install applicable pavement markings and street signage.

3. Road: 186 Street
Segments: Arline Avenue to the Norwalk Boulevard
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Removal of the top 2-inches of asphalt surface, and repave with 2-inch rubberized asphalt surface; (2) Seal cracks and install slurry seal at select locations; and (3) Install new ADA compliant curb ramps and/or truncated domes at intersections of Clarkdale Avenue, Devlin Avenue, Elaine Avenue, Grayland Avenue, and Horst Avenue.

Proposed Traffic Calming Improvements: (1) Install enhanced crosswalks at the intersections of Clarkdale Avenue, Devlin Avenue, Elaine Avenue, Horst Avenue, and Norwalk Boulevard; (2) Install Rapid Flashing Beacon at Devlin Avenue; (3) Install applicable pavement markings and street signage.

4. Road: Devlin Avenue
Segment: 186 Street to 187 Street
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Seal cracks and install slurry seal; and (2) Install new ADA compliant curb ramps and/or truncated domes at intersection of 186 Street.

5. Road: 187 Street
Segment: Devlin Avenue to Elaine Avenue
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Seal cracks and install slurry seal; and (2) Removal of the top 2-inches of asphalt surface, and repave with 2-inch rubberized asphalt surface at intersection with Elaine Avenue.

6. Road: Droxford Street
Segment: Cul-de-Sac to Elaine Avenue
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Removal of the top 2-inches of asphalt surface, and repave with 2-inch rubberized asphalt surface.

7. Intersection: 166 Street and Alburtis Avenue
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Install new ADA compliant curb ramps and/or truncated domes including improvements to adjacent sidewalks.

Proposed Traffic Calming Improvements: (1) Install enhanced crosswalk along 166th Street; (2) Install applicable pavement markings.

8. Intersection: 178 Street and Roseton Avenue
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Install new ADA compliant truncated domes on existing curb ramps.

Proposed Traffic Calming Improvements: (1) Install enhanced crosswalk; and (2) Install applicable pavement markings.

9. Intersection: 178 Street and Jersey Avenue
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Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Install new ADA compliant truncated domes on existing curb ramps.

Proposed Traffic Calming Improvements: (1) Install enhanced crosswalk at 4-way intersection; and (2) Install applicable pavement markings.

10. Intersection: Clarkdale Avenue and Ashworth Street
Proposed Road Improvements: (1) Install new ADA compliant truncated domes on existing curb ramps.

Proposed Traffic Calming Improvements: (1) Install enhanced crosswalk along Ashworth Street; and (2) Install applicable pavement markings and street signage.

Resolution No. 26-3109 approves the plans, specifications and estimates for this scope of work and approves a construction contract with Onyx Paving Company, Inc. that includes a twenty-five percent (25%) contingency to cover any necessary additional work that may arise during the implementation of the project. Additionally, the plans, specifications and estimates and the construction contract are reflective of Schedule A and Schedule B of the project. If approved, construction is anticipated to begin in mid-September 2026. Staff anticipates providing a report to the City Council at the September 2026 Regular Meeting that includes a construction timeline and any necessary change orders.

CEQA COMPLIANCE:

The Public Works Department determined that the Project is statutorily and categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City’s CEQA Guidelines. The Project is categorically exempt under the Class 1(c) exemption of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 because it consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of an existing public facility, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination, including existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities.

ALIGNMENT WITH FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 GOALS:

This approval aligns with Goal No. 3 - Refine Capital Improvement Project Delivery: Expedite completion of Capital Improvement Projects. This project is part of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program: Highway Safety Improvement Program and Traffic Calming Street Improvement Project. The proposed contract is to implement improvements that are focused on improvement pavement conditions and pedestrian safety at key intersections throughout the City.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The proposed Construction Contract includes a not to exceed compensation amount of $957,500, which includes the $766,000 bid price and a twenty-five percent (25%) contingency. The contract amount would be funded using $72,000 in Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant Funds, and $712,500 of available Measure M funds and $173,000 in available Measure R Funds.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Staff recommends that the City Council, by motion adopt Resolution No. 26-3109, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Artesia Awarding a Construction Contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Traffic Calming Street Improvement Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $957,500, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Contract and Certain Non-Monetary Amendments, and Delegating Discretionary Authority to the City Engineer to Approve the Project Design, Plans, Specifications, and Estimates Pursuant to Government Code Section 830.6, and Finding the Project Categorically Exempt From CEQA.

Attachments
Resolution 26-3109
Proposed Contract with Onyx Paving.pdf
HSIP & Traffic Calming Project-Plans.pdf
65344.00045\45158901.1
RESOLUTION NO. 26-3109

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY

OF ARTESIA AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT TO ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC. FOR

THE HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

AND TRAFFIC CALMING STREET IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $957,500,

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE

CONTRACT AND CERTAIN NON-MONETARY

AMENDMENTS, AND DELEGATING DISCRETIONARY

AUTHORITY TO THE CITY ENGINEER TO APPROVE

THE PROJECT DESIGN, PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS,

AND ESTIMATES PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 830.6, AND FINDING THE PROJECT

CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA
WHEREAS, in December 2023, the City of Artesia ("City") was allocated grant funds from the California Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Improvement Program to install enhanced crosswalks, roadway striping, street signage, and related safety improvements within the City;
WHEREAS, the City incorporated additional pavement, roadway, and traffic calming improvements into the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Traffic Calming Street Improvement Project ("Project") to achieve cost efficiencies and to further improve public streets and pedestrian safety;
WHEREAS, the Project was divided into three schedules: Schedule A for pavement improvements, Schedule B for Highway Safety Improvement Program improvements, and Schedule C for the installation of two mini-roundabouts on 186th Street;
WHEREAS, the Public Works Committee has recommended that the City Council proceed with Schedule A and Schedule B of the Project at this time, and not proceed with Schedule C at this time;
WHEREAS, on April 2, 2026, City staff released a Notice Inviting Bids for construction of the Project, and on May 21, 2026, the City received eight sealed bids; WHEREAS, the City Engineer reviewed the bids and determined that Onyx Paving Company, Inc. is the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with a bid of $793,000 for Schedules A, B, and C combined;
WHEREAS, Onyx Paving Company, Inc. has agreed to enter into a construction contract for Schedule A and Schedule B only, for a base contract amount of $766,000; 65344.00045\45158901.1
WHEREAS, the proposed construction contract for Schedule A and Schedule B includes a twenty-five percent (25%) contingency, for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $957,500;
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to award a construction contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for Schedule A and Schedule B of the Project and to authorize the City Manager to execute the construction contract and amendments that do not change the compensation authorized by this Resolution;
WHEREAS, Government Code section 830.6 provides, in pertinent part, that neither a public entity nor a public employee is liable for an injury caused by the plan or design of a construction of, or an improvement to, public property where such plan or design has been approved in advance of the construction or improvement by the legislative body of the public entity, or by some other body or employee exercising discretionary authority to give such approval, if a court determines that there is substantial evidence upon which a reasonable public employee or legislative body could have approved the plan or design;
WHEREAS, it is impractical for the City Council to approve every plan or design undertaken by the City, including every alteration, modification, or refinement of plans or designs for public improvements;
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to delegate discretionary authority to the City Engineer to approve the Project design, plans, specifications, and estimates, and any related alterations or modifications, for purposes of Government Code section 830.6; WHEREAS, the City Council desires to avail the City, its officers, employees, and agents of the design immunity protections set forth in Government Code section 830.6 to the fullest extent permitted by law;
WHEREAS, the Project consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, and minor alteration of existing public streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and similar facilities, involving negligible or no expansion of existing use; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to find that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") under the Class 1(c) exemption set forth in State CEQA Guidelines section 15301.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARTESIA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals.

The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference. 65344.00045\45158901.1
SECTION 2. CEQA Determination.

The City Council finds that the Project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the Class 1(c) exemption of State CEQA Guidelines section 15301 because the Project consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, including existing highways, streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The City Council directs City staff to file any notice of exemption or other CEQA documentation deemed necessary or appropriate for the Project.

SECTION 3. Delegation of Design Approval Authority Under Government Code Section 830.6.

The City Council hereby delegates to the City Engineer discretionary authority to approve the plan or design of a construction of, or an improvement to, public property, including the Project design, plans, specifications, and estimates for Schedule A and Schedule B of the Project, and to exercise any other authority that may be delegated under Government Code section 830.6. This delegation includes authority to approve any alterations, modifications, refinements, or field adjustments to the Project design, plans, specifications, and estimates, provided such approvals occur before construction of the affected work and are supported by substantial evidence upon which a reasonable public employee could approve the plan, design, standards, alteration, modification, refinement, or field adjustment.

SECTION 4. Design Immunity; Project Design Authorization.

A. The City Engineer's approval of the Project design, plans, specifications, and estimates shall constitute an exercise of discretionary authority for purposes of Government Code section 830.6.

B. The Project design, plans, specifications, and estimates, upon approval by the City Engineer, are determined to be consistent with applicable City standards and the City's General Plan, to the extent applicable.

C. The approval and authorization granted by this Resolution, and any subsequent approval by the City Engineer under this Resolution, are intended to avail the City and its officers, employees, and agents of the immunities set forth in Government Code section 830.6 to the fullest extent permitted by law.

SECTION 5. Award of Contract and Authorization.

A. The City Council hereby awards a construction contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for Schedule A and Schedule B of the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Traffic Calming Street Improvement Project in a not-to-exceed amount of $957,500, inclusive of the $766,000 base bid amount for Schedule A and Schedule B and a twenty-five percent (25%) contingency for unforeseen work arising during implementation of the Project.
65344.00045\45158901.1
B. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute the construction contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, and to execute amendments, change orders, and other documents necessary or appropriate to administer the contract, provided that such actions do not increase the total compensation above the amount authorized by this Resolution.

C. The City Council hereby authorizes City staff and consultants to take all actions necessary or appropriate to implement this Resolution and the Project.

SECTION 6. Severability.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Resolution is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Resolution and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 7. Certification and Effective Date.

The City Clerk is directed to certify the adoption of this Resolution. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.

PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 10th day of August, 2026. ______________________________

RENE TREVINO, MAYOR
ATTEST:
_____________________________

JENNIFER ALDERETE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________

BEST BEST & KRIEGER, CITY ATTORNEY

CONTRACT

CITY OF ARTESIA CONTRACT FOR

HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TRAFFIC

CALMING PROJECT
THIS CONTRACT (“Contract”) is dated August 10, 2026 (“Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF ARTESIA, a California municipal corporation (“City”) and ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC., a California corporation (“Contractor”). Contractor’s California State Contractor’s license number is 630360 (Class A, C12). Contractor’s DIR registration number is 1000004798.

In consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Contract Documents. The Contract Documents consist of this Contract, the Notice Inviting Bids, Instructions to Bidders, Bid (including documentation accompanying the Bid and any postBid documentation submitted before the Notice of Award), the Bonds, permits from regulatory agencies with jurisdiction, General Provisions, Special Provisions, Plans, Standard Plans, Standard Specifications, Reference Specifications, Addenda, Change Orders, and Supplemental Agreements. The Contract Documents are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Contract and any incorporated documents, the terms of this Contract shall control.

2. Scope of Services. Contractor shall perform the Work in a good and workmanlike manner for the project identified as SCHEDULE A and SCHEDULE B of the HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT (“Project”), as described in this Contract and in the Contract Documents.

3. Compensation. In consideration of the services rendered hereunder, City shall pay Contractor an amount of seven hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars ($766,000) in accordance with the prices as submitted in the Bid, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by this reference. Unforeseen work will be classified as Extra Work when the City Engineer determines that it is not covered by the scope of work in the Contract. The City Manager is authorized to approve payment for Extra Work upon the recommendation of the City Engineer, provided that the total arithmetic dollar value of the Extra Work does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total contract price. Total compensation shall not exceed nine hundred fifty-seven thousand and five hundred dollars ($957,500).

4. Incorporation by Reference. All of the following documents are attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference: Workers’ Compensation Certificate of Insurance, Additional Insured Endorsement (Comprehensive General Liability), Additional Insured Endorsement (Automobile Liability), and Additional Insured Endorsement (Excess Liability).

5. Antitrust Claims. In entering into this Contract, Contractor offers and agrees to assign to City all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. § 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code, § 16700 et seq.) arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials pursuant to the Contract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time City tenders final payment to Contractor without further acknowledgment by the parties.

6. Prevailing Wages. City and Contractor acknowledge that the Project is a public work to which prevailing wages apply. The provisions of Section 5-3 of the General Provisions shall apply and are mandatory for this Project.

7. Workers’ Compensation. California Labor Code Sections 1860 and 3700 provide that every contractor will be required to secure the payment of compensation to its employees. In accordance with the provisions of California Labor Code Section 1861, by signing this Contract, the Contractor certifies as follows:
“I am aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that Code, and I will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Work of this Contract.”

8. Trenches and Other Excavations. If this Project involves the digging trenches or other excavations that will extend deeper than four (4) feet below the surface, Contractor shall promptly, and before the following conditions are disturbed, notify City, in writing, of any: (1) material that Contractor believes may be material that is hazardous waste, as defined in Section 25117 of the Health and Safety Code, that is required to be removed to a Class I, Class II, or Class III disposal site in accordance with provisions of existing law; (2) subsurface or latent physical conditions at the site differing from those indicated by information about the site made available to proposers prior to the deadline for submitting proposals; and (3) unknown physical conditions at the site of any unusual nature, different materially from those ordinarily encountered and generally recognized as inherent in work of the character provided for in this Contract.

9. Titles. The titles used in this Contract are for convenience only and shall in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of this Contract or any part of it.

10. Authority. Any person executing this Contract on behalf of Contractor warrants and represents that he or she has the authority to execute this Contract on behalf of Contractor and has the authority to bind Contractor to the performance of its obligations hereunder.

11. Entire Agreement. This Contract, including the Contract Documents and any other documents incorporated herein by specific reference, represents the entire and integrated agreement between City and Contractor. This Contract supersedes all prior oral or written negotiations, representations or agreements. This Contract may not be modified or amended, nor any provision or breach waived, except in a writing signed by both parties that expressly refers to this Contract.

12. Counterparts. This Contract may be executed in counterpart originals, duplicate originals, or both, each of which is deemed to be an original for all purposes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed the Contract the day and year first above written.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

CITY OF ARTESIA
By:

City Manager
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By: By:

City Clerk City Attorney
Dated: ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC.
(“CONTRACTOR”)
By:

Printed Name:

Title:

By:

Printed Name:

Title:

Exhibit A
Contractor’s Proposal
BID
CIT%' OF ARTESIA

HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HSIP) AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARTESIA:

The undersigned, as Bidder, declares that: (1) this Bid is made without collusion with any other person and that the only persons or parties interested as principals are those named herein; (2) the undersigned has carefully examined the Contract Documents (including all Addenda) and the Project site; and (3) the undersigned has investigated and is satisfied as to the conditions to be encountered, the character, quality and quantities of Work to be performed, and the materials to befurnished. Furthermore,theundersignedagreesthatsubmissionofthisBidshallbeconclusive evidence that such examination and investigation have been made and agrees, in the event the Contract be awarded to it, to execute the Contract with the City of Artesia to perform the Project in accordance with the Contract Documents in the time and manner therein prescribed, and to furnish or provide all materials, labor, tools, equipment, apparatus and other means necessary so to do, except as may otherwise be furnished or provided under the terms of the Contract Documents, for the following stated unit prices or lump-sum price as submitted on the Bid herein.

The undersigned submits as part of this Bid a completed copy of its Industrial Safety Record. This Safety Record includes all construction Work undertaken in California by the undersigned and any partnership, joint venture or corporation that any principal of the undersigned participated in as a principal or owner for the last five (5) calendar years and the current calendar year before the date of Bid submittal. Separate information is being submitted for each such partnership, joint venture, or corporate or individual Bidder. The undersigned may attach any additional information or explanation of data that it would like to be taken into consideration in evaluating the Safety Record. An explanation of the circumstances surrounding any and all fatalities is attached.

Accompanying this Bid is cash, a cashier's check, a certified check or a Bid Bond in an amount equal to at least ten percent (1 0%) of the total aggregate Bid price based on the quantities shown and the unit prices quoted. The undersigned further agrees that, should it be awarded the Contract and thereafter fail or refuse to execute the Contract and provide the required evidence of insurance and Bonds within fifteen (15) Days after delivery of the Contract to the undersigned, then the cash, check or Bid Bond shall be fofeited to the City to the extent permitted by law.

The undersigned certifies to have a minimum of three (3) consecutive years of current experience in the type of Work related to the Project and that this experience is in actual operation of the firm with permanent employees performing a part of the Work as distinct from a firm operating entirely by subcontracting all phases of the Work. The undersigned also certifies to be properly licensed by the State as a contractor to perform this type of Work. The undersigned possesses California Contractor's License:

Number 630360 Class which expires on Class which expii 10/3112027 Bidder's Name: ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC.
s'gnalure: XX,4ooe} R KIRSCHNER - CEO
AY RSCHNER-VP.SEC.TREAS
Date: 5/1 9/2026
Dgte: 5/19/2026
9 CITY OF ARTESIA

BID SHEETS FOR
HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVaflENT PROGRAM (HSIP) AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT Bidder's Name: ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC.

To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council:,- In compllance with the Notice Inviting Bids, the undersigned hereby agrees to execute the Contract to furnish all )abor, materials, equipment and supplies for the Project in accordance with the Contract Documents to the satisfaction and under the direction of the City Engineer, at the following prices:

BID SCHEDULE A: STREET IMPROVEMENTS
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION UNIT
E8TIMATED

QUANTITY
UNIT
PRICES

EXTENDED
AMOUNT
la. Cold Mlll 2" Asphalt
Concrete SF 138,569 $ 0.40 $55,427.60
1 b. Construct a minimum 2' AC
Oveday (C2 PG 64-1 0) TONS 2,05"l $qos $221 ,508

2. Seal Cracks and Install
Slurry Seal. Remove all
exlstlng Striping, Markers,
and Pavement Markings
prlor to Installatlon
SF 145,926 $0.30 $ 43,777.B0

3. Remove and Reconstruct
PCC Sidewalk SF 1,878 $12 $22,536

4. Remove and Reconstruct
PCC Curb Ramp EA 24 $4,000 $96,OQO

5. Remove PCC Sidewalk and
Construct PCC Curb Ramp EA 1 $4,000 $4,000

6. Remove and Reconstruct
PCC Curb and Gutter LF 187 $ 85 $15,895

7. Remove and Reconstruct
PCC Driveway Pavement SF 7? $ 16.50 " 1,270.50

8. Install 4'x3' Surface
Mounted ADA Truncated
Domes
EA 15 $ 500 $ 7,500
g.

Remove Buried
Longitudinal Gutter &
Construct AC Pavement
Section (Match Existing
Sectlon)
8F 1,287 $ 11 $ 14,157
10 ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION UNIT ESTIMATED

QUANTITY
UNIT
PRICE8

EXTENDED
AMOUNT
10, Adjust to Grade Suryey
Monument EA 2 $ 369 $ 738
"11.

Sawcut l'from EG ana
Remove and Dispose of
Existing AC Pavement and
Base and Install 6" AC over
6' AB
SF 633 $ 15 $ 9,495

12. Remove and Reconstruct
PCC Curb and Gutter with
Variable Curb Height to
Match Existing Curb Ramp
LF 80 $ 85 $ 6,800
13, Remove Existing Tree and
Install New EA 1 $ s,ooo $ 8,000

14. Install Solar Single
Llghtpost with Foundation
EA 1 $ 4,775 $ 4,775

15. Remove and Reconstruct
PCC Longitudinal Gutter SF 125 $ 25 $ 3,125

16. Adjust Manhole to Grade EA 14 $ 750 $ 10,500
j7. Adjust Water/Gas Valve
and Cover to Grade EA 35 $ 369 $ 12,915

18. Replace Traffic Signal
Loops wlth Type E Loop
Detector
EA 8 $ 850 $ 6,800

19. Paint Centerline Striping
42024 Detail 2
LF 6,567 @ 0.90 $ 5,910.30
20, Paint "STOP, XING or
FED" Pavement Marklng EA 6 $ 318 $ 1,90El

21. Palnt 1 2" White Stop Bar LF 88 $ 1.75 $ 154

22. Palnt 6" yellow continuous
centerline striping
LF 622 $ I .22 $ 758.84

23. Paint No Parking Striplng SF "Ii339 $ 1.17 , $ 1,566.63

24. Paint no passing zones
A20A Detail 21 LF 418 $ I .33 $ 555.94

25. Palnt Curb Red LF 435 $ 1.06 $0

28. Paint 8" Whlte Edge Line LF 4,701 $ 0.95 $ 4,465.95

27. Install Blue Pavement
Markers EA 18 $ 4.24 $ 76.32
11 ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION UNIT ESTIMATED

QUANTITY
UNIT
PRICES

EXTENDED
AMOUNT

28. Paint or Repaint Bask,
Crosswalk LF 489 $1.33 $ 650.37

29. Paint Yield Pavement
Marking (Per Triangle) EA g $ 32 $ 288

30. Repaint House Numbers EA 22 $ 85 $ 1,870

31. Install W11-2 with Arrow
Sign and Post
EA 2 $ 477 $ 954

32. Mobilization LS 1 $ 93,160.65 $ 93,160.65

33. Traffic Control LS 1 $ 36 $ 36,000
TOT AL BID SCHEDULE A: $ 6941000

BID SCHEDULE B HSIP
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION UNIT E8TIMATED

QUANTITY
UNIT
PRICES

EXTENDED
AMOUNT

1. Install Solar Powered
RRFB with W11-2 with
Arrow Sign on Post
EA 4 $ 8,500 $ 34,000 a

2. Construct Raised
Crosswalk at Grayiand
(Construction Note 18 on
Sheet C-9) _
LS 1 $ 10,000 $ 1!),000

3. Paint Continental
Crosswalk LF 3,639 $1 .75 $ 6,368.25

4. Paint 'STOP, XING or
PED" Pavement Marking EA 27 $ 318 $ 8,586

5. Paint 12' White Stop Bar LF 404 $ $ 707

8. Paint Curb Red LF 2,135 $1.59 $ 3,394.65

7. Paint or Repaint Basic
Crosswalk LF 441 $ '1.75 $

8. Paint Yield Pavement
Marking (Per Triangle) EA 10 $ 32 $ 320
12 ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION UNIT E8TIMATED

QUANTITY
UNIT
PRICES

EXTENDED
AMOUNT
9,
Repalnt Striping at 183rd
Street After Pavement
Overlay
LS I $ 3,185 $3,185
10,
Palnt Ralsed Crosswalk
Striplng, 12"WldeWh)te
Stripe
LF 26 $21.25 $552.50

11. Mobllization LS 1 $ 864.85 $ 864.85 -

12. Traffic Control LS 1 $ 1,550 $ 1,550

13. Install W17-1 (Speed
Hump) Slgn & Post EA 4 $ 425 $ 1,700
TOT AL BID SCHEDULE B: $ 72,000
BID SCHEDULE C: ROUNDABOUT
ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION UNff E8TIMATED

QUANTITY
UNIT
PRICES

EXTENDED
AMOUNT

1. Remove Asphalt Pavement
and Construct Roundabout SF 630 $ 25 $ 15,750

2. Install Roundabout Sign
and Post EA 8 $ 424 $ 3,392

3. Install 6"X12" Rlght Arrow
Sign and Post EA 8 $ 371 $ 2,968

4. Palnt Yield Pavement
Marking (Per Triangle) EA 22 $ 32 $ 704

5. Remove STOP Sign on
Existing Post and Install
New YIELD Sign
EA 4 $ 265 $ 1,060

6. Mobilization LS 1
"' 626 "' 626

7. Traffic Control LS I $ 2,500 $ 2,500
TOTALBIDSCHEDULEC: $ 27-000
Note: Items may be adjusted or deleted. Any changes to the quantities for these items shall not 13 constitute a substantial change as referenced in Section 2-6 or the Standard Specffications.

Therefore, regardless of total actual volume (percentage) compared to estimated quantities, the unit prices provided above by the Bidder shall be applied to the final quantity when payment is calculated For these items. No adjustment in the unit prices will be allowed. The City reserves the right to not use any of the estimated quantities, and if this right is exercised, the Contractor will not be entitled to any additional compensation. Cost of all export of material shall be included in the above unit costs; no additional compensation will be granted for such expenses.

TOT AL BID PRICE = BID SCHEDULE A + B + C
TOTAL BID PRICE IN DIGITS: s -+ o'!3, O,)D
TOTALBIDPRJCEINWORDS: 'a"' r""' ">-
Signature:

Signature:

EY : KI SCHNER

J K SCHNER
Title: CEO
Title: VP,SEC,TREAS Date: 5/19/2026
14 18

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TITLE SHEET & VICINITY MAP C-1

CITY OF ARTESIA

HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HSIP)

AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
NORTH

SHEET INDEX
“ ”
“ ”
“ ”
GENERAL NOTES:

AT LEAST TWO DAYS

BEFORE YOU DIG

DIAL TOLL FREE
811

UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
®
Know what's below.

Call before you dig.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
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ARTESIA

PARK CERRITOS MALL
187TH ST.
91 183RD STREET
SOUTH STREETNORWALK BLVD. GRIDLEY RD. PIONEER BLVD.

DEVLIN CLARKDALE AVE.
178TH ST. IBEX AVE.

ARKANSAS ST.
168TH ST. ROSETON AVE.

ARTESIA BLVD. ARLINE AVE.
186TH ST
185TH ST ELAINE AVE.
167TH ST
1 ABBREVIATIONS
186TH ST GRAYLAND AVE.

DROXFORD
187THSEINE AVE. DEVLIN AVE. HORST AVE.
166TH ST. ALBURTIS AVE. ROSETON AVE. JERSEY AVE. ALBURTIS AVE.

ASHWORTH ST. CLARKDALE AVE.

R/W R/W

TYPICAL SECTION FOR SLURRY SEAL

R/W CL R/W

TYPICAL SECTION FOR COLDMILL & OVERLAY
CL
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BMP NOTES AND TYPICAL SECTIONS C-2
2 CONSTRUCTION NOTES

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES NOTES GENERAL NOTES
18523 18601 18602 18512
11856 11864 18600
11912 11918 11922 18534
11911 11917 11921 18535
11857
11931 11935 11953
11930 11934 11938 11942 11948 18529 18528
11961 11967 11971 11975 11983
11950 11962 11968 11972 11976 11980 12000 12008 12014 12016 12024 18526 12005 12011 12015 12021 12033 12041 12045 12049 12053
12036 12044 12048 12052 18608
12059
12058 18604
12104 12110 12114 12118 12120 12126
12103 12107 12109 12115 12121 12125
12134 12144 12148 12152 12156
12135 12139 12145 12151 12153 12157
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186TH STREET

STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN
3 186TH STREET

ARLINE AVENUE CLARKDALE AVENUE
C-3 MATCH LINE - STA 9+00 SEE BELOW LEFT

CONSTRUCTION NOTES
LEGEND

GENERAL NOTES
186TH STREET

ELAINE AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-5 MATCH LINE - STA 9+00 SEE ABOVE RIGHT MATCH LINE - STA 18+50 SEE BELOW LEFT 186TH STREET
IBEX AVENUE NORWALK BLVD. MATCH LINE - STA 18+50 SEE ABOVE RIGHT

HORST AVENUE

DEVLIN AVENUE

DEVLIN AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-4

ELAINE AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-5

GRAYLAND AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-6

GRAYLAND AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-6

SEINE AVENUE
18617
11953 11961 11967 11971 11975 11983
11948 11950 11962 11968 11972 11976 11980 18615
12000 18608 18612 18612 18720 18716 18710 18704 18636 18630 18626 18620 18616 18621 18619 11981
11980
11979 18616
11961 18621 18620 18619
11956 11962 11968 11974
11963 11971 11975
11957
11956
11962 11968 11974
11969 11975
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DEVLIN AVENUE, 187TH AND DROXFORD STREET

STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN
4 C-4
187TH STREET

ELAINE AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-5 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-3 DEVLIN AVENUE

DROXFORD STREET

ELAINE AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-5 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-3

CONSTRUCTION NOTES
LEGEND

GENERAL NOTES
18300 18424 18420 18418 18412 18408 18406 18400 18332 18328 18322 18320 18314 18308 11982 18319 18317 18331 18323 18327 18411 18403 18407 18419 18413 18425 18423 18300 18424 18420 18418 18412 18408 18406 18400 18332 18328 18322 18320 18314 1830811982 18319 18317 18331 18323 18327 18411 18403 18407 18419 18413 18425 18423 11983 18527
11976 11980 18615
12000 18608 18612 18526
12005 18630 18626 18620 18616 18514 18508 18504 18430 18428 18505 18429 18501 18621 18509 18513 18517 18619 18826 18822 18816 18808 18736 18802 18730 18720 18716 18710 18704 18636 18630 11981
11980
11979
11974
11974

ARTESIA PARK
12005
ARTESIA PARK 18932 18916 18910 18906 18902 18832 18826
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT

NOR C I V I L AR
G. IB
No. C 66789 ALDO RA

ARTESIN A OR IA LIF AC

ELAINE AVENUE
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN 5
C-5 ELAINE AVENUE 183RD STREET
MATCH LINE - STA 20+00

SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCH LINE - STA 20+00

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 12+60

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 12+60

SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCH LINE - STA 5+19

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 5+19
SEE BELOW LEFT ELAINE AVENUE ELAINE AVENUE ELAINE AVENUE SOUTH STREET DROXFORD STREET SEE SHEET C-4 187TH STREET SEE SHEET C-4 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-3 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-3

CONSTRUCTION NOTES
LEGEND

GENERAL NOTES
18429 18406 18425 18421 18419 18413 18407 18401 18329 18327 18409 18325 18319 18317 12022 12036
12016 12024
12021 12033
12036 18626 18630 18614 18619 18608 18616 18623 18627 18631 18525 18517 18511 18505 18429 18514 18508 18502 18731 18809 18826 18820 18814 18829 18823 18810 18728 18815 18803 18802 18729 18630 18706 18718 18713 18635 18719 18703 12038
12025 18923 18917 18911 18907 18901
12039 18908 18900 18834 18833
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT

NOR C I V I L AR
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No. C 66789 ALDO RA

ARTESIN A OR IA LIF AC

GRAYLAND AVENUE
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN 6
C-6 GRAYLAND AVENUE 183RD STREET
MATCH LINE - STA 19+63

SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCH LINE - STA 19+63

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 12+24

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 12+24

SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCH LINE - STA 4+83

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 4+83
SEE BELOW LEFT SOUTH STREET 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-3 CHARLWOOD STREET GRAYLAND AVENUE GRAYLAND AVENUE GRAYLAND AVENUE 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-3

CONSTRUCTION NOTES
LEGEND

GENERAL NOTES
4 P
12 ALBURTIS AVENUE
166TH STREET
3 3
4 P
P
3 P
P
12 8 8
8 8 8
178TH STREET ROSETON AVENUE ROSETON AVENUE POWELL PL.
8 8
8 8 JERSEY AVENUE
178TH STREET
8 CLARKDALE AVENUE

ASHWORTH STREET
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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VARIOUS STREET INTERSECTIONS

IMPROVEMENT PLAN
7 C-7
”
”

CONSTRUCTION NOTES
LEGEND
166TH ST. & ALBURTIS AVE. IMPROVEMENT PLAN
178TH ST. AND ROSETON AVE. TO JERSEY AVE. IMPROVEMENT PLAN ASHWORTH ST. & CLARKDALE AVE. IMPROVEMENT PLAN
4 8
1 1
17 CLARKDALE AVENUE
186TH
STREET
6 6
3 4
3 3
4 P
P
12 12
12 12
4 4
4 1
1 4
17ELAINE AVENUE
186TH
STREET
6 6
3 3 3
3 6
6 3
3 6
6 3
3 6
6 12
12 12
12 12
10 4
3 3
10 DEVLIN AVENUE
186TH
STREET
3 3
4 4
3 3
2 2
2 16
12 12
4 3
3 GRAYLAND AVENUE
3 4 4
3 3
1 3
12 12
1 1
186TH
STREET
4 3
3 18

HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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STREET IMPROVEMENT
PLAN DETAILS - 1
8 C-8
”
”

CONSTRUCTION NOTES
LEGEND

GENERAL NOTES
186TH ST. & ELAINE AVE. PLAN DETAILS 186TH ST. & CLARKDALE AVE. PLAN DETAILS 186TH ST. & GRAYLAND AVE. PLAN DETAILS 186TH ST. & DEVLIN AVE. PLAN DETAILS P
P
10 GRAYLAND AVENUE
1 1
3 P
3 AG
3 10
A
B
B
A 18
7 4
3 3
1 1HORST AVENUE
186TH
STREET
1 4
3 3
4 3
3 12
6 6
3 4
3 12
6 6
3 3
P
18 18 1 1
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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STREET IMPROVEMENT
PLAN DETAILS - 2
9 C-9
.
”
”
“ ” “ ”
“ ”

CONSTRUCTION NOTES
LEGEND

GENERAL NOTES
18718 GRAYLAND AVE. DETAILS 18718 18713 18719
186TH ST. & HORST AVE. PLAN DETAILS
PLAN

SECTION A-A

SECTION B-B
DETAIL C: RETAINING CURB

PLAN ISOMETRIC
5 8
8 ELAINE AVENUE

DROXFORD
STREET
2 2
1 12
14 15
3 3
9 9
8 13
13 8 ELAINE AVENUE
187TH
STREET
1 2
2 P
P
4 4
4 4
1 6 ELAINE AVENUE
183RD
STREET
1 P
P
P
3 3
6 3
3 P
6 P
P
3 3
2 P
TL
AG
AG AG
P
P
3 3
P
TL
P
P
12 12
12 12
TL
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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STREET IMPROVEMENT
PLAN DETAILS - 3
10 C-10
”
”
”

CONSTRUCTION NOTES
LEGEND

GENERAL NOTES
187TH ST. & ELAINE AVE. PLAN DETAILS
DROXFORD ST. & ELAINE AVE. PLAN DETAILS 18636 18630
11981
11980 18716 18720
11979
183RD ST. & ELAINE AVE. PLAN DETAILS
18523 18602 18606 18601 18512
11856 11864 18600
11912 11918 11922 18534
11911 11917 11921 18535
11857
11931 11935 11953
11930 11934 11938 11942 11948 18529 18528 PED XING
11961 11967 11971 11975 11983
11950 11962 11968 11972 11976 11980 12000 12008 12014 12016 12024 18608 18526 12005 12011 12015 12021 12033 12041 12045 12049 12053
12036 12044 12048 12052 18608 XING PED PED XING
12059
12058 18604
12104 12110 12114 12118 12120 12126
12103 12107 12109 12115 12121 12125
12134 12144 12148 12152 12156
12135 12139 12145 12151 12153 12157 XING PED
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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186TH STREET

SIGNING & STRIPING PLAN
11 186TH STREET

ARLINE AVENUE CLARKDALE AVENUE
C-11 MATCH LINE - STA 9+00 SEE BELOW LEFT
186TH STREET

ELAINE AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-10 MATCH LINE - STA 9+00 SEE ABOVE RIGHT MATCH LINE - STA 18+50 SEE BELOW LEFT 186TH STREET
IBEX AVENUE NORWALK BLVD. MATCH LINE - STA 18+50 SEE ABOVE RIGHT

HORST AVENUE

DEVLIN AVENUE

ELAINE AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-10

GRAYLAND AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-11

GRAYLAND AVENUE
SEE SHEET C-11

CONSTRUCTION NOTES

GENERAL NOTES
“ ”
”
”

SEINE AVENUE
18300 18424 18420 18418 18412 18408 18406 18400 18332 18328 18322 18320 18314 18308 11982 18319 18317 18331 18323 18327 18411 18403 18407 18419 18413 18425 18423 11983 18527
11976 11980 18615
12000 18608 18612 18526
12005 18630 18626 18620 18616 18514 18508 18504 18430 18428 18505 18429 18501 18621 18509 18513 18517 18619 18826 18822 18816 18808 18736 18802 18730 18720 18716 18710 18704 18636 18630 11981
11980
11979
11974
11974

ARTESIA PARK
PED
XING
PED
XING
12005
ARTESIA PARK 18932 18916 18910 18906 18902 18832 18826
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT

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ELAINE AVENUE

SIGNING & STRIPING PLAN
12 C-12 ELAINE AVENUE 183RD STREET
MATCH LINE - STA 20+00

SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCH LINE - STA 20+00

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 12+60

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 12+60

SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCH LINE - STA 5+19

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 5+19
SEE BELOW LEFT ELAINE AVENUE ELAINE AVENUE ELAINE AVENUE SOUTH STREET DROXFORD STREET 187TH STREET 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-9 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-9

GENERAL NOTES
CONSTRUCTION NOTES “ ” ” ””
18429 18406 18425 18421 18419 18413 18407 18401 18329 18327 18409 18325 18319 18317 12022 12036
12016 12024
12021 12033
12036 18626 18630 18614 18619 18608 18616 18623 18627 18631 18525 18517 18511 18505 18429 18514 18508 18502 12038
12025 18923 18917 18911 18907 18901
12039 18908 18900 18834 18833 18731 18809 18826 18820 18814 18829 18823 18810 18728 18815 18803 18802 18729 18630 18706 18718 18713 18635 18719 18703 PED
XING
PED
XING
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT

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ARTESIN A OR IA LIF AC

GRAYLAND AVENUE

SIGNING & STRIPING PLAN
13 C-13 GRAYLAND AVENUE 183RD STREET
MATCH LINE - STA 19+63

SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCH LINE - STA 19+63

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 12+24

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 12+24

SEE BELOW LEFT
MATCH LINE - STA 4+83

SEE ABOVE RIGHT
MATCH LINE - STA 4+83
SEE BELOW LEFT SOUTH STREET 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-9 CHARLWOOD STREET GRAYLAND AVENUE GRAYLAND AVENUE GRAYLAND AVENUE 186TH STREET SEE SHEET C-9

GENERAL NOTES
CONSTRUCTION NOTES “ ” ” ” ” ”
ALBURTIS AVE.
166TH STREET CLARKDALE AVE.

ASHWORTH STREET ROSETON AVE.
178TH STREET ROSETON AVE. POWELL PL.
178TH STREET JERSEY AVE.
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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VARIOUS STREET INTERSECTION

STRIPING PLAN
14 C-14
“ ”
”
”

CONSTRUCTION NOTES

GENERAL NOTES
ASHWORTH ST. & CLARKDALE AVE. STRIPING PLAN 166TH ST. & ALBURTIS AVE. STRIPING PLAN 178TH ST. AND ROSETON AVE. TO JERSEY AVE. STRIPING PLAN 11864 18600 18604 18535 18534 18608 18611 CLARKDALE AVENUE 186TH STREET
11983
11976 11980 12000 18526
12005 ELAINE AVENUE
186TH STREET 18523 18524 18519 18518 CLARKDALE AVENUE 18718 18713 18719 18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
NOR

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SIGNING & STRIPING PLAN DETAILS
15 C-15
186TH ST. & CLARKDALE AVE. PLAN DETAILS
186TH ST. & ELAINE AVE. PLAN DETAILS
“ ”
”
”
” ”
”
” ”
”

CONSTRUCTION NOTES

GENERAL NOTES
18718 GRAYALND AVE. RAISED CROSSWALK PLAN DETAILS
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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DETAILS C-20
16 SIDEWALK DETAIL

ROUND-ABOUT ROLLED CURB RAISED MEDIAN DETAIL

LIGHT POST DETAIL

DRIVEWAY DETAIL
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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STRIPING DETAILS C-21
17 CALTRANS STD. PLAN A20A
CALTRANS STD. PLAN A24F
CALTRANS STD. PLAN A24D
CALTRANS STD. PLAN A20B
18 HSIP AND TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT
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SIGNING & STRIPING DETAILS C-22
18 NO PARKING STRIPING DETAIL
24"X24" ROUNDABOUT SIGN
W11-2 WITH ARROW SIGN

YIELD PAVEMENT MARKING
24"X24" W17-1 SPEED HUMP SIGN

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 ITEM NO: 9M.

TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Appointment of Planning Commissioner
FROM: Jennifer Alderete, City Clerk
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Abel Avalos, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the appointment to be made by Councilmember Manalo.

BACKGROUND:

Pursuant to Artesia Municipal Code (AMC) Section 2-2.203, the Planning Commission consists of five members who are residents of the City, with each member of the City Council appointing one commissioner. Following the resignation of Planning Commissioner, Maurice Pantoja and the noticing of the Commission seat, Councilmember Manalo hereby appoints Lorelei Bailey to the Planning Commission to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the current term.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with approval of this item.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 ITEM NO: 10A.

TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Recommendation: Consideration To Approve an Off-Cycle Community Development Block Grant Project Utilizing Available Revolving Grant Fund Balance FROM: Mario Flores, Management Analyst
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager
Jamie Murguia, Finance Director
HongDao Nguyen, City Attorney
Abel Avalos, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Conduct a Public Hearing and receive public testimony;

2. Approve the use of approximately $214,854 in available Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Revolving Grant Fund monies to implement the proposed off-cycle CDBG Sidewalk Improvement Project;

3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary agreements and related documents; and

4. Authorize staff to make administrative adjustments as necessary to comply with Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) program requirements and federal Community Development Block Grant regulations.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Artesia ("City") has participated in the Los Angeles County Development Authority's (LACDA) federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for the past several years. Through the program, the City has been able to complete capital improvements projects that benefit low and moderate income residents, including sidewalk improvements and accessibility upgrades.

As part of the current 2024-2027 CDBG funding cycle, the City has prioritized infrastructure improvements that enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility. In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the City Council approved the use of CDBG funds for a citywide sidewalk improvement project addressing 38 locations identified through the City's comprehensive sidewalk assessment as having the most critical safety hazards. Construction was completed between the summer and fall of 2025, resulting in improved pedestrian safety, enhanced accessibility, and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards throughout the community.

Following project closeout, actual construction costs were lower than originally estimated, resulting in $124,431 being returned to the City's Revolving Grant Fund balance. Combined with the City's previously unallocated balance of $90,423, the City currently has $214,854 available to fund an additional eligible CDBG project.

Alignment with 2026-27 Goals:

Goal(s) No. 3 - Capital Improvement Projects Delivery: Improve timeliness of capital project delivery and maintain routine reporting to City Council and community on regular progress.

This project is part of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Plan, with the primary goal to provide safe paths of travel for pedestrians and improve sidewalks throughout the City.

ANALYSIS:

Staff recommends utilizing the City's available CDBG Revolving Grant Fund balance of $214,854 to implement the second phase of the City's Sidewalk Improvement Program. The proposed project will repair or replace sidewalks at approximately 17 additional high-priority locations identified through the City's comprehensive sidewalk assessment, continuing the City's efforts to improve pedestrian safety, enhance accessibility, and maintain compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The preliminary engineering estimate for the Phase II Sidewalk Project identified the following address reference points as locations where sidewalk improvements are anticipated to be most critical. The locations listed below are subject to change as the project scope is further refined, funding is confirmed, and final design considerations are complete.

Anticipated
Locations
11425 183rd Street
11967 186th Street
12155 Ashworth
Street (two locations)
12156 180th Street
12157 179th Street
12226 Artesia
Boulevard
12246 Artesia
Boulevard
17703 Jersey Avenue
17901 Norwalk
Boulevard
17916 Norwalk
Boulevard
18042 Horst Avenue
18332 Elaine Avenue
18401 Grayland
Avenue
18424 Elaine Avenue
18517 Grayland
Avenue
18529 Clarkdale
Avenue
This project builds upon the success of the City's recently completed sidewalk improvement program and will address additional deteriorated sidewalk segments. The proposed budget includes costs for construction and the engineering services necessary for project completion.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Approval of the proposed project will utilize approximately $214,854 in available Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Revolving Grant Fund monies. No General Fund resources are anticipated to be required.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Staff recommends that the City Council:

1. Conduct a Public Hearing and receive public testimony;

2. Approve the use of approximately $214,854 in available Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Revolving Grant Fund monies to implement the proposed off-cycle CDBG Sidewalk Improvement Project;

3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary agreements and related documents; and

4. Authorize staff to make administrative adjustments as necessary to comply with Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) program requirements and federal Community Development Block Grant regulations.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 ITEM NO: 11A.

TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Informational Business License Report
FROM: Kevin Vega, Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager
Jamie Murguia, Finance Director
Abel Avalos, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the report.

BACKGROUND:

At the regular City Council meeting held on June 8, 2026, the Council requested an informational report on the Measure V Business License Tax (Measure V). Staff is also taking this opportunity to provide a more thorough explanation of Business License administration, generally.

ANALYSIS:

Over the last year, Staff dedicated to the Business License process have identified opportunities that have led to a more efficient and effective approach to business licensing. On average, the process to obtain a Business License takes 14 days to complete. Deviations from the average turnaround time do occur, and are commonly influenced by incomplete forms, as well as timely communication and responsiveness to City inquiries.

As part of Staff's efforts to improve efficiencies and increase compliance, Business License sweeps – led by Code Enforcement – were initiated in 2025. These sweeps have resulted in a renewal success rate of 90% in 2025, and 91% in 2026. Given that calendar year 2026 has not concluded, Staff continues to pursue compliance on all business license accounts. As of the date of this report, for calendar year 2026, 90 accounts remain pending renewal, including 41 contractor-related accounts.

Collectively, the City has 1,113 active business license accounts, of which 113 accounts are subject to the Measure V. In Fiscal Year 2025-26, the Business License Tax accounted for $977,137 of the City's General Fund revenue, while Measure V accounted for $265,907 of the City's General Fund revenue.

Business License Application Framework
The City's Business License process consists of a multi-step process that requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders; including, various City departments and external partners. Internal department occurs between Finance, Planning, Building and Safety, as well as Code Enforcement. These departments work together from beginning to end to facilitate business licensing, as well as licensing compliance. In addition to Staff, the City partners with HdL Companies (HdL) to process business license applications and business license renewals online. In practice, these stakeholders play the following roles:

Initial Consultation with City Staff – Applicant and Planning Division Applicant consults with Staff for initial zoning and use inquiry* Application and Document Gathering – Applicant and HdL
Applicants provide documentation to HdL
Application and supporting documentation are provided to HdL for review of completeness Application Review – Finance Department - Business License Division Complete applications are sent to the Business License Division for internal review and next steps Zoning Review – Planning Division
Staff reviews the proposed business location and confirms zoning requirements Site Inspection – Building and Safety Division
Staff inspects businesses to ensure all improvements adhere to the Municipal Code, and are in compliance with any permits
Application Approval – Finance Department - Business License Division City Staff is responsible for approving or denying all new business license applications Invoicing – HdL
HdL calculates applicable taxes owed according to CPI adjustments and approved fee schedule from the City’s Finance Department
License Issuance – HdL
Business Licenses will only be issued once the business has paid all balances owed and completed the business license process
Compliance – Code Enforcement
Code Staff are referred cases from the Business License Division when there are Code violations, or past due balances
*Business-owners interested in opening a business are encouraged to hold a preliminary informational discussion with Planning Division Staff to ensure the business type is allowed in the particular zone of the City, and also to ensure that the particular use is permitted. This first step is critical, and when skipped, may lead to potential delays in opening, as well as unforeseen costs, such as Measure V, and in some cases, Code Enforcement due to unpermitted uses. Once a business has communicated with Staff, and given a general green light on location, the application process can begin.

Application Process with HdL
The City contracts with HdL Companies to facilitate the application process. This includes document gathering, outreach with the applicant, invoicing, Business License issuance, as well as simple compliance (not requiring Code Enforcement). As part of the Business License application process, and prior to commencing business operations, interested business-owners are required to submit key documents to HdL, electronically, that identify zoning, business type, and acknowledgment of the business to verify and provide factual statements regarding operations and reported revenue. Specifically, these documents are referred to as the Commercial Zone Clearance, Statement of Use, and Statement of Understanding. Business-owners interested in operating out of the Residential Zone are also required to submit the Home Zone Clearance Form. In addition, applicants must provide a site plan and floor plan, which are scaled drawings illustrating the property layout, building configuration, and the proposed location of the business operations. Applicants submit their Business License documents electrically to HdL through either the designated Artesia HdL e-mail or HdL's online website portal. Applicants are advised of the process, as well as how to submit the documents electronically and next steps by Staff during initial conversations. HdL then performs an initial review to verify that the application is complete, accurately classifies the business activity, and confirms that all required supporting documentation has been provided. Once the application has been reviewed for initial completeness, the documentation is forwarded electronically to Staff for further evaluation and approval.

Application Evaluation and Approval – Conducted by City Staff The received documentation is reviewed by the City's Business License liaison to ensure application completeness.

After review, the application is routed to the Planning Division. The Planning Manager or the Assistant Planner review the application and determine the following: Zoning, Land Use Designation, Measure V (if applicable), and Application Status (Approval or Denial). The Planning Division decision on an application status is determined by whether the business type is allowed by right in accordance to the Artesia Municipal Code, or if the proposed business will require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Regardless of the application status, the Planning Division staff provide written comments on the Commercial Zone Clearance form explaining the basis for the decision made.

Following the approval of an application, business-owners are provided the earliest available dates to schedule a business inspection, which ensures that a proposed business space adheres to all existing City codes and regulations prior to legally commencing business operations. Inspections are performed by the City's contract Building and Safety Division. Home-based businesses conducting administrative or office work are exempt from undergoing a business inspection. Once the business has successfully passed the inspection, Staff approves the application and notifies the business and HdL electronically about the approval. Businesses that do not pass inspection are informed of any issues, allowed time to remediate any findings, and are inspected again upon request by the applicant.

Invoicing and Business License Issuance – Conducted by HdL Once an application is approved, Staff informs HdL of the approval and any additional parameters. For example, if Measure V applies, Staff indicates that on the Commercial Zone Clearance form and provides the amount to be charged. HdL's team facilitates the invoicing and subsequent issuance of the Business License once the invoice is paid. This process includes calculating all applicable taxes, accepting and processing payment via ACH, check, money order, or debit/credit card. The Business License will be issued once invoice balances are paid in full by the business. This includes Measure V (if applicable) and the Business License tax. Businesses are required to display the issued business license in a conspicuous area easy for the public to view as mentioned in Section 3-1.206 of the Artesia Municipal Code.

Measure V
Measure V History
The City of Artesia is unique in having a voter-approved business license tax imposed on service and professional businesses which wish to locate in a commercial area within the City. Many cities only tax retail sales within their jurisdiction. Voters approved the City's Measure V tax in 1999. It provided, in part, that service and professional businesses in the Commercial General, Commercial Planned Development, and Specific Plan Zones must provide a maximum business license tax rate of 10 cents per month for each square foot of floor area occupied by the service and professional business. Measure V authorized that rate be adjusted annually for inflation, as set by the applicable consumer price index.

Ordinance No 22-934-U, adopted November 14, 2022, and subsequently Ordinance No. 22-932, adopted December 13, 2022, amended the Artesia Municipal Code (AMC) in the following ways:

Removed occupancy and siting restrictions on service and professional uses, including limits that allowed such uses to only take up five percent of the total square feet of the first floor in buildings or parcels within the Commercial General and Commercial Planned Development Zones; allowing service and professionals to occupy whole ground floors of buildings in those specified zones; Removed occupancy and siting restrictions from the South Specific Plan and Pioneer Specific Plans areas that limited service and professional uses to a specified percentages of floor area space in a building; Specified that service and professional businesses within the South Specific Plan, Pioneer Specific Plan, and Artesia Corridor Specific Plan areas be subject to the Measure V business license tax; Provided that the ground floor tax rate will be $0.178 per square foot (as escalated for CPI since 2010) per month;
Provided that the tax rate for the any floor above the first floor (i.e., second floor and above) will be $0.137 per square foot per month; and
Established that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases each January 1st to the tax rate for each floor.

These changes to the AMC, together, expanded opportunities for service and professional uses to locate within the City and provided a much-needed revenue increase to the City's General Fund.

Measure V in Practice
Section 3-1.604 of the AMC specifies that a business within the Commercial General (C-G) Zone, Commercial Planned Development (CPD) Zone or Specific Plan (SP) Zones that does not devote at least 50% of its floor area to uses that generate sales tax and does not derive at least 50% of its revenues from sales that generate sales tax shall be subject to the Measure V Business License Tax. Exceptions to this requirement are businesses that were lawfully existing and operating in the Commercial General (C-G) Zone, Commercial Planned Development (CPD) Zone or Specific Plan (SP) Zones prior to March 2, 1999, unless the business expands, converts or relocates.

New businesses are made aware of the applicability of the Measure V Business License Tax during the application process for a new Business License. During the application process, applicants are required to inform the City of the business type, use, and activity of the proposed business, as previously mentioned. With this information, City Staff determines if the business is subject to Measure V by 1) determining if the business is service in nature, rather than retail, and 2) reviewing the floor plan to determine if at least 50% of floor area is being used to generate sales tax (business activity that generates sales). If the proposed business is subject to Measure V, Staff indicates on the Commercial Zone Clearance form the applicability, and calculates the annual Measure V tax due. This form is submitted to HdL for processing along with the application documents. Together, all documents reviewed and approved by Staff are used by HdL to generate an invoice for the applicant. The Measure V Business License Tax is listed on the invoice as a separate line item from the Business License Tax.

There are instances in which businesses that have already been operating in the City are later identified as being subject to Measure V. Often, this is the result of Code Enforcement activity requiring review of the Business License account for enforcement purposes. When these instances occur, Staff works with the established business to resolve any Business License delinquency, and often extends a payment plan to the business owner for the collection of Measure V, as it was an unplanned expense. Recent enforcement activity has increased the aforementioned occurrences, as Staff works to address businesses that are operating without a Business License. The goal is always to work with the business in any appropriate way in order to collect taxes due to the City, while also providing assistance to the businesses.

Available Resources Electronically and at City Hall
To promote transparency and ease of access, Staff have provided relevant links on the City website that allow applicants and existing business owners to apply, renew, and close business license accounts under the "Doing Business" or "Finance Department" pages. Additionally, under these pages, Staff have also created a page dedicated to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that help provide answers to common questions that business owners ask. Furthermore, Staff have also created an informational flier that can be found in the sections mentioned previously on the City website solely dedicated to explaining Measure V. This informational flier has also been distributed physically at City Hall to businesses that would like to know more or have been determined to be eligible for Measure V. Moreover, Staff has also created an informational web page dedicated to providing businesses with potential resources being offered at the Local, State, and Federal levels. Lastly, Staff has also embedded the Business Directory onto the City website to ensure the public can also see a more accurate representation of the businesses legally allowed to be in the City. Ultimately, these efforts are intended to improve the overall Business License process by making it more transparent, accessible, and efficient for both applicants and Staff. Through the use of online resources, informational materials, and improved communication, Staff aims to provide businesses with the information necessary to successfully complete the application process while ensuring compliance with the Artesia Municipal Code. These improvements also help maintain accurate business records, support regulatory compliance, enhance customer service, and promote a business-friendly environment that encourages economic development within the City.

Additionally, the City has also worked closely with the Artesia Chamber of Commerce to promote a better working relationship between the City and local businesses.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with the receive and file of the report.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the report.

Attachments
Business License Process.pdf
Business License Application Process
City of Artesia
Document Gathering
Submit Required Documents:

Commercial Zone Clearance Form
Home Zone Clearance Form
(Home-Based businesses only)
Statement of Use and Statement of Understanding
Site and Floor Plan
Submitted application undergoes an administrative review by the Planning department to ensure the business is allowed to operate in the desired zone.

Planning Dept. Review
Business Inspection
Business License Approval
Invoice Issued
All businesses regardless of changes in address, ownership, etc, will undergo an inspection with the City Inspector. This ensures that businesses are adhering to City code and regulations pertaining to health and safety,
Once the business has successfully passed the business inspection, the application will be approved. Generally, businesses are informed when the application has been approved (via email, phone, or mail).

Busness license will not be issued or valid until all balances are paid in full. This includes Measure V (if applicable) and the regular business license fee.

For more information:

Business License Division
18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701
(562) 865-6262, ext. 259
www.cityofartesia.us
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
License Issued
After the invoice has been paid, the business license will be issued.

Proudly display your business license in a conspicuous area easy for the public to view as mentioned in Section 3 - 1.206 of the Artesia Municipal Code.

Measure V is a voter-approved additional business license tax, applied to service and professional businesses located in specific commercial zones.

The tax appears as an additional line item on the annual business license invoice.

Applies only if:

The business is located in a Commercial General (C-G), Commercial Planned Development (CPD), or Specific Plan (SP) zone; and
The business does not devote at least 50% of its floor area to uses that generate sales tax; and The business does not generate at least 50% of its revenue from sales that generate sales tax (e.g., retail).

Examples of businesses this may apply to include, but are not limited to:

Accountants, Attorneys, Architects, and Engineers
Insurance, Real Estate Brokers, and Escrow Services
Medical, Dental, and Veterinarian Offices
Massage Therapists
Gyms
Salons (Hair and Nail)
Travel Agencies
Exemptions:

Businesses lawfully operating before March 2, 1999 are exempt unless they expand, convert, or relocate.

Retail businesses (those generating sales tax) are not subject to Measure V.

For more information:

City of Artesia - Business License Division
18747 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701
(562) 865-6262, ext.259
www.cityofartesia.us
Measure V Fact Sheet
Professional and Service Businesses in Specific Commercial Zones in Artesia How to Get Started
Before signing a lease or
purchasing property check
the following with City Hall:

Allowed use of the property/zoning
Building permit history records
Outstanding or pending code violations
Measure V Tax requirements
Before signing a lease or
purchasing property check
the following with City Hall:

Allowed use of the property/zoning
Building permit history records
Outstanding or pending code violations
Measure V Tax requirements
Opening
a Business
in Artesia?
Follow
These
Helpful Tips
Check with City Hall prior to starting any
construction.

Obtain at least three bids when hiring a
contractor, architect, or designer.

Hire a reputable general contractor or trade
specific contractor, and make sure they have
a current business license, state license, and
are bonded.

If you need building plans, hire a reputable
architect, and make sure they have
experience working with cities, and a state
license.

If cost is an issue, hire a reputable
designer (a person that can design
without a state architect's license).

Make sure the designer has a current
business license, and experience working
with cities.

When you are ready to host your Grand
Opening, call City Hall to see if a Temporary
Use Permit is required.

Check with City Hall prior to starting any
construction.

Obtain at least three bids when hiring a
contractor, architect, or designer.

Hire a reputable general contractor or trade
specific contractor, and make sure they have
a current business license, state license, and
are bonded.

If you need building plans, hire a reputable
architect, and make sure they have
experience working with cities, and a state
license.

If cost is an issue, hire a reputable
designer (a person that can design
without a state architect's license).

Make sure the designer has a current
business license, and experience working
with cities.

When you are ready to host your Grand
Opening, call City Hall to see if a Temporary
Use Permit is required.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 ITEM NO: 11B.

TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Banquet Hall Discussion
FROM: Paul Bollier, Community Development Director
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager
Jamie Murguia, Finance Director
HongDao Nguyen, City Attorney
Abel Avalos, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the staff report and discuss initial thoughts on whether to amend the Artesia Municipal Code to expand the allowed types of banquet facilities.

BACKGROUND:

On August 31, 2020 the City of Artesia ("City") Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2020-06P to recommend a Zoning Code Amendment removing banquet halls and facilities as a conditionally permitted used in the Commercial General (C-G) zone and in the Artesia Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan.

On November 9, 2020 the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 20-905, amending sections 9-2.11-2, 9-2.403, and 9-2.3202 of Chapter 2 (Zoning) of Title 9 (Planning and Zoning) of the Artesia Municipal Code to remove banquet halls and facilities as conditionally permitted uses from the C-G Zone and Artesia Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan. The Council also adopted Resolution No. 20-2826 amending sections of the City of Artesia Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan to remove banquet halls as conditionally permitted uses, thereby prohibiting standalone banquet halls. Ordinance No. 20-905 was adopted by the Council on May 10, 2021 and became effective 30 days thereafter.

The Artesia Municipal Code does permit restaurants with an ancillary use of a banquet room so long as no less than 50% of the total floor space is used for the restaurant and at least 50% of sale tax revenue is generated from that restaurant.

The City has a limited amount of available land to promote developments that provide resources to the City, such as tax generating commercial businesses or housing opportunities for residents. Banquet Halls do not generate consistent tax revenue for the City because rental fees are not taxable. The service of food also do not generate taxable sales, unless the caterer is also located in the City. On-site bar sales may generate some sales tax for the City; however; revenue would depend on catering arrangements and is likely to be limited and sporadic.

Banquet Halls also typically require large building footprints and significant amounts of parking (which is typically provided at-grade). As such, a single banquet hall utilizes a large amount of land where two or three restaurants could potentially fit in the same amount of area as an average banquet hall. Furthermore, most Banquet Halls predominately only operate on the weekends, resulting in periods of time with little- to no activity at the property.

This reduces economic activity and can create an appearance of vacancy.

ANALYSIS:

While the Artesia Municipal Code currently prohibits banquet halls, the City has received inquiries from businesses that are considering submitting applications to the City to ask for a code amendment to allow banquet facilities in the City. In light of this, Staff completed some analysis regarding various types of banquet facilities and possible appropriate locations to spur discussion.

Staff identified four types of banquet facilities:

Type of Banquet
Facility Definition
Tier I - Banquet
Room in Restaurant
An indoor space ancillary to a restaurant, separate from main restaurant seating, where food is provided by the onsite restaurant.

Tier II - Banquet
Hall with Kitchen
An indoor venue used to host special events with on-site full kitchen which provides all food for the banquet hall (may also provide off-site catering services).

Tier III - Banquet
Hall
An indoor venue used to host special events. No on-site kitchen, and all food is provided by offsite catering.

Community Hall
Facilities utilized to provide cultural, social, or educational activities for the community, and not associated with a business (examples: Community Centers, Artesia DES Hall, and halls at churches). As these types of facilities are typically not owned by businesses, this definition is only being provided for clarification purposes.

Tier I Banquet Rooms are already permitted in the Municipal Code in the C-G and the Commercial Planned Development (CDP) zone(s). Tier I facilities are the most desirable type of banquet facility as they exist in conjunction with a restaurant, which has regular activity related to the restaurant and produces valuable tax revenue. Tier II facilities would be vacant more often, but would produce tax revenue from the on-site catering. Tier III facilities are the least desirable facilities as they would be vacant more often and would not produce tax revenue for the City.

Below is a list of existing banquet facilities in the City:

Type of
Banquet
Facility
Location Zone
Tier I 17538 Pioneer Blvd (Julio's Pizza) C-G
Tier I
18329 Pioneer (former Seafood
House - currently transitioning
with new ownership)
ADSP*
Tier III
17720 Pioneer Blvd (Shantaba
Banquet Hall - this facility was
approved before the code was
changed)
C-G
*Was approved when zoning was C-G
If the Council wishes to consider expanding the allowable types of banquet facilities, possible suggestions would be to continue to permit Tier I facilities in C-G and CPD zones and also conditionally permit Tier I facilities in the Artesia Downtown Specific Plan area. Additionally, Council could consider conditionally permitting Tier II facilities in the C-G and CPD zones. As all Tier II and III banquet facilities take up large amount of spaces while not consistently open and operating, setting a limit on the number of Tier II facilities that may be permitted is also an option that would preserve valuable commercial space while also ensuring against over saturation of banquet facilities.

Staff is requesting feedback that may be shared with potential banquet facility applicants regarding the City's thoughts on amending the Artesia Municipal Code to expand the allowed types of banquet facilities in the City.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget related to this discussion item.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the staff report and discuss initial thoughts on whether to amend the Artesia Municipal Code to expand the allowed types of banquet facilities.

Attachments
Ordinance 20-905.pdf

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 10, 2026 ITEM NO: 11C.

TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
SUBJECT: Artesia Botanical Garden Project Update
FROM: Leslie Nacionales-Tafoya, Management Analyst
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY:

Melissa Burke, Deputy City Manager
Jamie Murguia, Finance Director
HongDao Nguyen, City Attorney
Abel Avalos, City Manager
RECOMMENDATION:

Staff recommends the City Council receive and file this report.

BACKGROUND:

In 2016, the City of Artesia ("City") participated in a Parks Need Assessment (PNA) in cooperation with Los Angeles County as part of an effort to take an inventory of existing parks and park facilities and to also determine how accessible parks and open spaces were to all Los Angeles County residents. The PNA found that 46 percent of the City’s residents live within a half mile of a park, whereas 49 percent of Los Angeles County’s residents live within a half mile of a park. The PNA also found that within the City, there is 0.82 acres of park space available per 1,000 residents compared to the average of 3.3 acres per 1,000 residents in the County. The PNA is updated annually, most recently for Calendar Year 2025. The metrics place the City into the category of a High Need Area for parks and open spaces. The Botanical Garden project would increase the availability and accessibility of park space and recreational facilities to an area of the City where residents are further than a half mile from one of the City’s existing parks. It would also increase the number of acres of park space available to all City residents to 1.1 acres per 1,000 residents.

In 2018, the City purchased property located on 178th Street to address the City’s need for open park space.

Extensive community outreach conducted by the City informed the park development project. The City held five community planning meetings to solicit input on the proposed project. Bilingual staff in English and Spanish were present at all meetings. Meetings were held at the project site and at the City's other two parks on both weekdays and weekends, spanning a variety of meeting times. Overall, 88 community members participated in public meetings and represented a mix of age groups in the community. During the community engagement process, the concept of the Botanical Garden was narrowed down as the front runner by residents.

In 2019, the City successfully completed its CEQA review of the proposed project and developed a conceptual site plan. Simultaneously, Staff then began the process of applying for grants to fund the project. In 2023, the City was awarded $3,000,000 in federal funds through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Project Fund for the design and development of the Artesia Botanical Garden. In 2024, $2,000,000 was awarded for the project in state funds through the California Natural Resources Agency. In 2025, $2,000,000 was awarded from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) 2025 Measure A Competitive Grants for Natural Lands, Local Beaches, Water Conservation and Protection.

In August 2024, the City Awarded a Contract to Chee-Salette to complete the Botanical Garden design, construction plans, and provide project management during construction. An Ad-Hoc Committee was also formed for the Botanical Garden to help guide the project design. On October 23, 2024, a joint Special Meeting of all the City's Commissions met to review and comment on Project design options. Comments centered on having more garden/open space and less event spaces. Working with the Botanical Garden Ad-Hoc Committee and the design team, revised designs were presented to increase the botanical garden and remove the previous amphitheater.

The City Council approved the adjusted design on March 17, 2025. The approved design includes a small community building that can host recreational classes like yoga and meditation, a meeting and classroom space, an area for small community events, and facility rental space. Removal of the amphitheater and emphasis of the garden space reduces the potential impact on the residential area while expanding the open space available to the community.

The Botanical Garden design includes a small community building with a 1,276 square foot community room, welcome plaza, tropical, arid and desert gardens, educational areas, a demonstration garden, walking paths, and central lawn. The Project includes environmentally sustainable techniques: semipermeable surfaces, bioswales, drip irrigation, and storm water best management practices.

Alignment with Fiscal Year 2026-27 Goals:

Goal(s) No. 3 - Refine Capital Improvement Project Delivery: Expedite completion of Capital Improvement Projects This project is part of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program: Artesia Botanical Garden. This report is for informational purposes; however, the report demonstrates that the project is moving forward towards completion.

ANALYSIS:

The Botanical Garden has already completed the important project milestones listed below:

Milestone Timeline Status
CEQA November
2019
Complete
NEPA June 2024 Complete
Award of Design Contract August 2024 Complete
Demolition of existing
structures
November
2024
Complete
Council approval of Design March 2025 Complete
Submission of plans for
Plan Check October 2025 Complete
Construction Document
Development April 2026 Complete
Milestone Timeline Status
Utility Service Plan
Development August 2026
Complete Building Plan
Check(s)
August 2026
Release Construction Bid August 2026
Award Construction
Contract
November
2026
Begin Construction
December
2026
Complete Construction March 2028
Open Botanical Garden for
Operation
April 2028
The Bid documents are expected to be completed by the end of August. The City recently acquired Planet Bids, an online public contracting tool, and plans to release the Botanical Garden bid packet on this platform to increase the City's ability to reach more potential bidders and streamline the bid process.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing this report.

This Project is listed on the City's Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2030-31 Capital Improvement Program and is a multi-year project. It is funded by a combination of grants from HUD, CNRA, and RPOSD, along with Development Impact Fees and the General Fund in Fiscal Year 2027-28.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Staff recommends the City Council receive and file this report.