AVALON SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026 – 4:30 PM
410 AVALON CANYON ROAD
A G E N D A
For the public’s convenience, but not participation, the meeting can be viewed:
On local cable: Catalina Broadband Solutions channel 3
Streaming on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/CityofAvalonCA
CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / ROLL CALL
ORAL COMMUNICATION
Members of the public may address the City Council at this time. No action will be taken on non- agenda items at this meeting. Speakers should limit comments to two (2) minutes each.
GENERAL BUSINESS
1. Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Project Presentations from Anderson Burton Construction, Inc. and Benchmark Contractors, Inc.
The City received three proposals from qualified design-build teams by the stated deadline for the Progressive Design-Build Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Phase II Project.
Recommended Action
Hear a presentation from Anderson Burton Construction, Inc. and Benchmark Contractors, Inc. regarding their qualifications and approach submitted in response to the City’s Request for Qualifications for the progressive design build Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Project – Phase II. Provide feedback to City Staff.
ADJOURN
NOTICE OF POSTING
I, Devin Elise Hart, declare that the Special City Council Agenda for Tuesday, March 31, 2026 was posted on Monday, March 30, 2026 on the City’s website, www.cityofavalon.gov/agendacenter, and at City Hall, 410 Avalon Canyon Road.
Devin Elise Hart, Senior Management Analyst
In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office (310) 510-0220. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28 CFR 35. 102-35.104 ADA Title II). All public records relating to an agenda item on this agenda are available for the public inspection at the time the records are distributed to all, or a majority of all, members of the City Council. Such records shall be available at City Hall located at 410 Avalon Canyon Rd.
CITY OF AVALON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: March 31, 2026 AGENDA ITEM: ____1_____
ORIGINATING DEP: Administration CITY MANAGER: __DMM___
PREPARED BY: Devin Hart, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Project Presentation from Anderson Burton Contractors, Inc. and Benchmark Contractors, Inc. ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDED ACTION(S): Hear a presentation from Anderson Burton Contractors, Inc., and Benchmark Contractors, Inc. regarding their qualifications and approach submitted in response to the City’s Request for Qualifications for the progressive design build Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Project – Phase II. Provide feedback to City Staff.
REPORT SUMMARY: On November 17, 2025, the City of Avalon published a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the Progressive Design-Build Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Phase II Project on cityofavalon.gov/rfp and publicpurchase.com.
The City conducted a mandatory pre-bid conference in person and virtually on December 11, 2025. The meeting included an overview of the requirements set forth in the RFQ, a walk through the City’s design intent, as well as a visit to the Cabrillo Mole to examine existing conditions and operational expectations.
The original bid deadline was extended from January 22 to February 5, 2026 to allow potential respondents more time to provide comprehensive responses to the RFQ.
The City received three proposals from qualified design-build teams by the stated deadline – A.J. Padelford & Sons, Inc., Anderson Burton Construction, Inc., and Benchmark Contractors, Inc.
City Staff have conducted a thorough analysis of the proposals received, and conducted two meetings with each design-build team.
City Staff have arranged for the City Council to hear presentations with each team at two Special City Council Meetings.
The design-build teams were requested to provide a 30-minute presentation that will include an introduction of their team and an overview of their understanding of the project and their intended approach.
The City Council is encouraged to ask questions to the design-build teams and provide feedback to City Staff.
After hearing presentations from all three design-build teams and receiving feedback from the City Council, City Staff will provide a recommendation to award a contract for Stage 1 of the Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Project.
The Stage 1 contract is for the design and engineering elements of the project only.
City Staff will return to City Council for authorization before consideration of awarding the Stage 2 – construction – contract.
GOAL ALIGNMENT: Infrastructure Improvement.
FISCAL IMPACTS: Undetermined. This project is budgeted in the City’s FY 25-26 Budget for a total project cost of $20 million.
FOLLOW UP ACTION: Implement City Council Direction.
ADVERTISING, NOTICE AND PUBLIC CONTACT: Pursuant to the Brown Act.
ATTACHMENTS: Anderson Burton Construction, Inc. and Benchmark Contractors, Inc.
Executive Summary from proposal.
Executive Summary
February 5, 2026
Devin Thompson City of Avalon 410 Avalon Canyon Road Avalon, CA 90704 RE: Partnering with the City of Avalon for the Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Dear Devin Thompson and the Selection Committee,
On behalf of Anderson Burton Construction and RRM Design Group, I am thrilled to share our vision for the Cabrillo Mole Revitalization Phase II Project. As a California-based team that has been building since 1999, we don’t just see this as a construction job—we see it as an opportunity to help protect and enhance the gateway to one of the most special places in the world.
A True Partnership from Day One
We know that the best projects aren’t just about blueprints; they are about people working together. By choosing the Progressive Design-Build path, you’ve invited a collaborator into the fold, and that is exactly how we operate. We want to sit at the table with you during the early stages to solve problems before they start.
Our goal is to make sure that by the time we begin building, every detail is clear, every risk is managed, and the budget is exactly where it needs to be.
Respecting the “Island Way” of Life
We understand that Avalon has a heartbeat all its own. Working on the Mole requires a gentle touch and a lot of common sense. We are committed to:
• Keeping the Island Moving: We will ensure that residents and visitors can move through the terminal safely and easily, without construction getting in the way of their journey. • Logistics with a Local Focus: We’ve planned our deliveries and work schedules to respect the rhythm of the harbor, ensuring our presence is helpful, not a hurdle. • A “Good Neighbor” Policy: Our team will prioritize keeping the site clean, quiet, and mindful of Avalon’s beautiful environment and tight-knit community.
Building for the Next Generation
Our design philosophy for this project is “Spanish Colonial”—creating a space that feels like it belongs in Avalon while being tough enough to stand up to the sea air for the next 75 years. We are selecting materials that are beautiful but low-maintenance, ensuring this landmark remains a source of pride for your grandchildren.
We are ready to bring our energy, our experience, and our deep respect for Santa Catalina Island to this project. We aren’t just looking to be your contractor; we want to be your partners in welcoming the world to Avalon.
Warmly,
Tim Merrill
CEO, Anderson Burton Construction, Inc.
12 BENCHMARK CONTRACTORS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
UNDERSTANDING
THE CHALLENGE
The City’s goals are clear:
expand passenger capacity,
improve circulation and
safety, enhance accessibility,
and create a durable,
low‑maintenance facility that
reflects Catalina’s identity.
Yet the project faces real
constraints. Construction costs
have risen nearly 40% since
pre‑pandemic levels, and island
logistics add further complexity.
Our initial evaluation of the
concept design—scaled to
the provided specifications—
indicated a cost exceeding
$30 million, well above the
City’s budget. Additionally,
the proposed schedule did
not fully account for plan
check durations or long‑lead
procurement, both of which
could delay construction start.
OUR SOLUTION
TIMELESS, FUNCTIONAL & BUDGET CONSCIOUS
In response, our team is proposing two solutions: one base scheme that meets all of your minimum programmatic
requirements and is within your budget range, and one
enhanced solution that is closer to the vision shown in your detailed programming document. Holmes optimized the
structural systems to ensure scalability, repeatability, durability, and cost efficiency in a marine environment.
Benchmark developed a phased construction strategy
that maintains full terminal operations, minimizes
disruption, and aligns the project with the City’s budget and schedule realities. RIOS developed a scheme that could be built in phases, depending on your project’s budget or ability to secure additional funding in the future.
The result is a cohesive, achievable, and future-ready
vision—one that honors the design intent, enhances the
passenger experience, and provides Avalon with a resilient civic asset.
Aesthetically, our solution is a timeless design that will stand the test of time both in material durability as well as aesthetic trends. Our approach was to create a simple and utilitarian structure that is also elegant, and nods to the historic casino structure in its use of color and a bold roof canopy.
OUR COMMITMENT
We recognize that the solution presented in our RFQ
response is not the final answer—it is the beginning of a collaborative process. We look forward to working closely with the City of Avalon, Los Angeles County, the Federal Transit Administration, and ICS to refine, optimize, and ultimately deliver a project that reflects the community’s values and stands the test of time.