Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 5.B
Meeting Date: January 28, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Award Service Agreements for the Construction of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is presenting two (2) alternative recommendations for City Council consideration.
Option 1 (Recommendation for Solar Powered System)
To:
Award a service agreement to Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. in the amount of $69,431.00 for the fabrication and installation of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601);
Award a service agreement to Westcon Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $24,500.00 for construction of the foundation for the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument;
Approve the proposal from Hot Purple Energy in the amount of $6,500.00 to upgrade the existing solar system and install electrical components; and Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $15,064.65 for unforeseen construction costs;
Approve a budget amendment to Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) in the amount of $9,599.91 to establish a combined construction budget totaling $115,495.65 for the Cathedral City Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); Authorize the City Manager to execute the service agreements; and, Authorize the City Engineer to execute the proposal with Hot Purple Energy, request bonds and insurances and issue notices to proceed.
Option 2 (Recommendation for Hard-Wired System)
To:
Award a service agreement to Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. in the amount of $69,431.00 for the fabrication and installation of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); and,
Award a service agreement to Westcon Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $24,500.00 for construction of the foundation for the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument; and,
Approve the proposal from Towers Electric in the amount of $24,582.15 for installation of underground conduits across East Palm Canyon Drive; and, Approve the proposal from Rhythm Electric LLC, in the amount of $5,050.00 for installation of power and electrical components for the mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument; and,
Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $18,534.47 for unforeseen construction costs; and,
Approve a budget amendment to the Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) in the amount of $36,201.88 to establish a combined construction budget totaling $142,097.62 for the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); and,
Authorize the City Manager to execute the service agreements; and, Authorize the City Engineer to execute proposals with Towers Electric and Rhythm Electric Inc., request bonds and insurances and issue notices to proceed.
BACKGROUND:
At the March 26, 2025, City Council meeting, staff presented an overview of size options and cost estimates for the standardized “Mountain Cathedrals” entryway monument. To assist the City Council in visualizing the scale and proportion of each option, scaled mockups of the existing “Mountain Cathedrals” sculpture, located at Date Palm Drive south of Vista Chino, were displayed. The proposed sizes and corresponding estimated costs were as follows:
¼ (25%) size = +/- $60,000 to $ 77,000
½ (50%) size = +/- $74,000 to $148,000
¾ (75%) size = +/- $80,000 to $150,000
Based on City Council direction, a half-scale (50%) replica was selected as the preferred size for installation at multiple entry points into the city.
The monument will include a stainless-steel art piece with brushed finish surface, a reinforced concrete foundation, a stainless-steel sign with laser cut lettering displaying the phrase “Welcome to Cathedral City” in a font and color scheme approved in the Cathedral City Basic Identity Guidelines document, and lighting to illuminate the monument (Attachment 2).
Engineering staff subsequently programmed five (5) entryway monuments into the 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to be constructed annually (subject to available funding) at the following locations:
East Palm Canyon Drive (East) – FY 2025/2026
East Palm Canyon Drive (West) – FY 2026/2027
Ramon Road (West) – FY 2027/2028
Date Palm Drive (North of Vista Chino) – FY 2028/2029
Dinah Shore Drive (East) – FY 2029/2030
With the monument size, design, and locations established, staff from the Engineering Division prepared the plans and specifications in-house for the East Palm Canyon Drive (East) location to initiate the process of obtaining quotes. This process helps determine the funding required and allows staff to analyze appropriate funding sources based on the pricing information obtained.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed construction of the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument includes three (3) major components:
1. Fabrication and installation of the art piece,
2. Construction of the foundation,
3. Installation of the electrical system.
The electrical system may be completed through one of two options: updating the existing solar power system or installing a new hard-wired electrical system.
The procurement process for each of the above-mentioned components is outlined below.
1. Fabrication and Installation of the Art Piece and Monument Sign On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the city advertised the Invitation to Bid, requesting qualified contractors to perform the scope of work described in Bid No. B25-101E, which includes the Plans and Specifications for this Project.
The bid solicitation was made available to contractors for twenty-one (21) calendar days and advertised in the following locations:
Desert Sun- Published on August 7, 2025
PlanIt Print Works- From August 7, 2025, until August 28, 2025 City’s Website- From August 7, 2025, until August 28, 2025 No formal bid submittals were received by the advertised deadline.
Following the unsuccessful bid, city staff contacted contractors on the plan holders list to identify factors that may have contributed to the limited interest. Based on the feedback received, staff requested written proposals in accordance with the City’s Municipal Code Chapter 3.12.140, which allows for procurement without formal bids.
On September 2, 2025, four (4) interested contractors from the plan holders list were invited to submit proposals to the Engineering Division. By the submission deadline of Monday, September 15, 2025, staff received three (3) proposals for consideration.
CONTRACTOR COST (Fabrication/Installation of Art Piece/Sign) AMOUNT Graphics MFG – Victorville, CA $ 62,000.00
Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. – Palm Springs, CA $ 69,431.00 KCB Towers, Inc. – Banning, CA $ 71,660.00
City staff conducted reference checks and reviewed the scope and nature of work completed by each contractor to assess their qualifications. The evaluation focused on criteria considered most critical in determining the best value to the city, including cost, contractor license classification, client references, and demonstrated project experience.
Although Graphics MFG submitted the lowest price, their work primarily involves wall- mounted signs, and their contractor’s license does not align with the project scope. Based on this evaluation, staff determined Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. (Hoffman) to be the most qualified contractor for the fabrication and installation of the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument fabrication and installation.
2. Construction of the Foundation
A qualified contractor for the construction of the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument foundation was procured through an informal bid process.
On September 26, 2025, city staff contacted four (4) local, qualified contractors and invited them to submit a proposal for the foundation construction. By October 6, 2025, submission deadline, staff received two (2) proposals for consideration:
CONTRACTOR COST (Construction of Foundation) AMOUNT
Westcon Construction Services, Inc. – Indio, CA $ 24,500.00 Desert Elite Electric and Construction, Inc. – Indio, CA $ 49,758.18 Based on the proposals received, Westcon Construction Services, Inc. (Westcon) is the qualified contractor yielding the lowest contract price for the construction of the monument foundation.
3. Installation of the Electrical System
The entryway monument is proposed to include lighting to enhance visibility of the artwork during evening hours, from dusk to dawn. To support this feature, staff evaluated two (2) options for installation of the electrical system. Option 1 involves upgrading the existing solar power system located on the raised median island at East Palm Canyon Drive. Option 2 involves installing a new hard-wired electrical system which would require trenching the south half of East Palm Canyon Drive to install electrical conduits and conductors.
Please note, while Option 1 (solar-powered DC electrical system) represents the lower upfront construction cost, it provides a short-term solution with battery replacements and solar panel repairs expected approximately every four (4) to five (5) years. Staff’s experience with solar powered systems at this location and other medians indicates that Option 2 (hard- wired AC electrical system) provides a more reliable and durable long-term solution to provide lighting to the monument and the median island.
Option 1 – Upgrading Existing Solar System
Hot Purple Energy, a Palm Springs-based contractor, originally installed the solar power system located within the median island. City staff contacted Hot Purple Energy to evaluate upgrades to the existing system to support lighting for the proposed monument.
On August 21, 2025, staff received a cost estimate to replace the batteries and add lighting components necessary to restore the system to operational conditions and provide monument illumination.
CONTRACTOR COST (Upgrade of Solar System) AMOUNT
Hot Purple Energy- Palm Springs, CA $ 24,582.15
Option 2 - Installing New Hard-Wired System
Based on the routine and extended period maintenance required by solar powered systems, staff evaluated different options to provide electrical power to the proposed monument and existing lighting at the median island.
In September 2025, staff explored the possibility of extending power from the pedestal meter located at the intersection of Date Palm Drive and East Palm Canyon Drive.
Four (4) local, qualified contractors were invited to submit a proposal. The proposals received exceeded $60,000 surpassing the project’s estimated cost; therefore, this option was not pursued.
To remain within the project’s estimated cost, staff developed a reduced hard-wired approach, separating work into two components: trenching with the installation of conduits, and electrical work which includes tying-into existing power at the south side of East Palm Canyon Drive, and installing electrical components.
For trenching and conduit installation, staff contacted two (2) additional local, qualified contractors. By December 11, 2025, the following proposals were received for consideration:
CONTRACTOR COST (Trenching and Conduits) AMOUNT
Towers Electric – Palm Desert, CA $ 24,582.15
Desert Elite Electric and Construction, Inc. – Indio, CA $ 41,345.54 Based on the proposals received, Towers Electric is the qualified contractor with the lowest proposal price for trenching and conduit installation.
For the electrical work required to energize the monument luminaires, city staff contacted three (3) local, qualified contractors and invited them to submit proposals.
A single proposal was received for consideration on January 8, 2026.
CONTRACTOR COST (Energize Monument Lighting) AMOUNT
Rhythm Electric LLC – Palm Desert, CA $ 5,050.00
The total cost for the installation of new hard-wired system (Option 2) is as follows:
CONTRACTOR COST (Total Cost – Hard-wired System) AMOUNT Towers Electric – Palm Desert, CA $ 24,582.15
Rhythm Electric LLC – Palm Desert, CA $ 5,050.00
Option 2: Installing New Hard-Wired System Total Cost $ 29,632.15 Summary of Options
City staff has secured proposals for each of the major components required to construct the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument, including fabrication and installation of the art piece, construction of the foundation, and adding power to the median island by upgrading the existing solar system or trenching across East Palm Canyon Drive to install a hard-wire electrical system.
Staff recognizes Councilmember Ross’ offer to allocate $105,895.74 from her District Improvement funds toward this project, which will significantly support the advancement of the proposed improvements.
With this funding in mind, staff affirm that the lowest upfront cost option would utilize solar- powered lighting. However, based on prior experience with solar lighting previously installed on this median, Engineering staff are also providing the long-term, lower-maintenance solution to install a hard-wired AC electrical system.
Accordingly, to reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve system reliability, city staff alternatively recommend construction of the entryway monument utilizing Option 2 (hard- wired AC electrical system) as the preferred electrical installation. For transparency and policy consideration, both options are presented below for City Council’s review, preference and direction based on available funding consideration.
If the City Council chooses to proceed with construction of the entryway monument using the upgraded solar system (as presented in this Staff Report’s recommendation), city staff recommend the following actions for Council consideration:
Award a service agreement to Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. in the amount of $69,431.00 for the fabrication and installation of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601);
Award a service agreement to Westcon Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $24,500.00 for construction of the foundation for the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument;
Approve the proposal from Hot Purple Energy in the amount of $6,500.00 to upgrade the existing solar system and install electrical components; and Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $15,064.65 for unforeseen construction costs;
Approve a budget amendment to Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) in the amount of $9,599.91 to establish a combined construction budget totaling $115,495.65 for the Cathedral City Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); Authorize the City Manager to execute the service agreements; and, Authorize the City Engineer to execute the proposal with Hot Purple Energy, request bonds and insurances and issue notices to proceed.
If the City Council is supportive of allocating additional funding for the hard-wired system, staff present the following alternative recommendation for Council approval:
Award a service agreement to Hoffman Steel Fabrication, Inc. in the amount of $69,431.00 for the fabrication and installation of the Cathedral City, Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601);
Award a service agreement to Westcon Construction Services, Inc. in the amount of $24,500.00 for construction of the foundation for the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument;
Approve the proposal from Towers Electric in the amount of $24,582.15 for installation of underground conduits across East Palm Canyon Drive;
Approve the proposal from Rhythm Electric LLC, in the amount of $5,050.00 for installation of power and electrical components for the mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument;
Approve a fifteen percent (15%) contingency in the amount of $18,534.47 for unforeseen construction costs;
Approve a budget amendment to Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) in the amount of $36,201.88 to establish a combined construction budget totaling $142,097.62 for the Cathedral City Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Project (C02601); Authorize the City Manager to execute the service agreements; and, Authorize the City Engineer to execute proposals with Towers Electric and Rhythm Electric Inc., request bonds and insurances and issue notices to proceed.
Environmental Analysis
The project is categorically excluded under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for federally funded projects per 24CFR58.35 (a)(1) and Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section 15301 for “Existing Facilities”.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff has provided below the fiscal impacts associated with the two (2) alternative recommendations for City Council consideration.
Monument Construction Option 1 (Solar Powered System)
a) Construction Budget
Hoffman’s cost proposal for the fabrication and installation of the art piece for the Mountain Cathedrals Monument was $69,431.00. The lowest cost proposal for the construction of the monument foundation was provided by Westcon, in the amount of $24,500.00. Hot Purple Energy provided a proposal to upgrade the existing solar system and installation of lighting components in the amount of $6,500.00. These proposals bring the estimated construction cost to $100,431.00, as shown below:
Fabrication and Installation (Hoffman) $ 69,431.00
Concrete Foundation (Westcon) $ 24,500.00
Updating (Hot Purple Energy) $ 6,500.00
Estimated Construction Cost $100,431.00
Staff recommend a 15% contingency in the amount of $15,064.65, thereby bringing the total construction budget to $115,495.65, as shown below:
Estimated Construction Cost. $100,431.00
15% Contingency $ 15,064.65
Construction Budget Requested $115,495.65
b) Funding Sources
Councilmember District Improvement Funds (General Fund) The available balance in Councilmember Ross’ District Improvement Fund for this project is in the amount of $105,895.74.
Staff recommend a Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) budget amendment in the amount of $9,599.91 for the construction of the project as shown below.
Construction Budget Requested. $115,495.65
District Funds ($105,895.74)
Additional Funds Required $ 9,599.91
The following table summarizes the budget allocations for the construction of the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument at East Palm Canyon Drive (East) with electrical system Option 1.
FISCAL
YEAR DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2025-2026 District Fund
(CM Ross)
100-100-110-111-
8800-8802 C02601 $105,895.74 One Time
2025-2026 Gas Tax (50%)
Measure A (50%)
241/243-100-150-
156-8800-8802 C02601 $9,599.91 One Time
2025-2026 Total $115,495.65
Monument Construction with Electrical System Option 2 (Hard-Wire Electrical System) a) Construction Budget
Hoffman’s cost proposal for the fabrication and installation of the art piece for the Mountain Cathedrals Monument was $69,431.00. The lowest cost proposal for the construction of the monument foundation was provided by Westcon, in the amount of $24,500.00. The installation of the electrical system is broken down in two parts. The lowest cost proposal for conduit installation via trenching was provided by Towers Electric, in the amount of $24,582.15, and a single proposal was received by Rhythm Electric in the amount of $5,050.00 for the installation of power and electrical components. These proposals bring the estimated construction cost to $123,563.15, as shown below:
Fabrication and Installation (Hoffman) $ 69,431.00
Concrete Foundation (Westcon) $ 24,500.00
Electrical Conduit Installation (Towers Electric) $ 24,582.15 Electrical Power & Components (Rhythm Electric) $ 5,050.00 Estimated Construction Total $123,563.15
Staff recommend a 15% contingency in the amount of $18,534.47, thereby bringing the total construction budget to $142,097.62, as shown below:
Estimated Construction Toal. $123,563.15
15% Contingency $ 18,534.47
Construction Budget Requested $142,097.62
b) Funding Sources
Councilmember District Improvement Funds
The available balance in Councilmember Ross’ District Improvement Fund for this project is in the amount of $105,895.74.
Additional funds in the amount of $36,201.88 will be necessary for the construction of the project as shown below.
Estimated Construction Cost. $142,097.62
District Funds ($105,895.74)
Additional Funds Required $ 36,201.88
Staff recommend a Gas Tax (50%) and Measure A (50%) budget amendment be considered for approval to make up for the shortfall of $36,201.88 for the construction of the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument at East Palm Canyon Drive (East).
The following table summarizes the budget allocations for the construction of the Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument at East Palm Canyon Drive (East) with hard-wired electric system (Option 2).
FISCAL
YEAR DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2025-2026 District Fund
(CM Ross)
100-100-110-111-
8800-8802 C02601 $105,895.74 One Time
2025-2026 Gas Tax (50%)
Measure A (50%)
241/243-100-150-
156-8800-8802 C02601 $36,201.88 One Time
2025-2026 Total $142,097.62
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal-B: Community Investment
Objective: Cathedral City roads, gateways, public spaces, and other city infrastructure are well planned, designed, constructed, and maintained.
B-2: Develop an entryway, medians, and lightning master plan to provide appealing gateways to the city
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument – Vicinity Map
2. Mountain Cathedrals Entryway Monument Exhibit
3. Mountain Cathedrals Estimated Costs (Option 1 and Option 2)
4. Fabrication and Installation – Service Agreement with Hoffman
5. Foundation Construction – Service Agreement with Westcon
6. Upgrade Solar System – Hot Purple Energy Proposal
7. Conduit Installation – Towers Electric Proposal
8. Power and Electrical Components Installation – Rhythm Electric Proposal