DATE: 02/18/2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Community Services Department
2026-42
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBJECT:
INNOVATION CENTER AND ADULT READING AREA FURNITURE PURCHASE WITH YAMADA ENTERPRISES IN THE AMOUNT OF $199,410.33
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report asks the City Council to approve the purchase of furniture for the Innovation Center and Adult Reading Area at the Corona Public Library in the amount of $199,410.33. The Innovation Center is funded by a $2.5 million State grant secured by the Economic Development Department. Staff collaborated with Yamada Enterprises to select new, flexible furnishings for the Innovation Center and Adult Reading Area. These furnishings will create a cohesive, modern aesthetic while supporting flexible use of the spaces.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council:
a. Determine under Corona Municipal Code 3.08.125(A) that competitive bidding has been satisfied as provided for in the “Basis for Determination of Competitive Bidding” section of this agenda report.
b. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to issue a purchase order with Yamada Enterprises for the Innovation Center and Adult Reading Area furniture at the Corona Public Library in the amount of $199,410.33.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
In 2023, the City of Corona received $2.5 million in grant funding from the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) to develop an Innovation Center. An Innovation Center is a dedicated space designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and development. These centers provide resources and services to the community, helping businesses, residents, and students to innovate and develop new products or services. Staff worked with representatives from Yamada Furniture to create a new and modern look for both the Innovation Center and the Adult Reading Area to ensure the entire area provides an aesthetic that promotes creativity and collaboration.
Pursuant to the grant agreement, Corona’s Innovation Center will offer business services, events, training, and entrepreneurship development opportunities. It will also serve as a hub for innovation and will place emphasis on youth as it pertains to career pathways and introduction to STEM industries. Some eligible expenses allowed under this grant include building renovations and related expenses, equipment, and furniture. This project supports the City’s Strategic Plan to develop a Strong Economy by supporting local businesses, providing opportunities for new businesses, and ensuring there are opportunities for job seekers. The City Council approved acceptance and appropriation of the full amount of this grant to the Corona Innovation Center, Capital Improvement Project No. FC-2023-10 (previously Project No. 71700) within the Reimbursement Grants Fund 480 at its meeting of May 3, 2023. The full grant amount must be expended by June 30, 2026.
ANALYSIS:
Staff worked collaboratively with Yamada Enterprises to develop a flexible furniture layout that adapts and shifts as programming and user needs evolve. The Innovation Center and MakerSpace will be equipped with adjustable tables and chairs, movable couches and lounge seating, and welcome/information desks. The Adult Reading Area will feature flexible seating options, including individual study areas and group gathering spaces.
As the Library plays a central role in the Downtown Revitalization Plan, increased patron visitation is anticipated. The modernized design of the Library and the integration of Innovation Center elements throughout the building will encourage higher use and position the Library as an active participant in downtown activation. This approach supports revitalization efforts at the intersection of Main Street and 6th Street and helps activate all four corners of this historic area.
The total cost of the furniture is $199,410.33 and includes tax, delivery, and installation.
Detailed layouts and furniture selections for the Innovation Center, MakerSpace, and Adult Reading Area are provided in Exhibit 1: Yamada Enterprises Furniture Proposal.
Basis for Determination of Competitive Bidding
The City pursues cooperative purchasing agreements to save time, reduce administrative costs, enhance operational efficiency, and stretch budget resources through competitively negotiated pricing. By using cooperative purchasing, the City leverages a solicitation previously conducted by another government agency, enabling the City to take advantage of a vetted and competitively awarded contract. Section 3.08.125(A) of the Corona Municipal Code (CMC) states:
Competitive bidding already completed. When the purchasing agent and the authorized contracting party, with the approval of the City Manager, determines that:
1. A competitive bid procedure has been conducted by another public agency, including, but not limited to, another local agency, the state through the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS), the federal government through the General Services Administration (GSA), the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, or the Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA); and
2. The price to the City is equal to or better than the price to that public agency."
Yamada Enterprises holds a cooperative agreement with The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) (contract #220303). Based on the bid process previously conducted by TIPS, staff is requesting approval to purchase the Innovation Center and Adult Reading Area furniture through the Yamada TIPS cooperative agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding for the recommended actions is available in the Corona Innovation Center, Capital Improvement Project No. FC-2023-10 within the Reimbursement Grants Fund 480. There are sufficient funds in the project balance to cover this purchase. There is no additional financial impact associated with this recommended action.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This staff report seeks City Council approval for the purchase of library furniture and there is no possibility that approving this agreement will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
PREPARED BY: DANIELL WHITTINGTON, LIBRARY MANAGER
REVIEWED BY: DONNA FINCH, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
ATTACHMENT:
1. Exhibit 1 – Yamada Enterprises Furniture Proposal
2. Exhibit 2 – TIPS Cooperative Agreement with Yamada Enterprises (contract #220303)