STAFF REPORT
{{item.number}}
Meeting Date:
August 12, 2025
SUBJECT: SERVICE PROVIDER AGREEMENT ARMED SECURITY SERVICES RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year agreement, with a one-year extension option, with Lyons Security Services, Inc., to provide armed security services at various City beaches and parks, in an amount not to exceed $400,000 annually, and a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,200,000 for the initial term; and
2. Determine that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines
Appropriation: $0 Fund: N/A
Submitted By: Jeff Calvert Approved: Dave Kiff
Jeff Calvert, Police Chief Dave Kiff, City Manager
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
This report recommends that the City Council authorize a new agreement with Lyons Security Services, Inc., to provide armed security services at key beach and park locations, including Main Beach, Heisler Park, and South Laguna beaches. The proposed contract will begin September 1, 2025, and extend through August 31, 2028, with a one-year extension option through August 31, 2029. The services are currently funded within the Police Department operating budget and align with the City's priorities for enhancing public safety and stewardship of public spaces. The agreement is exempt from CEQA under Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).
DISCUSSION
Since 2022, the city has used armed contracted security services for Main Beach, Main Beach Park, Heisler Park, Forest Avenue Promenade, Aliso Beach, Camel Point Beach, West Street Beach, Victoria Beach, Table Rock Beach, and Thousand Steps Beach. These services include, but are not limited to, locking the parking lot gate at Aliso Beach, locking the access gate at Thousands Steps Beach, patrolling on foot all beaches in South Laguna Beach, contacting individuals that are committing public offenses and requesting police assistance for crimes they observe. The existing contract with Lyons Security Service expires on August 31, 2025.
In November of 2023, staff issued a request for a proposal (RFP) to identify potential security service companies to provide armed security. After an evaluation process, Lyons Security Services, Inc. was
SERVICE PROVIDER AGREEMENT ARMED SECURITY SERVICES
September 9, 2025
selected as the most qualified provider. The City executed an agreement with Lyons beginning in February 2024, in an amount not to exceed $400,000, with a contract extending through August 31, 2025.
Although the original RFP did not specify a definitive contract term or end date, it explicitly requested a five-year cost proposal covering services through 2029. Vendors responded with detailed annual pricing, enabling the City to assess long-term costs and service consistency. While the initial agreement executed in 2024 with a limited term, staff now recommends entering into a new three-year agreement (FY 2025–26 through FY 2027–28), with an option for a one-year extension (FY 2028–29), consistent with the RFP’s pricing structure.
This recommendation is based on several key factors. The multi-year pricing submitted in response to the RFP provides a valid basis for longer-term service planning. Lyons Security Services, Inc. was selected through a competitive process as the most qualified provider. Entering into a multi-year agreement promotes continuity of service and administrative efficiency, while the optional fourth year allows the City to maintain flexibility based on contractor performance and future budget appropriations.
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The annual cost will not exceed $400,000 and is already included in the Police Department operating budget. No additional appropriation is requested. Total cost for the three-year agreement is $1,200,000. The optional one-year extension would require a future appropriation but is anticipated to be similarly budgeted.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed contract is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per section 15061 (b) (3), the General Rule. The General Rule can be applied when it can be seen with certainty that the activity will not have a significant effect on the environment. The proposed action is for software licenses and services and will not result in any new development or physical changes.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Lyons Security Agreement (Pgs. 3-20)
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Jason Farris, Police Lieutenant