STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
April 14, 2026
CONSENT
11 SUBJECT: AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION AND
APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR THE COAST HIGHWAY SIDEWALK GAP
CLOSURES TO ACHIEVE COMPLETE STREETS (CARDINAL TO 7TH)
PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Bender Rosenthal, Inc. (BRI) in the amount of $128,679.61, to provide right-of-way acquisition and appraisal services for the Coast Highway Sidewalk Gap Closures (Cardinal to 7th) Project;
2. Authorize the City Manager to approve future project-related expenses and change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not-to-exceed $12,000; and
3. Find that said actions are not projects pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378(b)(4). Further, these actions are statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) and 15262.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
This report recommends that the City Council award a professional services agreement to Bender Rosenthal, Inc. (BRI) in the amount of $128,679.61 to provide right-of-way acquisition and appraisal services for the Coast Highway Sidewalk Gap Closures (Cardinal to 7th) Project and authorize a contingency of $12,000 for unforeseen services. The project has an available budget of $414,840 which is sufficient funding for the proposed services. The project involves installation of sidewalks along the east side of South Coast Highway at Cardinal Drive, West Street, and 5th Avenue to provide continuous pedestrian access and improved public safety. Implementation of these improvements will require permanent easements and temporary construction easements from adjacent property owners.
The requested services include appraisal preparation, appraisal review, right-of-way engineering support, acquisition negotiations, coordination with property owners, preparation of offer packages, and documentation consistent with federal and state requirements, including Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM) standards.
The recommended award follows a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. After evaluation of seven proposals, BRI was determined to be the most qualified bidder based on qualifications, scope completeness, and risk mitigation.
DISCUSSION
The City of Laguna Beach is committed to implementing complete streets improvements that enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility along South Coast Highway. Construction of sidewalk gap closures along the east side of South Coast Highway at Cardinal Drive, West Street, and 5th Avenue will require acquisition of permanent and temporary easements from multiple property owners. The project funding
AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION AND APPRAISAL SERVICES
FOR THE COAST HIGHWAY SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURES TO ACHIEVE COMPLETE STREETS (CARDINAL TO 7TH) PROJECT
April 14, 2026
includes $5,000,000 in federal grant funding; therefore, the property acquisitions must comply with federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA) requirements, as well as Caltrans Local Assistance guidelines.
On January 22, 2026, the City issued a formal solicitation for appraisal review and acquisition services for the project. Bids were due on February 26, 2026. Seven bids were received and publicly opened in accordance with City procurement requirements.
Bid Results Summary
Bidder Total Bid
Overland, Pacific & Cutler $105,165.00
Bender Rosenthal, Inc. $128,679.61
Paragon Partners Consultants, Inc. $142,760.00
Epic Land Solutions, Inc. $182,725.14
Clark Land Resources, Inc. $194,515.00
Monument $196,600.00
Hamner, Jewell & Associates $292,068.00
Following review of the submitted bids for responsiveness and responsibility, staff determined that Bender Rosenthal, Inc., was the highest rated firm based on qualifications. In addition, BRI provided the most competitive cost proposal. While the proposed cost of $105,165 by Overland, Pacific & Cutler was lower, it did not include a cost for preparing appraisal reports.
Bender Rosenthal, Inc.:
• Submitted a complete and responsive bid consistent with the solicitation requirements; • Included required appraisal services within the total cost proposal; • Demonstrated experience providing right-of-way acquisition and appraisal review services for public agencies;
• Provided pricing that is fair and reasonable for the required scope of work.
The firm’s qualifications and experience in federally funded right-of-way projects will support timely completion of acquisition activities and compliance with Uniform Act and Caltrans requirements necessary for federal construction authorization.
Therefore, staff recommends that a professional services agreement be awarded to Bender Rosenthal, Inc. in the amount of $128,679.61. (Attachment 1). It is also recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to approve project-related expenses for unforeseen circumstances or additional services in an amount not-to-exceed $12,000.
AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION AND APPRAISAL SERVICES
FOR THE COAST HIGHWAY SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURES TO ACHIEVE COMPLETE STREETS (CARDINAL TO 7TH) PROJECT
April 14, 2026
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The right-of-way and appraisal services will be funded through local project funds allocated for the design and pre-construction phase. The proposed contract amount of $128,679.61 plus a contingency of $12,000, for a total authorization of $140,679.61, is within the approved project (CIP No. C1705) budget and consistent with the overall financial plan for delivery of the federally funded project.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The recommended action is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA because it is not a “project” as defined in CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4), which excludes government fiscal activities that do not involve commitment to a specific construction project.
Execution of a professional services agreement for right-of-way and appraisal services does not authorize construction and will not result in any direct or indirect physical environmental impact.
Moreover, if considered a “project” under CEQA, the action is exempt pursuant to Guidelines sections 15060(c)(2) and 15262, as it constitutes planning and feasibility services for a potential future action that has not yet been approved. Environmental analysis for the construction phase will be prepared separately as part of the design consultant’s scope
ATTACHMENTS
1. Professional Services Agreement with Attached Scope and Fee (Pgs. 4-55)
2. Location Map (Pg. 56)
Submitted By: Mark McAvoy Approved: .David A Kiff
Mark McAvoy, Director of Public
Works & Utilities
Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Joshua McDonald, Associate Civil Engineer Thomas Perez, City Engineer