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Staff Report Background Doc

Norwalk City Council
March 17, 2026

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Staff Report Background Doc
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March 17, 2026
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Norwalk City Council
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City Council Agenda Report
March 17, 2026
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: Allan Perdomo, Director of Recreation and Park Services SUBJECT: AGREEMENT FOR RECREATION FURNITURE/DESIGN SERVICES Background:

The Recreation and Park Services Department (RPSD) is interested in making organizational and workplace improvements at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex (NASC) and Cultural Arts Center (CAC). The goal of this redesign is to create an environment that elevates the customer service experience for the membership and establishes high professional standards through a structured and professional workplace for all employees. The NASC is the RPSD's flagship facility, and the furniture is now over 20 years old. Existing pieces lack design intent and are a mix of old and donated office furniture. This redesign will create a more welcoming environment and improve shared workspaces, public waiting areas, storage solutions, and access to technology.

During the last three years, RPSD has experienced a parks renaissance. The department has seen a significant increase in program enrollment and participation, facility usage, award acknowledgements, and large-scale park improvements.

Below is a snapshot of the NASC and the CAC growth from 2022 through 2025 across numerous facets.

Table 1: NASC and CAC Service Growth Analysis
Category 2022 2025 Percentage
Growth
NASC Annual Memberships 773 1,356 75%
NASC Contract Classes Enrollment 1,716 2,763 61%
NASC Yearly Membership Check In* 15,498 26,070 68%

City Council
Agreement for Recreation Furniture/Design Services
March 17, 2026
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NASC Facility Reservations 644 1,038 61%
NASC Boxing Program Enrollment 365 514 41%
CAC Classes Offered 210 393 87%
CAC Class Participants 1,157 3,100 168%
*Not reflective of NASC non-members, which includes day pass holders, spectators, and general visitors that attend the registration desk, weight room, Youth Sports practices and games, Adult Sports games, sport tournaments, and facility reservations for both internal and external customers at the Community Meeting Center.

Table 2: Areas of Furniture Improvements
Location Floor Area
NASC 1st Main Reception Lobby
NASC 1st Hallway Waiting Area
NASC 1st Community Meeting Center Lobby
NASC 1st Eight (8) Staff Offices
NASC 2nd Dance Room Lobby
CAC 1st Four (4) Staff Offices
CAC 1st Children’s Art Room Shared Workplace
CAC 1st Lobby Entrance
CAC 1st Hallway Waiting Area
These improvements are consistent with the office furniture replacement strategy that other city departments completed over the last year to elevate the community experience and provide staff with a professional work environment.

In summary, the NASC furniture improvements will do the following:

1. Create a Welcoming Environment for the Public - We want members to build relationships and community by using the common spaces designed for wellness and socialization.

2. Enhance Facility Functionality and Accessibility - Support increased usage and durability, improve safety, and elevate the overall professionalism and presentation of the recreation facilities.

3. Support Professional Public Services - This allows staff to serve residents in a professional and efficient workplace that reflects the department's mission statement of “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our community by embracing creativity, diversity, and innovation in our delivery of programs and services.” Furniture directly affects how staff serve the public, how efficiently they work, and how welcoming our facilities feel to residents. Investing in quality, functional furniture is part of City Council
Agreement for Recreation Furniture/Design Services
March 17, 2026
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maintaining a professional and effective public recreational facility. The NASC is the only city facility with a membership fee structure. This improvement provides residents and members with well-maintained workspaces and community spaces.

Fiscal Impact:

The department utilized Sierra School Equipment Company through the OMNIA Partners cooperative purchasing agreement, which allows the City to “piggyback” off competitively bid contracts to streamline procurement. Many other City Departments have used Sierra School Equipment Company to purchase office furniture. The proposed project includes space planning, design schematics, project management, labor, delivery, and installation of modular office furniture, including cubicles and storage cabinets.

The proposed agreement with Sierra School Equipment Company is in an amount not to exceed $330,800. The Recreation and Park Services Department has allocated funds in the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex Equipment Replacement Fund in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025/26 operating budget.

Citizens Advised:

N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:

The recommended action is consistent with the City of Norwalk’s 2023-2025 Strategic Plan Goal 1 of Providing High Quality Customer Service to the Community.

Recommended Action:

Staff recommend City Council approve an agreement with Sierra School Equipment Company in an amount not to exceed $330,800 to design and install new office furniture and cubicles; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any related documents or amendments, provided there is funding in the budget, and it is within City Manager’s signing authority, on behalf of the City, in a form approved by the City Attorney.

Attachments:

Furniture Conceptual Renderings of the NASC and CAC

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