DATE: JUNE 30, 2026
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, P.E., L.S., PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
KRISTAN LUNDQUIST, LCS DIRECTOR
BY: JONATHAN ESTEBAN, ASSISTANT ENGINEER
ADRIANA ROBLES, P.E., C.F.M., CITY ENGINEER
TITLE: CLOSTER PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT, CIP NO. 9350
INCREASING CONSTRUCTION CONTINGENCIES
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution:
Approving an increase in the construction contingency amount by $125,000 for a revised contingency amount not to exceed $540,000 for the Closter Park Revitalization Project (CIP 9350); and Reallocating $100,000 funds from Playground Improvements at Parks CIP (9060) to Closter Park Revitalization CIP (9350).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On December 3, 2025, City Council, pursuant to Resolution No. 23175, awarded a contract to McGuire and Hester for the Closter Park Revitalization Project, CIP 9350, in the amount of $6,915,983 and approved a construction contingency amount of $415,000.
Approximately $125,000 of the $415,000 approved contingencies remain. With known pending change orders estimated to exceed remaining contingencies and in anticipation for minor change orders that may come up as the project nears completion, staff is requesting approval of an increase to the construction contingency by $125,000 for a revised construction contingency amount not to exceed $540,000.
BACKGROUND:
In 2019, the City of Salinas completed the Parks, Recreation, and Library Services Master Plan (PRLMP). More than 80% of community survey respondents during the PRLMP process considered upgrading existing parks a high or top priority. One outcome of the PRLMP was the development of a 20-year Capital Improvements Plan for Park and Facility Projects, and Closter Park was ranked #1 in terms of needing improvement. The park received the highest rankings in all six criteria – significance, funding leverage, community need, safety/security, usage/benefit, and location/demographics. Key upgrades required focus on building a new restroom and updating existing restrooms and concession facilities. Work also includes adding skate elements, dugouts, batting cages, and new plantings, alongside regrading ball fields. Finally, repair backstops and fencing, implement ADA and safety compliance features, and perform widespread refurbishments.
In early 2021, LCS submitted a Prop 68 application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) for the Closter Park Revitalization Project. In early 2022, OGALS notified LCS of its Closter Park Revitalization Project selection and awarded $6.8 million for a comprehensive renovation of the park.
On December 3, 2025, City Council, pursuant to Resolution No. 23175, awarded a $6,915,983 contract to McGuire and Hester for the Closter Park Revitalization Project, CIP 9350, and approved a construction contingency amount of $415,000.
Approximately $125,000 of the $415,000 approved construction contingencies remain. Twenty-six change orders have been approved to date for a total order amount of ~$290,000. Major change orders were identified during construction including unsuitable soils within the playground area, unknown utilities, electrical, and requested changes to baseball field.
In anticipation of pending change orders, staff requests City Council approval of an increase to construction contingencies by $125,000 for a revised construction contingency amount not to exceed $540,000. Table 1 provides a summary of the pending change orders.
Table 1: Pending Change Orders
Known Pending Change Orders
Cost Estimates
Estimate Balance of Class II AB (in dispute)
$71,082.00
Estimate of Balance of Permeable Base
$1,303.56
Estimate of Balance of Infield Fines (in dispute)
$72,245.60
Estimate of 50/70 field grading
$85,281.65
Populus Tree Credit
($551.70)
Populus at Mound Credit
($1,256.16)
AB Muck out at Bleachers and PCC Pad
$21,001.92
Added Crane Set Up
$20,563.79
Additional Cut and Cap Irrigation
$6,416.42
Amended Landscape Irrigation at DG
$9,779.00
AAA Fence Credit
($9,628.00)
Additional Cut and Cap Irrigation
$7,221.12
Temp Tree Watering
$3,735.14
Estimated Total
$621,737.69
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which 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. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This project addresses the City Council’s Goals of Youth and Seniors, Infrastructure and Public Safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The process of administering this project involves Public Works, Library and Community Services, Community Development, Finance, and Legal Departments.
The project is a CIP for the Library and Community Services Department. Construction of the project is managed and inspected by the LCS Departments’ construction management and inspection consultant, G7ei. Public Works Department is assisting in the bidding and construction phase. Finance Department manages the proper disbursement of funds. Legal Department reviews pertinent documents/contracts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
With the reallocation of funds, sufficient funds will be available for the anticipated change orders. The Playground Improvements at Park CIP (9060) is used to address city-wide playground needs. New playground installations follow priorities identified in the Parks, Recreation & Master Plan. The reallocation of $100,000 based on today’s action will leave a remaining balance of $377,751 to address future playground repairs and/or replacements as needed.
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger
Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
1100
55.9060-66.4000
Capital Outlays Improvements Other than Bldg
$112,690
($100,000)
1100
55.9350-66.4000
Capital Outlays Building Improvements
$0
$100,000
ATTACHMENT:
Resolution
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