I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. ADDITIONS/MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
V. PUBLIC COMMENT
CITY OF SOLEDAD
JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/HOUSING AUTHORITY AND SUCCESSOR
HOUSING AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 PM
https://cityofsoledad.zoom.us/j/82035318356
Or Call
1-669-900-6833 and use Meeting ID: 820 3531 8356
Welcome to your City of Soledad City Council/Successor Agency Meeting. Your City Councilmembers/Agencymembers are:
Mayor Anna Velazquez
Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Cabrera
Councilmember Fernando Ansaldo-Sanchez
Councilmember Evarista Banuelos
Councilmember Ben Caldera
Items of business may be added to the agenda upon a motion adopted by a minimum 2/3 vote finding that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to the attention of the City subsequent to the agenda being posted. Items may be deleted from the agenda upon request of staff or upon action of the Council.
At this time any member of the public may address the City Council on items not appearing on the agenda and items of interest to the public that are within the jurisdiction of the Council. A public comment card should be filled out completely to ensure the speaker is called upon to give comment. Public comments are generally limited to three (3) minutes; the mayor may further limit the time for public comments depending on the agenda schedule. Please be brief and to the point. 1 1
VI. BUSINESS
1. Resolution No. 6265, A Resolution of the City Council of the City Of Soledad Approving a Contract for Construction Services with Blanca’s Construction, Inc., in an Amount of $544,507 Plus a 5% Contingency for a Total not to Exceed Amount Of $571,733 for the Soledad ERF Interim Housing Site and Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute Said Contract on Behalf of the City of Soledad
2. Resolution No. 6266, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc., Extending the Contract Term Through September 28, 2025, and Increasing the Total Contract Amount to an Amount Not to Exceed $100,224 VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
No action or discussion shall be taken on an item not appearing on the agenda.
Attachments:
Staff Report
Resolution No. 6265
Exhibit A
Attachment A - Blancas Inc. Bid
COUNCIL ACTION: ________________________________
Attachments:
Staff Report
Resolution No. 6266
Exhibit A
Attachment A - Professional Services Agreement
Attachment B - Scope of Services
COUNCIL ACTION: ________________________________
In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact Deputy City Clerk Darlene Noriega at (831) 223-5014. Notification of at least 48hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (RCRF 35.102-35.104).
Any writing or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at City Hall located at 248 Main Street, Soledad, California during normal business hours.
En caso que usted necesite ayuda en leer o en entender este aviso de Junta Publica, usted puede ponerse en contacto con la oficina del Edificio Municipal en 248 Calle Main o llamar al número (831) 223-5014, y el aviso será traducido para usted.
Cualquier escrito o documento proporcionado a la mayoría del Concejo Municipal con respecto a cualquier asunto en esta agenda se pondrá a disposición para inspección pública en el Ayuntamiento ubicado en 248 Main Street, Soledad, California durante el horario laboral. 2 2
Advanced submittal of public comments via email are due by 2:00 P.M. on the day of the scheduled meeting to the Deputy City Clerk at [email protected] Comments are limited to 250 words or less and effort will be made to read your comment into the record, but some comments may not be read due to time limitations. The City Clerk will read email comments, provided that the reading shall not exceed three (3) minutes. The email comments submitted shall become part of the record.
La entrega anticipada de comentarios públicos por correo electrónico debe presentarse antes de las 2:00 p.m. del día de la reunión programada a la Secretaria Municipal al email [email protected]. Los comentarios están limitados a 250 palabras o menos y se hará un esfuerzo para leer su comentario en el registro, pero es posible que algunos comentarios no se lean debido a limitaciones de tiempo. La Secretaria Municipal leerá los comentarios del correo electrónico, siempre que la lectura no exceda los tres (3) minutos. Los comentarios enviados por correo electrónico pasarán a formar parte del registro.
.
3 3
07/10/2025
CERTIFICATION
I, Darlene Noriega, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Soledad, do hereby certify that a copy of the foregoing Joint City Council/Successor Agency Special Meeting Agenda was posted at City Hall by Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Darlene Noriega, Deputy City Clerk
4 SUBJECT: Resolution No. 6265, A Resolution of the City Council of the City Of Soledad Approving a Contract for Construction Services with Blanca’s Construction, Inc., in an Amount of $544,507 Plus a 5% Contingency for a Total not to Exceed Amount Of $571,733 for the Soledad ERF Interim Housing Site and Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute Said Contract on Behalf of the City of Soledad
TO: Honorable Mayor Anna Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Beatriz Trujillo, Community and Economic Development Director, MEETING DATE: July 16, 2025
CITY OF SOLEDAD
STAFF REPORT
THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Soledad consider and adopt Resolution No.6265, Approving a Contract for Construction Services with Blanca's Construction Inc., in an Amount of $544,507 plus a 5% Contingency for a total not to exceed amount of $571,733 for the Soledad ERF Interim Housing Site and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute said Contract on Behalf of the City of Soledad
Executive Summary
On April 18, 2024, The County of Monterey received a notification of intent to award $4,726,964 in Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF-3) funds for the Salinas River/Soledad Encampment Project, with a portion allocated to the City through a subgrant agreement. To continue the implementation, City staff issued a formal Request for Bids (RFB) on June 18, 2025, for the site development of an interim housing site. The City of Soledad has set a longstanding goal of the development of the interim site/ These efforts will align with the ERF-3 objectives for the Salinas River/Soledad Encampment project plan and ensure full support for the encampment residents.
Therefore, Staff recommends that the City Council approve and contract for construction services with Blanca’s Construction Inc., for the ERF Interim Site in the total amount not to exceed $ 571,733. This project was budgeted for and will be funded from available ERF-3 funds.
Background
In 2022, under the authority of Chapter 7 of Part 1 of Division 31 of the California Health and Safety Code (sections 50250 et seq.), the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program was established to 5 increase collaboration between the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (CAL-ICH), local jurisdictions, and continuums of care (CoC’s) to accomplish the following:
Assist Local Jurisdictions in ensuring the safety and wellness of people experiencing homelessness in encampments.
Provide grants to Local Jurisdictions and CoCs to resolve critical encampment concerns and transition individuals into safe and stable housing.
Encourage a data-informed, coordinated approach to address encampment concerns.
In March 2023, Round 3 of the ERF Program (ERF-3) was authorized through Senate Bill 197 (Chapter 70, Statutes of 2022) and funded by Senate Bill 101 (Chapter 12, Statutes of 2023), which appropriated $400 million statewide. On January 17, 2024, the City Council authorized staff to partner with the County of Monterey to jointly develop and submit an ERF-3 application. On April 18, 2024, Cal-ICH awarded the County $4,726,964 for the Salinas River/Soledad Encampment Project. As part of this partnership, the County sub-granted $2,691,087.60 to the City of Soledad through two agreements:
$542,746 for professional services and $2,148,331.60 for site development.
The implementation of the ERF project began in August 2024 with the launch of professional services, including street outreach and motel voucher programs. On March 5, 2025, the City Council authorized two agreements with AMEG, LLC for architectural design services and for the procurement and installation of modular units for an interim housing site at 990 Los Coches Road. Due to health and safety concerns, the riverbed encampment was provisionally relocated in May 2024 to a small section of land at 990 Los Coches Road, where services are currently being provided to 24 participants; however, the site relies heavily on a 24-hour generator to power both electricity and the water system.
To continue project implementation, the City issued a formal Request for Bids (RFB) on June 18, 2025, for the site development (permanent infrastructure installation) of the interim housing site.
Review & Analysis
Staff prepared and formally advertised through Planetbids a formal Request for Bids (RFB) from qualified individuals or firms for the ERF Interim Housing Site. This RFB was bid out on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, with a bid close date of Wednesday, July 7, 2025. The City received one (1) bid as shown in the table below:
Name of Bidder Bid Amount
Blanca's Construction Inc. $544,507.00
Following a thorough review of the bid and verification through reference checks, staff determined that Blanca’s Construction Inc. is a responsive and responsible bidder. The bid amount falls within the City’s estimated construction cost range of $500,000 to $600,000, which aligns with cost trends observed in other recent City projects.
Given the immediacy of the project, timely selection of a contractor is critical. As of May 2025 program participants began residing at the provisional encampment site, which currently relies on a 24-hour generator for power. This generator requires ongoing maintenance and constant oversight by City staff, placing strain on limited resources. Prompt execution of site development work will allow for permanent infrastructure installation, improve living conditions for onsite residents, and reduce operational burdens on City personnel.
Therefore, staff recommends awarding a construction contract to Blanca’s Construction Inc. for the ERF Interim Housing Site. The City’s standard public works contract will be used for this engagement. 6 Resolution No. 6265
Exhibit A
Attachment A - Blancas Inc. Bid
Financial Considerations
The funding received through the ERF-3 subrecipient agreements with County is fully fund the interim housing site. The Community and Economic Department is administer the ERF-3 grant and continues to coordinate with the City’s Finance and Legal Departments to ensure full regulatory compliance and the efficient disbursement of funds.
Alternatives
Approve the resolution as presented.
Defer adoption of the required resolution pending additional information. This is not recommended as it will delay the development of the interim site and implementation of the program.
Planning/CEQA
The City has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. In 2024, SB 1395 established the development of Low Barrier Navigation Centers such as the instant project as ministerial actions, obviating the need for CEQA analysis. Moreover, per Government Code Section 8698.4(a), projects undertaken by a city during a declared shelter crisis to provide emergency housing are statutorily exempt from CEQA. This exemption allows local governments to expedite the development of temporary shelters without undergoing lengthy environmental review processes.
Public Notice Requirements
A public notice was published and posted in the Salinas Valley Tribune on June 18 and 25.
Attachment(s):
7 RESOLUTION NO. 6265
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD APPROVING A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES WITH BLANCA’S CONSTRUCTION, INC., IN AN AMOUNT OF $544,507 PLUS A 5% CONTINGENCY FOR A TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $571,733 FOR THE SOLEDAD ERF
INTERIM HOUSING SITE, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE TO FINALIZE AND EXECUTE SAID CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY
WHEREAS, the State of California established the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program under the authority of Chapter 7 of Part 1 of Division 31 of the California Health and Safety Code (Sections 50250 et seq.) to support local efforts to address the health, safety, and housing needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in encampments; and WHEREAS, the ERF Program Round 3 (ERF-3) was authorized through Senate Bill 197 (Chapter 70, Statutes of 2022) and funded by Senate Bill 101 (Chapter 12, Statutes of 2023), appropriating $400 million statewide; and
WHEREAS, on January 17, 2024, the Soledad City Council authorized City staff to partner with the County of Monterey to develop and submit a joint ERF-3 application; and WHEREAS, on April 18, 2024, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness awarded $4,726,964 to the County of Monterey for the Salinas River/Soledad Encampment Project, of which $2,691,087.60 was sub-granted to the City of Soledad for professional services and site development; and
WHEREAS, the City issued a formal Request for Bids (RFB) for construction of the ERF Interim Housing Site on June 18, 2025, and received one (1) bid by the July 7, 2025 deadline from Blanca’s Construction, Inc., in the amount of $544,507; and WHEREAS, following staff review and reference checks, Blanca’s Construction, Inc. was deemed responsive and responsible, and the bid amount falls within the City’s estimated range of $500,000 to $600,000; and
WHEREAS, due to health and safety concerns, the City provisionally relocated the riverbed encampment to 990 Los Coches Road in May 2024, where 24 participants currently reside and rely on a 24-hour generator for electricity and water system operations, requiring intensive City staff oversight; and
WHEREAS, prompt execution of the construction contract is necessary to install permanent infrastructure, improve health and safety conditions at the site, and reduce the operational burden on City personnel; and
8 WHEREAS, the total project cost, including a 5% contingency, shall not exceed $571,733 and will be funded through the City’s ERF-3 subrecipient agreement with the County of Monterey; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this action is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Government Code Section 8698.4(a) and SB 1395.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Soledad as follows:
1. All of the recitals set forth above are true and correct to the best of the Council’s knowledge and by this reference are adopted herein as findings.
2. The City Council hereby approves the contract for construction services with Blanca’s Construction Inc., a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and by this reference incorporated herein, in the amount of $544,507 plus a 5% contingency, for a total not to exceed $571,733, for the Soledad ERF Interim Housing Site.
3. The City Council authorizes the City Manager, or designee, in consultation with the City Attorney, to finalize and execute said contract and any related documents necessary to implement the project, on behalf of the City.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Soledad at a special meeting duly held on the 16th of July 2025 by the following vote:
AYES, and in favor thereof, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
MEGAN HUNTER, City Clerk
9 Exhibit A
ERF Interim Housing Site 2025 Form CONTRACT
<Project Number> Page 1
CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES WITH BLANCA’S CONSTRUCTION, INC., IN AN AMOUNT OF $544,507 PLUS A 5% CONTINGENCY FOR A TOTAL NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $571,733 FOR THE SOLEDAD ERF INTERIM HOUSING SITE
This public works contract (“Contract”) is entered into by and between the City of Soledad (“City”) and Blanca’s Construction Inc., (“Contractor”), for work on the ERF Interim Housing Site Project (“Project”).
The parties agree as follows:
1. Award of Contract. In response to the Notice Inviting Bids, Contractor has submitted a Bid Proposal to perform the Work to construct the Project. On July 16 2025, City authorized award of this Contract to Contractor for the amount set forth in Section 4, below. City has elected to include the following Project alternate(s) in the Contract: ________________ <If the bid documents request bid alternates and City elects to include alternates in the Contract, identify the additive or deductive alternates. If the Contract does not include alternates, write “No alternates” in the space above.>
2. Contract Documents. The Contract Documents incorporated into this Contract include and are comprised of all of the documents listed below. The definitions provided in Article 1 of the General Conditions apply to all of the Contract Documents, including this Contract.
2.1 Notice Inviting Bids;
2.2 Instructions to Bidders;
2.3 Addenda, if any;
2.4 Bid Proposal and attachments thereto;
2.5 Contract;
2.6 Payment and Performance Bonds;
2.7 General Conditions;
2.8 Special Conditions;
2.9 Technical Specifications
2.10 Special Technical Provisions
2.11 Project Plans and Specifications;
2.12 Change Orders, if any;
2.13 Notice of Potential Award;
2.14 Notice to Proceed; and
2.15 The following:
________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________. <List additional documents here, if any, including the formal title and document date. If there are no additional documents, write “No other documents” in the space above.>
3. Contractor’s Obligations. Contractor will perform all of the Work required for the Project, as specified in the Contract Documents. Contractor must provide, furnish, and supply all things necessary and incidental for the timely performance and completion of the Work, including all necessary labor, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, transportation, onsite facilities, and utilities, unless otherwise specified in the Contract Documents. Contractor must use its best efforts to diligently prosecute and complete the Work in a professional and expeditious manner and to meet or exceed the performance standards required by the Contract Documents.
4. Payment. As full and complete compensation for Contractor’s timely performance and completion of the Work in strict accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract Documents, City will pay Contractor $544,507 (“Contract Price”) for all of Contractor’s direct and indirect costs to perform the Work, including all labor, materials, supplies, equipment, taxes, insurance, bonds and all overhead costs, in accordance with the payment provisions in the General Conditions. 10 Exhibit A
ERF Interim Housing Site 2025 Form CONTRACT
<Project Number> Page 2
5. Time for Completion. Contractor will fully complete the Work for the Project, meeting all requirements for Final Completion, within 90 calendar days from the start date set forth in the Notice to Proceed (“Contract Time”). By signing below, Contractor expressly waives any claim for delayed early completion.
6. Liquidated Damages. As further specified in Section 5.4 of the General Conditions, if Contractor fails to complete the Work within the Contract Time, City will assess liquidated damages in the amount of $300 per day for each day of unexcused delay in achieving Final Completion, and such liquidated damages may be deducted from City’s payments due or to become due to Contractor under this Contract.
7. Labor Code Compliance.
7.1 General. This Contract is subject to all applicable requirements of Chapter 1 of Part 7 of Division 2 of the Labor Code, including requirements pertaining to wages, working hours and workers’ compensation insurance, as further specified in Article 9 of the General Conditions.
7.2 Prevailing Wages. This Project is subject to the prevailing wage requirements applicable to the locality in which the Work is to be performed for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to perform the Work, including employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, apprenticeship and similar purposes. Copies of these prevailing rates are available online at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR.
7.3 DIR Registration. City may not enter into the Contract with a bidder without proof that the bidder and its Subcontractors are registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code § 1725.5, subject to limited legal exceptions.
8. Workers’ Compensation Certification. Pursuant to Labor Code § 1861, by signing this Contract, Contractor certifies as follows: “I am aware of the provisions of Labor Code § 3700 which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake selfinsurance in accordance with the provisions of that code, and I will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Work on this Contract.”
9. Conflicts of Interest. Contractor, its employees, Subcontractors, and agents may not have, maintain, or acquire a conflict of interest in relation to this Contract in violation of any City ordinance or requirement, or in violation of any California law, including Government Code § 1090 et seq., or the Political Reform Act, as set forth in Government Code § 81000 et seq. and its accompanying regulations. Any violation of this Section constitutes a material breach of the Contract.
10. Independent Contractor. Contractor is an independent contractor under this Contract and will have control of the Work and the means and methods by which it is performed. Contractor and its Subcontractors are not employees of City and are not entitled to participate in any health, retirement, or any other employee benefits from City.
11. Notice. Any notice, billing, or payment required by or pursuant to the Contract Documents must be made in writing, signed, dated, and sent to the other party by personal delivery, U.S. Mail, a reliable overnight delivery service, or by email as a PDF file. Notice is deemed effective upon delivery, except that service by U.S. Mail is deemed effective on the second working day after deposit for delivery. Notice for each party must be given as follows:
11 Exhibit A
ERF Interim Housing Site 2025 Form CONTRACT
<Project Number> Page 3
City:
City of Soledad
248 Main Street
Soledad, CA 93960
(831) 223-5000
Attn: Donald T. Wilcox, P.E.
[email protected]
Copy to: <Name/Title>
<Email address>
Contractor:
Name:_____________________________________
Address:___________________________________
City/State/Zip:_______________________________
Phone:_____________________________________
Attn:_______________________________________
Email:______________________________________
Copy to:____________________________________
12. General Provisions.
12.1 Assignment and Successors. Contractor may not assign its rights or obligations under this Contract, in part or in whole, without City’s written consent. This Contract is binding on Contractor’s and City’s lawful heirs, successors and permitted assigns.
12.2 Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no intended third party beneficiaries to this Contract.
12.3 Governing Law and Venue. This Contract will be governed by California law and venue will be in the Monterey County Superior Court, and no other place. Contractor waives any right it may have pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 394, to file a motion to transfer any action arising from or relating to this Contract to a venue outside of Monterey County, California.
12.4 Amendment. No amendment or modification of this Contract will be binding unless it is in a writing duly authorized and signed by the parties to this Contract.
12.5 Integration. This Contract and the Contract Documents incorporated herein, including authorized amendments or Change Orders thereto, constitute the final, complete, and exclusive terms of the agreement between City and Contractor.
12.6 Severability. If any provision of the Contract Documents is determined to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions of the Contract Documents will remain in full force and effect.
12.7 Iran Contracting Act. If the Contract Price exceeds $1,000,000, Contractor certifies, by signing below, that it is not identified on a list created under the Iran Contracting Act, Public Contract Code § 2200 et seq. (the “Act”), as a person engaging in investment activities in Iran, as defined in the Act, or is otherwise expressly exempt under the Act.
12.8 Authorization. Each individual signing below warrants that he or she is authorized to do so by the party that he or she represents, and that this Contract is legally binding on that 12 Exhibit A
ERF Interim Housing Site 2025 Form CONTRACT
<Project Number> Page 4
party. If Contractor is a corporation, signatures from two officers of the corporation are required pursuant to California Corporations Code § 313. [Signatures are on the following page.]
13 Exhibit A
ERF Interim Housing Site 2025 Form CONTRACT
<Project Number> Page 5
The parties agree to this Contract as witnessed by the signatures below:
CITY: Approved as to form:
s/_______________________________ s/__________________________________ ________________________________ ___________________________________ Name, Title Name, Title
Date: ___________________________ Date: ______________________________ Attest:
s/_______________________________
_________________________________
Name, Title
Date: ___________________________
CONTRACTOR: ___________________________________________________ Business Name
s/_______________________________ Seal:
_________________________________
Name, Title
Date: ____________________________
Second Signature (See Section 12.8):
s/_______________________________
_________________________________
Name, Title
Date: ____________________________
___________________________________________________
Contractor’s California License Number(s) and Expiration Date(s)
END OF CONTRACT
14 Attachment A
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 26
27 28
29 30
31 32
33 34
35 36
37 SUBJECT: Resolution No. 6266, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Soledad Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc., Extending the Contract Term Through September 28, 2025, and Increasing the Total Contract Amount to an Amount Not to Exceed $100,224
TO: Honorable Mayor Anna Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Beatriz Trujillo, Community and Economic Development Director, MEETING DATE: July 16, 2025
CITY OF SOLEDAD
STAFF REPORT
THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No.6266, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc., Extending the Agreement Term Through September 28, 2025, and Increasing the Total Contract Amount to an Amount Not to Exceed $100,224” for continued provision of 24-hour unarmed security services at the ERF Provisional Encampment Site.
Executive Summary
The City of Soledad entered into a contract with Benitez Security Services, Inc.in May of 20025 to provide 24-hour unarmed security at the ERF-3 Provisional Encampment Site at 990 Los Coches Road, following the provisional relocation of individuals from the Salinas River encampment. To ensure continued security coverage through the Project’s transition period, staff recommends approval of Amendment No. 1, extending the contract term to September 28, 2025, and increasing the contract amount by $54,144, bringing the total to $100,224. This amendment will be fully funded through ERF3 grant funds, with no impact on the City’s General Fund.
Background
In 2022, under the authority of Chapter 7 of Part 1 of Division 31 of the California Health and Safety Code (sections 50250 et seq.), the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program was established to increase collaboration between the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (CAL-ICH), local jurisdictions, and continuums of care (CoC’s) to accomplish the following:
Assist Local Jurisdictions in ensuring the safety and wellness of people experiencing homelessness in encampments.
38 Provide grants to Local Jurisdictions and CoCs to resolve critical encampment concerns and transition individuals into safe and stable housing.
Encourage a data-informed, coordinated approach to address encampment concerns.
In March 2023, Round 3 of the ERF Program (ERF-3) was authorized through Senate Bill 197 (Chapter 70, Statutes of 2022) and funded by Senate Bill 101 (Chapter 12, Statutes of 2023), which appropriated $400 million statewide. On January 17, 2024, the City Council authorized staff to partner with the County of Monterey to jointly develop and submit an ERF-3 application. On April 18, 2024, Cal-ICH awarded the County $4,726,964 for the Salinas River/Soledad Encampment Project. As part of this partnership, the County sub-granted $2,691,087.60 to the City of Soledad to develop an Interim Housing Site and provide services to eligible participants.
The implementation of the ERF Project began in August 2024 with the rollout of key professional services, including street outreach and motel voucher programs. However, due to significant health and safety concerns, the riverbed encampment required provisional relocation to 990 Los Coches Road while the development of the Interim Housing Site progressed. In February 2025, the County of Monterey awarded the City an additional $193,331.60 to support relocation efforts and cover associated costs. The formal relocation of the encampment was completed in May 2024.
To address the needs of ERF Project participants and to safeguard the surrounding community and local businesses, the City contracted with Benitez Security Services, Inc. to provide 24-hour unarmed security at the temporary site. Benitez Security is a locally owned firm with direct experience working with the County’s unsheltered population and has played an important role in maintaining site stability and participant safety.
Review & Analysis
To support the provisional relocation of individuals experiencing homelessness under the Salinas River/Soledad Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF-3) Project, the City entered into a Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc. on May 20, 2025. The agreement established a contract term from May 20, 2025, through July 20, 2025, with a total contract amount not to exceed $46,080. Under this agreement (Attachment A), Benitez Security provides 24-hour unarmed security services at the ERF Provisional Encampment Site located at 990 Los Coches Road, ensuring the safety of program participants, nearby residents, and local businesses.
Benitez Security Services, a locally owned firm, has a track record of working with unsheltered populations in Monterey County. Since their deployment to the site, the company has built a strong rapport with ERF Project participants, which has contributed to a stable and well-managed environment. Security personnel are licensed and trained through an in-house program and provide continuous, around-the-clock coverage, observing and reporting site activity, deterring unauthorized access, and supporting the enforcement of site rules and local laws.
Amendment No. 1 (Exhibit A) to the original agreement will extend the contract term from July 20, 2025, to September 28, 2025, and increases the total contract amount by $54,144, bringing the new notto-exceed total to $100,224. This extension ensures continued 24-hour unarmed security coverage at the ERF Provisional Encampment Site as described on the Scope of Services (Attachment B). All other terms and conditions of the original agreement remain unchanged.
The extension of security services aligns with the overall ERF-3 Project timeline, as the modular Interim Housing Site—intended to serve as a medium-term housing solution for Project participants— 39 Resolution No. 6266
Exhibit A
Attachment A - Professional Services Agreement
Attachment B - Scope of Services
is on track for completion by September 2025. Once the site becomes operational, the need for 24-hour on-site security is expected to decrease significantly as individuals move into a more structured, service-supported environment. Approval of this amendment ensures uninterrupted security coverage during this critical transition period, supporting participant safety and the successful implementation of ERF-3 objectives.
Financial Considerations
The proposed amendment will be fully funded through the City’s ERF-3 grant funds, which include a $193,331.60 additional funds provided by the County in February 2025 to support relocation and operational costs. No General Fund dollars are required for this amendment.
Alternatives
Accept Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc
Do not accept Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc. This alternative is not recommended, as it could result in an interruption of site security coverage.
Planning/CEQA
Not a Project the City of Soledad has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
Public Notice Requirements
Not required
Attachment(s):
40 RESOLUTION NO. 6266
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BENITEZ SECURITY SERVICES, INC., EXTENDING THE CONTRACT TERM THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 2025, AND
INCREASING THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT TO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,224
WHEREAS, in 2022, the State of California established the Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program to increase collaboration between the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (CAL-ICH), local jurisdictions, and Continuums of Care (CoCs) to address homelessness and encampment issues in a coordinated and data-driven manner; and WHEREAS, the City of Soledad partnered with the County of Monterey to develop and submit a joint application for Round 3 of the ERF Program, which was awarded to the County in April 2024, and subsequently resulted in a sub-grant to the City of Soledad in the amount of $2,691,087.60 for the development of an Interim Housing Site and associated services; and WHEREAS, to ensure the safety and stability of individuals temporarily relocated to the ERF-3 Provisional Encampment Site at 990 Los Coches Road, the City entered into a Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc. on May 20, 2025, for the provision of 24-hour unarmed security services; and
WHEREAS, to ensure uninterrupted security services during the transition period as the ERF-3 project progresses , Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc. is necessary to extend the contract term through September 28, 2025, and increase the total contract amount by $54,144, bringing the new not-to-exceed total to $100,224s; and
WHEREAS, the costs associated with Amendment No. 1 will be fully funded through the City’s ERF-3 grant funds provided by the County of Monterey to support relocation and operational costs, and will not require any General Fund allocation; and WHEREAS, the proposed action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Soledad that the Council approves Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Benitez Security Services, Inc., a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and by this reference incorporated herein, increasing the total contract to a not to exceed amount of $100,224, , and authorizes and directs the City Manager to execute the same on behalf of the City of Soledad.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Soledad at a regular meeting duly held on the 16th of July 2025 by the following vote:
41 AYES, and in favor thereof, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
MEGAN HUNTER, City Clerk
42 EXHIBIT A
July 16, 2025
CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER 1
TO THE CONTRACT TITLED:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SOLEDAD AND BENITEZ SECURITY SERVICES, INC.
This Contract Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment”) is made with reference to the Professional Services Agreement executed on May 20, 2025, by and between the City of Soledad (“City”) and Benitez Security Services, Inc. (“Contractor”) for the provision of 24-hour unarmed security services at the ERF Provisional Encampment Site located at 990 Los Coches Road, Soledad, CA.
The original agreement was authorized for an amount not to exceed $46,080 and had a termination date of July 20, 2025.
This Amendment hereby modifies the Agreement as follows:
1. Term Extension: The term of the Agreement is extended through September 28, 2025.
2. Contract Amount: Compensation is increased by $54,144, for a new total not to exceed amount of $100,224.
All other terms and conditions of the original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
Megan Hunter Jesus H. Benitez
City Manager Chief Executive Officer
City of Soledad Benitez Security Services, Inc.
43 Attachment A
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58 Attachment B
Benitez Security Services
Scope of Services
ERF Provisional Encampment Site – 990 Los Coches Rd., Soledad, California
1. Scope of Work
Benitez Security Services, Inc. shall provide unarmed security services at the designated ERF site located in Soledad, California. The services shall be delivered in accordance with the terms and expectations outlined below:
Position: One (1) Unarmed Security Officer
Coverage: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (24/7)
Duties: Observe and report; enforce client policies as directed; uphold local laws to the best of ability and within the scope of authority; provide a security presence to deter unauthorized access or activity.
Benitez Security Services shall deploy personnel who are fully trained through the company's in-house program and licensed per California State requirements. Officers are expected to maintain a professional demeanor and provide excellent customer service at all times.
2. Staffing and Rates
- Standard Hourly Rate: $32.00 per hour (Local City Rate) - Weekly Cost (1 officer): $5,376.00
- Optional: Two (2) Officers — Weekly Cost: $10,752.00
3. Holiday Rate
- Holiday Hourly Rate: $48.00 per hour
- Additional costs for holiday service will be reflected in the weekly/monthly invoices accordingly.
4. Disclaimers
- This scope does not include a formal security plan or analysis. Benitez Security Services has not been contracted to perform a site security assessment. - All services will be provided based on the information and needs communicated by the client.
- Benitez Security Services will use best efforts and standard industry practices to fulfill duties and uphold client expectations within the law.
5. Contact Information
Jesus H. Benitez, CEO
Benitez Security Services, Inc.
PPO License No. 121519
Phone: (831) 585-2909
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