Glendale City Council has approved an amendment to the professional services agreement for the Fremont Park renovation project, increasing the contract by $35,000, bringing the total to $1,333,214. This decision was made during the council meeting on September 9, 2025, and aims to address additional design and construction management needs that arose during the project.

Public speaker Beth Brooks raised concerns about the frequent increases in contract amounts, questioning the negotiation processes behind these agreements. She emphasized the need for better oversight and competitive bidding to ensure efficiency and accountability in city contracts. Council members acknowledged her concerns and discussed the importance of capping consultant fee increases, with some cities implementing limits of 10% to 15%.

City staff explained that the increase was necessary due to an expanded scope of work that became evident after the project was bid and awarded. They noted that unforeseen conditions often lead to additional costs, which must be approved by the council when they exceed anticipated budgets.

The council's approval of the amendment reflects a commitment to completing the Fremont Park project while also recognizing the need for ongoing evaluation of contract management practices. As the project progresses, city officials will continue to assess the balance between necessary consultant services and cost control measures to ensure efficient use of public funds.