Recreation Manager Blethon reported Oct. 8 that staff are preparing a request for proposals (RFP) for security services that will cover the sports park and several parks that have experienced incidents.

Blethon said the RFP will include ongoing security at the Sports Park and patrol or services at El Toro, Kavanaugh, Heroes and Mountain View parks. Staff set an Oct. 15 deadline for the RFP, expect to return to city council in December with a recommended award, and anticipate starting services in January.

Blethon told the commission the new RFP differs from the city’s previous security contract because it explicitly adds park locations that have had issues. “This one is gonna be covering some of our parks that have had some issues at them as well as the sports park,” Blethon said. “The deadline for this is October 15 and staff anticipates that we will be going to council in December with the final selection for that RFP and then, we're looking to start the services in January.”

Commissioners discussed related issues raised earlier this year, including e‑bike misuse at the sports park; Blethon said the e‑bike incidents had fallen but cautioned that the start of the school year could change patterns.

Discussion versus action: the commission received the update; no contract was awarded at the meeting. Blethon said staff is advancing the RFP process and will return with a formal recommendation to council for approval in December.