The City Council unanimously approved agreement A‑9192 with Nash Construction Services Inc. for the Arrow Building tenant improvement project (project 907) with a contract amount not to exceed $280,921, which includes a 15% contingency, Public Works Director Lee Torres told the council.

Torres said the Arrow Building space at 38255 Ninth Street East will be renovated to provide a break room, restrooms, storage and office space for public safety staff. The project went to bid on Nov. 28; the city received three bids, including one from a Palmdale‑based contractor. Nash Construction was the lowest responsible bidder, with a base construction amount of $244,279. Torres said the funds for the project are budgeted and available in fiscal year 2024‑25 under Measure AV.

Councilmember Andrea asked how the city weighs local bidders in the public‑bid process; Torres said local preference is encouraged but, under public bidding rules, the award is made to the lowest responsible bidder. The council asked whether a points‑based local preference could be added to future procurements. The city attorney replied that the city’s charter and home‑rule powers allow flexibility for local preference on certain public works contracts and that staff and the attorney’s office could examine options to give more weight to local bidders where legally permissible.

Councilmember Andrea also asked why the contract's exhibit included ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) language when the staff report stated funding comes from Measure AV. The city attorney said the ARPA provisions had been included in standard contract language as a catchall in case funding sources change or ARPA dollars become available; those federal requirements would apply only if ARPA funds were used.

The council moved and seconded the item and adopted the agreement by unanimous vote.

Ending: Staff said the project will proceed with Nash Construction; the council directed staff to consult with the city attorney about possible local‑preference mechanisms for future procurements and to report back.