Council approves Matrix Consulting contract for citywide staffing review including optional fleet study

The El Segundo City Council on Oct. 21 approved a professional services agreement with Matrix Consulting Group for a citywide staffing assessment and an optional fleet assessment, authorizing the city manager to execute a contract not to exceed $134,800.

Director Allen and other staff described a competitive solicitation that drew 10 proposals. Staff recommended Matrix based on prior work and subject‑matter expertise. The original scope was about $99,900; Matrix absorbed a previously proposed $12,560 benchmark option into that amount, and the fleet assessment option adds $34,900 for a grand total of $134,800 if the council authorizes the fleet work.

Council members discussed splitting the fleet work into stages. Council member Boyle suggested funding a utilization study first and then deciding on implementation or outsourcing recommendations. Council members settled on authorizing the full contract amount but asked that staff seek to have Matrix perform, if possible, a utilization‑only fleet analysis first (a smaller scope) and only proceed to the larger fleet deliverables if the city directs that step.

Staff noted that the larger fee would require an appropriation of about $34,800 because the current budget included $100,000 for the study. The motion to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement, with the caveat to seek a utilization‑only fleet study if feasible, passed 5–0.

Director Allen and department heads said the review will build on prior studies (for example, a 2022 community development assessment) and is intended to benchmark and streamline department staffing, workflows and fleet utilization. If the fleet module is approved, deliverables will include utilization, replacement, maintenance and outsourcing options for the city’s vehicle fleet.