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Council approves smaller police and public works footprint, authorizes RFP for architectural services
Summary
The council approved an ad hoc committee recommendation to reduce square footage for combined police/public works facilities and authorized release of an RFP for architectural services to design new facilities, including a requirement for swing-space and community engagement.
The Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council on Sept. 9 approved a resolution endorsing reduced square footage for proposed police and public works facilities, and authorized staff to release a request for proposals (RFP) for architectural, engineering and project management services.
Nut graf: Council and staff said the RFP reflects lessons learned from earlier facility planning, emphasizes community engagement, swing-space analysis and compliance with Carmel design traditions. The RFP requires firms to demonstrate municipal facilities experience, ADA and seismic expertise, and to present an approach to public engagement and cost estimating.
Public Works and City staff said the ad hoc committee — consisting of the mayor, two council members, public works and public-safety staff — refined program elements and reduced proposed square footage before issuing the RFP. Ken (public works) presented the RFP scope and the evaluation criteria, which include understanding of Carmel design context, municipal experience, project understanding and personnel qualifications.
Council members asked about the selection process, committee membership and whether to include an outside architect on the selection panel. Staff said the ad hoc would continue through selection and that the final contract award would come back to council. Council also emphasized the need for strong public engagement, swing-space planning, and cost and financing clarity before design proceeds.
The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and release the RFP to qualified firms. Councilmembers also discussed adding a local architect to the selection panel and confirmed the ad hoc would remain involved at least through selection. Staff said proposals are due in late November/December with a selection and contract award targeted in early 2025.
Ending: Staff will return with recommended selection procedures and a finalized scope for the RFP prior to evaluating submittals; the RFP includes a timeline for community workshops and adoption hearings as part of the architect selection and design phases.
