Council approves $233,000 design contract for City Hall ADA improvements

The West Covina City Council approved a design services agreement on March 18 with BFK Architecture & Planning (Brian F. Knight Architect, Inc.) for City Hall ADA improvements, authorizing a contract maximum of $233,000.

Project Manager Robert Ortega told the council the scope includes redesign elements to make the council chambers and paths of travel ADA‑accessible, upgrades to second‑ and third‑floor restrooms and design of new elevator shafts and cabins to modernize the building’s existing elevators. The design contract will produce permit‑ready construction documents in phases.

Council members asked that the design process consider assistive technologies in addition to physical accessibility—examples mentioned included induction loops or hearing‑assistance systems and open captioning on room displays—so that the project also improves access for people who are hard of hearing or need captioning, Councilmember Contos and others said. The architect said those items could be explored and included in design details.

Council expressed a preference that the work not be funded from the city’s general fund if alternatives are available; staff said they would confirm funding sources and return with budget details. Councilmember Gutierrez moved the agreement; the motion passed 4‑0.

Staff said the design work will include an audit of existing conditions, schematic plans and construction drawings; the design team will coordinate with the city’s ADA self‑evaluation and transition plan produced earlier.