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Council delays decision on Rubidoux Town Center planning contract after debate over cost, timeline and competitive process
Summary
The council discussed a proposed $396,000-plus downtown plan for the Rubidoux area, the city’s long relationship with consultant Civic Solutions, and directed staff to wait for the Pedley Town Center outcome before finalizing a contract decision.
Jurupa Valley councilmembers debated whether to approve a contract to advance the Rubidoux (referred to in staff materials as “Rubedo”) Town Center plan and whether to retain the longstanding consultant Civic Solutions for the work.
Community Development staff described the Rubidoux Town Center plan as a more complex, resource‑intensive project than the Pedley Town Center plan. Staff said development‑agreement funds and community-benefit funds totaling more than $480,000 would be available to support the Rubidoux planning effort, and that an additional $600,000 might become available from future developer contributions as entitled projects move forward.
Councilmembers pressed staff on cost, timeline and procurement. Councilmember Sanchez asked whether the $396,000 budget was comparable with the Pedley plan; staff replied the Pedley work cost roughly $200,000 because it was covered entirely by a state grant and had more limited scope. Staff said the Rubidoux effort includes more refined urban design, a larger public‑engagement program and more extensive environmental and zoning analysis and that they expect a comprehensive final plan in roughly 12 months.
Several councilmembers voiced concern about the long, recurring relationship between the city and Civic Solutions. Staff and councilmembers said Civic Solutions has provided planning services to the city since incorporation and has deep institutional knowledge. The council was told a broader procurement process (an RFQ/RFP for general planning services) is imminent because the citywide consulting agreement is expiring; staff said this specific project could still be competitively bid if the council preferred.
After extended discussion, the council directed staff to delay final action on the Rubidoux Town Center contract until the Pedley Town Center work is returned to the council for final review. Councilmembers said they want to see the Pedley outcomes before committing to the larger Rubidoux expenditure and to allow the forthcoming procurement process for general planning services to proceed.
Why it matters: The Rubidoux Town Center plan would guide zoning, design standards, public outreach and environmental review for an area councilmembers described as complex; the selection process and cost could set precedent for how Jurupa Valley manages major planning contracts.
What’s next: Staff will complete the Pedley Town Center adoption process (anticipated first quarter 2025), bring the general planning-services agreement/RFP results to council in the coming months, and then return with a recommendation on Rubidoux procurement.
Speakers in the record include Community Development Director Joe, Councilmember Sanchez and several councilmembers who questioned procurement and timing.
