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Council approves Melton Design Group contract for parks master plan, dissent over cost
Summary
Solvang approved a contract with Melton Design Group to prepare a parks and recreation master plan. The agreement is for $210,825 with a 10% contingency for a total not to exceed $231,910; one councilmember voted no citing cost concerns.
The Solvang City Council voted 4-1 on Feb. 11 to hire Melton Design Group (MDG) to prepare a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Parks and Recreation Director Jenny McClurg said seven firms submitted proposals and the selection committee interviewed three finalists. MDG was chosen for perceived best value, citing its Santa Barbara office and the firm's inclusion of an economic assessment in its scope. The contract sum is $210,825 with a 10% contingency of $21,085 for a total not to exceed $231,910, for work to be completed between Feb. 10, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2026.
Councilmembers discussed the cost versus the city's immediate capital needs; Councilmember Elizabeth Arona said she would vote no because she preferred to invest directly in amenities rather than commissioning a study. "I just struggle with the cost," Arona said. Supporters said an up-to-date master plan is necessary to qualify for grants and to guide long-term improvements to Solvang Park, pickleball discussions and Yulefest infrastructure.
Staff said the plan would cover physical assets and programming and that the MDG proposal includes grant-identification and an economic assessment not present in other submissions. McClurg added the existing parks plan is over 20 years old and a current plan would improve the city's eligibility for outside funding.
The motion to approve the MDG agreement passed on a roll-call vote: Councilmember Infante yes; Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Arona yes; Councilmember Smith yes; Councilmember Elizabeth Arona no; Mayor Brown yes. The contract will be funded from Measure U with a requested budget adjustment noted in the staff report.
Why it matters: A current parks and recreation master plan is the primary planning document that cities use to prioritize capital investments and to meet grant eligibility requirements. The council's vote starts a roughly 12-month process to update priorities, assess facilities and identify funding options.
What happens next: Staff will execute the agreement, begin public engagement and research, and return draft recommendations and grant strategies to the council over the coming year.
