Buena Park council approves contracts, grants and police staffing in unanimous votes

The Buena Park City Council on Jan. 13 approved a series of contracts, grants and a budget amendment aimed at street, park, water and public-safety needs.

Council members voted unanimously to approve a professional services agreement with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for plans, specifications and engineer’s estimates on the Dale Whitaker Complete Streets project. Staff said the state Active Transportation Program awarded nearly $4.5 million in grant funding covering multiple project phases; Stantec submitted the lone responsive bid for this PS&E phase. Staff requested an interim allocation of $300,000 from unallocated gas tax funds (the proposal from the vendor was reported as $294,000), with the expectation of reimbursement from the grant.

The council also approved a construction contract with Big Bend Engineering to install a 6‑inch fire hydrant assembly and a 4‑inch fire service line at 6591 Beach Boulevard after the property owner sought interior renovations that triggered Orange County Fire Authority requirements. Staff reported a single quote of $101,500 for the contract and a $10,000 construction contingency; the business owner will reimburse the city $38,000 for part of the work.

On the city’s water system, council awarded a rehabilitation contract for the Holder Well to General Pump Company Inc., the sole responsive bidder at $340,600. Staff requested up to $105,000 in contingency to cover a potential variable-frequency-drive installation.

Parks and recreation received a boost from a Providence Saint Jude Hospital grant agreement totaling $114,820 ($88,320 new funds; $26,500 rollover). City staff described planned uses including $97,820 to build three permanent pickleball courts at Heroes Park, $12,000 for bike racks tied to active-transportation efforts, and $5,000 to create a wellness teaching corner at the Buena Park Community Center. Council approved the grant agreement unanimously.

Finally, the council approved a $208,000 budget amendment from the undesignated general fund reserve to permanently add four non‑sworn Police Services Officer positions. Assistant City Manager Eddie Fenton told the council these civilian positions free sworn officers for law-enforcement duties and were identified after prior vacancy savings had funded temporary hires.

All items on tonight’s consent calendar and the separate new-business items were adopted without dissent; where public comment was received staff summarized supportive remarks (for example, a public comment noted local benefits of an active-transportation project). The council’s votes will be reflected in the city’s official minutes and contract records.