Council hires Griffin Structures for Measure FP strategic planning phase; $150,000 agreement approved

The Redondo Beach City Council on July 22 approved a contract with Griffin Structures to serve as the owner’s representative and program manager for the strategic planning phase of Measure FP, the city’s $93,350,000 general obligation bond program for public safety facilities.

Assistant to the City Manager Luke Smooty and City Project Manager Christine Schachter presented the selection process: the city issued an RFP in February and received 11 proposals; an internal evaluation committee (including police, fire, public works and finance representatives) shortlisted four firms for interviews. Griffin Structures was the unanimous recommendation of the selection committee, staff said, based on its track record on similar police and fire projects and a competitive proposal for the strategic planning scope.

City staff recommended a focused strategic planning contract for Griffin at a not‑to‑exceed amount of $150,000 to complete an approximately 16‑week strategic planning phase. Staff and Griffin described the phase as including kickoff and stakeholder visioning, site assessments, sequencing and identification of temporary facilities, evaluation of delivery methods (design‑bid‑build, design‑build, construction manager at risk, progressive delivery models), regulatory and environmental considerations, and a final council briefing to present a recommended path forward and a preconstruction plan.

Leonard Marshall, Griffin’s project executive, said his firm has experience with Southern California public safety facility replacements, including Manhattan Beach Fire Station work. Council members asked about cost contingency and the city’s bond sizing; staff said the $150,000 is covered by the FY 2025–26 budget line set aside for Measure FP implementation and that a reimbursement resolution is in place so some city costs may be reimbursed from future bond proceeds. Councilmember questions probed the firm’s experience addressing delays, claims and contractor issues; Griffin representatives described prior experiences and said claims had been managed and resolved in prior projects.

Council members praised the thorough selection process and approved the agreement on a unanimous voice vote among those present. The strategic planning phase will return to council with timelines and recommendations in roughly 16 weeks, with staff expecting a Council briefing in November or early December to present a sequencing and budget plan for preconstruction and construction phases.