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Council approves contract for Fairview Park west bluff restoration design, citing erosion risks
Summary
Council authorized a professional services agreement to design restoration work for the eroding west bluffs at Fairview Park, funded by state grants targeted to the project; staff will return at 30% design with cost estimates and assessment of options such as a south‑end staircase and non‑intrusive natural stabilization.
The council approved a professional services agreement to advance engineering, environmental review and cultural resource planning for restoration of the west bluff at Fairview Park.
Staff said geotechnical studies show long‑standing bluff erosion at the west bluff, and that the city has previously done emergency work and gathered funding. The project has dedicated state funding (about $2 million) allocated for Fairview Park bluff restoration. City staff recommended awarding a design and environmental services contract to the qualified consultant team selected through a competitive process; the agreement covers project coordination, geotechnical and civil design, cultural‑resource management, environmental permitting and public outreach.
Parks and Public Works staff told the council the site is complex — the bluff faces sensitive habitat and vernal pools — and the consultant pool is small for this specialty work, which contributes to higher professional fees. Council directed staff to return with a formal check‑in (around 30% design) before advancing final construction designs so council can weigh options. Staff said the design phase will evaluate natural stabilization approaches and hard solutions; if structural solutions (concrete or subsurface anchors) require work beyond the scope of the program or trigger Measure AA provisions, staff will bring those tradeoffs back to council and the public before final commitment.
Council voted to award the professional services agreement and authorized contingency funds for unforeseen design issues. Staff also noted the $2 million state allocation covers several park projects; any persistent savings or shortfalls among related projects would be managed across that portfolio.
Council members asked about the timing of potential failures, alternatives to structural solutions, and how the design will be constrained by Measure AA and the need to protect vernal pool habitat. Staff and the selected consultant will deliver options and a 30% cost check before final design decisions.
