Yucaipa council moves to replace long‑time building services contractor after RFP; Charles Abbott asks for deeper review

The Yucaipa City Council authorized staff to negotiate a professional services agreement with Trans Tech (Transc) for building and safety services after a recent RFP process, and directed the city manager to administer a transition. The action moves the city away from a long-term contract with Charles Abbott & Associates, which has provided building services since 1993.

Peter Khan, director of community development, told the council the RFP produced four responsive proposals and that a staff review panel recommended Trans Tech as the most responsive firm. The recommended contract term follows the RFP structure: an initial term with optional renewals. Staff asked the council to authorize up to $1.2 million in building-and-safety contract expenditures for FY 2026–27 pending final negotiation.

David Fredborg, Yucaipa’s current building official who works for Charles Abbott, addressed the council and requested a deeper negotiation and verification step with both top candidates. He urged that the city confirm each candidate has qualified personnel available to serve Yucaipa and asked that both Charles Abbott and Trans Tech participate in follow-up discussions.

Councilmembers discussed continuity and the need to maintain inspection and plan-check turnaround times during the transition. After deliberation the council approved staff’s recommendations to proceed with Trans Tech, commence negotiations under staff direction and authorize transition actions with a not-to-exceed FY 2026–27 contract amount as presented.

Staff will proceed with contract negotiation and return final contract documents for formal execution and will manage an operational transition to ensure building permit intake, plan checks and inspections remain available to applicants during the change in service providers.