Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize an Appropriation of $110,235.12 from the General Fund Undesignated Fund Balance to the Median Maintenance Services Contract with Rubicon Landscape Corporation
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Quality of Life
• Infrastructure
SUMMARY
This report requests City Council approval of an appropriation in the amount of $110,235.12 from the General Fund undesignated fund balance to cover median maintenance services provided under the existing contract with Rubicon Landscape Corporation. In the prior fiscal year, the contract was supplemented by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. However, the appropriation was not included in the current biennial budget due to an administrative error that occurred during the reorganization of Public Works and Recreation & Parks. Approval of this appropriation will ensure continuity of service and alignment with the City’s previously approved contract obligations.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution to authorize an appropriation of $110,235.12 from the General Fund undesignated fund balance into Account 010-62-010-5340 to fully fund the Citywide Median Maintenance Agreement with Rubicon Landscape Corporation.
BACKGROUND
On October 16, 2023, the City Council approved and authorized execution of a five-year Non-Professional Services Agreement with Rubicon Landscape Corporation for Citywide median maintenance (File No. 23-449). The agreement provides comprehensive services including landscape maintenance, weed abatement, irrigation management, turf care, tree maintenance, trash removal, and debris collection at 95 locations throughout the City.
As part of the Public Works and Recreation & Parks departmental reorganization effective January 1, 2024, several budget accounts were transitioned between departments. During this administrative transition, the appropriation for a portion of the Rubicon contract was inadvertently omitted from the adopted biennial budget, creating a funding gap of $110,235.12. Approval of this appropriation will reconcile the budget to align with the Council’s previously authorized agreement and ensure uninterrupted continuation of median maintenance services.
Analysis
Approving this appropriation ensures compliance with the City’s contractual obligations and avoids disruption to median and streetscape maintenance services. This action is necessary to maintain City infrastructure, ensure public safety, and preserve the quality of life standards expected by the community.
Without this appropriation, the City would not have sufficient funds to cover services already rendered and scheduled to be performed under the contract. Given that this omission was an administrative error and not the result of unanticipated expenditures, staff recommend immediate appropriation from the General Fund undesignated balance.
Previous Actions
• Resolution No. 2023-141 for a Non-Professional Services Agreement with Rubicon Landscape Corporation.
Financial Impacts
This Council action will appropriate $110,235.12 FY 2025-2026 from the General Fund undesignated fund balance into Account 010-62-010-5340.
• General Fund - Recreation & Parks (Account 010-62-010-5340): $110,235.12
This Council action will draw down the General Fund undesignated balance but will ensure sufficient funding for the Citywide Median Maintenance Non-Professional Services Agreement.
ATTACHMENT
A: Resolution for Median Maintenance Contract Appropriation
PREPARED BY: Vicente Zuniga, Recreation and Parks Director, Recreation and Parks Department