Agenda Item Wording:
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Contract Award - Authorize the City Manager to execute an appraisal services contract with Real Property Analysts for up to five annual terms for an annual “not to exceed limit” of $40,000.
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Agenda Date: 09/08/2026
Prepared by:
Devon Jones, Economic Development Manager, devon.jones@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4190
Paul Bernal, Planning and Community Preservation Director, paul.bernal@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4025
Department Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute an appraisal services contract with Real Property Analysts for up to five annual terms with a total “not to exceed limit” of $200,000 over the five-year term or $40,000 annually.
Summary:
The prior contracted vendor, Hopper Company, recently closed their business operations as the business owner / main appraiser, Keith Hopper, retired. As a result of the Hopper Company closing their office, staff conducted Request For Proposals (RFP) No. 25-26-59 to identify a new property appraisal vendor. The City received six proposals and after reviewing and evaluating the proposals, staff identified Real Property Analysts (RPA) as the selected firm.
RPA began as a small real estate and insurance company in Fresno in 1917 and added appraisal services in the 1950s. RPA specializes in the appraisal of vacant land, office buildings, industrial and warehouse facilities, apartment complexes, open agricultural land and permanent plantings and residential properties. They also appraise special use properties, such as churches, schools, pre-schools, ambulatory surgery centers and other unique properties. RPA consists of Tiffany K.V. Mach and Kelly P. Stevens, both are Certified General Real Estate Appraisers with the State of California and have individual designations from the Appraisal Institute. Both have been appraising in the Central Valley for over 30 years each. RPA was selected over the other bidders mainly due to their knowledge of, and proximity to the local market and conditions and their overall proposed approach for providing services to the City. Staff believes RPA is the service provider that will most consistently provide the quality of appraisal services we are currently accustomed to.
Background Discussion:
This contract would be for one year initially and have up to four annual extensions for a total of five years. Services rendered could include:
- Commercial Building Appraisals - The consultant may be requested to prepare and submit appraisal reports for assigned properties, indicating an estimate of fair market value. Reports shall include the collection and analysis of property-specific data for both the subject property and comparable sales. Reports shall also include a description of the comparable sale selection process, applicable adjustments, weighting of comparable sales, and the resulting indicated market value.
- Leasehold/Rental Interest Appraisals - The consultant may be requested to prepare and submit appraisal reports indicating the fair lease value of assigned properties where the City may serve as either tenant or landlord.
- Vacant Land Appraisals - The consultant may be requested to prepare and submit appraisal reports indicating the fair market value of vacant land owned by the City or by other parties.
- Limited Appraisal Reports - Where appropriate, the City may request limited appraisal reports or “letter” evaluations indicating the fair market value of a parcel, property, or space.
- Consulting Services - Following submission of an appraisal assignment, the consultant shall make available the individual responsible for the appraisal report to respond to questions, provide clarifications, and attend meetings as requested by the City.
- Easement Valuations - The consultant may be requested to estimate the market value of permanent and/or temporary easements based upon a review and analysis of the area affected, the intended easement use, and the associated property rights. Where appropriate, a “Before and After” appraisal methodology may be utilized to evaluate impacts to the encumbered property. This scope of service may also apply to properties burdened by easements.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: No change as individual appraisal service expenses are typically approved based on existing budgets in the various departments and divisions that utilize the service and per approved capital projects where applicable.
Prior Council Action:
• September 6, 2022 - Authorized the City Manager to execute appraisal services contract with Hopper Company for up to five annual terms with total “not to exceed limit” of $200,000.
Alternatives: Per Council direction.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the City Manager to execute appraisal services contract with Real Property Analysts for up to five annual terms with a total “not to exceed” amount of $40,000 annually.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: N/A
Attachments:
1. Service contract template
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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☒ Fiscal Strength |
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