Agenda Item Wording:
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Notice of completion - Request authorization to file a notice of completion for the Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project.
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Agenda Date: 07/20/2026
Prepared by: Daryl Tillman, Park Maintenance Supervisor 713-4435; daryl.tillman@visalia.city; Ivan Nicar, Parks and Facilities Manager 713-4564; ivan.nicar@visalia.gov; Jason Glick, Parks and Recreation Director 713-4042; jason.glick@visalia.city
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the filing of a Notice of Completion for the Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project (CP0695) with Marko Construction Group Inc. of Fresno, California.
Summary:
The Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project included the installation of ornamental iron perimeter fencing, chain-link fencing, and automated vehicle gates throughout Riverway Sports Park. Construction was completed by Marko Construction Group Inc. of Fresno, California, under a contract awarded by the City Council on July 21, 2025, in the amount of $3,041,827. As of June 26, 2026, all required inspections have been completed, and the project has been substantially completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
Background Discussion:
Construction of Riverway Sports Park commenced in 2006 and was completed through a series of phases extending through 2020. Phase I included the development of ten soccer fields, three of which are lighted, and was intentionally designed without perimeter fencing to maintain open public access. Subsequent phases expanded park amenities to include playgrounds, picnic shelters, additional sports field lighting, baseball facilities, and softball facilities. Unlike the soccer complex, the baseball and softball facilities were constructed with perimeter fencing to secure the playing areas and support ongoing park operations.
As utilization of the park increased, staff identified ongoing maintenance, operational, and security challenges associated with the soccer field complex. The absence of perimeter fencing limited the City's ability to effectively restrict access during scheduled maintenance activities and turf recovery periods, resulting in unauthorized use and accelerated turf deterioration. Staff also experienced recurring expenses related to temporary fencing, signage, vandalism repairs, and unauthorized after-hours activity.
In addition, the park experienced increasing concerns related to security, cleanliness, unhoused encampments, and illegal activity. These conditions resulted in concerns raised by park users, adjacent residents, City staff, law enforcement personnel, and members of the City Council.
During the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget process, staff identified perimeter fencing for the soccer complex as a proposed project within the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Program. The City Council directed staff to advance the project from Year 3 to Year 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan and expanded the project scope to include fencing around the entire park perimeter.
Staff subsequently coordinated with public safety representatives, park user groups, the Site Plan Review Committee, and the Parks and Recreation Commission to develop the final project design. The approved design included ornamental iron perimeter fencing, interior chain-link fencing around the soccer complex, automated vehicle gates, ADA-compliant pedestrian access improvements, and designated managed entry points.
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended approval of the project on January 14, 2025. On February 3, 2025, the City Council authorized staff to advertise the project for competitive bids. Due to increased construction costs, the City Council later approved additional appropriations to fully fund the project, including construction contingency and permit-related expenses.
Construction began on September 8, 2025. During construction, the Change Order Committee approved two change orders to address life-safety requirements associated with accommodating large special events at the park.
• Change Order No. 1 authorized the installation of three panic hardware assemblies at the primary pedestrian gates to enhance emergency egress capabilities, at a cost of $26,611.20.
• Change Order No. 2 authorized the installation of additional ornamental iron and chain-link service gates along the southern soccer fields to improve emergency access and egress during large special events, at a cost of $46,076.80.
As of June 26, 2026, all required inspections have been completed, and the project has been substantially completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the filing of the Notice of Completion.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: The Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project (CP0695) was initially funded with a $1,500,000 appropriation as part of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget. Due to higher-than-anticipated construction costs, the City Council approved an additional $1,000,000 on June 16, 2025, and an additional $849,010 on July 21, 2025, bringing the total project budget to $3,349,010.
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Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project (CIP 1010-72000/CP0695-999) |
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Budget Summary |
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General Fund Project Budget (FY24/25) |
$1,500,000.00 |
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General Fund Project Budget (06/16/2025) |
$1,000,000.00 |
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General Fund Project Budget (07/21/2025) |
$849,010.00 |
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Total Project Budget |
$3,349,010.00 |
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Project Cost |
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Marko Construction Group Bid |
$3,041,827.00 |
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Contingency. (est. 10%) |
$304,183.00 |
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Subtotal |
$3,346,010.00 |
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Actual Project |
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Marko Construction Group Bid |
$3,041,827.00 |
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Estimated COV Permit Fees |
$3,000.00 |
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Change Order No. 1 - Panic Hardware |
$26,611.20 |
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Change Order No. 2 - Additional Service Gates |
$46,076.80 |
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Total Project Cost |
$3,117,515.00 |
Staff utilized the approved construction contingency in the amount of $304,183 to fully fund project change orders totaling $72,688. As a result, the project was completed within the total authorized budget of $3,349,010, with $231,495 remaining in the contingency fund.
Prior Council Action: On April 15, 2024, during a Work Session, City Council reviewed the proposed Parks and Recreation Department 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and directed staff to advance the Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project from Year 2 to Year 1 of the plan and expand the scope to include fencing the entire perimeter of the park. On June 17, 2024, the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024/25 and Fiscal Year 2025/26 multi-year budget. On February 3, 2025, Council approved the proposed fencing location and materials for the Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project. On June 16, 2025, Council approved an appropriation of an additional $1,000,000 from the Fiscal Year 2024/25 General Fund surplus to address increased project costs, followed by approval on July 21, 2025, of an additional $849,010 from the same fund source to fully fund project completion.
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the filing of a notice of completion for the Riverway Sports Park Fencing Project following the satisfactory completion of the project by Marko Construction Group Inc. of Fresno, California.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 07/20/2026
Attachments: Location Map and Draft Notice of Completion.
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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☐ Economic Vitality |
☐  Organizational Excellence |
☐ Fiscal Strength |
☒  Infrastructure & Growth |
☐  Quality of Life |