Commission approves $421,344 contract to finish Thornton Ranch open-space design

The commission approved agreement 20260248GM to retain the original design firm to complete remaining schematic and construction documents for Thornton Ranch Open Space (approximately $421,344), citing project continuity after previously excluded BLM parcels and federal land-ownership delays.

Staff said the schematic design requires revisions to avoid BLM land that is no longer part of the project and that the design work includes culturally sensitive coordination with tribes; staff indicated the contract includes potential additional services for tribal coordination and site visits. Funding will come primarily from the general-obligation bond series 2023.

Commissioners asked that tribal partners be engaged early in pre-design input rather than only after schematics are prepared; staff said the project has had multi-year tribal consultation and will share revised schematics with tribal members before construction.