Speaker 1: No, we are. We actually voted on consent earlier. Okay, now we're on to the regular agenda.
Speaker 7: Regular agenda? All right. Would you read the item, please?
Speaker 1: Sure. Item ten Communication from Councilman Price, Councilmember Superdad, Councilwoman Mingo and Councilman Andrew's recommendation to request an update regarding where the city is at with the RFP process for consulting services related to updating the city's Gateway Signage Program.
Speaker 7: Councilwoman Price.
Speaker 5: Thank you. Is there a staff report on this item?
Speaker 8: Yes, there is. Mayor and City Council would be happy to give an update of where we are. If you recall in the budget that the Council passed in October, there was direction to start an effort to improve our gateway signage. Shortly thereafter, the city put the city staff put together a scope of work to put out for a consultant. We're actually looking at three different components within that study. One would be for gateway signage at our Gateway areas, and we've done some initial survey work to determine what we have at our gateway areas and provided that as part of the RFP. We're also looking at how to improve our parking signage in the downtown. That would be a second component as that's been a focus of the city and the city council to try to improve some of the parking wayfinding in downtown. And the third is we have a condition of approval for our beach projects to try to make our beach signage a little bit more easy to follow and how to direct people to the beach. That's a third component. We did a survey of all of our signs in the downtown area and did a survey of all of our beach signs and then released a request for proposals in December that closed the end of December. In January, we received proposals from from several firms. We have seven proposals that have been received. And staff are reviewing those and expect to do interviews of the top candidates in the next week or so. And then we'll get back to the city council with recommendation for an award for a selected firm. Once we know what the costs are and and what who the selected firm would be, we'd be back to the city council. And that concludes the staff report.
Speaker 5: So would the selected firm be in charge of all three of those components, Gateway Beach and Parking?
Speaker 8: Yes. We are asking a firm to be able to bid on all three of those. We'll see if they choose to bid on just one or so, but we expect them to choose to bid on all three. What's important is that there will be different timelines for all three. We want to be we've heard that the focus from the council really is on the gateway signage. And so we know that will be prioritized. And those are also going to be different funding sources. So we want to be able to separate those three different efforts. But it would be one firm so that there is a consistent standard and so that the beach signs look very similar to the parking signs look similar and complement our gateway signs.
Speaker 5: And are we going to have the recommendation from staff come back to council the same way we normally do when we have responses to proposals? Or will the Council have the opportunity to maybe hear from the the top two bidders? Let's say, because this is a very creative project and it really is is not something that we might be able to quantify so that the creativity of the company, the vision that they have for Long Beach, their connection to the city, the understanding of the need for us to have a brand and that kind of thing might all be factors above and beyond just what the cost of the project might be.
Speaker 8: So you're absolutely correct. In an RFP, cost is one of the factors, but it's not the sole factor. So we're not required to go with the low bidder. When we do a request for proposals, we are looking for a service and we're looking for something that complements and meets our goals and our objectives. So we would be going through a staff evaluation process of those seven proposals, we would be bringing back a recommendation. We certainly could bring back some additional information about some of the other vendors that were that were proposed and provide some additional detail on why we recommended one over the other and why we feel that they're the best fit. Given the Council's goals and given that creative aspect that you mentioned.
Speaker 5: And if Council wanted a presentation from the recommended bidder in terms of what was involved in the scope of their their response to the RFP, could we request that at that time or in advance of that?
Speaker 8: And so we'll talk a little bit with the city attorney with purchasing on on when you see that you're normally making an award. But we can certainly I think the intent is to try to get some information about what who they are and what they do and what their level of expertize is. So I think we'd certainly be able to find something to meet your needs there.
Speaker 5: Okay. I mean, the only concern that I have is this is a very creative process kind of, you know, certainly not at the at the level in terms of project costs as the Civic Center was, but certainly something that we want to reflect the spirit of the community. And so picking a vendor that we think gets what we're trying to do with this, with this concept is important. And I mean, I don't even know who sits on the committee that makes the recommendation, but I think council should have a say a little bit in terms of what direction we're headed with the company that we're going to partner with. This is a very long term partnership and whatever they come up with is going to last for many decades. So.
Speaker 8: So I think part of what is important tonight is hearing that passion from you and from the city council. If that really is something that you want us to focus on, we need to hear that and that know that that's important. And so as staff, as we go through our selection process, we definitely, you know, we'll keep that in mind that this is we're looking for somebody that really can embody who we are as a city and not just create a sign and walk away, but rather somebody that really understands this that we will certainly be looking for that. And that kind of input is helpful as we go through that, that interview process and brings forward a recommendation to the City Council.
Speaker 5: And have we identified a funding source for the actual gateway signs at this point or no?
Speaker 8: So in the city manager's recommended budget to the council, the mayor and council that was adopted, there was a $400,000 item for this, for it would it would be for the study and for the implementation. And so we don't have a cost yet for what the study would cost versus the versus the full implementation. And then we would be looking for some tidelands funds to be able to do the beaches and some of the parking funds for the parking study and the components. So that'll be part of our recommendation. When we come back is what are the different funding sources, what is the cost of the RFP? And we want to be able to do it in phases if if something is is bid and it's too high and we don't have the funds to do that, we would certainly go back and and try to negotiate something that's a little bit more palatable and and within our means.
Speaker 5: And if you could just remind me, I think when we were talking about the Gateway signage item, we were talking about signage at the gateway to the city from other cities. So where we border with another city, making it very clear that they've now entered the city of Long Beach and having some sort of a consistent signage throughout the city that indicates to the person that's driving into the city that they've now entered a new city. And that's what we're talking about when we're talking about gateway signage.
Speaker 8: Yes, that's correct. We've done a survey in off the top of my head. I believe it's about 27 sites that we've already identified. And we do have some signage out there already. So we do have signage that we've done in the past. We're looking to refresh that, to have a new image, to look at those sites, but then also to look at other sites that potentially have been missed or haven't had those improvements and get an inventory of what kinds of signs can go there. There is there's Caltrans rules, for example, on what types of signs can go where and what types and what monuments. And there's lots of different components, lighting, you know, what they should look like, how they should look like. So that's part of the effort that'll that the firm help us with.
Speaker 5: And what about branding? What are the signs going to say? Because I know in the third district they say we're the aquatic capital of the world right now.
Speaker 8: They say a lot of things. We have a number of different signs. And in the past, it's it's really been based on funding source rather than a consistent methodology. So we do have one or two that say aquatics capital of America, because they helped pay for those. Yes, we do have some that say the most bike friendly city because those were paid for by bike dollars. And that was part of our bike bike branding. We do have the international city is that we were the international city. We are the international city. So part of our charge to the consultant is look at and it's a it's different than a branding exercise that by itself can be several million dollars to create one brand for the city. But it's try to get a consistent feel and look and also look at those slogans. Should we have a slogan? If we do, what should it be? Should there not be a slogan? I look at best practices for these types of signs and give us some some examples of what the what that final word product could be
Speaker 5: . And is that going to involve any sort of community outreach? Because I can tell you that aquatics capital of America, as well as probably other organizations, are going to want to be involved in providing some input in regards to whether or not there are slogans and where those are place. So what kind of community outreach are we envisioning for this process.
Speaker 8: As we haven't gotten quite to that level of detail yet. We want to see what they're proposing and building through the process, but we can certainly look at some type of input, whether it's in meetings or whether it's some type of online input or some gathering. Part of their charge is going to be to look at all of the different ways that we brand ourselves. So there are lots of different stakeholders. There's Aquatics, Captain America, CVB has a very big interest in this, the DOJ and the downtown. Our beach groups are going to be very interested, so we want to basically get some information on kind of what what is important, but then really trust kind of this team who does this to try to figure out how to how to best give us a brand or assign a not a brand, but a sign that kind of reflects who we are as a community and and then know bring that, that recommendation.
Speaker 5: Great. Thank you.
Speaker 7: Councilwoman Mongo.
Speaker 1: As I appreciate the thorough staff report. Thank you.
Speaker 7: Councilwoman Gonzalez.
Speaker 5: Yes. Thank you for a lot of your questions, Councilman Price, and for bringing this forward. I, too, would like to, you know, just hear more information as we get closer to these seven potential business owners to see what type of branding. I know in the downtown area, we are creating a brand new sign that will be installed in May. So I'm wondering how that also affects branding in and around the city, and I'm sure that will be incorporated. Is that correct?
Speaker 8: So that design is actually still moving forward. And so that's kind of designed I think part of their challenge is going to be to look at things that are already existing like that sign and and find a way to get something that unifies a lot of those. So it may not be the exact sign because if we just picked one, you know that there's so many different things that that that show who we are as a community. But I think their challenge will be to look at all those existing things that when we do something in an uptown, we do something on Pine Avenue , kind of take the best elements and try to create something that, you know, that clearly says this is Long Beach when when you see that sign.
Speaker 5: Okay, great. And then I think on my other questions were answered. But final question is how much emphasis did we put on local businesses ensuring that, you know, someone? I think there was an agenda item we put forward. Well, Councilman Price may have put forward some time ago. And I had emphasized, especially when we go out to RFP, you know, creating some sort of local components and show we're getting that that business.
Speaker 8: So we do recognize that we have a lot of talent in our city. And so whenever we do have RFP is we we not only encourage people to sign up with RFP, but we also have a specific outreach to local firms. And so when the council letter comes back, whoever the item is that was selected, we will definitely make a point of showing, you know, what we did for that kind of local outreach to make sure that we've got that we at least made sure that everyone was aware of what we were doing before they before they had a chance to decide if they wanted to submit or not.
Speaker 5: Okay. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Council member your income.
Speaker 4: Many years ago when we created these gateways. Signage. Um. Um. Items that are out there. I was part of a committee at that time. I think it was put together by the by the Chamber of Commerce. They I was president of the Hispanic businesses at the time, so I was invited to participate in a review of of what types of signage we wanted to to create. And so I was I was a participant in that. And it was quite, quite a good process in terms of being able to review the types of signage that we wanted to come up with and create and then had a saying adopt it. So I do encourage the the participation of a lot of people out there who might be interested in in seeing what type of signage is being proposed and what type of signage we want. But I'm not sure at that time because obviously I was not on the city council this back in his mid-eighties or so early nineties when we did this. If the city council got an opportunity to review what the program was going to look like, I certainly would like to have that opportunity to review what's what's being proposed and perhaps have some input. When obviously, when I was a member of the Board of trustees, along with City College, we went through the same thing. We looked at different types of designs and different project. It was more of the branding type of effort at that point. But the board did review and look at different proposal, different propositions or proposals out there in terms of what would be. That would fit the vision and the mission of the college as well as as the trustees of what they wanted to see. So I would I would want to at least if if not a public display of what works or what might not work, maybe an opportunity for the city council to review what's out there, because it will be signage that's going to last for quite some time anyway after I'm gone and people are going to look at that . So it's going to be iconic. I would think I would want it to be anyway. So if we can have some kind of methodology to participate in that process, I would really welcome that as well. Thank you.
Speaker 0: Thank you, Councilman Richardson.
Speaker 3: Thanks, Mr. Mayor. Tom, is there is there a way that our business districts can sort of piggyback on this and, you know, if they want to, for example, the Uptown Business District has been working for a while on a wayfinding sign concept for the Atlantic corridor. And it seems to me if the city is doing the same thing, maybe our business district can save a little money and maybe, you know, piggyback on this consultant and work out something else. Is it is is anything like that possible or can that be arranged?
Speaker 8: So I think we very much agree with that, is that we would want if somebody else in our city wants to use this service, whoever it is that we end up picking, that there are would not only be economies of scale, but I think it would also make creative and artistic sense so that we don't have someone starting with a completely different sign in one area. Even if it's not a city sign, we'd like them to to speak to that. So we'll be definitely as we go through the process of selecting somebody, asking them about that and if there's somebody ready to go right now, they can you know, they can talk to them. And if not, I think we'd encourage the firm to be open to, you know, seeing that this could be a larger effort. And my guess is most firms would be very open to that because it means additional work for them and and give a good price.
Speaker 0: Kate, thank you. Public comment on this item.
Speaker 10: Well, good evening again, Mayor. City Council. My name's Gary Shelton. I'm here representing West Gateway Community Association and other folks in the neighborhood that I live in. I need to throw myself at your feet in an act of contrition, because I do not know anything about the April 21st motion or action that was taken by city council to put this into into motion. I can see, or at least I glean from the staff report, that the August 10th memo was a to or from or whatever you call those things that that we typically don't see out here in the public. And so this has gotten to the point where I believe in understanding some of the conversation that the business community, one or two, at least neighborhood communities who have been working on signage for some time may be at the point where they need to say, Hey, we've done a lot of work on this. Can our design be included in this somehow? Can you include can we include you in our design? Something like that. There's been some hiccup, perhaps in public awareness of what's going on, but here we are today and that's just fine. One of the things I mentioned, West Gateway Community Association. I wanted to let you know that we have and we're very proud of our our new and it's proprietary our new logo. And I think you might recognize some of the imagery on it. We're the West Gateway to downtown Long Beach and have been recognized by the downtown Long Beach Associates. That neighborhood called West Gateway for quite some time. Sometimes it's confused with West End, but it's West Gateway. Nevertheless, we're one of the 27, I assume, areas which do have current existing signage. We have some signage up across the street from the courthouse on Broadway and so on. And I would recommend or would have recommended had we had the opportunity. And maybe now is the time. The only time I have to suggest that neighborhood logos such as ours could be included on the citywide branding, something like Welcome to Long Beach, the International City. You've arrived to West Gateway or something of that nature. The reason I suggest that is because we all have done so much work. We all do identify closely with our neighborhoods in the city and would really appreciate the opportunity to go forward even early on in this process. It seems like there's evidently seven responses to the RFP that have been received but not looked at. Mr. Modica suggested he didn't know if they were bidding on one, two or all three of the components. The gateway component is the one that we're most interested in. Thank you and appreciate any way you can come back to us for our additional feedback.
Speaker 0: Any other public comment, please come forward.
Speaker 6: Or you do click as the address. I want to again suggest, but when this did first come up that we take a look at it and a paradigm that would come with some funding from the state and the feds. These are the is the roundabout or traffic circle, which, as I pointed out at the time. Is has really a very interesting and you should Google it if people have not done a Google roundabout or Long Beach traffic circle and that we could get state and federal monies, I believe on that. I've already talked to the state. We can certainly get some city state money on it. That has a link to a direct link to a federal highway called Route six, which prior to for the two thirds of the first century, was the major East-West route. It had a auspicious name, I think. Grand Army of the Republic, because it was used by the Union Army during the Civil War. And at the end of that route, sex is at the end of Cape Cod. And if you go Google it, you'll see there's a sign there that says references route sex and it's historic aspect and says it's 363,652 miles west to Long Beach, California. And it's got the sign of that was paid for by the feds or the the historic society and on the in. Massachusetts. So I think those federal funds are there and also the state funds. And that also would tie in to this cannon that's been floating around. It's connected to the Civil War. Another suggestion, sort of. Off the wall. That would go set national if not international recognition, recognition on the side. Long Beach, California. We're bankrupt. We need your money. Please come spend. Bail us out. Something along the lines of take it to the comic level.
Speaker 4: Although.
Speaker 6: It certainly isn't a you know, it's the truth. Tell the truth. We put that out there, see what the reaction is. We'd certainly get media attention. Think.
Speaker 0: Any other suggestions or comment on this item saying Nonmembers, please cast your votes.
Speaker 1: Motion carries.
Speaker 0: Next item.
Recommendation to request City Manager to provide the City Council with an update regarding where the City is at with the Request for Proposals process for consulting services related to updating the City's gateway signage program.