TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: JANUARY 13, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO J&A ENGINEERING CORP. FOR THE CLAREMONT HILLS WILDERNESS PARK FENCING PROJECT (FUNDING SOURCES: RMC GRANT AND WILDERNESS PARK PARKING LOT FUND)
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SUMMARY
The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park (CHWP) is comprised of approximately 2,500 acres of undeveloped land in the foothills above the City and attracts nearly 500,000 annual visitors seeking outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Due to the park’s popularity, staff has identified the need for enhanced access control at key Claremont Hills Wilderness Park entrances due to ongoing resident concerns regarding unauthorized after-hours entry and entry during park closures, particularly during Red Flag Warning conditions.
As documented in the City’s 2022 application to the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Wildfire Prevention Grant Program, controlling access during park closures and Red Flag Warning conditions remains an essential wildfire-prevention strategy, which notes that visitors entering after hours “partake in activities that greatly increase fire risk.” Installing fencing and secured gate systems will directly address these documented vulnerabilities by preventing access during closures, reducing ignition risks, and improving overall public safety.
The project includes the supply and installation of new fencing at the Highpoint, Mountain Avenue, and Evey Canyon entrances to the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park to reduce unlawful entry during park closures, including during Red Flag Warnings, that may create public safety hazards.
On October 13, 2025, the City released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to complete this project. The City received three bids and the lowest responsive and responsible bidder was J&A Engineering Corp. of Azusa, with a bid of $134,700.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council award a contract to J&A Engineering Corp. in the amount of $134,700, authorize a ten percent contingency in the amount of $13,470 for a total amount not-to-exceed $148,170, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Request additional information from staff.
B. Reject all bids and direct staff to rebid the project.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The total project cost, based on the lowest responsive and responsible bid submitted by J&A Engineering Corp., is $134,700. A ten percent contingency of $13,470 is recommended, bringing the total authorized project budget to $148,170. This contract will be funded using $143,000 in grant funding from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountain Conservancy, with the remaining $5,170 of contingency funds coming from the Wilderness Park Parking Lot fund.
This purchase complies with all City and State purchasing guidelines. Bid and contract documents are available for review in the City Clerk's Office.
The staff cost to prepare this report and administer this contract is estimated at $897 and is included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department.
ANALYSIS
On November 13, 2025, the City received the following bids in response to the RFP:
|
Bidder |
Location |
Amount |
|
J&A Engineering Corp. |
Azusa |
$134,700.00 |
|
Stump Fence Co. |
Glendora |
$148,060.00 |
|
Red Hawk Services Inc. |
Perris |
$168,164.63 |
The lowest bidder, J&A Engineering Corp., submitted a bid of $134,700. Following a bid package review and reference check, J&A Engineering Corp. has been confirmed as the responsive and responsible low bidder.
Background
The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park is one of the region’s most visited recreational areas and includes multiple entrances. These entrances serve thousands of annual visitors, including hikers, trail runners, and community members seeking access to open space. Maintaining secure boundaries at these entrances is essential for protecting natural resources, ensuring safe public access, and supporting emergency response needs.
In recent years, staff has identified that existing fencing and gate configurations do not provide sufficient access control to prevent after-hours entry and entry during park closures. At multiple locations, the current barriers are insufficient to prohibit unauthorized entry and off-trail movement, limiting the City’s ability to effectively restrict access during high-risk periods and properly manage public safety within the wildland-urban interface.
To address these issues, the City issued a Request for Proposals seeking qualified contractors to design, supply, and install new commercial-grade fencing and gate systems at the Highpoint Entrance, Mountain Avenue Entrance, and Evey Canyon Entrance. The RFP details a comprehensive replacement and installation effort, including removal of ineffective fencing, site inspections, measurement verification, and installation of new chain link fencing and access gates constructed to current commercial standards.
These upgrades will enhance public safety, strengthen boundary protection throughout the park, and support long-term resource management. They will also ensure that emergency responders maintain reliable access consistent with operational needs and the City’s commitment to safe public use.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff evaluated the agenda item in relation to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it is consistent with the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, General Plan, 2024-26 Budget, and the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Master Plan.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Melissa Vollaro Luis Vaquera
Recreation and Human Services Director Recreation and Human Services Supervisor
Reviewed by:
Eric Ey
Recreation and Human Services Manager