Yuba City council members on Oct. 6 approved a security-fencing project for Sam Brannan Park, allocating an estimated $348,450 for the initiative, according to the council meeting transcript. This decision comes after the city temporarily closed the park on Sept. 1, prompted by concerns regarding public safety, transient drug use, cleanliness, and general public perception.
The approved financial package for the project carries an estimated total cost of $348,450. This sum includes a $303,000 construction contract awarded to Xeela Engineering LLC, a $30,300 contingency fund to address unforeseen issues, and approximately $15,000 designated for city administration expenses. City engineering staff provided these cost breakdowns during the council meeting. The council agenda packet further identified Xeela Engineering LLC as the low, qualified bidder for the project and formally authorized both the construction contract and the contingency allocation.
The base project, as approved by the council, specifies the installation of decorative perimeter fencing around Sam Brannan Park. It also includes the addition of new vehicle and pedestrian access gates to control entry and exit points. A key component of the plan involves upgrading the existing fencing around the park’s water-storage tank. Staff reported that the previous five-foot chain-link fence surrounding this critical area had been repeatedly breached, necessitating the enhanced security measures.
While the council approved the base bid for the security fencing, it did not include several proposed alternate projects that would have added further fencing. These unapproved alternates included fencing for an approximately one-acre dog park, additional fencing along an access road, and upgrades to areas near the park’s pickleball and tennis courts. City staff recommended proceeding with only the base bid at this time, citing bid pricing as a primary factor, and suggested that the dog-park fencing could be rebid at a later date. Furthermore, a council member raised the possibility of first establishing a maintenance agreement with dog-park supporters before advancing with that specific component of the plan.
The security fencing project is part of a broader remediation plan that the city is considering for Sam Brannan Park. This wider plan contemplates additional measures such as the installation of security cameras, upgrades to existing lighting, environmental remediation efforts, and a comprehensive restoration of public safety within the park. However, the Oct. 6 meeting did not establish a specific reopening date for Sam Brannan Park, nor did it set measurable criteria that would trigger its reopening. The public record also does not specify the schedule or anticipated costs for these further proposed security and restoration measures.
