For City Council Meeting October 14, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Tanya Williams, City Manager
FROM: Tim Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Title
Request City Council to Authorize the Release of Bids for the Grace Vargas Senior Center Generator Installation, City Project No. 240201.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the release of bids for the Grace Vargas Senior Center Generator Installation, City Project No. 240201.
BACKGROUND:
The Grace Vargas Senior Center serves as far more than just a hall or activity space; it stands as a cornerstone of Rialto's community support network. The center enhances the lives of local seniors through a wide range of social, nutritional, and health-focused programs while also fostering meaningful community connections. Its comprehensive offerings, from daily meals to engaging events and wellness services, reflect its vital role in promoting quality of life, inclusion, and long-term well-being. Furthermore, the facility serves as a cooling center, providing a place of refuge for residents who lack air conditioning or cannot afford the increased electrical costs to operate their units during the summer months.
Given the frequency of utility-related power outages in the City of Rialto, the installation of a backup generator at the Grace Vargas Senior Center is a critical infrastructure enhancement to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the community's seniors and other patrons. In the event of a power outage, the facility is expected to serve as a community cooling station for seniors and other vulnerable residents, helping to prevent heat-related illnesses and fatalities. This is particularly important during periods of extreme heat when power failures are more likely and when seniors are most susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
A reliable backup power system at the senior center will ensure continuity of services, reduce the strain on emerg...
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