TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Resolution authorizing City Manager to execute a contract with Knoll, Inc., to provide products to furnish the reconfiguration of the Development Services Center and associated space occupied by Planning and Building on the fourth, fifth, and seventh floors of City Hall, according to the terms and conditions afforded to Fairfax County, Virginia on behalf of the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance for an amount not to exceed $485,000. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
For the past 15 years, the Department of Planning and Building has occupied office space on the fourth, fifth, and seventh floors of City Hall. During this period, service additions to the Development Services Center (DSC), staffing additions to meet service demands, and the reorganization of the Planning Bureau have been accommodated without major improvements. This approach created inefficient areas that no longer serve customer needs, jeopardized efforts to maintain a safe work environment, and does not allow for the integration of new technology. The City of Long Beach is constantly challenged to improve services to the public. The reconfiguration of Planning and Building will improve public services and increase efficiencies.
The DSC, on the fourth floor of City Hal1,'opened in July 1990 to provide the public a central one-stop location to apply for business licenses and permits. Over the years there have been several service additions to improve customer service and make use of available technology, which include over-the-counter plan check, installation of self-service terminals to allow customers to search for permit information on properties, and addition of staff to keep up with the robust construction activity in the City. Although service additions were made, no physical improvements were performed to fully accommodate the changes.
The increase in construction activity has caused heavier use of the counter and the public areas, and the expansion of the...
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