$174,815 contract with 4LEAF, Inc. for fire prevention support services

In plain English

The City Council would hire the firm 4LEAF, Inc. to help the Watsonville Fire Department catch up on and run its fire prevention program, for no more than $174,815. 4LEAF would supply a Fire Inspector, a Fire Protection Engineer, and a Project Manager to do required fire and life safety inspections and reinspections, organize records, build an inspection schedule, and set up tracking and billing of inspection fees. The firm would also help the department design the staffing, processes and technology to run the program itself after the contract ends. A yes vote approves the contract and lets the City Manager sign it.

Watsonville has about 2,700 buildings and businesses needing fire prevention oversight — including schools, hotels, apartment complexes, daycares, assisted living facilities, and commercial and industrial businesses — and the city says staffing shortages have left inspection backlogs, so people who live, work, learn or stay in those buildings are affected.

Key facts

• Contract amount not to exceed $174,815, awarded to 4LEAF, Inc.
• Watsonville Fire Department oversees approximately 2,700 occupancies requiring varying levels of fire prevention oversight and inspection.
• The 2019-2020 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury Report identified deficiencies in the department's inspection of schools, hotels, apartments, and licensed residential care facilities as required under California Health and Safety Code provisions.
• The City issued a Request for Proposals on May 8, 2026; staff recommends 4LEAF, Inc. after reviewing the proposals received.
• 4LEAF would provide a Fire Inspector, Fire Protection Engineer, and Project Manager, and must file FPPC form 700s and 805s (conflict-of-interest disclosures) under section 19 of the contract.
• The item is on the consent agenda, meaning it can be approved along with other items in a single vote unless a council member pulls it for discussion.