HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-14 - AGENDA REPORTS - HART PARK BARNYARD ANIMAL FEED FUNDING INCREASEO
Agenda Item: 9
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
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AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: April 14, 2026
SUBJECT: WILLIAM S. HART PARK BARNYARD ANIMAL FEED
EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY INCREASE
DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood Services
PRESENTER: Susan Nelson
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
Authorize an increase in expenditure authority in the amount of $40,004 with Fox Feed for
animal feed at the William S. Hart Park Barnyard, for an annual amount not to exceed
$90,000.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
In July 2025, the City of Santa Clarita (City) became the sole owner and operator of William S.
Hart Regional Park (Hart Park) following its transfer from the County of Los Angeles (County).
The transfer marked the City's 40th park and included continued operation of the Hart Park
Barnyard, which is home to approximately 82 animals including bison, donkeys, horses,
chickens, roosters, and other livestock that are part of the park's educational and recreational
programming.
As part of the transition of park operations, the City assumed responsibility for the daily care and
feeding of the barnyard animals. Providing consistent and appropriate feed is an important
component of maintaining animal health and ensuring the barnyard continues to operate safely
for both City staff and visitors.
In 2025, Fox Feed was approved as a sole -source provider for hay and forage used at the Hart
Park Barnyard. Fox Feed has historically supplied feed for the animals, including during County
operations, and has provided consistent, high -quality hay and animal feed. Maintaining a
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consistent feed source helps avoid fluctuations in nutritional content that can occur when
sourcing from multiple vendors. Additionally, it reduces the risk of feed refusal, waste, or
digestive issues, while also minimizing the potential for contamination from invasive weeds,
pests, or pathogens that may be introduced through varying sources. Due to the variability in hay
quality and nutritional composition, and the need to maintain a consistent feeding program for
animal health, transitioning to a new supplier would require a gradual and closely monitored
process that cannot be implemented without risk of digestive issues or disruption to operations.
As such, Fox Feed remains the only vendor able to provide the continuity required to support
ongoing barnyard operations at this time.
Since the City began operating Hart Park, staff has continued to procure feed from Fox Feed to
support daily barnyard operations. Feed needs vary depending on the number and type of
animals housed at the facility and are based on the nutritional needs of each species.
To ensure continued barnyard operations, staff recommends increasing the City's spending
authority with Fox Feed. The requested amendment would increase expenditure authority by
$40,004, bringing the total amount to $90,000, to support the purchase of feed for the animals at
the Hart Park Barnyard.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adequate funds have been previously appropriated as part of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget to
support the recommended actions within the Hart Park Grounds Maintenance Expenditure
Account 1407303-511101.
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