TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-6918 for the Atherton Street Enhancement Project between Bellflower Boulevard and Studebaker Road;
Award the project to and authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into a contract with Green Giant Landscape Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in an estimated amount of $745,339, plus a 15 percent contingency of $111,800, for a total of $857,140, and any necessary amendments thereto; and
Increase appropriations in the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund
(SR 181) in the Department of Public Works (PW) in the amount of $703,000. (District 4)
DISCUSSION
On January 16, 2007, the City Council authorized the City Manager to apply for and accept Federal grant funds through the 2007 Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (Metro) Call for Projects, which will provide funding for transportation projects from FY09 - FY14. One of the projects for which funding was requested and approved was the design and construction/rehabilitation of 1.5 miles of center island medians along Atherton Street between, Bellflower Boulevard and Studebaker Road. The MTA approved the grant for $703,000 with a matching local contribution in the amount of $202,412 for the construction of the project.
The construction project will consist of the removal and replacement of thirty-two (32) trees, addition of median hardscape, replacement of curbs and gutters, as needed, installation of new plantings and a new irrigation system. This street enhancement project will enrich the experience of over 37,000 pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and autos daily along Atherton Street.
On March 9, 2011, the Department of Public Works entered into a contract with Albert Grover and Associates for design development of the Plans, Specifications and Estimate for the project. Upon completion, the design plans were submitted to Caltrans for approval and authorization to proceed. The authorization from Caltrans to proceed with construction was received on October 31, 2012.
The project was advertised for bid on November 9, 2012, and bids were opened December 12, 2012. In addition to placing an advertisement for bids in the Long Beach Press Telegram, bid documents were made available through the City's weblink at, <http://www.PlanetBids.com>, in a continuing effort to increase participation of local businesses, Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). Bid documents were also sent to several trade publications and plan rooms catering to these groups within the construction industry.
For this bid, 1,141 firms registered on the website were notified via automatic email notice, including 132 located in Long Beach. Fifty-two sets of bid documents were downloaded or purchased by prospective bidders and thirteen bids were received. Of the bidding firms, one is a local business, one is certified MBE and one is certified WBE. There was one DBE registered firm that submitted a bid. Green Giant Landscape, Inc., of La Habra, CA (not a DBE, MBE or WBE), has been determined to be the lowest responsible bidder.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on January 2, 2013, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on January 8, 2013.
SUSTAINABILITY
An extensive array of California native and other low-maintenance, drought-resistant shrubs, plants and trees will be planted with this project. The irrigation system will be a highly water-efficient subsurface drip type, and existing "smart" irrigation controllers will be upgraded and reprogrammed to meet project needs. In addition, recycled wood mulch will be used to retain soil moisture and deter weed growth. All landscaping and irrigation will conform with water-conservation legislation and best practices. Decorative concrete in the median islands will utilize recycled, tumbled blue-colored glass on the surface as an attractive visual feature.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, a Categorical Exemption CE-53-10 has been issued for this project on December 9, 2010. In addition, a categorical exclusion CE 201007017 was secured under the National Environmental Policy Act on September 20, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on January 22, 2013, to authorize commencement of this Public Works project. Work is anticipated to begin in March and take approximately six months to complete.
FISCAL IMPACT
This Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) grant funding is currently unbudgeted. Therefore, an appropriation increase of $703,000 is requested in the Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund (SR 181) in the Department of Public Works (PW). The local match requirement in the amount of $202,412 is budgeted in the Transportation Fund (Proposition C) (SR182) in PW. There is no impact to the General Fund. The number of additional local jobs created by this project will not be known until the contractor completes its hiring and construction has commenced.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER