TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-6840 for the Termino Avenue Green Belt Restoration; and authorize City Manager to award a contract and sign all necessary documents with Yakar, Inc., in an estimated amount of $161,864, plus a 10 percent contingency amount of $16,186, if necessary, for a total of $178,050, and any amendments thereto except for an increase in the contract price. (Districts 3,4)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach (City) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) have been working together to alleviate flooding problems by construction of a storm drain in an area that extends from the intersection of Redondo Avenue and Anaheim Street southerly to the Colorado Lagoon. This proposed storm drain is referred to as the Termino Avenue Drain Project. On November 12, 2008, a City-County Agreement was executed for purposes of the design and construction of the project. The agreement specifies that the LACDPW will obtain all required permits, design and construct the project, and maintain the project exclusive of catch basins and related inserts, low-flow diversion facilities, and the required mitigation measure of protecting and restoring the native landscaping of Pacific Electric right-of-way affected by the construction of the project, all of which the City has agreed to be responsible for.
To comply with the required mitigation measure of protecting and restoring the native landscaping from a habitat known as the Greenbelt located on the Pacific and Electric (P/E) right-of-way between 7th Street and Termino Avenue that would be affected by the construction of the project, the City conducted a biological survey of the existing plant material. A set of plans were subsequently developed identifying the trees and plants to be protected in place as well as those to be removed, placed in containers and then replanted after the construction of the storm drain has been completed. In order to increase the survivability of the plant material, especially the native oak trees, it was agreed with LA County that the required plant relocation work would be done as the trees go dormant in the fall/winter period. In order to meet this timeline, bids have been obtained for this work, and staff is now recommending the contract be awarded and the work proceed at this time.
City Council's adoption of the plans and specifications and award of the contract to the lowest responsible bidder are being recommended concurrently in order to expedite implementation of this project. The project was advertised for bids on August 20, 2010, and bids were opened on September 16, 2010. 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 <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, 176 firms registered on the website were notified via automatic email notice including 22 located in Long Beach. Seven sets of bid documents were purchased by prospective bidders, and three bids were received. There were no local business, WBE, DBE, or MBE registered firms that submitted bids. Yakar, Inc., of San Dimas, California, has been determined to be the lowest responsible bidder.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy Burton on September 20, 2010, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on September 21, 2010.
SUSTAINABILITY
Preservation and restoration of the trees and plants within the greenbelt area of the P/E right of way affected by the Termino Drain construction will preserve a valuable drought tolerant landscaped, thereby reducing irrigation needs.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 12, 2010 in order to allow the trees and plant material to be relocated during their fall/winter dormant period and to accommodate an accelerated construction schedule that has advanced the Termino Avenue Storm Drain Project by three months. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works would like to begin construction in November 2010. Time consideration must be given to box and move trees located in the designated Greenbelt area.
FISCAL IMPACT
The contract amount is $161,864 plus a 10 percent contingency for estimated construction management and CIP overhead costs, for a total of $178,050. Sufficient funds are budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund (CP 201) in the Department of Public Works (PW). This action will generate approximately eight full-time equivalent jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER