TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Plans and Specifications No. R-7154 for landscaping-related improvements along the Long Beach Boulevard Metro Blue Line (Project); award a contract to STL Landscape, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA, in the amount of $1,560,000, with a 35 percent contingency in the amount of $546,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,106,000; and, authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a contract, including any necessary amendments;
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), to receive funding in support of the Project, in an amount not to exceed $1,800,000;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW) by $1,800,000, offset by revenue received from Metro; and
Accept Categorical Exemption CE-19-051. (Districts 1,2,6)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to enter into a contract with STL Landscape, Inc., to provide
landscaping-related improvements along the Metro Blue Line (Blue Line) within the Long Beach
Boulevard medians (Project).
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is making improvements
to Blue Line operations in Long Beach. These operational improvements do not include
necessary landscape repairs along the Blue Line route on Long Beach Boulevard between the
Willow Station and Downtown Long Beach (Attachment A). Long Beach Boulevard is a critical
north-south artery traveled by thousands of visitors and residents each day. Staff has evaluated
the area and prepared a landscaping improvement plan that will enhance the safety and
aesthetics of this important street corridor, while reducing long-term maintenance costs and
water consumption (Attachment B).
This bid was advertised in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on February 22, 2019, and 961
potential bidders specializing in construction and landscaping services were notified of the bid
opportunity. Of those bidders, 28 downloaded the bid via the City's electronic bid system. The
bid was made available by the Purchasing Division, located on the seventh floor of City Hall,
and the Division's website at www.longbeach.gov/purchasing. A bid announcement was also
included in the Purchasing Division's weekly update of Open Bid Opportunities, which is sent
to 28 local, minority, and women-owned business groups. Six bids were received on March 1,
2019. Of those six bidders, one was a Minority-owned Business Enterprise (MBE), one was a
Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), two were Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), and
none were Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) or Long Beach businesses (Local).
STL Landscape, Inc., of Los Angeles, CA (SBE), was the lowest responsible bidder.
Local Business Outreach
In an effort to align with the City's outreach goal, Long Beach businesses are encouraged to
submit bids for City contracts. The Purchasing Division also assists businesses with registering
on the PlanetBids database to download the bid specifications. Through outreach, 105 Long
Beach vendors were notified to submit bids, of which one downloaded, but none submitted a
bid. The Purchasing Division is committed to continuing to perform outreach to local vendors
to expand the bidder pool.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on March 14, 2019, by
Purchasing and Business Services Manager Sandy Tsang-Palmer on March 7, 2019, and by
Budget Analysis' Officer Julissa Jose-Murray on March 14, 2019.
SUSTAINABILITY
The landscaping related improvements will help reduce maintenance costs and water
consumption through the installation of more drought resistant landscaping, improved irrigation
controls, and the replacement of hard to reach vegetated areas with hardscape.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Categorical Exemption CE-19-051
was issued on February 21, 2019 (Attachment C).
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The Blue Line closure offers the City a limited opportunity to perform these necessary repairs
with minimized construction related impacts. City Council action to adopt the Project's Plans
and Specifications No. R-7154 and award a contract concurrently is requested on March 19,
2019, to move forward expeditiously with construction.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total Project cost is estimated at $3,600,000, which includes the contract award amount of
$2,106,000, including construction contingency, consulting services, design and construction
support services, inspection fees, project labor compliance, and project management. The total
project costs are supported by $1,800,000 in Proposition A funds and $1 ,800,000 of non-federal
Metro funds. The $1 ,800,000 in Proposition A funds are already appropriated in the
Transportation Fund (SR 182). An additional appropriation of $1 ,800,000 in the Capital Projects
Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department is requested, offset by revenues committed by Metro.
The Department of Public Works will be responsible for operating and maintaining the Project
site upon completion. The annual operating and maintenance costs are currently unknown but
are anticipated to require lesser maintenance as a result of this project. If additional
appropriation for maintenance is necessary, it will be requested as part of a subsequent budget
development process.
This project will result in a minimal impact to staff hours beyond normally budgeted scope of
duties and a minimal impact on existing City Council priorities. Approval of this recommendation
will provide continued support to the local economy. The number of additional local jobs created
by this project will not be known until the contractor has completed hiring and construction has
commenced.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER