TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to amend Contract No. 31470 with Mark Sauer Construction for the construction of a visitor's education center, to add construction of a new entryway for Rancho Los Cerritos in an estimated amount of $254,666, plus a 10 percent contingency amount of $25,467, for a total of $280,133, and execute any documents necessary for the implementation and administration of the project; and
Authorize City Manager to submit an application to the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation (Foundation) and receive a gift of grant funds totaling $336,160 from the Foundation; and increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP 201) in the Department of Public Works (PW) in the amount of $336,160. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
In accordance with the Rancho Los Cerritos Master Plan approved in concept by the City Council in 2002, the Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department (PRM), in conjunction with the Public Works Department, is currently building a visitor education center and restoring the arroyo at Rancho Los Cerritos (Rancho) under a contract awarded to Mark Sauer Construction on December 15, 2009 for $1,943,636. At the time of award, an entryway alternative to improve site security, provide pedestrian access to the new arroyo trail, enhance aesthetics, and tie current master plan improvements together, was not included due to insufficient funds.
Between January and July 2010, the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation secured sufficient private donations to fund construction of the entryway as outlined in the bid alternate, and staff is recommending that the contract be amended to include the alternate at this time. The entryway alternate will include a monument wall and new signage. There will be a stamped concrete pattern in front of the driveway, signaling to visitors that they have arrived at this National Historic Landmark property. A pedestrian gate adjacent to the vehicular driveway gates will connect to the new arroyo trail and visitor education center; this will enhance visitor safety by enabling visitors to avoid car traffic when parking on Virginia Road or in an overflow parking lot. A call box and cameras at the gates will allow staff members to monitor the entryway from the visitor education center, and additional lighting will also improve security.
The total estimated cost for the entryway alternative including contingency, construction management and overhead is $336,160. The funding is being provided by the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation. Upon approval by City Council, the Foundation has agreed to deposit $336,160 in an interest-bearing escrow account for withdrawal by the City for quarterly reimbursements of construction costs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy Burton on September 13, 2010 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on September 27, 2010.
SUSTAINABILITY
Landscaping to follow the project will blend with new landscaping in the restored arroyo and will be native, reducing irrigation needs.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 16, 2010, in order to amend the contract with Mark Sauer Construction in time to allow completion of the entryway in tandem with completion of the visitor education center and arroyo restoration.
FISCAL IMPACT
The contract amendment amount is $254,666, plus a 10 percent contingency, and 20 percent for estimated construction management and CIP overhead costs, for a total of $336,160, which will be totally reimbursed by the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation. An appropriation increase in the full amount of $336,160 for the Foundation grant is requested. The funds will be budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund (CP 201) in the Department of Public Works (PW). There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation, and there will be no impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION
AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER