Title
Recommendation to Accept the Work of BrightView Landscape Development Inc. for Alameda City Hall West Lawn Conversion, Project No. P.W.11-22-28.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), and 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources). (Public Works 31041520)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 3, 2023, City Council awarded a contract to BrightView Landscape Development Inc. (Brightview) to convert the lawn at City Hall West to a drought tolerant landscape. The improvements executed under the subject contract are complete in accordance with project plans and specifications. Staff recommends City Council acceptance of the work.
BACKGROUND
On September 8, 2021, City Council directed staff to implement strategies that reduce municipal operations water consumption in response to the drought emergency. One strategy supported by City Council was the conversion of the existing landscaping at City Hall West, among other City owned buildings, from large areas of turf that require heavy watering to more drought-tolerant plantings that conserve water.
City Hall West at Alameda Point is a City Council designated historic monument and a site contributor to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Place in 2012. As a larger historical site, a Cultural Landscape Report was prepared for NAS Alameda to document the site’s character-defining landscape features as well as provide guidance for maintenance and preservation. On September 1, 2022, the Historic Advisory Board approved a Certificate of Approval to convert the lawn at City Hall West to a drought-tolerant landscape.
DISCUSSION
On October 3, 2023, the City Council awarded a contract in the amount of $462,847.55 including contingencies to Brightview. (File No. 2023-3355) The project was constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications. The final cost, including all extra work orders, is $458,889.29, which is $3,958.26 less than contract award.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve acceptance of the completed project.
• Do not approve acceptance of the completed project and provide direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funds for this project were appropriated as a Fiscal Year 2021-22 Midyear Budget adjustment to the Capital Improvement Program (project C17000). The project was funded with monies allocated from the General Fund. A $7,583 rebate was obtained from East Bay Municipal Utility District.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
Converting the lawn at City Hall West to a drought tolerant landscape is Project C11 in the City’s Strategic Plan under the Build Resilience to Climate Change and Water Level Rise priority.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with CEQA, this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities), 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), and 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources).
CLIMATE IMPACTS
Three percent of the nation's energy is used to pump and treat water, so conserving water conserves energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution. In addition, the frequency, intensity, and duration of drought events is expected to increase with climate change. Implementing measures that lead to permanent water use reductions will build resiliency in the face of climate change.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the work of BrightView Landscape Development Inc. for Alameda City Hall West Lawn Conversion, Project No. P.W.11-22-28.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret L. O'Brien, Finance Director