Title
Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Amendment to Agreement with Verde Design, Inc., in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $109,920, for Estuary Park Phase 2 Engineering Support During Construction, for a Total Contract Amount of $405,745.
This project is categorically exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15301 (existing facilities), 15302 (replacement or reconstruction), and 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures). (Public Works C52500)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Estuary Park is an 8-acre park located at 201 Mosley Avenue. The first 4-acre phase of Estuary Park, which includes two synthetic turf athletic fields, was opened to the public in January 2019. The second phase is designed to be the primary neighborhood park serving Admiral’s Cove, Alameda Landing, Linnet Corner, Estuary I and other additional new housing to be built across from the park. It will also serve residents at Alameda Point, including those living at the Alameda Point Collaborative.
On June 6, 2023, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Verde Design, Inc. to provide engineering services for Phase 2 of the Estuary Park Project. A First Amendment is now needed, in an amount not-to-exceed $109,920, for Verde to provide bid support and construction administration services for Phase 2 of the Estuary Park Project through project completion. The total compensation for the service under the Agreement, as amended, shall not exceed $405,745.
BACKGROUND
In 2013, The Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) issued a Request for Qualifications for Landscape Architect firms for an Estuary Park renovation design. Four firms were selected for interviews and the panel unanimously chose Verde Design, Inc.
On February 18, 2014, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Verde Design, Inc. to provide design services for the Estuary Park Renovation, in an amount not to exceed $174,145.
On September 1, 2015, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the agreement with Verde Design, Inc. to add an amount not to exceed $35,300, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $209,445 for Design Services for Estuary Park.
On June 6, 2016, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a second amendment to the agreement with Verde Design, Inc. to add an amount not to exceed $69,975, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $279,420 for Design and Construction Administration Services for Estuary Park.
These agreements with Verde were for design and construction administration services for Estuary Park Phase I which opened to the public in January 2018.
On June 6, 2023, City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a new agreement with Verde Design, Inc. for Engineering services for Phase 2 of Estuary Park for a not to exceed amount of $295,825. This agreement is included as Exhibit 1.
DISCUSSION
In May 2023, funding for Phase 2 design and construction was secured in part through a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
The 100% design documents for Estuary Park Phase 2 are now under review by the Building Department. Staff expect to issue a formal invitation for construction bids in accordance with the City’s Purchasing Policy in the next few months.
A first amendment to the agreement with Verde is needed to extend the contract term, increase design fees to address new comments on 100% design and include engineering support services during project bidding and construction. This first Amendment included as Exhibit 2, is for an amount not-to-exceed $109,920, for a total contract amount of $405,745. Given Verde’s extensive familiarity with the Estuary Park project, there is both cost savings and time efficiency to utilize the firm for bid support and construction administration services.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the First Amendment to the Verde Agreement in an amount not-to-exceed $109,920 for Estuary Park Phase 2 bid support and construction administration services.
• Do not approve the First Amendment to the Verde Agreement for Estuary Park Phase 2 bid support and construction administration services and provide an alternative direction to staff, which may include issuing a Request for Proposal for these services. This alternative will delay the project and result in a firm less familiar with the project and have cost implications for another firm to familiarize themselves with the project.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding for design, including the proposed amendment, is available in the Capital Improvement Program (Project No. C52500) for Estuary Park Phase 2.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code. This supports the City of Alameda Strategic Plan project CS12 to complete design and construct Phase 2 of Estuary Park under the priority to Enhance Community Safety and Services. This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Similar to the Phase 1 constructed project, the Phase 2 proposed project consists of the rehabilitation and improvement of a previously existing park. Both Phases are consistent with the zoning and general plan designation for the property, and the improvements will be subject to the existing design requirements of the Alameda Municipal Code ensuring compatibility with adjacent land uses. For these reasons, the proposed project will not result in any significant environmental impacts and will be categorically exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15301 (existing facilities), 15302 (replacement or reconstruction), and 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures).
Separately, as part of the LWCF grant funding Phase 2 of the proposed project, the National Park Service (NPS) directed the City of Alameda (City) to complete cultural and biological studies to substantiate the City’s compliance with certain LWCF criteria. The California Dept. of Parks and Recreation, which manages LWCF funds on behalf of NPS, confirmed compliance with NPS criteria.
CLIMATE IMPACT
Estuary Park Phase 2 scope includes: promoting clean transportation options by incorporating EV charging stations within the new parking lot, complying with the City’s Zero Waste Implementation Plan to minimize solid waste disposal (including construction and demolition debris), minimizing the need for irrigation and, when necessary, utilizing only water-efficient irrigation systems, and mitigating excessive storm water runoff with the use of infiltration trenches and bioretention basins. In addition and also aligned with the City’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, is that the singular new Phase 2 structure, a pre-engineered public restroom building, will be all-electric for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to an agreement with Verde Design, Inc., in an amount not-to-exceed $109,920, for Estuary Park Phase 2 Engineering Support During Construction, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $405,745.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Jay Reed, Project Manager
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Acting Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Original Agreement
2. First Amendment to the Agreement