Title
Recommendation to Accept the Work of Suarez and Munoz Construction, Inc. for Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Phase A, No P.W. 15-16-09. (Recreation and Parks 280)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Construction of Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Phase A is complete and acceptable to the Recreation and Parks Department and Public Works Department. The park will open to the public on December 15, 2018.
BACKGROUND
Jean Sweeney Open Space Park (Sweeney Park) is a new, 25-acre community park located in the central west area of the island. This site is the former Alameda Beltline Railroad property that was secured by the City of Alameda at its original purchase price due to the advocacy efforts of long-time resident Jean Sweeney. The property is bounded by Constitution Way, Atlantic Avenue, and Sherman Street.
On July 5, 2014, the City Council approved the Sweeney Park Master Plan, which includes the Cross Alameda Trail. On July 9, 2016, the City Council approved a more detailed Sweeney Park design development plan.
On October 17, 2017, the City Council awarded a contract to Suarez and Munoz Construction Inc. for construction of the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Phase A.
DISCUSSION
The Sweeney Park Phase A project was completed in accordance with the plans and specifications, and is acceptable to the Recreation and Parks Department and Public Works Department. The final cost for this construction contract, including all extra work orders, is $4,070,565.
The acceptance of work and a recorded notice of completion is necessary because it triggers the contractor’s time for subcontractors to file any liens after which the retention may be released to the contractor.
On December 15, 2018, the Recreation and Parks Department and the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Foundation will host the park grand opening. The majority of the park will then be open to the public, which includes the Cross Alameda Trail running the length of the park as well as the completed park amenities on the east side with a playground, parking lot, restroom, open lawn area plus large and small picnic areas. The remaining undeveloped areas of the park will be open in its natural state, which will be maintained for safety by keeping bushes and trees trimmed and by providing basic lighting. Smaller areas will remain fenced for safety purposes. Once the order for immediate possession is approved by the court through pending eminent domain proceedings, then neighborhood access will be available at three southern streets at 8th Street, Wood Street and St. Charles Street. This is also pending an easement agreement with the Alameda Housing Authority for public use of St. Charles Street.
Future phases of the park will be constructed once eminent domain proceedings are complete and funding is identified.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The construction contract was completed in the amount of $4,070,565 with 17.7% of the contingency funds remaining, in the amount of $53,955. The project was budgeted in the Recreation and Parks Department Capital Improvement Project Fund (Project No. 91309) and was funded with monies allocated from the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, funds from the Del Monte Development Agreement, General Fund, Development Impact Fees, Open Space Fund, Historical Advisory Board Fund (Oak Tree Replacement) and generous donations from the Rotary Club of Alameda, Alameda Kiwanis, Alameda Community Foundation and the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Foundation.
The remaining project budget will be used to pay for the costs needed to open the park, such as fencing off unsafe areas, with the rest of the balance to be retained in the project for use towards the next phase of park construction.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
On July 15, 2014, the Council adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) that reflects minimal environmental impacts due to this project, and those that do occur are related to the construction period (e.g. dust, construction traffic, etc.). Those potential impacts have been identified and mitigations were implemented to minimize those impacts. The specifications and plans for construction were consistent with the adopted MND.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the work of Suarez and Munoz Construction for Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, No P.W. 15-16-09.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director