Title
Recommendation to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Suarez & Munoz Construction Inc. for Alameda City Hall Lawn Conversion, Project No. P.W. 02-22-05, for a Not to Exceed Amount of $204,445. (Public Works 31041520)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 8, 2021, the City Council directed staff to implement strategies that reduce water use at city facilities as a response to the current drought. One strategy supported by the City Council is the conversion of the existing landscaping at City Hall, among other City of Alameda (City) owned buildings, from large areas of turf that require heavy watering to more drought-tolerant plantings that conserve water. Staff entered into contract with a landscape architect to design the lawn conversation at City Hall. On December 2, 2021, the Historical Advisory Board (HAB) approved a Certificate of Approval to convert the lawn at City Hall to drought-tolerant landscaping. Following an online survey and a community meeting, public input was integrated into the final design and the project publicly bid. Staff recommends that the City Council award the proposed contract to the lowest, responsive bidder, Suarez & Munoz Construction, Inc., to convert the lawn at City Hall to a drought tolerant landscape.
Following a bleak California snow survey and driest January to March on record, on April 26, 2022 the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) elevated its drought response to Stage 2 and now is mandating a 10% district wide water use reduction target.
BACKGROUND
At its April 27, 2021 Board of Directors meeting, the EBMUD voted to declare a Stage 1 drought shortage based on projections that water runoff will fall below what is needed to refill EBMUD's reservoirs. On July 8, 2021, California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed an Executive Order calling for a voluntary 15% reduction in water use. On September 8, 2021, the City Council ...
Click here for full text