SUBJECT:     REPORT ON BIDS AND AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN WEST IRRIGATION RENOVATION PROJECT AND ASSOCIATED APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS IN THE COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 CONSTRUCTION TAX AND PROPERTY CONVEYANCE TAX FUND AND THE CITYWIDE CONSTRUCTION TAX AND PROPERTY CONVEYANCE TAX FUND.

 

COUNCIL DISTRICT:  6

SNI AREA:  N/A

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:

1.   Report on bids and award of contract for the Municipal Rose Garden West Irrigation Renovation Project to the low bidder, Boulder Rock Landscape Construction, Inc., in the amount of $198,656, and approval of a contingency in the amount of $20,000.

2.   Adoption of the following Appropriation Ordinance amendments in the Council District 6 Construction Tax and Property Conveyance Tax Fund:

a.       Increase the Rose Garden Irrigation – West project by $69,000

b.      Decrease the Ending Fund Balance by $69,000  

3.   Adoption of the following Appropriation Ordinance amendments in the Citywide Construction Tax and Property Conveyance Tax Fund:

a.       Increase the Rose Garden Irrigation – West Plans and Specs project by $21,000

b.      Decrease the Ending Fund Balance by $21,000  

CEQA:  Exempt.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Municipal Rose Garden West is the turf and picnic area portion of the Municipal Rose Garden and is located on Naglee Avenue between Dana Avenue and Garden Drive (map attached).  This park has been designated as a historic park that is protected by the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 13.48 of the Municipal Code).  Residential areas surround the site on three sides and the community rose garden forms the remaining border.  The project area includes a large turf field surrounded by walkways, mature groves of trees and a picnic area.  The existing water pressure in the park is quite low and inadequate to support an extensive irrigation system.

 

In FY 2000-01, $90,000 was invested for an assessment study to address low water pressure conditions at the Municipal Rose Garden which, over the years, have been problematic and costly for maintenance.  Several alternatives were explored, including utilizing the existing low pressure water service without modification; replacement/upgrading of the existing service and mainline distribution system; and installation of a booster pump on the existing system to increase water pressure.  The study evaluated the effectiveness, cost/benefits and maintenance implications for each alternative.  It was determined that installation of a pressure booster pump was the most cost effective solution (as compared to replacement of the park water system) and would also save the City annual costs.

 

This study also evaluated alternatives to upgrade the inadequate park electrical system for connecting the proposed booster pump and to also accommodate anticipated service for future restroom improvements at the garden.  These improvements were incorporated into the final construction documents as part of the site improvements for this project.

 

The assessment study provided information for design modifications that will yield significant cost reductions for subsequent maintenance operations.

 

The community and the Visitor Services and Facilities Division of the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department identified the need for replacement of the turf and irrigation system which resulted in this project comprised of a new irrigation system, new turf planting with mowing bands and a booster pump within a screening enclosure fence.

 

A permit approval for the booster pump screening fence and the mowing band improvements was reviewed and approved by the Historical Preservation Committee of the Planning Department on July 11, 2001 and by the Director of Planning on July 18, 2001.

 

ANALYSIS

 

Bids were received on August 23, 2001 with the following results:

 

 

 

Contractor

 

Total

Bid

 

Variance

Amount

Over/

(Under)

Percent

Blossom Valley Construction, Inc.

  (San José)

$294,925

$69,925

31

Lone Star Landscape, Inc.

  (San José)

$248,400

$23,400

10

West Coast Engineering.

  (San Martin)

$233,220

$8,220

4

Engineer’s Estimate

$225,000

-----

-----

Boulder Rock Landscape Construction, Inc.

  (Livermore)

$198,656

(26,344)

(12)

 

The low bid, submitted by Boulder Rock Landscape Construction, Inc., in the amount of $198,656 is 12 percent below the Engineer's Estimate.  A comparison of the individual pay items revealed that the cost for all bid items was generally lower than the Engineer's Estimate.  Based on previous construction costs for similar work, the Engineer anticipated higher construction costs.  Staff has reviewed the bid and considers it to be reasonable for the construction work involved.

 

A contingency in the amount of $20,000 is requested for any unforeseen conditions that may arise during construction of this project.

 

An additional $90,000 is needed to complete the project due to the additional costs of the assessment study and the addition of a pressure booster pump, as noted above.  It is recommended that the funding be provided from the Citywide Construction and Conveyance Tax Fund and the Council District 6 Construction and Conveyance Tax Fund.

 

PUBLIC OUTREACH

 

This proposed project was listed on the City’s Internet bid line and advertised in the San Jose Mercury News and San Jose Post Record.  Bid packages for all Department of Public Works construction projects are routinely provided to a standard list of various contractor organizations, builder’s exchanges and disadvantaged business organizations, including United Minority Business Enterprises and the San Jose Minority Business Development Center.

 

COORDINATION

 

This proposed project was coordinated with the Departments of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, General Services, and Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, and the Offices of the City Attorney, Risk Manager, Budget and Equality Assurance.

 

COST IMPLICATIONS

 

1.         COST OF RECOMMENDATION:    $198,656

 

2.         COST OF PROJECT:

 

                        Assessment Study and Consultant Fee                                                       $  90,000

                        Project Development*                                                                                   10,000  Construction        198,656

                        Design & Construction Management*                                                            55,000

                        Contingency                                                                                                  20,000

                                    TOTAL                                                                                        $373,656

 

*Project development and design were performed in FY 2000-01.  Total project expenditures through Fiscal Year 2000-2001 were $117,000.

 

3.         SOURCE OF FUNDING:         391 – Construction/Conveyance Tax Fund 

                                                                        City-Wide Parks

                                                              384 – Construction/Conveyance Tax Fund

                                                                        Council District 6

 

4.         ESTIMATED START DATE OF CONSTRUCTION: October, 2001

 

5.                  ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE OF CONSTRUCTION:  March, 2002

 

BUDGET REFERENCE

 

Fund:
391

APPN:

6555

RC:

100763

Amount:

$35,000

Budget Document:
Appn. Ord. FY 01-02, Section 12.12, Item 2 (Z.14)

 

Fund:
384

APPN:

4207

RC:

107203

Amount:

$132,000

Budget Document:
Appn. Ord. FY 01-02, Section 12.06, Item 1 (p)

 

NONDISCRIMINATION

 

The City of San José Nondiscrimination Requirements are included in this project as required by Chapter 4.08 of the San José Municipal Code.

 

CEQA

 

Exempt.

 

 

RAJEEV BATRA                                                        LARRY D. LISENBEE

Acting Director, Public Works Department                   Director, Budget Office