REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: NICHOLAS D. MASCIA, PE, Assistant City Manager
Interim Director-Capital Projects Department
BRIAN BARR, Director
General Services Department
BY: francisco V. magos II, PE, Assistant Director
Capital Projects Department, On-Site Project Management Division
MARSHALL SMITH, Project Manager
Capital Projects Department, On-Site Project Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Tower Theatre Fire Alarm Installation Project - Project ID FA00007 (Bid File 12500940) (Council District 1)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Approve Contract Change Order No.1 in the amount of $21,649 for a total contract amount of $190,849 and sixteen (16) additional working days, for the installation of new shunt trip breakers, conductors, and relays to shut down the power and amplification to both audio and visual systems with Cosco Fire Protection Inc of Fresno, California
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council (1) adopt of finding that the project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines; and (2) approve the Contract Change Order No.1 from Cosco Fire Protection Inc of Fresno, California which increases the contract amount by $21,649, for a revised contract total of $190,849, with sixteen (16) additional working days to install new shunt trip breakers, conductors and relays to shut down the power and amplification to both audio and visual systems for the Tower Theater Fire Alarm System Installation Project (Project) and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign this Contract Change Order No. 1 on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City Council adoption of the Categorical Exemption formally memorializes the project is exempt from CEQA guidelines pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1, and City Council approval of Contract Change Order No. 1, in the amount of $21,649, is recommended to support the continued progress of the Project. This change includes sixteen (16) additional working days, which will allow for the installation of new shunt trip breakers, conductors and relays to shut down the power and amplification to both audio and visual systems. The Contract Change Order will be funded using Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 appropriations adopted under the General City Purpose Department.
BACKGROUND
On December 3, 2024, an informal contract was awarded in the amount of $169,200 to Cosco Fire Protection Inc. of Fresno, California for the Tower Theater Fire Alarm System Installation Project. The contract was below formal bid limit of $177,000 and therefore did not require Council approval at the time of award. The original scope of work included design of the fire alarm system and related installation work of conduits for the fire protection system. This Contract Change Order No. 1 will increase the total contract in the amount of $21,649, for a total contract amount of $190,849, which is above the current formal threshold limit and now requires Council approval.
The approved Project plans originally identified the electrical circuit supplying the front of house mixing boards as the point where the fire alarm system would be connected. During construction, it was determined that this equipment does not have protection against power loss, making it unsuitable for this purpose. Upon further evaluation, it was determined that shunt trip circuit breakers are required to serve the stage lighting and sound systems. A shunt trip circuit breaker is a safety device that allows the fire alarm system to automatically shut off power to specific electrical equipment during an emergency. When the fire alarm activates, it sends a signal to the shunt breaker which then disconnects power to the designated circuit. This ensures that electrical equipment does not continue operating during a fire, potential ignition sources are eliminated, and emergency responders have a safer environment when entering the area.
Adoption of the Categorical Exemption formally memorializes the project as exempt from CEQA guidelines pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1. This Contract Change Order will provide funding needed and additional working days to complete the Project.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 Existing Facilities of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, which exempt repair, maintenance or minor alterations of existing public facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Furthermore, Staff have determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference does not apply to this action because this is a Contract Change Order to an existing Construction Contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this Contract Change Order No. 1 will have no impact on the General Fund. Funding for the Tower Theater Fire Alarm System Installation project is included in the FY 2027 adopted budget under the General City Purpose Department.
Attachments:
Environmental Assessment
Contract Change Order No. 1
Original Executed Contract
Vicinity Map
Location Map