REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BRIAN BARR, Director
General Services Department
BY: ROBIN O’MALLEY, Facilities Manager
General Services Department, Facilities Management Division
CRAIG RICCI, Project Manager
General Services Department, Facilities Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Parking Garage 8 High Priority Repairs project:
1. Adopt finding a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 Existing Facilities of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Award a construction contract to Ashron Construction and Restoration, Inc., of Galt, CA, in the amount of $945,288.00 for the Parking Garage 8 High Priority Repairs project located at 1077 Van Ness Avenue (Bid File 12500160) (District 3)
3. Authorize the Director of General Services or designee to sign and execute all related documents
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council adopt a finding of a Categorical Exemption, award a construction contract to Ashron Construction and Restoration, Inc. in the amount of $945,288 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Garage 8 High Priority Repairs project and authorize the Director of General Services or designee to execute all related documents.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Parking Garage 8, originally built in the 1960s, requires safety repairs to keep it structurally sound for years to come. An assessment of the parking garage was performed in 2016 by Walter P. Moore and Associates, whose report recommended high, medium, and low priority repairs for the structure. The proposed Parking Garage 8 High Priority Repairs project addresses all high priority repairs identified in the assessment, which includes repairs to concrete, walls, and stairs. It also includes the installation of new safety bollards around stairs and elevators. These proposed repairs will provide public safety improvements and will extend the parking structure’s lifespan.
BACKGROUND
Parking Garage 8, located at 1077 Van Ness Avenue, provides 968 total parking stalls that are used for both monthly and daily parking for Downtown Fresno. The three-level underground structure is located on the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Tulare Street. The parking garage provides optimal parking for several businesses in the surrounding area. The structure was built in 1966 and there are several elements within the structure that need repair to maintain a safe operation for vehicles and pedestrians alike.
The proposed repairs were identified as high priority repairs in the 2016 Walter P. Moore Condition Assessment report which includes repairs to concrete, walls, and stairs. It also includes the installation of new safety bollards around stairs and elevators.
During the repair period, the garage will remain open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as well as during scheduled events. To accommodate parking permit holders, a minimum of 40% of parking spaces will be available on each level while the repairs are underway. Only one level will be repaired at a time to minimize disruption. Additionally, repairs to the entry and exit lanes on each level will be carried out from 6:00 p.m. Fridays through 6:00 a.m. on Mondays.
Plans and specifications for the Parking Garage 8 High Priority Repairs project were prepared by Brooks-Ransom Associates, Inc. A Notice Inviting Bids was published on January 6, 2025, distributed to ten (10) building exchanges, and posted on Planet Bids. The specifications were distributed to thirty-nine (39) prospective bidders. Four (4) bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on April 1, 2025, with the bid amounts ranging from $945,288.00 to $1,498,000.00. Staff determined Ashron Construction and Restoration, Inc. is the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
The City Attorney has approved the contract as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff has determined that a Categorical Exemption is appropriate, based on Section 15301 Existing Facilities of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, which exempts repair, maintenance or minor alterations of existing public facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Furthermore, Staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project. Staff recommends the Council, based upon its own independent judgment, adopt finding of a Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines for the Garage 8 High Priority Repairs project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented, as the four responsive and responsible bidders are not local as defined in Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-108(d).
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no impact to the General Fund. The funding is included in the adopted FY2025 General Services Department Facilities Management budget.
Attachment:
Bid Evaluation and Fiscal Impact Statement
Standard Contract