REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Randall W. Morrison, PE, Director
Capital Projects Department
AARON A. AGUIRRE, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services Department
BY: francisco V. magos II, PE, Assistant Director
Capital Projects Department, Utilities and On-Site Project Management Division
ARMANDO CERVANTES, Engineer II
Capital Projects Department, Utilities and On-Site Project Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Willow and Balch Play Structure Replacement Project Bid File No. 12400566 (Council District 7):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff’s determination, pursuant to Section 15301 and 15302 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $457,290 to R E Schultz Construction, Inc. of Orange, California, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Willow and Balch Play Structure Replacement Project
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council (1) adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per Staff’s determination, pursuant to Section 15301 and 15302 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and (2) award a construction contract to R E Schultz Construction, Inc. of Orange, California, in the amount of $457,290 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department (PARCS) proposes to replace the former play structure damaged by a fire at Willow and Balch Park with an improved play area enhancing park guest experience, safety, and accessibility. Staff recommends Council award the construction contract in the amount of $457,290 to R E Schultz Construction, Inc. The construction contract will be funded using Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations from Measure P and the General Fund.
BACKGROUND
The Willow and Balch Play Structure Replacement Project is located at the northwest corner of Balch Avenue and Willow Avenue. The existing play structure was damaged due to a fire. The design for the replacement and improvement of the play area was initiated through a consultant agreement with Quad Knopf, dba QK, on November 17, 2022, using FY 2023 General Funds. The scope of the project includes: construction of an accessible path of travel, new accessible picnic table, park bench, soft-fall safety surfacing, and play equipment at the park.
The Notice Inviting Bids was advertised and published in the Business Journal, Planet Bids, and posted on the City’s website on September 25, 2023. Eight (8) building exchanges received the Notice Inviting Bids. The specifications were distributed to twenty-six (26) perspective bidders, two (2) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on October 24, 2023, with bids ranging from $457,290 to $614,025. The expiration date of the bids is December 24, 2023. If the bids are rejected or expire the project must be rebid which will result in a delay of approximately 120 days.
Staff recommends Council award a construction contract to R E Schultz Construction, Inc. of Orange, California, in the amount of $457,290, to construct the Willow and Balch Play Structure Replacement Project, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign and execute the standardized contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
The Community Workforce Agreement (PLA), adopted by Council in September 2021, does not apply to this contract because the engineer’s estimate for this project was less than $1 million, pursuant to the terms of the PLA.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved this item as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA guidelines, Section(s) 15301 and 15302 because the project includes minor alterations to existing facilities and shall replace existing structures and facilities, with new structures located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
The second lowest bidder, American Paving Company, is a Local Business as defined by the Fresno Municipal Code, however, Local Preference does not apply as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder’s amount was less than $500,000.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Willow and Balch Play Structure Replacement Project is in District 7. The project is funded through Measure P and General Funds appropriated in FY 2024 and will have no net additional impact to Measure P or the General Fund.
Attachment(s):
Environmental Assessment
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Standardized Contract
Vicinity Map
Location Map