Honorable Mayor and Members of the Hermosa Beach City Council
Regular Meeting of November 3, 2022
Title
AWARD A CONTRACT FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR GREENBELT ACCESSIBLE TRAIL AND OTHER ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS TO SWA GROUP, INC.
(Public Works Director Joe SanClemente)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Award a contract for design services for Greenbelt Accessible Trail and other accessibility improvements to SWA Group, Inc. at a not-to-exceed amount of $129,980, for a term of two years ending November 3, 2024 (Attachment 4);
2. Authorize the Public Works Director to establish a $35,000 project contingency;
3. Authorize the City Manager to approve contract amendments up to the amount of the approved project contingency; and
4. Authorize the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest the proposed agreement subject to approval by the City Attorney.
Body
Executive Summary:
Following a competitive process, staff recommends City Council award the Greenbelt Accessible Trail and other accessibility improvements design services contract to SWA Group, Inc. at a not-to-exceed amount of $129,980, for a term of two years ending November 3, 2024.
Background:
As part of the City’s ongoing effort to increase accessibility, City Council held an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) study session on March 31, 2022. At the study session, staff presented the feasibility study for an accessible trail along the Greenbelt as part of Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Study 544 Greenbelt Accessible Path Assessment.
The feasibility study found that it is technically feasible for the City to make all, or a portion of the Greenbelt accessible provided that slope requirements are met and the pathway material is firm, stable, and slip resistant to meet current ADA standards. The existing wood chip pathway does not meet these requirements.
Another important criterion for the City is to maintain the natural look of the Greenbelt. To achieve this goal, the report recommended using a decomposed granite material, which resembles a fine gravel or coarse sand and can be obtained in different colors to best match the surroundings. The study also provided conceptual options, with various alignments, for an accessible pedestrian trail made of decomposed granite (DG).
After completing a thorough review, City Council selected the option that would retain the pathway in its current location and replace the woodchips with DG to create an accessible pedestrian trail from Pier Avenue to 8th Street (Attachment 1) as an initial pilot.
To further improve and increase accessibility, the project would also include: the redesign of up to eight adjacent curb ramps to bring them to current standards; improvements to adjacent ADA parking along Valley Drive; and safety enhancements to the existing pedestrian crossing in front of Clark Building, including installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB).
The design of the project is funded through CIP 502 Greenbelt Pedestrian Trail and CIP 604 City Wide ADA Improvements, which were created in the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget and Capital Improvement Program.
Past Commission and Council Actions
|
Meeting Date |
Description |
|
February 27, 2018 |
Council directed staff to continue to work with Access hermosa Working Group, Public Works Commission, and the City Attorney and return to the Council at a future meeting with recommendations for either (1) implementing the proposed Greenbelt modifications consistent with current zoning requirements, OR (2) providing the actions needed to place the issue of potential modifications to The Greenbelt as a ballot measure at a future election. Staff was further directed to include, in the agenda item presented to the Public Works Commission, a report from a landscape architect with opinions on options within existing zoning requirements, making clear that the issue is to be brought back as time allows. |
|
July 13, 2021 |
As part of the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget, City Council directed staff to return for a study session focused on the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program including efforts to complete the incomplete 2015 Draft ADA Transition Plan. |
|
March 2, 2022 |
Public Works Commission received and filed the draft ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan and the draft Feasibility Study for an Accessible Trail along the Greenbelt and recommended City Council approve the draft ADA Self -Evaluation and Transition with the incorporation of the Public Works Commission comments. |
|
March 31, 2022 |
City Council approved the option of removing the existing wood chip path and installing a DG accessible pedestrian trail on the Greenbelt from Pier Ave to 8th St. |
Analysis:
On September 15, 2022 the City issued RFP 22-008 (Attachment 3) inviting experienced and highly qualified design firms to submit a proposal for the design of the project through a competitive process. The RFP was advertised in the Easy Reader, on the City’s website, and on the City’s online bidding platform, PlanetBids. On October 6, 2022, a total of four proposals were received in response to the RFP. The proposing firms are listed below in alphabetical order:
• GLLB Studio;
• Hirsch & Associates;
• Kimley-Horn and Associates; and
• SWA Group.
The proposals were then evaluated in detail by staff based on the following criteria:
• Approach and Methods;
• Relevant Experience and Expertise;
• Timeframe and Cost; and
• Administration.
Based on a comprehensive review, staff recommends award of a contract for design services for Greenbelt Pedestrian Accessible Trail and other accessibility improvements to SWA Group, Inc. SWA Group was found to be highly qualified and has a strong understanding of the project with a clear and detailed approach to design. SWA Group is currently an on-call landscape architect and has completed other satisfactory designs for the City. The recommended specialist is also familiar with the City and the community’s concerns and sensitivity, in regards to the Greenbelt. SWA Group assisted with the feasibility study by preparing the initial concept designs for the DG accessible pedestrian trail that was presented to Council at its March 31, 2022 meeting.
If approved, SWA Group and staff would immediately begin design of the project. Design is estimated to be completed by May 2023. Bidding and construction would begin soon after completion of design and is currently estimated to be completed before the end of 2023. Once construction of the project is complete, staff would observe the pilot trail, with SWA Group to provide support, for any adjustments or improvements that may be needed.
General Plan Consistency:
This report and associated recommendation have been evaluated for their consistency with the City’s General Plan. Relevant Policies are listed below:
Mobility Element
Goal 3. Public rights-of-way supporting a multimodal and people-oriented transportation system that provides diversity and flexibility on how users choose to be mobile.
Policies:
• 3.1 Enhance public right-of-way. Where right-of-way clearance allows, enhance public right -of-way to improve connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, disabled persons, and public transit stops.
• 3.2 Complete pedestrian network. Prioritize investment in designated priority sidewalks to ensure a complete network of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly amenities that enhances pedestrian safety, access opportunities and connectivity to destinations.
• 3.10 Require ADA standards. Require that all public rights-of-way be designed per Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards by incorporating crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, and other components to provide ease of access for disabled persons.
Parks + Open Space Element
Goal 1. First class, well maintained, and safe recreational facilities, parks, and open spaces.
Policies:
• 1.4 Low-maintenance design. Promote environmentally sustainable and low maintenance design principles in the renovation, addition, or maintenance of parks and recreation facilities.
• 1.5 Evaluate community needs. Conduct a periodic review of community park needs and interests to inform maintenance and investment priorities.
Goal 4. Direct and accessible routes and connections to parks, recreational facilities, and open space are provided.
Policy:
4.4 ADA accessible park access. Install ADA and universally accessible amenities and equipment so that all parks, beach, and trail networks are accessible to all persons.
Fiscal Impact:
The design fee for the Greenbelt accessible path, and other adjacent accessibility improvements, is $129,980. Staff recommends a $35,000 contingency for a total design budget of $164,980.
CIP 502 Greenbelt Pedestrian Trail has $550,000 of funds for the project. A portion of those funds will be used for design. Since the design includes accessibility improvements to the adjacent curb ramps, ADA parking spaces, and Clark building crossing, a portion of the $200,000 available from CIP 604 City Wide ADA Improvements, which is dedicated to fund accessibility improvements throughout the City, will also be used. Staff is exploring additional funding opportunities to supplement or replace City funds through Los Angeles County and South Bay Cities Council of Governments for design and construction.
Maintenance of the DG accessible pedestrian trail will be required. Grooming of the DG is recommended once a year and replenishment approximately every five years. Early estimates indicate that maintenance cost will be similar if not less to the maintenance cost of the wood chip path.
|
Agreement Request |
|
Request Amount |
FY 2022-2023 Budget Dept. Account # |
Total Contract Amount |
|
$164,980 |
122-8502-4201, 301-8502-4201, 301-8604-4201 |
$164,980 |
Attachments:
1. Approved Conceptual Design
2. RFP 22-008
3. SWA Group Proposal
4. Draft Professional Service Agreement
5. Link to February 27, 2018 City Council Staff Report
6. Link to July 13, 2021 City Council Staff Report
7. Link to March 2, 2022 Public Works Commission Staff Report
8. Link to March 31, 2022 City Council Staff Report
Respectfully Submitted by: Andrew Nguyen, Associate Engineer
Concur: Lucho Rodriguez, City Engineer
Concur: Joe SanClemente, Public Works Director
Noted for Fiscal Impact: Viki Copeland, Finance Director
Legal Review: Mike Jenkins, City Attorney
Approved: Suja Lowenthal, City Manager