To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
SUBJECT:
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Bid Authorization for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Department of Justice (DOJ) Consent Decree Barrier Removal at Freshwater Park, 3100 Freshwater Road, Eureka (4/5 Vote Required)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors receive and approve the plans and specifications for Freshwater Park Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Project; authorize the Purchasing Agent to sign the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA), now known as Sourcewell, cooperative purchasing agreement with Landscape Structures, Inc. for inclusive playground equipment and ground covering at Freshwater Park; authorize the Clerk of the Board to advertise the above-referenced project, pursuant to Section 22037 of the California Public Contract Code, with bids to be open on November 13, 2018; and approve the budget adjustment request in the amount of $115,958. (4/5 Vote Required)
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
ADA Internal Service Fund (ISF) (3552)
DISCUSSION:
On October 16, 2017, the County of Humboldt entered into a consultant services agreement with The KPA Group to design ADA improvements at Freshwater Park. The construction project will include accessible routes to amenities, such as compliant access and amenities to the picnic areas, volleyball court, as well other various locations throughout the park. The construction project will also include a remodel of the unisex restrooms located on the lower level to remove access barriers. In addition, the playground area of the park required barrier removal to its ground surface and playground features.
Due to the detailed nature of inclusive playground equipment, the county desires to contract with Landscape Structures, Inc., through the NJPA (now known as Sourcewell) Cooperative Purchasing Contract with Landscape Structures, Inc. to obtain discounted contract pricing as determined by the Cooperative Purchasing Contract without the need for competitive bidding. This is in compliance with the Humboldt County Purchasing Policy, section 6.8 Cooperative Purchases. A Cooperative Purchase is a purchasing method by which the county acquires goods or services through an existing contract established with other government entities. If a cooperative purchase agreement exists, it may be used in lieu of the county’s competitive process.
Playground equipment and color were chosen based on a study conducted as part of the Freshwater County Playground Renovation Project, in December 2014. This project study based its evaluation on a focus group of 2nd and 3rd grade students and parents of those students at Garfield School in Freshwater, and park visitors. In addition, the survey included neighbors along Freshwater Road and one on one interviews at the playground and Arcata Farmers Market. The summary of findings concluded children ages 6-8 enjoyed structures that are unique, and challenge their balance, imagination, and skill level. Survey results revealed that the children preferred complex structures; and, community input indicated that the playground equipment should incorporate green and yellow as the preferred colors. Staff reviewed the findings in the report, conferred with Public Works and took into consideration budgetary constraints to determine the number of large and small features for small children, school age children and accessibility. Staff then consulted with Ross Design, a partner of Landscape Structures, Inc., to design an inclusive playground at Freshwater Park.
Playground construction work will be performed under two separate contracts. The new ground cover and purchase and installation of new playground equipment will be under the Landscape Structures, Inc. contract. Removal of existing playground ground cover and playground equipment and preparation and installation of crushed stone base is included in the bid documents and will be awarded as part of that bid to the lowest responsive bidder.
The construction schedule is expected to be 120 calendar days and is anticipated to begin on December 10, 2018, and be completed by April 10, 2019, in time for the park’s summer recreation season.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the Freshwater Park project is s estimated at $643,480. Payments of $27,522, primarily for design services, were paid in the Fiscal Year 2017-18 budget. The ADA Compliance ISF included $500,000 in its Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget for this project. Cost estimates are higher than anticipated thus creating a need for a budget transfer. There are sufficient Funds in the ADA ISF fixed asset category to transfer $115,958 from object code 8842 ADA Capital Projects to 8609 Freshwater Park.
The item before you today supports your Boards’ strategic framework of fostering transparent, accessible, welcoming and user friendly services and enforces laws and regulations to protect residents.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board could choose not to approve the recommendations to approve the plans and authorization to bid and enter into the cooperative purchasing agreement. This is not recommended as the county may be subject to fines for non-compliance, as the Freshwater Park is a facility identified by the DOJ with ADA barriers that must be removed prior to the termination of the consent decree.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Specifications for ADA improvements at Freshwater Park
Attachment 2: Architectural Plans for ADA improvements at Freshwater Park
Attachment 3: Landscape Structures, Inc. Contract
Attachment 4: 2014 Freshwater County Playground Renovation Project Study
Attachment 5: Request for Budget Adjustment
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A