Title
Resolution to Approve a Contract with JB Contractors, Inc. to Make Barrier Free Improvements to the Path System at the Leslie Science and Nature Center ($115,309.50)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a $115,309.50 contract with JB Contractors, Inc. to make barrier free path improvements at the Leslie Science and Nature Center.
The Leslie Science and Nature Center (LSNC) is a popular destination for people of all ages. Residents visit the park to walk the trails on site and the woods, and to visit the raptor exhibits, a unique opportunity. The site is also heavily used for programs and day camps.
The current path system is not barrier free and is difficult to navigate. The raptor enclosures, which house an eagle, owls, hawks and other raptors, and is one of the most popular features of the site, has no connecting pathway and is not ADA accessible. Access to the Critter House, which houses various small animals as well as day camps and other programs, is also not barrier free. The path system does not function well to serve buildings that have changed use over time, and it is difficult to figure out where to check in for programs or to find the enclosures. There are also several erosion issues that are due to the hilly topography of the site, and have caused flooding in the basement of the nature house, as well as runoff in the parking lot.
The goals of this project are to make the facility barrier free, to improve drainage and solve erosion problems, decrease impervious surfaces, improve circulation and clarify way finding. These goals are identified as infrastructure needs in the current Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan.
In order to address these issues, a master plan was developed in conjunction with the Leslie Science and Nature Center board. A public meeting was held to obtain input from neighbors. The board and citizens were enthusiastic about the planning effort and resulting plan. PAC unanimously recommended approval of this project at their June 19, 2012 meeting.
This contract would allow for the implementation of the first phase of the master plan, which includes the replacement of the path system connecting the buildings, as well as the construction of a new path connecting to the raptor enclosures. Future phases would include renovation of the parking lot, reconfiguration of the path system leading up to the buildings, and a new drop off area that would increase safety by creating better separation between vehicles and pedestrians.
The majority of the new paths will be concrete. However, the paths connecting the raptor enclosures will be constructed from a porous pavement manufactured from recycled glass. This material will not only be more environmentally sustainable, but will be used as a teaching tool for the environmental education programs that the LSNC promotes.
Bids were received from two contractors:
JB Contractors, Inc. $115,309.50*
Fonson, Inc. $197,459.00
*Lowest Responsible Bid
An invitation to bid was released for this project on May 21, 2012 and bids were due by June 7, 2012.
A 10% construction contingency ($11,531) is included to cover potential contract change orders to be approved by the City Administrator. It is requested that a $126,841.00 contract and contingency amount be approved for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year. Funding is available in the approved FY2012 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage.
JB Contractors, Inc. meets the living wage and prevailing wage requirements and received Human Rights approval on June 11, 2012.
Staff
Prepared by: Amy Kuras, Landscape Architect II
Reviewed by: Colin Smith, Parks & Recreation Services Manager
Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Body
Whereas, The pathway system at the Leslie Science and Nature Center is not barrier free, and there is no existing pathway that connects to the raptor enclosures;
Whereas, A master plan was prepared to address pedestrian circulation including improving barrier free access, constructing a path to the raptor enclosures, clarifying way finding and decreasing impervious surfacing;
Whereas, Competitive bids were received by Purchasing on June 7, 2012;
Whereas, JB Contractors, Inc. submitted the lowest responsive bid;
Whereas, JB Contractors, Inc. received Human Rights approval on June 11, 2012;
Whereas, The Park Advisor Commission unanimously recommended approval of this contract at the June 19, 2012 meeting;
Whereas, Funding for the project is available in the approved FY2012 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage; and
RESOLVED, That City Council approve a contract with JB Contractors, Inc. to make improvements to the pedestrian pathways at the Leslie Science and Nature Center and approve a construction contingency of $11,531.00 (10%) to cover potential contract change orders for a total contract amount of $126,841.00 for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution including the authority to approve change orders within the approved contingency; and
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute the contract after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney.