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Santa M1iunica~
City Council Meeting: June 14, 2011
Agenda Item: ~'-'~
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Martin Pastucha, Director of Public Works
Subject: Tree Relocation and Removal and Site Demolition Contract for Palisades
Garden Walk
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a contract with American Landscape, Inc., aCalifornia-based company, for tree
relocation and removal and site demolition services at the Palisades Garden Walk
project site in an amount not to exceed $913,000 (includes a 10% contingency).
Executive Summary
This site preparation work is a significant component of the overall Palisades Garden
Walk and Town Square project. This proposed contract will provide tree relocation,
removal, and site demolition services that are required in order to prepare the park site
for the importation of 55,000 cubic yards of soil from the Village Housing Development
in fall 2011. Staff recommends American Landscape, Inc., for the project with a total
project cost no# to exceed $913,000.
Background
The design of the Palisades Garden Walk calls for four distinct "hills" ranging in height
from 6 feet. to 18 feet. These were features that were included in the City Council
review of schematic design on December 14, 2010. A large amount of earth,
approximately 55,000 cubic yards, will be required to create this dramatic topography.
The opportunity to achieve significant. cost savings for the soil procurement requires
some advance site preparation, including tree relocation and site demolition, prior to the
anticipated start of construction.
The excavation for the Village Housing Development (Village), which is directly adjacent
to the park, is scheduled for fall 2011. The soil from this excavation, which has been
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tested and shown to be clean, is suitable for the Palisades Garden Walk project site.
Although the park construction is not scheduled to begin until summer 2012, the
preparation to receive the soil and the eventual use of soil from the Village site will save
the park project an estimated $2.8 million.
This work includes the relocation of 58 trees (including the "Three Amigos," the three
giant Ficus trees that are intertwined) to locations in the new park where they will
permanently reside or to new locations within the City. Two Ficus trees, which have
been in serious decline for some time, will be removed from the site and not relocated.
The demolition of the asphalt surface and numerous above ground site features (signs,
light .pole, parking kiosks, security gate arm, wheel stops, bollards, etc.) and the
installation of protective fencing for all of the replanted and existing trees are part of this
scope.
On April 13 2011., staff presented an Information Item updating Council on the current
status of the Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square Project, including this site
preparation work.
Discussion
The City issued a Notice Inviting Bids for tree relocation and removal and site demolition
services on March 23, 2011. The notice was published in the Santa Monica Daily Press
and posted on the City's website. The City Clerk's office received two formal bids that
were publicly opened by the Deputy City Clerk on April 3, 2011. The bid results are as
follows:
Bidder
American Landscape, Inc.
Environmental Tree & Design
Total Base Bid
$830,000
$1,329,314
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Staff from the Public Works and Community and Cultural Services Departments
evaluated the bids based on qualifications, fees, direct experience on similar projects,
public sector work, .hourly rates for services, understanding of the project's scope,
approach to the work, qualifications of: proposed staff and scheduling of project
activities. American Landscape, Inc., is recommended for its clear understanding of the
project, track record on projects of similar size and scope, competitive bid, and excellent
references. Projects completed by American Landscape, Inc., include Big League
Dreams Sports Park for the City of West Covina, Los Amigos Golf Course for the
County of Los Angeles, and Anaverde Park for private developer Empire Land in the
City of Palmdale. Staff contacted reference agencies and all reported that American
Landscape, Inc., performed very well on their projects. The Contractors State License
Board of California verified that American Landscape, Inc.'s license is current, active,
and ih good standing.
CEQA Review
Pursuant to CEQA, environmental impacts associated with Palisades Garden Walk and
Town Square were addressed in the Santa Monica Civic Center Specific Plan EIR SCH
#2003011074 (certified by the City Couhcil on June 28, 2005). In particular, the EIR
analyzed construction traffic, construction air quality, geology, and historic impacts that
could occur as a result of development of the parks in the Civic Center. The Palisades
Garden Walk and Town Square Design meets the parameters of this park project
analyzed in the CCSP EIR. The analysis within -the EIR considered site grading
(export import) as well potential historic issues. The current design of Palisades Garden
Walk and Town Square would not result in new significant impacts and/or an increase in
the severity of previously identified significant impacts. Rather, the current design of
Palisades Garden Walk, which includes four "hills", would reduce the need for soil
export/import due to the re-use of fill from excavation. from another CCSP project, the
Village Housing project, and consequently, would result in reduced impacts relative to
construction traffic, construction air quality, and geology. In addition, as identified in the
EIR, mitigation measures were incorporated to ensure that the Town Square would not
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have a significant impact on the historic City Hall. None of the conditions described in
CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 have occurred which would necessitate additional
environmental review.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
The contract amount to be awarded to American Landscape, Inc., is $913,000. Funds
are included in the FY2010-11 budget at account 0170772.589000, Civic Center
Planning and Design.
Prepared by: Jean Bellman, Architect
Approved:
Martin Pastucha
Director of Public Works
Forwarded to Council:
`'~~
-Rod Gould '~
City Manager
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Reference Contract No.
9378 (CCS)