SR-03-17-2015-3DCity Council Meeting: March 17, 2015
Agenda Item: 3 ° p
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Susan Cline, Interim Director of Public Works
Subject: Professional Services Agreement for the North Beach Playground Project
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Award Request for Proposals (RFP) #SP2374 to Patrick Tighe Architecture, Inc.,
a California -based company, to provide design services for the North Beach
Playground Project.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a professional services
agreement with Patrick Tighe Architecture, Inc. (PTA) in an amount not to exceed
$146,896 (includes a 10% contingency).
3. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue any necessary modifications to
complete additional work within budget authority.
Executive Summary
This agreement would provide design services for playground improvements on Santa
Monica State Beach north of the Santa Monica Pier. In September 2014, the City
published a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design services for the North Beach
Playground project. After reviewing proposals, staff recommends Patrick Tighe
Architecture, Inc. to provide design services for the North Beach Playground project in
an amount not to exceed $146,896.
Background
During the FY 2013 -14 budget adoption, Council authorized a feasibility study to identify
play opportunities on the beach north of the Pier. The only play areas on the north
beach are the playground at the Annenberg Community Beach House (Beach House)
and two sets of old swings near Montana Avenue. Since the Beach House opened in
2009, usage of the facilities and other amenities in the area has increased as indicated
by the rise in parking utilization at beach parking lots 1150, 930 and 810 PCH. The total
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number of cars parked in these three lots has increased 62% from 118,385 to 192,072,
from FY 2011 -12 to FY 2013 -14
The North Beach Play Area Study completed by Mia Lehrer and Associates, analyzed
the distance between the Beach House and the Pier (1.4 miles or a 28 minute walk) and
identified three potential sites for playgrounds: Montana Avenue, California Avenue and
Arizona Avenue. The Montana Avenue location was recommended as the first phase in
North Beach Playground project due to its location adjacent to restrooms, the 810 PCH
parking lot, and the Montana Avenue pedestrian overpass. An additional advantage at
this site is that the playground may be located east of the bike path to avoid children
and families having to cross the bike path to reach the playground. Historically, this
location has had play equipment; however, most play pieces have been removed due to
age. Only two old swing sets remain. A new playground would activate this area of the
beach for both visitors and north side residents who may access the playground via the
pedestrian overpass from Palisades Park.
Discussion
This project would include the first phase of playground improvements on Santa Monica
State Beach north of the Santa Monica Pier that have been identified in the North Beach
Play Area Study completed in January 2014 (Attachment A). Subsequent phases would
be dependent on available funding in the Beach Fund. The design options identified in
the existing study are not intended to be guiding principles that inform the proposed
design but would be used as a starting point in terms of scope and program.
Consultant Selection
On September 29, 2014, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design
services for the North Beach Playground Project. The RFP was posted on the City's
online bidding website and notices were advertised in the Santa Monica Daily Press in
accordance with the City Charter and Municipal Code provisions. A total of 115 vendors
were notified and 93 vendors downloaded the RFP. The following eight proposals were
received and publicly opened on November 3, 2014:
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• Community Works Design Group
® David Volz Design
® Hirsch & Associates
® Katherine Spitz Associates, Inc.
• LA Design Group
• Mia Lehrer Associates
® Patrick Tighe Architecture
• Troller Mayer Associates
City staff from Public Works and Community & Cultural Services evaluated proposals
based on criteria listed in the RFP including:
• Previous innovative design experience in the creation of parks and playgrounds
to guide the North Beach Playground Project.
• A track record of professionally acknowledged, award winning and innovative
design work.
• Proposed cost and unit cost break down for comprehensive design services.
• Timely completion of prior assignments.
• Thorough knowledge of California codes and regulations.
• References.
After interviewing the four highest ranking firms, Staff selected Patrick Tighe
Architecture, Inc. (PTA) as the best qualified firm. PTA offers a strong and cohesive
project team which includes Ahbe Landscape Design, with demonstrated experience in
the design of parks and playgrounds and collaborative public engagement processes
with municipal clients, including design and professional services for Airport Park (City
of Santa Monica), Reflections Mini Park (City of Carson), and Jonny Carson Park
Revitalization (City of Burbank). Additionally, PTA's rates are competitive with the other
proposals submitted. Based on these criteria, staff recommends Patrick Tighe
Architecture, Inc. to provide design services for the North Beach Playground Project at a
cost not to exceed $146,896.
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Next Steps
Dependent upon Council approval of the recommended action, staff anticipates the
following project timelines:
• Initial design phase (including community outreach and entitlements) — spring
2015
• Submit information item to Council on the proposed design —fall 2015
• Completion of design phase — spring 2016
• Return to Council for authorization to award a construction contract — summer
2016
• Start of construction — fall 2016
• Complete construction — spring 2017
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The agreement to be awarded to Patrick Tighe Architecture, Inc. is for an amount not to
exceed $146,896 (includes a 10% contingency). Funds are available in FY 2014 -15
Capital Improvement Program budget in account 0119070.589000, Beach Playground
Enhancements.
Prepared By: Tom Afschar, Architect
Approved: Forwarded to Council:
Susan Cline Elaine M. Polachek
Interim Director of Public Works Interim City Manager
Attachment:
A — North Beach Play Area Study
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Reference:
Agreement No. 10039
(CCS)
Attachment A is available at
the City Clerk's Office
File with Staff Report 03/17/2015, Item 3D
Within Legislative File 303 -027