AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: July 16, 2024
Item Number:
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Mandana Motahari, City Architect
Eli Benitez, Associate Project Manager
Subject: AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO PLUMBING BY TODD R. MARSH, INC. DBA TRM SERVICES FOR THE TROUSDALE
GATEWAY/SEAT SHELTER REHABILITATION PROJECT AT 900
N. HILLCREST ROAD; AND
APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE ORDER IN THE NOT-TO-EXCEED
AMOUNT OF $228,390; AND
APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFOR
WITH RESPECT TO DESIGN CRITERIA
Attachments: 1. Contract
2. Historic Reference Memorandum
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Approve the award of a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Plumbing by Todd R. Marsh, Inc. DBA TRM Services, for the Trousdale Gateway/Seat Shelter Rehabilitation Project in the amount of $198,600; and
2. Approve a construction contingency in the amount of $29,790 (15%); and
3. Approve a purchase order to Plumbing by Todd R. Marsh, Inc. DBA TRM Services in the not-to-exceed amount of $228,390; and
4. Approve the plans and specifications as detailed in the bid documents, which are adopted and approved with respect to design criteria; and
5. Consider finding the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Meeting Date: July 16, 2024
INTRODUCTION
Built in 1956, the flanking portals, paved parking area and the integrated covered seat shelter demarcate the formal entrance gateway to Trousdale Estates. The structure’s period style is of historic significance. Unfortunately, due to heavy rains of the past two years, the structure has suffered damage to its roof framing and requires rehabilitation.
Proposed improvements will replace the roof framing, add new roofing, replicate ceiling panels, restore the carved wood fascia and will bring the structure to its original looking state.
Background
The 450-acre Trousdale Estates was developed by Paul W. Trousdale in 1954. The original covenants of the development dictated 3,000 square foot minimum and singlestory design of homes that ensured large, well-designed homes that would contribute to the luxurious and opulent feeling of the neighborhood. Many of the homes were designed by “Master Architects”. Allen Siple was the supervising architect and head of the design review board for Trousdale Estates early developments.
In 1956, Allen Siple was commissioned to construct a pair of monumental gateway masonry walls at the northeast and northwest corners of Doheny and Hillcrest roads to demarcate the formal entrance to Trousdale Estates. The mention of the entry gates was often included as a selling point in the early classified advertisements listed in the Los Angeles Times. The entrance gates also included a “street entrance seat shelter” which was incorporated within the permanent stone entrance gateway walls along the east side of Hillcrest Road.
The work by Siple included not only the two elaborate entry gates and walls but also two paved parking areas for automobiles visiting the once extant sales and information office that was situated within the covered seat shelter from 1957 until 1965. There are rumors that the shelter in later years was a place where the maids and housekeepers who worked in the Trousdale neighborhood could be picked up and dropped off, but this speculation has not been confirmed.
The Trousdale gateway and seating shelter are representative of the early residential development of Trousdale Estates; the distinguished architectural characteristic is valuable to a study of period, style, method of construction, and craftsmanship, which are historically important in manifesting and exemplifying the City’s rich architectural heritage.
Over sixty years later, the flanking stone portals, paved parking areas, and integrated covered seat shelter remain extant with good historical integrity.
DISCUSSION
The structural firm of Brandow & Johnston was engaged to evaluate existing structural conditions at the Hillcrest Shelter located on the corner of North Hillcrest Road and Doheny Road and to provide a design solution for the repairs of the damaged structure. The base bid scope of work includes the replacement of a dry rotted structural beam, new roof framing and roofing, new ceiling light fixtures, restoration of the doors to the storage rooms and the restoration of the carved wood fascia.
On May 31, 2024, bid documents were posted on PlanetBids for informal bidding in accordance with Public Contract Code Section 22034 to general contractors on the City’s Meeting Date: July 16, 2024
list of prequalified general contractors specialized in restoration of historic structures. On June 5, 2024, two (2) contractors attended the mandatory site walk.
Two alternates were included in the bid documents as follows.
ALTERNATE NO. 1 – Provide an additive alternate to remove and replace one (1) existing rough sawn wood beam.
ALTERNATE NO. 2 – Provide an additive alternate cost to remove approximately 136 square feet of existing concrete paving on the northeast side of the site and replace with exposed aggregate concrete paving to match existing.
On June 25, 2024, two (2) bids were received as follows.
Basis of Selection
The bid documents specify that the low bid is determined by the sum of the base bid, plus all alternates, and the compensable delay cost for twenty days.
Plumbing by
Todd R. Marsh,
DBA TRM KC Restoration
Services Co., Inc.
Base Bid $183,450 $223,185
Alternate No.1 $ 4,800 $ 7,900
Alternate No.2 $ 10,350 $ 10,000
20-Day Delay $ 0 $ 2,000
Basis of Selection
Total $198,600 $241,085
Selected Bid
Base Bid $198,600
15% Contingency $ 29,790
TOTAL $228,390
The bids were reviewed, and the lowest responsible bidder is Plumbing by Todd R. Marsh, Inc. DBA TRM Services. The contractor submitted a responsive bid and, as reported by the State Contractors Licensing Board, maintains a license that is current and in good standing. Plumbing by Todd R. Marsh, Inc. DBA TRM Services has successfully performed on similar City projects in the past and is qualified to complete this project.
A contingency of $29,790, 15% of the contract amount, is recommended for changes due to unforeseen conditions to successfully complete the work. Expenditures from the contingency will be made utilizing the Change Order process in the Beverly Hills Municipal Code upon adequate written justification and substantiation.
The bid documents specify that all work under the contract shall be completed within 60 calendar days from the date specified in the notice to proceed, resulting in an estimated completion of approximately October 2024.
Meeting Date: July 16, 2024
Environmental Review
Approval of the Trousdale Gateway/Seat Shelter Rehabilitation Project was assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines and the environmental regulations of the City. Staff believes the approval of the proposed improvements is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the “Existing Facilities” Section 15301 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations because the work involves no expansion of use within the existing gateway/seat shelter. Based on the foregoing, staff recommends City Council find that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT
The $228,390 for the project is available as part of Fund 810 Capital Improvement Program (CIP 00815), Miscellaneous and Unplanned Construction Projects.
Shana Epstein,
Director of Public Works
Approved By
Attachment 1
1 CONTRACT
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
CONTRACT FOR
THE TROUSDALE GATEWAY/SEAT SHELTER REHABILITATION PROJECT AT
900 N. HILLCREST ROAD
THIS CONTRACT (“Contract”) is made and entered this 16th day of July 2024 (“Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS, a California municipal corporation (“City”) and Plumbing by Todd R. Marsh, DBA TRM Services (“Contractor”). Contractor’s license number is 536475.
In consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Contract Documents. The Contract Documents consist of this Contract, the Notice Inviting Bids, Instructions to Bidders, Bid (including documentation accompanying the Bid and any post-Bid documentation submitted before the Notice of Award), the Bonds, permits from regulatory agencies with jurisdiction, General Provisions, Special Provisions, Plans, Standard Plans, Standard Specifications, Reference Specifications, Addenda, Change Orders, and Supplemental Agreements. The Contract Documents are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Contract and any incorporated documents, the terms of this Contract shall control.
2. Scope of Services. Contractor shall perform the Work in a good and workmanlike manner for the project identified as THE TROUSDALE GATEWAY/SEAT SHELTER REHABILITATION PROJECT AT 900 N. HILLCREST ROAD (“Project”), as described in this Contract and in the Contract Documents.
3. Compensation. In consideration of the services rendered hereunder, City shall pay Contractor a not to exceed amount of One Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand, Six Hudred Dollars ($198,600) in accordance with the prices as submitted in Contractor’s Proposal, attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
4. Incorporation by Reference. All of the following documents are attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference: Workers’ Compensation Certificate of Insurance; Additional Insured Endorsement (Comprehensive General Liability); Additional Insured Endorsement (Automobile Liability); and Additional Insured Endorsement (Excess Liability).
5. Antitrust Claims. In entering into this Contract, Contractor offers and agrees to assign to the City all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 16700) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the California Business and Professions Code) arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials pursuant to the Contract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the City tenders final payment to Contractor without further acknowledgment by the parties.
6. Prevailing Wages. City and Contractor acknowledge that this Project is a public work to which prevailing wages apply. The provisions of Section 7.A of the General Provisions shall apply and are mandatory for this Project.
7. Workers’ Compensation. California Labor Code Sections 1860 and 3700 provide that every contractor will be required to secure the payment of compensation to its employees. In accordance with the provisions of California Labor Code Section 1861, by signing this Contract, the Contractor certifies as follows:
“I am aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers’ compensation or to under take self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code, and I will comply with such provisions before commencing the performance of the Work of this Contract.”
8. Titles. The titles used in this Contract are for convenience only and shall in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of this Contract or any part of it. 2 9. Authority. Any person executing this Contract on behalf of Contractor warrants and represents that he or she has the authority to execute this Contract on behalf of Contractor and has the authority to bind Contractor to the performance of its obligations hereunder.
10. Entire Agreement. This Contract, including any other documents incorporated herein by specific reference, represents the entire and integrated agreement between City and Contractor. This Contract supersedes all prior oral or written negotiations, representations or agreements. This Contract may not be modified or amended, nor any provision or breach waived, except in a writing signed by both parties which expressly refers to this Contract.
11. Counterparts. This Contract may be executed in counterpart originals, duplicate originals, or both, each of which is deemed to be an original for all purposes.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed the Contract the day and year first above written.
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
By:
LESTER J. FRIEDMAN, Mayor
ATTEST:
By:
HUMA AHMED
City Clerk
Dated:
(“CONTRACTOR”)
By:
Printed Name:
Title:
By:
Printed Name:
Title:
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
By: By:
LAURENCE S. WIENER NANCY HUNT-COFFEY
City Attorney City Manager
By:
SHANA E. EPSTEIN
Director of Public Works
[Signatures continue]
3 By: ____________________________________
MANDANA MOTAHARI
City Architect
By:
SHARON L'HEUREUX DRESSEL
Risk Manager
By:
ANTHONY RODSTEIN
Purchasing Services Manager
Attachment 2
P.O. Box 542
Long Beach, CA
562.500.9451
1 Ostashay & Associates
CONSULTING
Memorandum
To: Mandana Motahari, AIA, City Architect Date: 06/28/2024 City of Beverly Hills
From: Jan Ostashay, Principal OAC
cc: Mark Odell, Urban Designer
Re: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road Overview
At the request of the City of Beverly Hills Public Works Department, Ostashay & Associates Consulting (OAC) has conducted a historical background investigation into the history of the seat shelter structure located adjacent the Trousdale entry gates at the intersection of Doheny and Hillcrest roads. As part of the scope of work, we have collected and reviewed relevant background information on the structure and immediate area to ascertain its historical context, including building permits, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, tax assessor data, city directory information, historical aerial photographs, and numerous online library collections and academic repositories. The following content of this memo is provided to you as an informational resource.
Background
In 1954, developer Paul W. Trousdale (1914-1990) purchased 410 acres of the Doheny Ranch east of Greystone Mansion in the hills above Beverly Hills. This area was then developed and promoted as an exclusive enclave called Trousdale Estates with 540 original home sites set on terracing parcels to maximize views for each homesteader. The original covenants of the development dictated 3,000 square foot minimums and single-story design of homes that ensured large, well-designed homes that would contribute to the luxurious and opulent feeling of the neighborhood. Renowned architects including Wallace Neff, Paul R. Williams, Rex Lotery, A. Quincy Jones, Lloyd Wright, Edward H. Fickett, Cliff May, and the like designed many of the homes. Referred to as “Master Architect” of the development, Allen Siple (1900-1972) was the supervising architect and head of the design review board for Trousdale Estates. Siple had oversight approval for each custom designed home and also designed several himself.
In the summer of 1956, a permit was issued to Allen Siple to construct a pair of monumental gateway masonry walls at the northeast and northwest corners of Doheny and Hillcrest roads to demarcate the formal entrance to Trousdale Estates. Rough-hewn and massive, these stone entry portals were, as noted architectural historian Alan Hess referenced in his book Forgotten Modern, California Houses 1940-1970, “intended to evoke an image of a great historic estate to confer prestige on the large, modern houses marching up the hillside on cut-and-fill lots.” The mention of the entry gates was often HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 2 included as a selling point in the early classified advertisements listed in the Los Angeles Times. In a Los Angeles Times article dated August 26, 1954, it notes that “the main entrance to the estate will be on Doheny Road and for complete privacy the entrance will be through gates with no lots fronting on Doheny Road.”
In December 1956, Siple was issued another permit for the construction of a “street entrance seat shelter,” which was incorporated within the permanent stone entrance gateway wall along the east side of Hillcrest Road. Situated within narrow city easements of two parcels addressed as 900 North Hillcrest Road and 400 Robert Lane, the work by Siple included not only the two elaborate entry gates and walls, but also two paved parking areas for automobiles visiting the once extant sales and information office that was situated within the covered seat shelter from 1957 until 1965. Originally referenced as a bus shelter, but never used as such, the City Council allowed temporary use of the stone and redwood framed structure as a sales office during the development of Trousdale Estates. The covered structure with its ornately carved fascia served as the only control point within the large Trousdale Estates development. It served as a focal point where various members of the city and county could meet with members of the development team and collect data and information necessary in association with their oversight of the tract’s development. The structure also served as the tract office for potential home buyers (the actual main sales office was located at 340 North Camden Drive).
After years of extending the “temporary” variance agreement between the city and Trousdale Construction Company, it eventually expired July 31, 1965. The sales office, which had been operated by the general sales agent Willard J. Lewis & Associates for the Trousdale Construction Company, was vacated in August 1965. There are rumors that the shelter in later years was a place where the maids and housekeepers who worked in the Trousdale neighborhood could be picked up and dropped off, but this speculation has not been confirmed.
Over sixty years later, the flanking stone portals, paved parking areas, and integrated covered seat shelter remain extant and intact with good historical integrity. They were all designed for Paul W.
Trousdale as signatory elements to the overall iconic identity that is Trousdale Estates by master architect Allen Siple, who is included on the City’s List of Local Master Architects. Because of their association with the early residential development of Trousdale Estates; aesthetic and artistic value; and distinguishing architectural characteristics valuable to a study of a period, style, method of construction, and craftsmanship they collective are historically important in manifesting and exemplifying the City’s rich architectural heritage.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 3 Sources
“A Desert Retreat.” Los Angeles Times, September 18, 1955, p.I14.
Anderson, Robert S. Beverly Hills: The First 100 Years. New York: Rizzoli, 2014.
Architectural Digest (AD) Archives. Available through https://archive.architecturaldigest.com. Accessed June 25, 2024.
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Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals. Available through the Los Angeles Public Library. Accessed June 25, 2024.
Basten, Fred E. Beverly Hills: Portrait of a Fabled City. Los Angeles: Douglas-West Publishers, 1975.
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City of Beverly Hills. Application for Zone Variance: 900 N. Hillcrest, October 4, 1961.
City of Beverly Hills. Resolution Temporary Variance: 900 N. Hillcrest, March 26, 1962.
City of Beverly Hills. Building Permits, 900 North Hillcrest Road, 400 Robert Lane. Available online at https://cs.beverlyhills.org/cs/. Assessed June 25, 2024.
City of Beverly Hills. Covenant, Variance Acceptance: 900 Hillcrest Road, April 10, 1962.
City of Beverly Hills. Chronological Report from June 1956 to April 1962, Trousdale Entrance Walls, Bus Shelter, and Real Estate Sales Office. City of Beverly Hills City Council.
Clare, Nancie. In The Spirit of Beverly Hills. New York: Assouline Publishing, 2013. “Classified Advertisement, Real Estate: Trousdale Estates.” Los Angeles Times, July 28, 1957. “Classified Advertisement, Real Estate: Trousdale Estates.” Los Angeles Times, June 15, 1958. “Classified Advertisement, Real Estate: Trousdale Estates.” Los Angeles Times, November 6, 1960.
Davis, Genevieve. Beverly Hills: An Illustrated History. Northridge, California: Windsor Publications, Inc., 1988.
“Doheny Ranch Property Sold to Subdividers.” Los Angeles Times, August 26, 1954, p.13.
Gebhard, David and Robert Winter. Architecture in Los Angeles. Salt Lake City, Utah: Peregrine Smith Books, 1985.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 4 Gebhard, David and Robert Winter. An Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles. Salt Lake City, Utah:
Gibbs Smith Publishers, 2003.
Getty Research Institute. Architecture & Design Collections (online). Available at https:// getty.libguides.com/architecture_design/welcome. Accessed June 26, 2024.
Google Books. Available at https://books.google.com. Searched relevant research topics and contexts; and histories and themes of subject property, neighborhood, Trousdale Estates, Paul Trousdale, developer, Allen G. Siple, architect, etc. Accessed June 25, 2024.
Gross, Michael. Unreal Estate. New York: Broadway Books, 2011.
Hess, Alan and Alan Weintraub. Forgotten Modern: California Houses 1940-1970. Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith, Publisher, 2007.
Hise, Greg. Magnetic Los Angeles. Baltimore, Maryland: The John Hopkins University Press, 1997.
Historic Aerial Images, 1947-2005. Accessed at http://historicalaerials.com., June 26, 2024.
Historic Aerial Photographs. University of California, Santa Barbara, Special Collections, UCSB Library, Frame Finder. Accessed June 26, 2024.
Johnson Heumann Research Associates. Beverly Hills Historic Resources Survey 1985-1986 Final Report.
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Leap, Norris. “Family Close-Up: Paul W. Trousdale: Builder of 20,000 Homes.” Los Angeles Times, June 1, 1958, p.D1.
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Los Angeles Public Library. On-line historical and image database archives and files. Accessed June 25, 2024.
“Model Homes Preview Set.” Los Angeles Times, August 23, 1959, p.F21. “Vital Records-Deaths: Allen Siple.” Los Angeles Times, January 14, 1973. “Obituary: Jean Vick Trousdale.” The Aspen Times, April 2, 2021.
Oliver, Myrna. “Paul Trousdale, Developer and Innovator, Dies.” Los Angeles Times, April 12, 1990. “Paul Trousdale, Developer and Innovator Dies.” Los Angeles Times, April 12, 1990. “Paul Trousdale developer in Isles.” Honolulu Advertiser, April 12, 1990.
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 5 “Photo Standalone 17—No Title.” Los Angeles Times, July 8, 1956, p. E14.
Price, Steven M. Trousdale Estates: Midcentury to Modern in Beverly Hills. New York: Regan Arts, 2017.
Price, Steven M, author and recognized authority on the development of Trousdale Estates, personal communication via email correspondence with author, June 26, 2024.
ProQuest Historical Newspapers: Los Angeles Times (1881-1988). Accessed June 25-26, 2024. “Realty Office Must Be Vacated.” Los Angeles Times, August 1, 1965, p. WS4.
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Seidenbaum, Art. “Stone House in the Canyon.” Los Angeles Times, March 16, 1977, p. F1.
Spitz, H. May. “Real Estate: Trousdale.” Los Angeles Times, August 8, 2004.
Trousdale Estates Homeowners Association. “History and other Facts.” History and other Facts (trousdaleestateshomeownersassociation.com) Accessed June 26, 2024.
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Wanamaker, Marc. Images of America: Beverly Hills 1930-2005. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing, 2006.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 6 Supporting Material
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 7 LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARCEL MAPS (CROPPED):
Northeast corner Doheny and Hillcrest roads easement area indicated by dotted lines Northwest corner Doheny and Hillcrest roads easement area indicated by dotted lines HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 8 Site map for new single-family home at 900 North Hillcrest Road, May 1970 (existing stone walls and seat shelter indicated at bottom left) HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 9 1956 (June) Permit: Stone Gateway and Walls
1956 (December) Permit: Seat Shelter
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 10 Ornately carved redwood fascia on seat shelter structure Stone entry portal (northeast corner of intersection)
Stone entry portals with owl detailing
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Trousdale Seat Shelter, 900 N. Hillcrest Road 11 Doheny and Hillcrest roads Intersection, 1937 Doheny and Hillcrest roads Intersection, 1955 Doheny and Hillcrest roads Intersection, 1958 Doheny and Hillcrest roads Intersection, 1959 Doheny and Hillcrest roads Intersection, 1960 Doheny and Hillcrest roads Intersection, 1971