AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: September 22, 2026
Item Number:
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Mandana Motahari, City Architect
Ji Kim, Project Manager
Subject: AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO WESTERN STATE BUILDERS, INC., FOR THE ARNAZ MINI PARK PLAYGROUND
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT; AND
APPROVAL OF A CORRESPONDING PURCHASE ORDER IN
THE NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $83,985.00; AND
APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFOR
WITH RESPECT TO DESIGN CRITERIA; AND
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), CITY COUNCIL WILL
ALSO CONSIDER FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM
FURTHER REVIEW UNDER CEQA
Attachments: 1. Contract
2. Project Plans and Specifications
3. Conceptual Design Rendering
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council:
1. Approve the award of a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Western State Builders, Inc. for the Arnaz Mini Park Playground Project, in the amount of $69,985.00; and
2. Approve a construction contingency in the amount of $14,000.00 (20% of the contract amount); and
3. Approve a purchase order in the not-to-exceed amount of $83,985.00; and
BEVERLY
HILLS
id
Meeting Date: September 22, 2026
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 further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
INTRODUCTION
Arnaz Mini Park, located at 151 N. Arnaz Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, is one of the City's seven Municipal Mini Parks, and the land was deeded to the City in 1925 for development into a neighborhood park. The mini park underwent major improvements and was rededicated in 2008. The 7,500 square foot park includes hardscape and landscape areas with mature trees, a water feature, a small picnic area, and a 475 square foot playground. As part of the 2008 improvements, a fire engine play structure was installed on a new poured-in-place rubber surface and has since served as the sole play equipment at this playground. While regular maintenance has been performed, the play equipment has reached its useful life and is due for replacement.
DISCUSSION
On February 11, 2026, the conceptual design of the playground renovation, prepared by landscape architectural firm of Mark Tessier Landscape Architecture, Inc. (MTLA), was presented to City Council, which directed staff to proceed with construction documents and bidding. The improvements include play equipment in the form of colorful cubes, suitable for climbing in, on, and through, creating play experiences in small spaces, while the interiors of the cubes provide tactile play amenities. Framing the playground environment are freestanding colorful poles with oversized butterfly shapes on top, creating whimsical elements and butterfly shade patterns on the ground. All proposed changes are designed to work within the limited area of the existing safety surface geometry.
City staff further engaged with MTLA landscape architects and Brandow & Johnson, California licensed structural engineering firm, to prepare bid documents, including plans and specifications. The scope of work includes removal of existing play equipment and replacement with new equipment, including foundation work, partial or full replacement of poured-in-place rubber surfacing, and installation of new butterfly structures.
On August 14, 2026, bid documents were issued to all pre-qualified contractors. The bid documents included four alternate bid items as follows:
Alternate #1: Additive alternate cost for full replacement of existing playground safety surface.
Alternate #2: Base bid includes removal of existing play equipment footings. Provide deductive alternate cost to leave existing footings (not conflicting with new required footings) in place.
Alternate #3: Additive alternate cost to furnish and install off-site prefabricated butterfly structure ‘A’.
Alternate #4: Additive alternate cost to furnish and install off-site prefabricated butterfly structure ‘B’.
Meeting Date: September 22, 2026
Basis of Selection
On September 8, 2026, two (2) bids were received as shown below.
Western State
Builders, Inc.
R E Schultz
Construction, Inc.
Base bid $ 55,122.00 $ 61,670.00
Alternate #1 $ 14,863.00 $ 14,785.00
Alternate #2 $ (500.00) $ (2,000.00)
Alternate #3 $ 39,941.00 $ 59,769.00
Alternate #4 $ 39,941.00 $ 46,962.00
20 days delay $ 36,000.00 $ 24,000.00
Basis of Selection Total
(Base + Alt #1 + Alt #3 + Alt #4) $ 185,867.00 $ 207,186.00 The bid documents specify that the low bid is determined by the sum of the Base Bid, Alternates #1, #3, and #4, plus the compensable delay cost for 20 days. After review of the bids, staff has determined that Western State Builders, Inc. is the lowest responsible bidder, has submitted a responsive bid, and, as reported by the State Contractors Licensing Board, maintains a license that is current and in good standing. The bidder possesses a valid Class A or a combination of Class A and D-34 Prefabricated Equipment contractor license as required by the bid documents. Therefore, staff recommend City Council approve an agreement with Western State Builders, Inc. for this work.
Staff notes that while the conceptual design presented to City Council at the February 11, 2026 study session included the freestanding butterfly structures (Alternates #3 and #4), the bid costs for these elements have come in significantly higher than originally estimated. Current market conditions, including escalated prices for aluminum and steel and the impact of tariffs on prefabricated elements, have resulted in a high cost for the butterfly structures. The bids for these elements are approximately double the original projected estimates. Therefore, staff recommend not accepting Alternates #3 and #4 ($79,882.00) due to increased cost and recommend only Alternate #1 to be added to the base bid. The conceptual rendering of the butterfly structures, as presented to City Council at the February 11, 2026 study session, is included for reference herein as Attachment 3.
A contingency of $14,000.00, 20% 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 contract and pursuant to Beverly Hills Municipal Code § 3-3-110 upon adequate written justification and substantiation.
The bid documents specify that all work under the contract shall be completed within 45 calendar days from the date specified in the notice to proceed, resulting in an estimated completion in early 2027.
Meeting Date: September 22, 2026
Selected Bid
Base bid $ 55,122.00
Alternate #1 $ 14,863.00
Sub Total $ 69,985.00
20% Contingency $ 14,000.00
Total $ 83,985.00
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Approval of the Arnaz Mini Park Playground 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. The project consists of playground equipment and safety surfacing replacement within an existing public park playground facility with no expansion of use or capacity. Based on the foregoing, staff recommend that City Council find that the project is exempt from further review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT
$143,250 is available in CIP #00903, Fund 160 Playground Equipment Maintenance and Improvements. The Arnaz Playground Equipment Replacement has been budgeted in the FY 2026-27 CIP, and the $83,985 is available in the overall CIP# 00903 program, which can cover the cost of this project. No additional funding is requested at this time.
Shana Epstein,
Director of Public Works
Approved By
Attachment 1
1 CONTRACT
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
CONTRACT FOR
ARNAZ MINI PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
THIS CONTRACT (“Contract”) is made and entered this 22nd day of September, 2026 (“Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS, a California municipal corporation (“City”) and Western State Builders, Inc. (“Contractor”). Contractor’s license number is 1069677.
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 ARNAZ MINI PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (“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 Sixty-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty-Five Dollars ($69,985.00) 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
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
By:
CRAIG A. CORMAN, 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 RYAN GOHLICH
City Attorney City Manager
By:
SHANA E. EPSTEIN
Director of Public Works
By:
MANDANA MOTAHARI
City Architect
[Signatures continue]
3 By:
NAREK KATABYAN
Risk Manager
By:
ANTHONY RODSTEIN
Purchasing Services Manager
Attachment 2
SAFETY-ZONE
1 L-4.0 PLAYCUBE AND STEPPER
(E) FLUSH CURB TO REMAIN
AND BE PROTECTED
(E) SAFETY SURFACE TO BE PATCHED AS
REQ. DUE TO REMOVAL OF (E) EQUIPMENT
AND INSTALLATION OF (N) PLAYCUBES
(ASSUMED ±60SF, CONTRACTOR TO FIELD
VERIFY)
SEE NOTE #5 AND ALTERNATE NOTE #1.
REFER TO SHEET L-4.1 FOR SAFETY
SURFACE PROPOSED PATTERNS AND
DETAILS.
CL
CL
L-4.2-
L-4.4
BUTTERYFLY SHADE CANOPY B
BY STUDIO BOLOZ & CONCENTRIC FABRICATIONTYP., FINAL LOCATION TO BE FIELD STAKED AND
APPROVED BY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT AND CITY
L-4.2-
L-4.4
BUTTERYFLY SHADE
CANOPY POST A
±4'-9
1 2
"
(E) TREE TO BE PROTECTED IN
PLACE, TYP. - REFER TO
SHEET T-1.2 FOR TREE
PROTECTION NOTES
±13'-2"
±13'
(E) UPLIGHT FIXTURE (S) TO BE REMOVED AND RELOCATED AS
REQ. FINAL LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED AND COORDINATED
WITH CITY & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
SCE ELEC.
CABINET
(E) SANITARY MANHOLE
(E) PLUMBING LINE TO
FOUNTAIN (VIF)
(E) GAZEBO ROOF EDGE
(E) GAZEBO POST
(E) CURB; PROTECT
IN PLACE, TYP.
(E) TREE TO BE PROTECTED,
TYP. - REFER TO SHEET T-1.2
FOR TREE PROTECTION NOTES
(E) SCE ELECTRICAL
AND IRRIGATION
CONTROLLER CABINET
ON CONCRETE PAD TO
BE PROTECTED IN
PLACE. REFER TO
GENERAL NOTES FOR
ALL PROTECTION AND
COORDINATION
REQUIREMENTS.
IRRIGATION
CONTROLLER
CABINET
(E) BENCH TO BE
PROTECTED IN PLACE.
IF REMOVAL OF THE
BENCH IS FEASIBLE,
CONTRACTOR SHALL
REMOVE, STORE AND
PROTECT ON SITE FOR
RE-INSTALLATION UPON
COMPLETION OF
CONSTRUCTION
CL
90°
CL
90°
2'-10
1 2
"
2'-10
1 2
"
CL
13'-10
1 2
"
HARDSCAPE
PLAN
L-2.0
AS NOTED
SITE PLAN
SCALE: 1/16" = 1'-0" 1
PLAN ENLARGEMENT
SCALE: 1/2" = 1'-0" 2
NOTES:
1. ALL DESIGN DRAWINGS ARE BASED ON FIELD MEASUREMENTS BY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. CONTRACTOR TO VERIFY EXISTING CONDITIONS
AND MEASUREMENTS AND MAKE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS IN THE
FIELD.
2. PREFAB BUTTERFLY CANOPY AVAILABLE FROM STUDIO BOLOZ AND CONCENTRIC FABRICATION LLC.
3. DRAWINGS INCLUDED ON L-4.2, L-4.3 AND L-4.4 ARE FOR PERMITING
PURPOSES ONLY, CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASE FROM
BOLOZ AND CONCENTRIC FABRICATION, INSTALLATION OF PREFAB
UNITS, AND CONSTRUCTING FOOTING DESIGNED BY STRUCTURAL
ENGINEER.
4. CONTRACTOR WILL BE EXPECTED TO PATCH LAWN AS REQ FOLLOWING BUTTERFLY SHADE CANOPY INSTALLATION.
5. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL THOROUGHLY INSPECT AND PROTECT ALL EXISTING RUBBER SURFACING DESIGNATED TO REMAIN. ANY EXISTING
RUBBER SURFACING DAMAGED DURING THE COURSE OF CONSTRUCTION
SHALL BE REPLACED IN ITS ENTIRETY (FULL SURFACE AREA OF THE IMPACTED ZONE) WITH NEW, MATCHING MATERIAL BY THE CONTRACTOR.
THIS COMPREHENSIVE REPLACEMENT SHALL BE PERFORMED AT THE
CONTRACTOR'S SOLE EXPENSE, WITH NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE OWNER.
N
SHEET
DRAWING NAME
SCALE
DATE
REV. ARNAZ MINI PARK PLAYGROUND 151 N ARNAZ DRIVE BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90211
ISSUANCE
ADDENDUM NO.1 –
DELTA 1
SIGNATURE
REN DATE
L I CENSED LANDSCAPE ARCH I TEC
MA
T
RK D . TESSIER - 5043
F C O ETATS
AL I FORN I
DATE A
03/31/2027
DATE DESCRIPTION
AUGUST 12, 2026
1 8/21/26 ADDENDUM NO.1 LIMIT OF WORK
ENLARGED PLAN
LIMIT OF WORK
ALTERNATE NOTES:
1. ADDITIVE ALTERNATE #1:
CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE PRICE TO REPLACE (E)
SAFETY SURFACE W/ SPECTRAPOUR SUPREME OR SIM.
SEE SHEET #4/L-4.1 & #6/L-4.1.
SPECTRATURF.COM - 800.875.5788
2. DEDUCTIVE ALTERNATE #2:
CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE DEDUCTIVE ALTERNATE COST TO LEAVE (E)
PLAY STRUCTURE'S FOOTINGS NOT CONFLICTING WITH NEW REQUIRED FOOTINGS IN PLACE.
3. ADDITIVE ALTERNATE #3
PROVIDE AN ADDITIVE ALTERNATE COST FOR ALL NECESSARY LABOR,
MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER INCIDENTAL AND APPURTENANT
WORK NECESSARY TO FURNISH AND INSTALL OFF-SITE PREFABRICATED BUTTERFLY STRUCTURE ‘A’ (UNIT WITH THREE BUTTERFLIES).
4. ADDITIVE ALTERNATE #4
PROVIDE AN ADDITIVE ALTERNATE COST FOR ALL NECESSARY LABOR,
MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER INCIDENTAL AND APPURTENANT
WORK NECESSARY TO FURNISH AND INSTALL OFF-SITE PREFABRICATED BUTTERFLY STRUCTURE ‘B’ (UNIT WITH TWO BUTTERFLIES).
Attachment 3
ARNAZ MINI PARK | DECEMBER 13, 2024
PLAY CUBE STRUCTURES + BUTTERFLY SHADE CANOPIES
Steel Butterfly
Shade Elements
Playworld ‘Play Cube’
Climbing Structures
Rubber Safety
Surface
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ARNAZ MINI PARK | DECEMBER 13, 2024
BUTTERFLY SHADE CANOPIES
PAINTED STEEL SUPPORTS
STEEL BUTTERFLY CANOPIES
FROM STUDIO BOLOZ
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