October 13, 2026
Agenda Item No. 7
TO:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
David A. Webb, Public Works Director - 949-644-3311, [email protected] PREPARED BY:
Tom Sandefur, Assistant City Engineer - 949-644-3321, [email protected] TITLE:
Crean Mariners Branch Library Fire Line Replacement – Award of Contract No. 10165-1 (26F02) ABSTRACT:
The City of Newport Beach (City) received construction bids for the Crean Mariners Branch Library Fire Line Replacement project and requests City Council approval to award the construction contract to Elegant Construction Inc. of Irvine. This project will replace corroded and failing overhead fire sprinkler lines at the Crean Mariners Branch Library, located at 1300 Irvine Ave.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because this project has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment; b) Approve the project plans and specifications;
c) Award Contract No. 10165-1 to Elegant Construction Inc. for the total bid price of $352,500 for the Crean Mariners Branch Library Fire Line Replacement project, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract; and d) Establish a contingency of $35,000 (approximately 10% of the total bid) to cover the cost of unforeseen work not included in the original contract.
DISCUSSION:
The Crean Mariners Branch Library is over 20 years old and despite the facility generally being in good condition, the overhead fire sprinkler system is heavily corroded and failing. Staff believes the overhead fire sprinkler system failing decades earlier than expected is the result of using a noncompatible (to the piping) welding material during original construction. Noncompatible materials can create a cathodic reaction greatly increasing the rate of normal corrosion. Water damage resulting from leaking of the corroded piping has become a consistent and accelerating challenge which can no longer be adequately addressed with temporary solutions. The Facilities Maintenance Master Plan (FMMP) program provides funds for regular maintenance of facilities and occasional out-of-cycle maintenance needs such as this project. This project will fully replace the overhead fire sprinkler system at the Crean Mariners Branch Library, preventing future leaks and ensuring continued functionality of the overhead fire sprinkler system for decades to come.
At 2 p.m. on September 22, 2026, the City Clerk opened and read the following bids for this project:
BIDDER
TOTAL BID AMOUNT
Low
Elegant Construction Inc.
$352,500
2nd
Jami Construction
$698,800
The City received two bids for this project. The low bidder, Elegant Construction Inc., possesses a current and valid California State Contractor’s License Classification “B”, as required by the project specifications. A review of references for Elegant Construction Inc. shows satisfactory completion of similar contracts for other public agencies including Coast Community College District, Orange County Community College District, City of Hemet, City of Irvine, Colton Joint Unified School District, and Saddleback Valley Unified School District.
Elegant Construction’s bid was approximately 41% above the engineer’s estimate of $250,000. The premium beyond the engineer’s estimate reflects the needed shop drawing work not included in the engineer’s estimate, the extraordinarily tight schedule proposed for this project to minimize disruption to facility operations, and the uncertainty surrounding potential conflicts not visible above the sealed drywall ceiling. The second lowest bidder’s bid was significantly higher, reflecting risk aversion to the items described above. Pursuant to the contract specifications, the contractor will have 22 consecutive working days to complete the project. Work is tentatively scheduled to start on December 19, 2026, and to be completed by January 16, 2027. This specific time window has been coordinated with the Library Services Department and the Recreation and Senior Services Department for closure of the facility.
The project plans and specifications are available for review at the following link: Awarding Contracts. This link will expire 10 days after the City Council meeting date.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The adopted Capital Improvement Program budget includes sufficient funding for the award of this contract. The following funds will be expended:
Account Description
Account Number
Amount
FMMP
57101-980000-26F02
$
390,000
$
390,000
Proposed fund uses are as follows:
Vendor
Purpose
Amount
Elegant Construction Inc.
Construction Contract
$
352,500
Elegant Construction Inc.
Construction Contingency
$
35,000
Various
Printing & Incidentals
$
2,500
Total:
$
390,000
The FMMP includes a comprehensive condition assessment of all City facilities and prioritizes capital repairs and/or major maintenance based on a variety of factors including current condition and age of facilities. This program funds a variety of capital repair and maintenance projects in an effort to keep City facilities in good condition. The FMMP is funded by the General Fund.
Staff recommends establishing $35,000 (approximately 10% of the total bid) for contingency purposes and unforeseen conditions associated with construction.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A - Location Map
Crean Mariners Branch Library Fire Line Replacement – Award of Contract No. 10165-1 (26F02) October 13, 2026
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