July 10, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Department of Public Works
SUBJECT: REJECTION OF BIDS FOR ALKEBU-LAN CULTURAL CENTER
RESTROOM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find the action proposed herein to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act .(CEQA) in accordance with Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15061 (b)(3), the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment; and
2. Reject sole bid received on May 11, 2023 in response to the Notice Inviting Bids for the Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center Restroom Improvement project.
BACKGROUND:
Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center, located at 1435 N. Raymond Avenue, is housed in a City~owned facility comprised of a former historic fire station and an attached building now used for storage. Executed in 1994, the City's lease agreement with the Center runs through 2050. The Center's goal is to provide an educational outreach program, encourage creativity through artistic expression and acquaint children and adults with creative, cultural, scientific, educational, and social contributions of African American people. During the year, about 100 Pasadena children visit the Center each week, with that number increasing to approximately 125 children during the summer.
The main building's restroom facilities are non-compliant with current codes for accessibility. The project scope includes tenant improvements focused on converting the two public restrooms to accessible family-friendly restrooms.
OF 07/10/2023 ITEM NO. _l~O __ _
Rejection of Bids for Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center Restroom Improvement Project July 10, 2023
The Department of Public Works prepared plans and specifications for the subject contract. Bids were requested and received in accordance with Section 4.08.070 of the Pasadena Municipal Code. On April 20, 2023, a Notice Inviting Bids for the Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center Restroom Improvement project was published in the local paper as well as posted on OpenGov Procurement. The posting generated notices to all vendors who have previously registered with the City for this particular commodity class. A total of 11 vendors downloaded the specifications of whom one was local. One bid was received by the bid closing date of May 11, 2023.
Upon review of the bid received from this solicitation, staff determined the sole bid exceeded the Engineer's Cost Estimate by over 300% and thus concluded it is in the City's best interest for City Council to reject the current bid received as required by the Pasadena Municipal Code. Staff will subsequently revise the project plans and specifications to provide additional details and clarify the scope of work to obtain more competitive bids for construction.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
This proposed action is consistent with the City Council Strategic Planning Goals to maintain fiscal responsibility and stability.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANAL VSIS:
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Title 14, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15061 (b )(3), the commonsense exemption that CEQA only applies to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Rejection of Bids for Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center Restroom Improvement Project July 10, 2023
FISCAL IMPACT:
· There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action.
Respectfully submitted:
rNYOL 8,P.E.
Director of Public Works
Prepared by:
~E.
Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Approved by:
~ ~- ~UEL AROUEZ
cr7"Gity Manager