DATE: FEBRUARY 25, 2025
DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
FROM: KRISTAN LUNDQUIST, LCS DIRECTOR
BY: ANA AMBRIZ, REC-PARK SUPERINTENDENT
TITLE: AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SALINAS AND BFS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS RECOMMENDED MOTION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve a Resolution:
Delegating authority to the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Professional Services with BFS Landscape Architects to extend the term for an additional two (2) years and to increase the total compensation by $8,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $1,836,589; and Authorizing the reappropriation of up to $100,000 from District 5 Recreation Center Reserve to CIP 9060 to be utilized for BFS’ additional services, permitting fees and construction of the accessibility requirements associated with the installation of a universal playground at Northgate Neighborhood Park.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On April 9, 2024, the Council authorized Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Salinas and BFS Landscape Architects for additional design, program, and construction management for El Gabilan Tot Lot to increase the total amount of compensation by $73,200 for a total not to exceed $1,828,589 to cover the additional cost associated with the design, program, and construction management for El Gabilan Tot-Lot from Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP) Implementation Funds (CIP 9246).
As projects move forward, LCS and BFS have been collaborating with Community Development to ensure compliance with accessibility and path of travel requirements under State Law and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which were triggered by the full replacement of the playground at Northgate Neighborhood Park. As a result, additional services from BFS, the permit center, and construction costs are necessary. To cover these increased costs, staff is requesting the agreement be extended, the compensation to be paid under the agreement be increased by $8,000, and the reappropriation of $100,000 from the District 5 Recreation Center Reserve to CIP 9060.
BACKGROUND:
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provided the City of Salinas with $51,567,313 in relief funds. In September 2021, the City Council allocated ARPA funds for a number of government service projects, including $2 million dollars for playground structures, park benches and bar-be-que grills, the majority of which was to be spent in the 93905 and 93906 zip codes which were hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the allocation, the Council Resolution called for staff to check in with the Finance Committee on these and the Public Works sidewalk/street repair allocations. In May 2022, staff provided an updated to the Finance Committee on the recommended projects identified for ARPA funding. This report included a discussion of two new playground structures at Williams Ranch and Northgate Neighborhood Parks.
On December 13, 2022, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) between the City of Salinas and BFS Landscape Architects (BFS) for program and construction management of multiple projects to include the development of universal playgrounds concepts for Northgate and Williams Ranch Neighborhood Parks. BFS requested concepts from playground manufacturers and presented them to staff. After review, the 3 concept alternatives were presented to community in the Northgate neighborhood. Engagement consisted of an online survey and pop-up activities for each of the sites at the end of 2023. The goal was to get community’s preference on the presented concepts and site amenities.
On April 9, 2024, the Council authorized Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Services between the City of Salinas and BFS Landscape Architects for additional design, program, and construction management for El Gabilan Tot Lot to increase the total amount of compensation by $73,200 for a total not to exceed $1,828,589 to cover the additional cost associated with the design, program, and construction management for El Gabilan Tot-Lot from Alisal Vibrancy Plan (AVP) Implementation Funds (CIP 9246).
Pop-up activities for Northgate occurred at the park itself, Henry F. Kamman Elementary School and Harden Middle School. The in-person event at Henry F. Kamman Elementary recorded 140 unique votes on the playground design alternatives, the Harden Middle School received 99 unique votes, and the online survey recorded 51 responses. The preferred concept was submitted by Yosso Group Inc. dba SPEC. On September 24, 2024, the City Council approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Yosso Group Inc. for the replacement of the playground structure at Northgate Neighborhood Park in an amount not to exceed $974,090.54.
BFS and staff have been working with the Community Development and Public Works to address accessibility improvements triggered by the replacement of the playground and water fountain onsite. California Building Code and Americans with Disability Act (ADA) require all state and local governmental entities, provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The path of travel from the public right of way to the playground and water fountain on site are required to comply with the building code and ADA laws. In order to address the accessibility improvements required by law, staff is requesting the reappropriation of $100,000 from the District 5 Recreation Center Reserve to CIP 9060 to cover additional design cost from BFS Landscape Architects, additional building permit fees and construction of the accessible improvements. These improvements will also enhance future plans for a District 5 Recreation Center at Northgate Park and likely would have been necessary as a result of this future project. Staff will be requesting funding in the FY 25-26 budget process to replenish CIP 9342 District 5 Recreation Center Reserve.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
The City of Salinas has determined that the replacement of the existing structure is substantially the same size, purpose, and capacity, and as a result qualifies as a Class 2 Categorical Exemption (CEQA Guidelines Section 15302, Replacement or Reconstruction) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
Yes.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The playground replacement and accessibility improvements are consistent with the City Council Goals of:
Youth and Seniors
Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability
Public Safety
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
Library & Community Services, Community Development and Public Works collaborated on developing scope and selecting BFS to provide project and construction management services for this project. Collaboration between the three departments has continued through the building permit process.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
Name
Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)
1100
55.9342
District 5 Recreation Center Reserve
$6,900,000
$100,000
n/a
05/10/2022, 22352
The reallocation of up to $100,000 of District 5 Recreation Center Reserve to CIP 9060 to be utilized for BFS’ additional services, permitting fees and accessibility improvements associated with the playground replacement at Northgate Neighborhood Park.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Amendment No. 2
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