REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on an Agreement with NUVIS Landscape Architecture, Inc. for Design Professional Services for the Central Park New Entrance, Access, and Parking Improvements Project
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure; Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara’s Central Park (Park) was constructed in the 1960’s. In October 2019, the Parks & Recreation Commission recommended approval of the Central Park Master Plan (Master Plan) which includes a series of major park improvements to address aging infrastructure and other community park needs identified through community input and facility condition assessments. One of the capital improvement projects identified in the Master Plan is the Central Park Entrance, Access, and Parking Improvements Project (Project). The Project consists of installation of a new accessible entrance to Central Park at the corner of Kaiser Drive and Kiely Boulevard near the Magical Bridge Playground currently in design phase. The new entrance includes improved landscaping, a new traffic signal, expanded parking area, and an accessible drop off area and paths connecting to the Community Recreation Center, the playground and other areas of the Park while preserving the Veterans’ Memorial, adjacent event space and grass meadow.
The design phase of the Project will be completed in two phases. The proposed Agreement for the first phase of the Project includes the following scope of work: conducting site assessment and investigation, arborist report, ADA evaluation, community outreach; preparing a schematic design for the improvements; and providing assistance with presenting the proposed plans to the Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council. The scope of work for the second phase of the Project will depend on the results of the first phase, but will generally include: preparing bid documents (plans, specifications, and engineer’s estimate) for public works bidding based on the selected schematic plan, assisting with obtaining Building and Fire permits for the design plans, and providing engineering support services during all phases of the Project.
DISCUSSION
In October 2020, a competitive Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) selection process was used, requesting proposals from consultant firms with experience in parks projects, to establish the 2020-25 Parks & Recreation Department Pre-Qualified Consultant List. Staff from the Department of Public Works and Parks & Recreation Department reviewed all the proposals and ranked the firms based on their qualifications. The final Pre-Qualified Consultant List is made up of the top 10 most qualified consultant firms and is intended to be utilized for any potential design services for upcoming park improvement projects.
In February 2021, the City issued a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals for the Project using the existing Pre-Qualified Consultant List. Staff received proposals from five firms: Gates and Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc., NUVIS Landscape Architecture, Inc., PGA Design, RHAA, and Verde Design. A proposal review panel consisting of staff from the Department of Public Works and the Parks & Recreation Department evaluated each proposal against the criteria set forth in the RFP, including pricing, responsiveness to the RFP, project approach, and ability to complete the project within the proposed schedule.
Based on the panel’s evaluation, NUVIS Landscape Architecture, Inc. (NUVIS) is recommended for award of contract having submitted the best value proposal. NUVIS demonstrated a strong project understanding and provided an excellent project approach to investigate and resolve the issues presented in the RFP. NUVIS has over 30 years of experience providing a full range of professional landscape architectural services for parks and recreation related spaces for various public agencies throughout California. NUVIS has completed park projects for small and large cities, such as City of Irvine, City of Los Angeles, City of Lake Forest, Town of Danville, and many more.
Staff recommends entering into the Agreement with NUVIS Landscape Architecture, Inc. to complete design professional services for the first phase of the Central Park New Entrance, Access, and Parking Improvements Project (Attachment 1). It is anticipated that staff will return to City Council before summer 2022 to obtain approval for the schematic design and amendment of the Agreement with NUVIS to enable them to complete the second phase of the design. The Agreement includes a section covering prevailing wage requirements.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment as set forth in section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed Agreement is for a total not-to-exceed amount of $148,305. This amount includes $128,961 for basic services and $19,344 for additional services. Staff is requesting 15 percent contingency for additional services due to the age of the park and potential unforeseen conditions that may require additional efforts. There is sufficient funding for this agreement in the FY 2021/22 Budget in the Central Park New Entrance, Access, and Parking Improvements Project (Parks & Recreation Capital Fund).
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Parks & Recreation Department, the Finance Department, and the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> .
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement for Design Professional Services with NUVIS Landscape Architecture, Inc. for the Central Park New Entrance, Access, and Parking Improvements Project in the amount not-to-exceed $148,305; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to make minor modifications to the agreement, if needed.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement