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RESOLUTION NO. 2014-180 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ACCEPTING BIDS; AWARDING THE CONTRACT FOR "BRUSH CLEARANCE IN RICE CANYON" (CIP # OP225) TO AZTEC LANDSCAPING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $216,747.20 IN ACCORDANCE WITH MULTIPLE SPECIES CONSERVATION SUBAREA PLAN (MSCP) OF 2003 AND AREA SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVES (ASMDs); AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
On September 10, 2014, the Director of Public Works received six sealed bids for the "Brush Clearance in Rice Canyon" project. The proposed resolution, if approved, would accept the bids and award the contract to Aztec Landscaping, Inc. in the amount of $216,747.20.
Using a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the City of Chula Vista will be performing brush clearance behind homes around Rice Canyon from
October 13, 2014 to January 30, 2015 and from September 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project was adequately covered in previously adopted Addendum (dated, January 2010) to the Final EIR/EIS for Issuance of Take Authorizations for Threatened and Endangered Species due to Urban Growth within the Multiple Species Conservation Program Planning Area, LDR No. 93-0287, SCH No. 93121073, dated January 1997, and the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment prepared for the Chula Vista Multiple Species Conservation Program Subarea Plan, EA 03-01, SCH No. 20022051045, dated January 2003. Thus, no further environmental review or documentation is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Fire behavior modeling has identified Rice Canyon as a fire hazard area. Rice Canyon presents a unique fire safety challenge as adjacent construction was completed prior to fuel modification requirements of 2013 California Fire Code (Chapter 49: Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas). Subsequent to such construction, Open Space areas within the canyons have accumulated vegetative biomass proximate to residential structures.
The brush clearing contract will provide a 60-foot swath from the property line toward the canyon that will make it possible to create a more sustainable fuel management program around Rice Canyon.
Public Works prepared specifications and advertised the services on Friday, August 22, 2014. The Open Space Manager and City Forester held a mandatory pre-bid site meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 1800 Maxwell Road and at Rice Canyon to explain the project's scope and time frame to prospective contractors.
On Wednesday, September 10, 2014, the Director of Public Works received six sealed bids. The following bids were received:
Name of Contractor |
Amount of Bid |
Aztec Landscaping, Inc. - Lemon Grove, CA |
$216,747.20 |
Tierra Data, Inc. - Escondido, CA |
$288,332.00 |
Blue Pacific Engineering & Construction - San Diego, CA |
$297,200.00 |
Ciro's Landscaping - Escondido, CA |
$330,067.00 |
Nature's Image, Inc. - Lake Forest, CA |
$334,609.00 |
S&B Engineering - Lakeside, CA |
$397,640.00 |
The low bid submitted by Aztec Landscaping, Inc. is within the project budget, the contractor has demonstrated experience in performing vegetation management in environmentally sensitive areas, and has the capacity to complete the brush clearance within specified time frame.
Public Works staff checked references for Aztec Landscaping, Inc. and received favorable comments. The contractor's bid package was complete with no errors or omissions. Therefore, staff recommends accepting the bid and awarding the contract to Aztec Landscaping, Inc. in the amount of $216,747.20.
Wage Statement
The project fund source is a FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant with a State of California prevailing wage requirement. Contractors bidding this project are required to pay prevailing wages to persons employed by them for the work under this project.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of City Council and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City's Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. Brush clearance in Rice Canyon enhances the strength and security of residents in the neighborhood by creating the defensible space necessary for effective fire protection in the area. Fuel modification reduces the radiant and convective heat of a fire, and provides valuable defensible space for firefighters to make an effective stand against an approaching fire front.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient FEMA grant funds and matching funds (General Fund) are available in CIP Project No. OP225 to complete the project. There is no additional fiscal impact to the General Fund.
FUNDS REQUIRED FOR BRUSH CLEARANCE CONTRACT |
|
A. Base Contract Amount |
$216,747.20 |
B. Contingency (10%) |
$ 21,674.00 |
C. Ancillary Supplies & Services |
$ 40,005.00 |
D. Inspection Staff Costs |
$127,248.64 |
TOTAL FUNDS REQUIRED FOR BRUSH CLEARANCE CONTRACT |
$405,674.84 |
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact as this is a one-time grant. There is no increase to ongoing maintenance costs as this is a brush clearance project. Established annual budgetary allocation for brush clearance in the Open Space District will be used to maintain vegetation abatement in perpetuity in this project area.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Rice Canyon Brush Clearance Map.
Staff Contact: Sam Oludunfe.