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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2c: Agreement with Armstrong & Walker for Landscape & Irrigation Plan Checking Services for FY 2010-11 with Renewal OptionDATE: August 3, 2010 Development Services Department TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development S rvices Director? By: Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrato Prepared by: Amber Abeyta, Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ARMSTRONG & WALKER FOR LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION PLAN CHECKING SERVICES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2010 -11 WITH THE OPTION OF TWO (2) ONE (1) YEAR RENEWALS AT THE END OF THE TERM Recommendation: Approve SUMMARY In December of 2009, the City adopted a Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (No. 2267) to implement the State of California's requirements for water conservation enacted by Assembly Bill 1881. Ordinance No. 2267 requires all projects that meet certain thresholds to comply with specific water conserving landscaping practices to assure efficient and responsible use of water resources within the City of Arcadia. The Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance is to be administered by the Development Services Department; however, assistance from a firm with experience in reviewing landscape and irrigation plans is essential to assure compliance with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was sent to nine firms with experience in landscaping and irrigation design services. Staff received and reviewed four proposals and has decided that the firm that best meets the City's needs is Armstrong & Walker. Staff recommends entering into a Professional Services Agreement with Armstrong & Walker for the fiscal year 2010 -11 with the option of two (2) one (1) year renewals. BACKGROUND Armstrong & Walker was formed as a landscape architectural firm in 1991 and is located in Bradbury, California. The company is a partnership of Anna Armstrong and Richard Walker. Both principals are licensed Landscape Architects in the State of California, and in addition to their 19 years working together on a variety of small and large scale projects, each also has over 10 years of experience working with other firms prior to starting their partnership. Armstrong & Waiker have a long- standing, good working relationship with the City of Arcadia with both the Development Services Department and Public Works Services Department. Over the last 15 years, Armstrong & Walker has assisted the City on several projects, including the renovation of Eisenhower, Bonita, Hugo Reid, and Tierra Verde Parks; upgrading the landscaping at reservoir and well sites; improvements to Parking Districts 1 and 2; preparation of the Median Islands Master Plan; the new drought - tolerant landscaping in the large "loops" at Baldwin and Colorado; sketch studies for the new Library sign; and the planter /monument design for Santa Anita just north of Foothill. Furthermore, Armstrong & Walker has provided plan review advice to Planning Services for a number of past commercial proposals and they have also provided similar services to the cities of Monrovia and Burbank. Armstrong & Walker will assist staff in landscape and irrigation plan checking for new projects proposed within the City that fall under the requirements of the new Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Staff will work directly with Anna Armstrong and Richard Waiker. Their proximity to Arcadia and flexibility in scheduling allows them to be responsive to not only the City's needs in picking up, reviewing, and returning plans, but also to our applicant's needs for consultation and expeditious processing. Armstrong & Walker's cost for the above - mentioned services are competitive as evident by the comparison of proposals outlined in the table below: Armstrong & Walker Cummings Curley & Associates Hirsch & Associates Willdan $1,700 $1,050 $1,500 $2,500 Per Inspection Fee -' Post Conssruictlon/ Installaltiion Site Insps ctlons (minimum 2 Inspections) ',' $310 x 2= $620 $660 x 2= $1,320 $600 x 2= $1,200 $600 x 2= $1,200 Total - Plan Check & Inspections $2,320 $2,370 $2,700 $3,700 Hourly Rates for Additional Services /Consultation Principal Landscape Architecture: $120 Landscape Designer /CAD Drafter: $60 Clerical: $40 Principal: $165 Project Landscape Architect: $95 Landscape Architect: $100 Project Manager: $85 Technical Staff: $65 Clerical: $50 Administration: $60 Plan Checker: $125 Technical Staff: $115 Project Manager: $170 August 3, 2010 Armstrong & Walker, Landscape Architecture PSA Page 2 of 3 Staff feels that Armstrong & Walker has a good understanding of the services required, and the experience and qualifications to successfully provide them. FISCAL IMPACT The plan checking, permitting and inspection of the water efficient landscaping will be revenue /expenditure neutral. The consultant's costs are to be covered through pass - through fees. RECOMMENDATION Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Armstrong & Walker for the fiscal year 2010 -2011 with the option of two (2) one (1) year renewals at the end of the term for Landscape and Irrigation Plan Check services. Approved By: �ai2 Donald Penman, City Manager August 3, 2010 Armstrong & Walker, Landscape Architecture PSA Page 3 of 3