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
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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
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