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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE INSTALLATION OF FIVE CONTACTLESS PARK RESTROOMS
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
2. Approve Notice of Exemption No. NOE 22-24 under the California Environmental Quality Act for the Installation of Five Contactless Park Restrooms, Project No. WP22016.
3. Approve the plans and specifications for the Installation of Five Contactless Park Restrooms, Project No. WP22016.
4. Award a Construction Contract in the amount of $454,663 to Soracco, Inc. of Lodi, CA, for the demolition of four park restrooms and the Installation of Five Contactless Park Restrooms, Project No. WP22016.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
On September 14, 2021, by Motion No. 2021-09-14-1501, Council approved the use of $78,052,072 in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The updated recommendations of priorities and distribution of funds in response to the federal allocation of funds through the ARPA $3,150,000 was allocated towards the purchase and installation of contactless restrooms in City parks. The Construction Contract will include the demolition of existing restrooms, all site preparation, landscape restoration, concrete and sidewalks, utility trenching, and hookups.
Staff recommends Council award a Construction Contract to Soracco, Inc., the preferred Northern California installer for Exeloo, in the amount of $454,663, for the Installation of Five Contactless Restrooms, Project No. WP22016. Staff also recommends that Council adopt a resolution approving Notice of Exemption No. NOE22-24 under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approving the plans and specifications for the project.
DISCUSSION
Background
Exeloo Corporation (Exeloo) manufactures prefabricated restrooms that feature self-cleaning, alarms, and scheduled opening and closing. The contactless system performs when touched or if hands are waved before its components. The units feature automatic water, soap, toilet paper, and drying functions and are regularly shut down between uses to wash down the interior. The units are open from 6:00 a.m. through sundown and are automatically locked overnight. These restrooms have been in use at four parks, and park users have heralded their contactless operation as a welcome addition to the parks system.
With Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, Public Works installed four contactless restrooms from Exeloo in Fiscal Year 2020-21. The first four units were installed in 2020 at Oak Park West, Victory Park East, Fremont, and Stribley Parks to replace badly damaged park restrooms.
On September 14, 2021, by Motion No. 2021-09-14-1501, Council approved the use of $78,052,072 in the ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The updated recommendations of priorities and distribution of funds in response to the federal allocation of funds through the ARPA $3,150,000 was allocated towards the purchase and installation of contactless restrooms in City parks.
Soracco, Inc. of Lodi, CA, successfully installed these initial units. Soracco, Inc. has received on-site training from Exeloo on best installation practices and procedures. Exeloo has recognized Soracco, Inc. as the preferred Northern California installer for its attention to detail and skill with a new and unique product. Soracco, Inc. has installed the most units for Exeloo in Northern California. Soracco, Inc. is a California A&B licensed general engineering and building contractor whose services include underground utilities, concrete, pump stations, mechanical and process piping, grading and paving, general building, on-call service, and commercial and industrial work.
The Construction Contract will include the demolition of existing restrooms, all site preparation, landscape restoration, concrete and sidewalks, utility trenching, and hookups.
Present Situation
The City purchased five three-stall Exeloo contactless restrooms from Exeloo. These units will replace park restrooms that are subject to repeated vandalism or have been closed due to vandalism in City parks. New three-stall units will be installed at the following sites:
• American Legion Park - The closed restroom will be demolished, and a new unit will be installed near the playground area at Walnut Street and San Jose Street.
• Mattie Harrell Park - The new unit will replace frequently vandalized older restrooms.
• Oak Park East - The new unit will replace the restroom by the Ice Arena, which is partially closed due to arson.
• Eden Park - The closed restroom will be demolished, and a new unit will be installed closer to El Dorado Street.
• Victory Park West - The new unit will replace the restroom by the Little League that was demolished due to arson. The new unit will be located near the maintenance shed at the west end of the park.
Staff recommends Council adopt a resolution approving findings to support using the Single Available Source procurement as an exception to the competitive bidding process. Staff also recommends that Council approve the plans and specifications and award a Construction Contract to Sorocco, Inc. of Lodi, CA in the amount of $454,663.
The project is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA as specified under Section 15301(d) of the CEQA Guidelines. The activities related to this project constitute a discretionary project under the City’s jurisdiction and qualifies as a project that does not have a significant effect on the environment. The resolution will approve the filing of Notice of Exemption No. NOE 22-24 under CEQA.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process, including the use of a Single Available Source procurement. These findings include:
1. The City purchased five prefabricated restrooms from Exeloo. Exeloo fabricates the restrooms in New Zealand and does not provide installation services.
2. Exeloo Automatic Public Restrooms are an extremely unique product with limited contractors having completed installations in the United States.
3. As the preferred Northern California installer for Exeloo, Soracco, Inc. has received on-site training from Exeloo on best installation practices and procedures.
4. Soracco, Inc. has successfully installed four units for the City of Stockton.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is sufficient funding in the Installation of Five Contactless Park Restrooms, Project No. WP22016, to award a Construction Contract to Soracco, Inc. in the amount of $454,663.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.