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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ANIMAL SHELTER RENOVATION PROJECT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Award a Professional Services Contract to Swatt Miers Architects of Emeryville, CA, in the amount of $712,809, for design of the Animal Shelter Renovation, Project No. P023001.
2. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
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
The Stockton Animal Shelter is located at 1575 South Lincoln Street (Attachment A - Vicinity Map). The Animal Shelter Renovation project includes updating the existing facility plus construction of a new building to improve overall functionality and operations. The project will add a cattery, medical facilities, staff offices, restrooms, animal isolation and rehabilitation areas, and conference room space. Updates to the existing Animal Shelter will include network upgrades, backup generators, uninterrupted power supply, a new industrial freezer, and repurposing existing modular buildings on site.
On November 18, 2021, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design of the Animal Shelter Renovation project. On December 9, 2021, five firms submitted proposals for this project. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals and found Swatt Miers Architects of Emeryville, CA, to be the most qualified and highest ranked firm.
It is recommended that Council approve a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $712,809 to Swatt Miers Architects. It is anticipated that the design will be completed by spring 2023. The project will then be advertised for construction bids, with overall project completion anticipated by summer 2024.
DISCUSSION
Background
On September 14, 2021, Council approved use of $78,052,072 in American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA). The Animal Shelter Renovation project was appropriated $2.7 million in Round 1 ARPA funds, with another $2.7 million earmarked for Round 2. An additional $200,000 in donations from the Carl O. Shatz estate was accepted by City Council at the April 19, 2022, meeting.
The Stockton Animal Shelter facility is located at 1575 South Lincoln Street in Stockton, CA (Attachment A - Vicinity Map). The facility currently operates with 18 full-time employees and 30 contract and volunteer workers. The Animal Shelter provides medical treatment for up to 10,000 animals annually including spay/neuter, emergency, and dental care.
The Animal Shelter Renovation project includes updating the existing facility plus construction of a new building to improve overall functionality and operations. The project will add a cattery, medical facilities, staff offices, restrooms, animal isolation and rehabilitation areas, and conference room space. Updates to the existing Animal Shelter will include network upgrades, backup generators, uninterrupted power supply, a new industrial freezer, and repurposing existing modular buildings on site. Other improvements to existing Animal Shelter areas may be added if funding is available.
Present Situation
On November 18, 2021, the City advertised an RFP for design services of the Animal Shelter Renovation, Project No. P023001. On December 9, 2021, five proposals were received from the following engineering firms:
• Indigo Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP (Davis, CA)
• JKA (Santa Rosa, CA)
• LDA Partners (Stockton, CA)
• Rania Alomar Architect, Inc. dba RA-DA (West Hollywood, CA)
• Swatt Miers Architects (Emeryville, CA)
A Selection Committee comprised of Public Works and Police staff evaluated and ranked the proposals based on each firm’s understanding of work, experience with similar kinds of work, qualifications of the proposed team, project approach, cost proposal, and local preference.
Swatt Miers Architects received the highest ranking, based on the noted criteria, and was determined to be the most qualified firm for this project. Staff negotiated a fee in the amount of $712,809 with Swatt Miers Architects for design services. This fee is approximately 15 percent of the estimated construction cost, which is reasonable for a project of this size and complexity.
Staff recommends that Council adopt a resolution to award a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $712,809 to Swatt Miers Architects for design services of the Animal Shelter Renovation project (Attachment B). It is anticipated that the design will be completed by spring 2023. The project will then be advertised for construction bids, with overall project completion anticipated by summer 2024.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
1. The City does not have sufficient staff available to design this project.
2. The scope of the design services requires an engineering firm experienced in animal shelter design.
3. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Professional Services Contract because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for selection of a vendor. Use of the criteria helps ensure selection of a vendor that will provide the highest quality professional service, which is in the public interest.
4. The City negotiated a contract following solicitation of competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The current unencumbered balance in the Animal Shelter Upgrades, Project No. P023001, Account No. 4510-000-800007-300-000-30-45-000-000, is sufficient to award a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $712,809 to Swatt Miers Architects in the amount of $712,809.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.
Attachment A - Vicinity Map