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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE MATTIE HARRELL PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECT
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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. NOE21-25 under the California Environmental Quality Act for the Mattie Harrell Playground Replacement, Project No. WP24045.
3. Approve the plans and specifications for the Mattie Harrell Playground Replacement, Project No. WP24045.
4. Award a Construction Contract in the amount of $387,868.75 to Ross Recreation Equipment Company, Inc. of Santa Rosa, CA, for the Mattie Harrell Playground Replacement, Project No. WP24045.
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 Public Works Department provides and maintains playground equipment at 59 parks and open space locations throughout the City. The project will replace the existing playground equipment at Mattie Harrell Park (Attachment A).
On December 23, 2024, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Mattie Harrell Playground Replacement, Project No. WP24045. On January 29, 2025, eight firms submitted proposals for this project. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposals and found Ross Recreation Equipment Company, Inc. (Ross Recreation) of Santa Rosa, CA, to be the most qualified and highest ranked firm.
It is recommended that Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Construction Contract, in the amount of $387,868.75, to Ross Recreation. It is also recommended that Council adopt a resolution approving Notice of Exemption NOE21-25 under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approving the plans and specifications for the project (Attachment B). Construction is anticipated to begin and be completed by winter 2025, weather permitting.
DISCUSSION
Background
Public Works provides and maintains playground equipment at 59 parks and open space locations throughout the City. Staff inspect playground equipment on a regular basis and arrange for repairs and replacements of deteriorated or vandalized components as funding becomes available.
On May 14, 2024, by Resolution No. 2024-05-14-1228, Council allocated funding for Council priority projects, including $400,000 to the Mattie Harrell Playground Replacement, Project No. WP24045.
The playground equipment at Mattie Harrell Park was installed in 2004. Recreation Creations, the original manufacturer, is no longer in business so replacement parts are unavailable. City staff have worked with various vendors to acquire replacement parts, but they no longer make this structure. This playground has surpassed its useful life and needs to be replaced. The project will replace the existing playground equipment at Mattie Harrell Park (Attachment A).
Present Situation
On December 23, 2024, the City advertised an RFP for the Mattie Harrell Playground Replacement, Project No. WP24045. On January 29, 2025, eight proposals were received from the following firms:
• Bhogal Bros Construction (Hayward, CA)
• Community Playgrounds, Inc. (Vallejo, CA)
• Kompan (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA)
• Miracle Construction Co., Inc. dba Miracle Playsystems (Alamo, CA)
• Ross Recreation (Santa Rosa, CA)
• Yosso Group, Inc. dba Specified Play Equipment Co. (Burlingame, CA)
• Valley Construction Services, Inc. (Stockton, CA)
• Zoom Recreation (Irvine, CA)
The Selection Committee, comprised of Public Works and Community Services staff, evaluated and ranked all proposals based on the playground’s overall play value, safety and accessibility, site compatibility, design, and cost. Ross Recreation received the highest ranking, based on the noted criteria, and was determined to be the most qualified and highest ranked firm for this project.
It is recommended that Council approve the plans and specifications (Attachment B), and award a Construction Contract to Ross Recreation of Santa Rosa, CA, in the amount of $387,868.75, for the Mattie Harrell Playground Replacement, Project No. WP24045.
The project is in conformance with the City’s General Plan, pursuant to California Government Code, section 65402, and is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA as specified under Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines. As a result, the project has been granted a Categorical Exemption. 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. NOE21-25 under CEQA.
Construction is anticipated to begin and be completed by winter 2025, weather permitting.
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 staffing available to perform the design and installation of playgrounds.
2. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Construction 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 professional, responsive, and timely services, which is in the public interest.
3. The City negotiated a contract following solicitation of competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is sufficient funding available in the Mattie Harrell Playground Replacement, Project No. WP24045, to award a Construction Contract to Ross Recreation in the amount of $387,868.75.
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
Attachment B - Playground Renderings