AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT WITH G & G SPECIALITY CONTRACTORS INCORPORATED FOR PARK AND FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS
Staff Contact: Erik Strunk, Director, Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events
Purpose and Recommended Action
This is a request for the City Council to authorize the City Manager to enter into a Construction Agreement with G & G Specialty Contractors Inc., in the amount of $163,036.78 for the renovation of park and playground amenities, facility entry points, adjust signage height, improve walkway slopes, and perform height adjustments of various facility amenities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Background
In September 2010, the Department of Justice (DOJ), published new national, ADA design standards that require all jurisdictions with parks and recreation facilities to comply. The regulations call for enforceable accessibility standards known as the “2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design”. By issuing this ruling, the DOJ required each jurisdiction with parks and recreation facilities to conduct an audit and develop an action plan for compliance with the new rule, which took effect on March 15, 2012. The ruling affected more than 80,000 departments of state and local government and their respective parks and recreation facilities.
As a result of these new federal requirements, Council authorized a comprehensive accessibility audit of the City’s 91 parks and city facilities. The audit was conducted by Recreation Accessibility Consultants, LLC, and the firm analyzed all playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, golf courses and other recreation facilities. After review in November 2013 by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Commission on Persons with Disabilities, a detailed and specific department plan of action was established to phase-in compliance with the new rule, as permitted by resources.
In October 2015, the Parks and Recreation Division applied Fiscal Year (FY) 16-17 Community Development Block Grant to make various ADA improvements currently at El Barrio, Myrtle, Northern Horizon, and Clavelito parks; the Rose Lane Community Center; and the O’Neil Park Recreation Center. Specific examples of work to be completed at these sites would include adjusting of various signage heights, walkway slope adjustments, apply new parking lot ADA symbols, removal and replace hand dyers, new pavement, relocation of restroom fixtures, etc.
In March 2016, this request was recommended for funding by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) and in April 2016, approved by the City Council as part of the City’s “Annual Action Plan” for the use of CDBG funds.
Analysis
The ADA audit in 2013 assessed over 50,000 items identified throughout the parks system that are regulated by the “2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design”. Of these, approximately 900 items were identified as being in need of compliance as resources become available. Since, staff has been able to complete 135 of them through a combination of existing division operating funds, staff expertise, and previous CDBG grants. With the approval of this contract, an additional 51 compliance projects are planned and will be underway. As indicated, the balance of the remaining projects will continue to be addressed as additional resources are available.
Community Benefit/Public Involvement
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and/or Commission on Persons with Disabilities have been briefed multiple times of the status of the ADA action plan and the intent is to continue annual briefings until such time the all ADA items have been addressed. The CDBG funding request was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Community Development Advisory Committee at meetings in January and March, 2016; and subsequently approved by City Council as part of the FY 16-17 “Annual Action Plan” in April 2016.
Budget and Financial Impacts
Funds are available in the FY 16-17 CDBG project awards budget. Expenditures are not to exceed $163,036.78.
|
Cost |
Fund-Department-Account |
|
$163,036.78 |
1320-31096-518200, PF-COG Parks & Rec-ADA Improv. |
Capital Expense? No
Budgeted? Yes
Requesting Budget or Appropriation Transfer? No