12-19-2006 - Authorization for Staff to Proceed with a Trailer Purchase for Galster Park Nature Center (Project #PP-07205)TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager
and City Council
City of West Covina
Memorandum
AGENDA
ITEM NO. D4b
DATE: December 19.2006
FROM: Michele McNeill 02�nANRPrVrTFnPAPPR
Community Services Director
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO PROCEED WITH A TRAILER
PURCHASE FOR THE GALSTER PARK NATURE CENTER (PROJECT
NO. PP-07205)
RECOMMENDATION:
1. It is recommended that the City Council authorize staff to proceed with the
procurement of a trailer, which will be utilized as a nature center at Galster Park.
2. Appropriate $39,500 from the General Fund reserve to account 110.82.8734.7700.
DISCUSSION:
The FY 2006-2007 Capital Improvement Budget includes the rental of a portable trailer to
facilitate a Nature Center at Galster Parkin the amount of $32,000'(PDF "F"). Since this project
was submitted and approved, the scope has expanded, raising the estimated costs by $39,500.
Items included in the additional costs are:
• The San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy (SGMRC) has submitted a proposal
to conduct a nature program at Galster Park that includes volunteer/docent training,
outreach to schools, and traditional nature programming. While there is no cost to the
City to have SGMRC conduct the program, they are seeking more trailer space than staff
had originally planned. The facility size would increase from a 12'x 32' trailer to a 24' x
40' trailer. Additional space would house a classroom and nature display area.
• Security enhancements have been added such as steel framed doors and windows,
increased security lighting, and graffiti preventative measures.
• Originally staff recommended leasing the trailer, however, a 2-year lease is equivalent to
the purchase price. Therefore, staff recommends a purchase versus a lease.
• Miscellaneous upgrades include cabinets, landscaping, and utilities.
The project upgrades will provide a nature center that is inviting to park patrons, offers higher
staffing levels, includes park programming, and provides additional security measures. The
Public Works Department estimates the project upgrade costs as follows:
Nature Center
Project No. PP-07205
Approved
Budget
Nature Center
Recommended Upgrades
Upgrade
Cost
1.
Trailer Lease
$12,000
Trailer Purchase
$12,000
2.
Site Prep
4,500
Landscape, utilities
10,000
3.
Delivery/block/anchor
3,500
4.
Furnishings
2,000
5.
ADA Ramp
5,000
6.
Cabinets/Counters
5,000
Cabinets/Counters
5,000
7.
Security Features .
7,000
8.
Contract Administration/
Contingencies/Inspections,
5,500
$32,000 1 1 $39,500
~ Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manak$
and City Council
Page 2 — December 19, 2006
While costs have increased, it should be noted that there are significant security benefits to the
implementation of a nature program and facility at Galster Park. The presence of regular activity
may help curb vandalism at Galster Park.. For example, on site staff have the ability to call in
vandalism while it's happening, identify vehicles or persons involved, and work directly with the
Police Department and Public Works in communicating issues on the trail and at camp that need
addressing. Finally, should the City decide to enlist Park Rangers or place Police Officers on
special assignments at Galster Park, the trailer can be used as an office location for such
purposes.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may:
1) Direct staff to move forward with the original project without the upgrades.
2) Provide additional direction.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is currently no funding available in restricted accounts to fund the project upgrades. To
complete this project with the upgrades, the City Council will need to appropriate an additional
$39,500 from the General Fund reserve.
� epared by: Michele McNeill
Community Services Director
Reviewed/Approved by:
Finance
aA
Publi&W4rks Police Dept.