(Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series that tracks consent agenda items that are routinely passed by the City Council. Many have been part of public discussion in the past.) CITY HALL The City Council tonight is expected to spend nearly $3 million on everything from car insurance and new garbage cans, to the hiring of a new liaison charged with monitoring the city’s progress in meeting goals set forth in the Sustainable City Plan.
The majority of the money will go towards various consulting contracts, including a $990,600 deal with Tetra Tech Inc. to study the feasibility of creating a 20-million gallon reservoir at or near Memorial Park to store the city’s drinking water (see related story).
Below are some of the contracts under consideration. A compete list is available at www.smgov.net.
TAKING OUT THE TRASH One of the largest contracts under consideration is for garbage cans. City staff has recommended the council award Roto Industries a $390,000, three-year contract to supply solid waste with 68-, 95-and 300-gallon garbage cans so that residents have a place to put their trash, grass clippings, and bottles and cans.
These plastic containers are damaged over time and require repair or replacement. The contract does not require City Hall to purchase any containers. New ones will only be bought when existing containers are damaged beyond repair.
Should it be determined that waste collection will be privatized, any containers purchased will be sold to the new service provider, according to a city staff report.
The contract is for one year with two, one-year renewal options.
CALL SURVIVAL NOW Looking to protect property in the event of a fire, earthquake or car crash, city staff has recommended awarding a five-year, $345,000 contract with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., a longtime provider of coverage for City Hall and the creator of the largest property insurance program in the world.
Alliant, formerly Robert F. Driver & Co., has provided coverage to the city for the past 16 years and, out of four companies, it was determined to be the most responsible bidder, according to a city staff report.
Alliant’s fees are $40,000 per year for all risk property brokerage services, which provides for all coverages except for earthquakes, which would cost an extra $25,000. The all risk property insurance fee will increase by $2,000 per year, not to exceed $48,000 a year in the five-year period.
KEEPING TABS Making sure that affordable housing developers are following the letter of the law, the council is expected to award a $303,000 contract to Comprehensive Housing Services, Inc. to monitor compliance with the labor code.
Under the code, contractors using state, federal or local funding must pay their workers based on prevailing wage rates established by the California Department of Industrial Relations, division of labor statistic, or the U.S. Department of Labor, wage and hour division.
Currently, seven affordable housing developments are being monitored with another four developments anticipated to commence construction this fiscal year, according to a city staff report. In addition, a redevelopment project for the seismic retro-fit of a downtown parking structure is also expected to begin, creating a greater-than-expected need for monitoring services.
PIER PRESSURE — WALKING THE PLANKS It’s the city’s most recognizable landmark, but it’s popularity, along with time, is taking its toll on the Santa Monica Pier.
Conditions at the pier are continually deteriorating due to age, use and effects of the marine environment and a regular, sustained commitment to the pier’s maintenance and upkeep is needed, according to a city staff report.
To ensure its longevity, the council is being asked to approve a consulting contract with Moffatt & Nichol for $300,000 to conduct an assessment of all systems on the pier, including above-water and underwater structural components.
Moffat will also be asked to develop a 10-year capital improvement and maintenance program, identifying priorities, estimated costs and best practices for maintaining the pier.
Studies were done in 2001 and 2003 that led to the current capital improvement program. That program was implemented in January 2004. In three phases, the pier structure was improved, an emergency chute was added and the catwalk repaired. Phase III improvements will be completed in spring 2007.
As part of the contract, Moffat will inspect under-deck piping, and all electrical and communication conduits.
Following the inspection, Moffat will determine the loading capacity of the concrete portion of the pier, the remaining portions of the pier deck and the deck over the Santa Monica Aquarium. Other duties will include a study of the pier’s lighting, fire protection, furniture and fixtures, and the restoration of the Carousel’s dome.
In addition to completing the design for the latest rehabilitation project at the pier, Moffat has been responsible for design work at Santa Cruz Wharf, Sunset Aquatic Marina in Seal Beach, Pine Avenue Pier in Long Beach and the Hermosa Beach Municipal Pier.
HOLDING THE FEET TO THE FIRE Ensuring that the community complies with the Sustainable City Plan, which sets goals to lower emissions and the use of electricity while increasing recycling and civic participation, the council is looking to hire Traci Spencer to serve as the community’s sustainable liaison.
Her contract is for $150,000 for two years of service. Spencer was selected out of four people based on the fact that she has developed strong connections.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 10, 2007. Read the original PDF.