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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Ratification of an Amendment to the General Services Agreement with Crosstown Electric for Electrical Service Installation at Virginia Avenue for Wellness Village Site in the Amount of $124,200.43, with a Contingency of $25,000 for a Total Not-to-Exceed Amount of $149,200.43.
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Meeting Date: November 10, 2025
Contact/Dept.: Tevis Barnes/Housing and Human Services
Yanni Demitri/Public Works Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5640
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [X] No [ ]
Attachments: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notification: E-Mail: Meetings and Agendas - City Council (11/06/2025)
Dept Approval: Tevis Barnes, Housing and Human Services Director (11/04/2025); Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer (11/04/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council ratify an amendment to the general services agreement with Crosstown Electric for electrical service installation at Virginia Avenue for Wellness Village site in the amount of $124,200.43 with a contingency of $25,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $149,200.43.
BACKGROUND
On January 9, 2023, the City Council ratified the Local Emergency finding that a threat to public health and safety exists in the City due to a homelessness crisis in the City. As part of the ratification the City Council also authorized the City Manager to approve emergency response agreements and purchases up to the existing Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget.
In response to the emergency and in an effort to reduce loss of life, eliminate encampments, and provide greater access to resources for its unhoused residents. the City opened Wellness Village in August 2023. Wellness Village is a low-barrier interim housing resource, that consists of 20 canvas tents on raised platforms on City-owned parking lot.
DISCUSSION
The Virginia Avenue lot that houses Wellness Village was previously used for surface parking. There was no existing electricity or water service at the site. In order to convert the property into an interim housing space, the City has had to rent restrooms, showers and portable generators.
The renting and operating of 24-7 portable gas-powered generators to electrify the site is costly and generates air pollution. To minimize costs, secure more reliable energy and reduce local emissions, Public Works staff has been working with Southern California Edison (SCE) to establish electrical service at the Virginia Avenue property. For SCE to provide energy to the property, the City needed to install an electrical pole and appurtenant equipment, and complete associated site work.
To complete this work, Public Works issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in January 2024. The City received two bids in response to the RFQ. The City entered into a general services agreement with the lowest bidder, Crosstown Electric, in the amount of $98,200. During construction, it was determined that additional work was needed, and the City Manager approved an amendment to the general services agreement in the amount of $26,000.43 for the additional work.
Crosstown Electric has completed the existing scope of work. SCE signed off on the site work and energized the pole in October 2025. However, after the pole was energized, staff discovered that additional electrical and site work is necessary to ensure that the electrical panel and outlets are sufficient to operate the rented restrooms and showers, air conditioning units, heaters, refrigerators, portable lights and cameras. The scope and cost of this work is currently being negotiated but is anticipated to be less than $25,000.
The general services agreement and the amendment to the agreement were approved pursuant to the Locally Declared Emergency. Staff recommends that Council ratify the amendment to the agreement with Crosstown Electric in the amount of $124,200.43 and authorize the City Manager to approve further amendments to the agreement in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the additional work needed to complete the project.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 included $124,200.23 for the Amended Agreement with Crosstown Electric in Account 10116100.619800 SC001 (Non-Departmental - Other Contractual Services - Safe Camping/Homeless Services) as a carry-over encumbrance from Fiscal Year 2024-2025. Account 10116100.619800 SC001 had approximately $219,183.64 remaining unspent at the end of Fiscal Year 2024-2025. $25,000 of this remaining balance could be carried over to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to cover the costs of the proposed contingency.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Ratify of the amendment to the general services agreement with Crosstown Electric;
2. Authorize the City Manager to approve further amendments to the general services agreement with Crosstown Electric in an amount not-to-exceed $25,000;
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary agreements; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.