MEETING DATE: 04/05/10
AGENDA ITEM: Approval of a Design for the Ballona Creek
Decorative Gate at Overland Avenue and Approval
of a Related Budget Amendment.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages|1010| Proposal Guidelines
1-5
Artist Proposals
6-19Ballona Creek Custom Gate Project
Mandatory Proposal Meeting/Job Walk
As a finalist, you are required to come to a mandatory proposal meeting/job walk tentatively scheduled
for the afternoon of February 18, 2010. More information on this meeting will be forthcoming.
Submission Requirements
Additionally, you must provide the following no later than 5prn on March 16, 2010 (received by
date/time):
1. Short narrative and description of materials (minimum of 1-2 paragraphs, maximum of 1 page)
2. Detailed sketches or images of your design for the gate system. The gate must meet the
specifications listed below . under "Gate Specifications."
3. Detailed fee schedule, including not-to-exceed fee (note: the project budget is approximately
$20,000-25,000) •
a. Fee schedule must include line item for foundation design. It may include line items for
post fabrication and construction of concrete foundation, if relevant (see below under
"Important Notes"). All mileage expenses, mailing/delivery, and incidental expenses shall
be included in the cost proposed.
4. Detailed timeline for design, fabrication, and installation
This submission may be via email to Helen.kerstein@culvercity.orq or in hard copy format to: Helen
Kerstein, Management Analyst; Culver City Public Works Department; City Hall 2 nd Floor, 9770 Culver
Boulevard; Culver City, CA 90232. Submitting this information prior to the interview will provide an
opportunity for staff to review and discuss your project with you to ensure compliance with the selection
criteria prior to your presentation before the artist selection panel.
Artist Selection Panel
You must also participate in person in a presentation and interview with the selection panel on the
afternoon of March 22, 2010. Please bring the following to this meeting:
• 5 printed copies of your proposal, including narrative, images, budget, and timeline
In addition, you may include:
• Up to two display boards, measuring no more than 22" x 30", for use during your
presentation/interview (easels will be provided)
• PowerPoint presentation with no more than 20 slides total
Materials other than what is described above will not be permitted during your
presentation/interview with the artist selection panel. Your presentation/interview is to last no
more than 45 minutes.
Criteria for Selection
As noted in the RFC2, submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Design: Proposed design, including:
• Overall artistic merit
1• Reflection of Culver City and Ballona Creek's identity
• Consistency with other Ballona Creek gate designs
• Conformity to design specifications and quality of design, including whether the design is
safe, functional, and requires minimal maintenance
2. Fee schedule: Reasonable not-to-exceed fee.
3. Timeline: Realistic fabrication and installation timeline that fits within the parameters of the City's
proposed timeline for the larger Ballona Creek Bikeway Project.
References will be checked and taken into account in making a final recommendation to the City Council.
All art concepts are subject to review by the City Attorney's Office, the Community Development
Department and the Public Works Department (and other departments or divisions as necessary) for
compliance with City codes, policies and regulations.
Gate Specifications
The gate system shall include the following:
a. 12 foot wide double drive gate with interlocking gate mechanism to allow City and County
locks to be used. The chain and lock cut-out on the double drive gate should be 5 inches by 5
inches.
b. 4 foot wide service gate with ball-bearing barrel hinges and a flat mount, self-latching bolt
and dead bolt.
c. Fence that extends the remaining distance from the library to the fence along the creek
(approx. 10 feet for a total distance of roughly 26 feet).
d. Gate design that is site-specific and reflects Culver City's identity within the region as well as
references Ballona Creek and is also consistent in style to other existing artist-designed gates
along Ballona Creek.
e, Gate system and corresponding posts must be engineered to counter-balance.
f. Maximum weight of each gate panel attached to a post shall not exceed 500 pounds.
g. Gate panels must be able to open fully to a right angle, with a latch, plunger rod, or other
mechanism to hold the gate panels open.
h. The height of the side of each gate that attaches to a post must not exceed the height of the
post. At no point shall the gate be less than 5.5 feet in height.
i. Gate system must be constructed to be safe, functional, durable, and require minimal
maintenance.
j. Design of concrete gate/fence post foundations. The gate/fence post foundations may be
constructed by the artists' sub-contractor, if the artist prefers. However, this is not required.
Important Notes
The artist is responsible for hiring a civil engineer licensed in the State of California to design the
gate/fence post foundations and preparation for construction documents in Autocad (latest version), to
include specifications, similar to images I, J, and H in the attached draft plan L4.05. Artist shall identify
the location of posts as shown in draft plan L4.04 (whether or not the artist fabricates these posts). The
City will use these construction documents to secure relevant permits and for bidding purposes for the
BaIlona Creek Bikeway, Pedestrian, and Landscape Improvement Project. The artist is responsible for
installing the gate system in coordination with the general contractor and to attend
coordination/meetings with staff and the contractor, as necessary.
Any changes in the scope of work resulting in a contract increase or decrease in fee shall be approved by
the Public Works Director and City Engineer in writing prior to commencement of actual change in work.
2No fee adjustment will be allowed unless said prior approval is authorized exclusively in writing by the
City, without exception.
If you have any questions, please contact Helen Kerstein at 310-253-5618 or
Helen.kerstein@culvercity.org . Additionally, questions will be answered at the Proposal Meeting/Job
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511ALBER DE MATTEIS
707 W. Alvarado St.
SCULPTOR
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Phone/Fax: (760)723.4351
Email: alberdematteis@yahoo.com
"RIPPLES"
BaIlona Creek Custom Gate Project
As an abstract homage to Water, such a precious, essential element, this gate is relaxing and whimsical
at the same time; a beautiful and dynamic welcome for visitors of all ages.
The harmonious, organic design was inspired both by the meditative concentric lines on a Zen Garden,
a place of peace and calmness, and the playful ripples after a pebble touches the water, while skipping
stones.
The gate's framework will be constructed of 3" steel square tubing. The design will be created out of
1/4" steel plate. As an accent, stones will be placed at the center of the Ripple patterns. The finish will
be Natural Rust Patina.
The gates will have all the required hardware.
(.°OTOE
eiE :etuDe
s-T a-4418u aa aaqtrif707 W. Alvarado St.
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Tel/Fax: (760) 723-4351
E-mail:
alberdematteisAyaboo.com
ALBER
DE MATTEIS
"RIPPLES"
Baliona Creek Custom Gate Proieet
BUDGET
INSURANCE
Auto, General Liability, Other
CONSULTANT
Structural Engineer
MATERIALS / FABRICATION
Steel
Fabrication
$ 1200.00
$ 1 500.00
$ 2 600.00
$ 15 000.00
TRANSPORTATION
Finished work to installation site
TRAVEL
Travel, meetings, coordination
OFFICE
Administrative costs and Maintenance report
ARTIST FEE
Design, fabrication drawings
GRAND TOTAL
$ 800.00
$ 500.00
$ 400.00
$ 3000.00
$ 25 000.00707 W. Alvarado St.
ALBER Fal!brook, CA 92028
Tel/Fax: (760) 723-4351
DE MATTEIS E-mail:
alberdematteis(&,yahoo.com
"RIPPLES"
Ballona Creek Custom Gate Project
TIMELINE
Final Design, Engineerin g April, Mai 2010
Fabrication Mai, August 2010
Installation September 2010L41 v
Ballona Creek Gate Pro ect
Proposal from Gale McCall
`SOARING'
My proposed concept for these gates arrived after studying the history and patterns of use
in the Ballona Creek area. I was inspired to feature a variety of the birds that inhabit these
wetlands an also include flora and fauna of the area. In taking a survey of what animal a
person would choose to embody, 8 out of 10 would most likely choose a bird! Humans have
a fascination with flying!
As a cyclist and a runner I have covered this area many times but it wasn't until I put
binoculars on that I truly saw the abundance of elegant and unique birds that share our
saved wetlands. The research for this project has led me to a deeper understanding of how
much the birds need this area for survival. Many other species including tree frogs,
endangered butterflies and insects thrive in the rich variety of plant life that make up the
lush Ballona wetlands. One desired element of this project was to capture the essence of our
cohabitation including illustrative elements of the school and the library that surround the
gates.
The proposed design begins in the center with a tree, which suggests knowledge and
growth. An ascending river continues up to the tree where birds fly and perch around the
branches. A glass root plant plays the field which features a Great Northern Harrier and a
Great Blue Heron, they loom and soar freely over the land. A moon cycle arches over the tree
featuring other species from dragonflies to monarchs. In the passenger gate there are a stack
of books referencing the plants and birds of the area leading us to think about what's out
there. On the flanks Rye grass lightly sways and is a home to few other hidden treasures
The tree and fields are made of steel and the highlights are electro -polished stainless steel.
The design offers many staggered offsets giving depth and perspective.
Ay face to -walk through
Apace to -walk to
Apace to beSoaring'
cJ 26'
Mild Steel, coffin and stainless steel
2"x 2" FRAMES
5'
61
4'
These sizes are to be determined by over all width, they will take into consiceration the posts and final layout of landscaping...Co rti n Plate, water jet cut
one plane
Steel
'N WaterJet cut I:Ards In the glass root
section
5' 6'
6'
4' 5'
Mild steel I /4" to 318' cut, bent forged
Mild steel 1 /4'to 3/8' cut, bent forged
(A)moon cycle / dimensional, 11/2 " rings
with double 1/8"plates of featured guests.
—
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Blue heron
double
71161111. 1(1% (1/4,
f:i ; • •::-
;:; : •
Books
double
Northern Harrier
double
Water
single 1/4" plate
---F-- Stainless Steelz;r4c—Nstainless steel ring
with stainless plate
Cycle of the Moon with Shadows
axion view
plan
Tree Frog
1 of 9Gale McCall
Budget
'Soaring'
animal life, flora and fauna of Ballona Wetlands
Gate proposal
26' x7'
vehicle gate, 6'8' x 12', passenger gate 6'8"x4',
two side panels 6'8" x 5' (to fit)
Artist fee 15% 3,800
Materials and Fabrication
Mild steel and Cortin Steel
Stainless steal
Water jet cutting
Welding
5 4" x 4"x 8' posts. cut, _cap, add rebar for foundations
materials $476, labour $500
14,088
Finish
Sand blast
Electropolish stainless
Install
450
300
1,300
In conjunction with the city
Engineer 1,000
Insurance 500
Contingency 5% 1,250
Taxes 9.5% 2,312
Total budget 25,000
Time line,
5 months from the signing of a contract and mobilization fee
Complete design by the first week of May, fabricate June to August
Finish, Install end of August or beginning of September, as needed by contractor.
1 L9BALLONA CREEK CUSTOM GATE PROPOSAL May Sun
The tidal channels of the Ballona Wetlands provide a nursery and breeding ground for
several marine fishes. My proposal for the Ballona Creek custom gate pays homage
to one of the native fishes that is specific to the Ballona Wetlands, the striped mullet.
They can be found in the Ballona Creek tidal channels but like other native fish species,
have been negatively impacted by exotic species.
The 6' tall custom gate consists of a school of mullets swimming by that is cut out in
stainless steel panels_ When the sun shines through the cutouts, the school of fish will
create shadows on the ground. The positive cut-out images of the fish will be attached to
both sides of the service gate and the fence. The frame for the gate, the service gate and the
fence will be constructed with primarily 3" x 3" and I" x 3" mild steel box tube with a
waxed, rusted finish. The fish images will be laser cut in I18" stainless steel sheets.BALLONA CREEK CUSTOM GATE PROJECT May Sun
Detailed Fee Schedule
Artist's Fee including studio overhead, mileage expenses, mailing/delivery
and incidental expenses .$ 6,000
Fabrication including fabricators' fee, materials, civil engineer's fee,
foundation design fee, mileage expenses $ I 9,000
Total: $25,000
30% deposit for Drawings, Engineer's Stamp
20% deposit for Material Procurement
20% deposit at 50% completion
20% at completion of fabrication
10% at completion of installation
Detailed timeline for design, fabrication and installation
April to May — Design.
June to August — Fabrication.
September — Installation.
11'
City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: _04/05/10_ Item Number: C-8
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM: FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT - Approval of
(1) a Design for the Ballona Creek Decorative Gate at Overland Avenue and (2) a
Professional Services Agreement with Alber De Matteis and a Related Budget
Amendment.
Contact Person/Dept.: Helen
Kerstein/PW
Phone Number: (310) 253-5618
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date: _______________
Public Notification: (E-mail) Agenda and Meetings – City Council (03/31/10); (E-mail)
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (03/29/2010); (E-mail) Los Angeles County
Department of Public Works (03/29/2010); (E-mail) County of Los Angeles Public Library
(03/29/2010); (E-mail) Culver City Unified School District (03/29/2010); (E-mail) Mountains
Recreation and Conservation Authority (03/29/2010); (E-mail) Santa Monica Bay
Restoration Commission (03/29/2010); (E-mail) Ballona Creek Renaissance (03/29/2010);
(Letter) Alber De Matteis (03/29/2010); (Letter) Gale McCall (03/29/2010); (Letter) May Sun
(03/29/2010)
Department Approval:
Charles D. Herbertson (03/26/10)
City Attorney Approval:
Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (03/29/10)
Chief Financial Officer Approval:
Mark Scott (by N. Kimball) (03/30/10)
City Manager Approval:
Mark Scott (04/01/10)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the attached proposals together
with the recommendation from the Selection Panel and approve Alber De Matteis’
concept for the design of the Ballona Creek Gate at Overland Avenue. Staff also
recommends that the City Council approve a professional services agreement with
Alber De Matteis and approve a budget amendment of $25,000 to cover the
associated cost (this covers both design and fabrication of the gate structure).
A budget amendment requires a four-fifths vote.
BACKGROUND:
The Ballona Creek Bikeway Project involves improving portions of the Ballona Creek
Bikeway between Overland Avenue and the pedestrian bridge located approximately
1,000 feet west of Overland Avenue. One important part of the Bikeway Project is a
decorative gate, which will provide a functional and aesthetically-pleasing entrance
to the bikeway at Overland Avenue. Similar decorative gates currently exist at the
Centinela Avenue, Sepulveda Boulevard, Inglewood Boulevard, and McConnell
Avenue entrances to Ballona Creek. City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
DISCUSSION:
On December 7, 2009, the City Council approved a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
to select an artist for the decorative gate at Overland Avenue. The RFQ outlined a
two-stage process for choosing the artist. In the first step, staff reached out to
thousands of local artists through list-serves and email lists. Roughly 80 artists
registered their interest in the project. Of those interested, 15 Southern California-
based artists submitted applications that included letters of introduction, resumes
and images of past work by the January 12, 2010 deadline.
Staff convened a Selection Panel that met on February 5, 2010 to review these
applications. The Selection Panel was composed of:
• Marla Koosed - Chair, Cultural Affairs Commission and member of the
Commission’s Public Art Subcommittee
• Eric Mirzaian - Senior Management Analyst, Public Works Department,
Maintenance Operations
• Karen Rapp - Director, Vincent Price Art Museum
Helen Kerstein of the Public Works Department and Christine Byers of the
Community Development Department were also present as facilitators at the
February 2010 Selection Panel meeting but did not participate in scoring the entries.
The Selection Panel considered the quality of the artists’ past work as evidenced by
the work submitted (weighted 80%) and the artists’ levels of professional experience
as demonstrated by resumes and recommendations (weighted 20%). The
Selection Panel concluded their review of all 15 applications by recommending that
the following artists be short-listed for proposal development: Alber De Matteis, Gale
McCall, and May Sun.
Each of the short-listed artists was then taken on a site visit, forwarded a set of
specific proposal guidelines (Attachment 1), and asked to make a presentation
before the same Selection Panel on March 22,
2010. A copy of each artist’s
proposal is included as Attachment 2. Below is a brief summary of the artists’
concepts and of the panel’s comments:
1. Alber De Matteis:
Project Overview:
The design is intended to represent the whimsical and relaxing nature of water. It
includes swirls and concentric circles that are inspired both by the ripples created
when a pebble touches the water and the lines on a Zen Garden. The artist expects
to construct the design using several layers, which will create visual interest. He
proposes to construct the gate out of steel with a natural rust patina. City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Panel Comments:
The Selection Panel appreciated the simplicity of the design and the visual effect of
the layers of metalwork. They also felt that the style and materials would
complement the existing gates along the Creek.
2. Gale McCall
Project Overview:
The design was inspired by the plants and animals that call the Ballona Creek area
home. It includes representations of these flora and fauna along with images that
link the gate to the nearby library and school. The artist proposes to fabricate the
design out of Corten and stainless steel.
Panel Comments:
The Selection Panel greatly valued the artistic merit and technical skill demonstrated
by the design. The Selection Panel also appreciated the design’s strong connection
to the site, including local wildlife and the nearby library. However, there was some
concern that the design was overly intricate given the other gates along the Creek
and might require significant maintenance.
3. May Sun
Project Overview:
The design pays homage to the striped mullet, one of the fish species that is native
to the Ballona Wetlands but has been negatively impacted by exotic species.
It includes cutouts of a school of mullets, which when hit with sunlight, will create
shadows on the nearby ground. The artist anticipates fabricating the design out of a
combination of stainless steel and mild steel with a rusted finish.
Panel Comments:
The panel liked the simplicity and general concept of the design, including its
connection to local wildlife and its visual shadowing effect. However, the panel was
concerned that the artist had not fully thought through some aspects of the design.
For example, the panel expressed concerns about the potential vulnerability of the
design to taggers and those who might desire to climb the gate.
The panel scored the three proposals based on the following criteria:
• Design, including: 1) overall artistic merit; 2) reflection of Culver City and
Ballona Creek’s identity and consistency with other Ballona Creek gate
designs; 3) conformity to design specifications and quality of design, including
whether the design is safe, functional, and requires minimal maintenance
(weighted at 75%)
• Fee schedule and timeline (weighted at 25%) City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
All three artists stated that they would be ready to install art work by September
2010 and all proposed a budget of $25,000, which is within the range specified in the
RFQ.
The three artists were ranked as follows, based on the panelists’ scores. (Note:
each panelist scored out of 100 points, for a total of 300 possible points from all
three panelists):
• Alber De Matteis (236 total points)
• Gale McCall (226 total points)
• May Sun (171 total points)
Based on these scores, the Selection Panel and staff recommend that the City
Council approve Alber De Matteis’ concept. Additionally, staff recommends that the
City Council approve a contract for $25,000 and approve the associated budget
amendment for that amount.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Staff recommends that $25,000 be appropriated from the New Development Impact
Fee Fund. There are currently approximately $250,000 available in the New
Development Impact Fund. Pursuant to Section 15.06.045 of the Culver City
Municipal Code, “Fees from each new development shall be appropriated and
disbursed only for street improvements, traffic controls and traffic management
projects which are made necessary by the development and are: A. Located within
the area from which the fees were collected; or B. Located within the impact zone of
the new development as determined pursuant to §15.06.040; or C. found pursuant to
§ 15.06.045 to benefit the new development and mitigate its traffic impact.” This
proposed project will improve the bike path for bicyclists and pedestrians and will
encourage its usage to places of employment in the impact zone.
In November 2009, after receiving City Council approval, staff applied for an
Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation grant to fund the portion of the Ballona
Creek Bikeway Project not funded through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (Federal Stimulus funding). Staff has been notified that this
application has been recommended for funding. However, final approval from the
California Transportation Commission has not been received. Should this funding
be received, New Development Impact fees may no longer be required for this
project and staff may recommend that they be reallocated at that point.
The $25,000 for this Agreement will cover design and fabrication of the gate. The
fabricated gate will be installed as part of the Ballona Creek Bikeway Project (P-
900). It is expected this project will be presented to the City Council before the end
of the fiscal year for bid authorization and potential award.
City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposal Guidelines
2. Artist Proposals
MOTION:
That the City Council:
1. Approve Alber De Matteis’ design for a decorative gate at the entrance to
Ballona Creek at Overland Avenue; and,
2. Approve a budget amendment to appropriate funds from the New
Development Impact Fund in the amount of $25,000 to P-900.
3. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Alber De Matteis for this
work; and,
4. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents;
and,
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute such document on behalf of the
City.
A 4/5
th
vote is required to approve the budget amendment.