title
CC - Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Restoration ArTechs, Inc., in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $165,000 (Inclusive of an Approximate 10% Contingency), for the Restoration of a Permanent Public Artwork (Crossed Currents) Located at the City’s Transportation Facility.
body
Meeting Date: February 10, 2020
Contact Person/Dept: B. Christine Byers/Administrative Services - Cultural Affairs
Phone Number: (310) 253-6003
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: Meetings and Agendas - City Council (02/04/20)
Department Approval: Serena Wright-Black, Assistant City Manager (02/03/20)
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a professional services agreement with Restoration ArTechs, Inc., in an amount not-to-exceed $165,000 (inclusive of an approximate 10% contingency), for the restoration of a permanent artwork titled, Crossed Currents, located at the City’s Transportation Facility.
BACKGROUND
In conjunction with the construction of the City’s Transportation Facility (located at 4343 Duquesne Ave.) artist Don Merkt was commissioned in 1996 to create a permanent artwork in fulfillment of the City’s Art in Public Places Program requirement. Mr. Merkt, who is based in Portland, OR, created a two-part installation titled, Crossed Currents. The primary sculpture which measures 28’ high, is in the shape of a water vessel that pays homage to Ballona Creek and its importance to the region’s native inhabitants (Gabrielino/Tongva). Wind and water are realized as themes in this artwork on several levels: the single water droplet spilling over the lip of the jug into the creek and the wind moving the water bubbles suspended inside. Mr. Merkt’s art concept included a second smaller sculpture that rests in the center of a fountain which is sited adjacent to the main entrance of the building. The larger sculpture is fabricated from galvanized steel (12-gauge mesh, bands, etc.) and powder coated with a Rodda Paint Industrial Coatings product. The smaller fountain sculpture is also made of steel but is not powder coated. The total budget for both components was $120,000.
DISCUSSION
The materials proposed in 1996 for Crossed Currents had an estimated lifespan of about 20-30 years in optimum conditions. However, the sculpture’s proximity to the creek and ocean, combined with UV exposure among others, has made it necessary to complete a comprehensive restoration at the 20 year mark. The steel components are showing signs of corrosion (see attached images) intermittently throughout, the powder coated finish on the larger sculpture is brittle and faded and the fountain has various parts that require replacement and repair.
Pursuant to Culver City Municipal Code Section 3.07.065.A, professional services are exempt from formal competitive bidding procedures; provided, the contract is based upon competitive quotations, whenever practical. In this instance due to the specialized and technical nature of the project, Cultural Affairs staff reached out to various qualified firms to obtain informal quotes for restoration. The proposed scope of work included: removal of both sculptures from the site (the larger sculpture comprises 4-5 small sections that come apart); removal of the powder coating, rust and other mineral deposits; repairing metal sections as needed; applying new powder coating (to match original); applying any other relevant protective finish treatments; restoring lighting elements, cleaning the fountain basin and replacing the fountain pump.
Four firms provided the following price quotes:
1. Carlson Baker Arts - Estimate was $325,500 which did not include engineering review for code compliance if required.
2. Restoration ArTechs - Estimate was $149,175 which includes all necessary work as outlined above.
3. LA ProPoint - Estimate was $133,374 which did not include any electrical or plumbing work which the firm said was outside their area of expertise.
4. Standard Sculpture - Estimate was $120,000 - $160,000. This excluded any licensed engineering documents, modification of sculpture mounting hardware, repair of concrete footings and certified welding or any work on the fountain or fountain sculpture.
After reviewing all estimates, staff selected Restoration ArTechs because their proposed scope of work addressed all areas that required restoration and due to the positive experience while working with this firm on the most recent restoration of Truth or Fiction (on the north side of Culver Boulevard, across from City Hall). Cultural Affairs staff have been coordinating with Public Works, Transportation Staff and the artist in Portland, Don Merkt, through the proposal phase and will continue to work with staff from those departments, as well as the artist, through the restoration phase. The estimated time for completion of work is 6-8 weeks.
Staff recommends a not-to-exceed amount of $165,000 which includes an approximate 10% contingency for unexpected costs.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
All costs associated with this project are paid for from the Cultural Trust Fund (Fund 413) from account 41322400.619800 PZ824.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2020-02-10_ATT - Restoration ArTechs, Inc. Estimate 1783
2. 2020-02-10_ATT - Select Images Showing Damage to Crossed Currents
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Approve a professional services agreement with Restoration ArTechs, in an amount not-to-exceed $165,000 (inclusive of an approximate 10% contingency), for restoration of a permanent artwork titled, Crossed Currents; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to approve amendment(s) to the Agreement within the contingency authority; and
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.