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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Amendment to the Existing Professional Services Agreement with The Nickerson Company for Public Works Inspection Services, Utility Location, and Arborist Inspection Support for the Public Works Department/Engineering Division for the City-Wide Ting High Speed Fiber Project in an Additional Amount Not-to-Exceed $300,000.
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Meeting Date: May 23, 2022
Contact Person/Dept: Mate Gaspar/PW
Phone Number: 310-253-5602
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (05/18/2022); The Nickerson Company by e-mail (05/18/2022)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer (05/11/2022)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an amendment to the existing professional services agreement with The Nickerson Company to support the Public Works Department/Engineering Division for public works inspection, utility location services, and arborist inspection services for the City-wide Ting high speed fiber optic project in an additional amount not-to-exceed $300,000.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In March 2021, Ting Fiber, Inc. (Ting) began construction on a city-wide project to place fiber optic cable, using microtrenching, on every street in Culver City. Upon project completion, Ting will offer a minimum of 1 gigabyte high-speed internet service to every parcel, including Citywide fiber-to-the-home.
The Nickerson Company has been providing inspection and utility location services since the project started through a City Manager approved $50,000 professional services agreement. On June 13, 2021, an amendment to the existing agreement was approved by the City Council, in an additional amount of $200,000. At that time, Ting estimated that their work would be completed by the end of 2021.
The project has experienced delays due to material supply shortages, loss of labor, and other factors. Ting has hired an additional contractor to accelerate the completion of the project. The Nickerson Company hired an additional inspector. Ting is estimating that their work will be completed by August 2022.
Given The Nickerson Company’s track record of providing quality inspection services, and its familiarity with the Ting project, it is the recommendation of staff that this agreement be amended. In addition, staff has reviewed The Nickerson Company’s hourly rates and determined they are competitive with other consultants that provide similar services.
At this time, staff estimates an additional $300,000 in contract services with The Nickerson Company will be needed for the completion of the project.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Master Encroachment Agreement between the City and Ting, which was authorized by the City Council on November 9, 2020, states that Ting will pay all City permitting fees, which the City charges on a cost recovery basis to recoup the City’s project permitting costs. For this project, permitting costs include inspection services as well as utility location services and arborist inspection.
Therefore, there are sufficient funds available in budget line item 10160150.619800.
ATTACHMENTS
None
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Approve an amendment to the existing professional services agreement with The Nickerson Company to provide continued as-needed public works inspection, utility location, and arborist inspection support for the Public Works Department/Engineering Division on the City-wide Ting high speed fiber project in an additional amount not-to-exceed $300,000;
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.