HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 288-06City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL~k
CITY MANAGER
JULY 10, 2006
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
CMR:288:06
CREATION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT PF-
07011, ROTH BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND APPROVAL OF
RELATED BUDGET AMENDMENT ORDINANCE TOTALLING
$415,000
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council:
5
1.Approve creation of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project PF-07011, Roth
Building Maintenance (Attachment A); and
Approve the Budget Amendment Ordinance (BAO) in the amount of $415,000 to provide
an appropriation for CIP Project PF -07011, Roth Building Maintenance
(Attachment B).
DISCUSSION
On June 5, 2006, Council approved an appropriation of $415,000 from the Budget Stabilization
Reserve for repairs to the Roth Building (Attachment C, CMR 249:06).
Interim measures are required to prevent further deterioration of the building until the Palo Alto
Historical Association (PAHA) takes over the site. In order to prevent the formation of mildew
and deterioration of the structure, waterproofing, perimeter drainage and installation of a
temporary ventilation/dehumidification system is necessary. CIP Project PF-07011 will be
established to provide required funding for this purpose.
RESOURCE IMPACT
A Budget Amendment Ordinance in the amount of $415,000 is required to fund this CIP. Funds
will come from the Budget Stabilization Reserve.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This recommendation does not represent any change to existing City policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act under Section
15301 as an alteration to an existing facility, and no further environmental review is necessary.
CMR:288:06 Page 1 of 2
ATTACItMENTS
Attachment A:CIP PF-0701 !
Attachment B:Budget Amendment Ordinance (with BAOs
Reserve Approved-To-Date in 2006-07)
Attachment C: CMR:249:06
Impacting Budget Stabilization
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
KAREN SMITH
Manager, Facilities Maintemance and Projects
GLENN ROBERTS
Director of Public Works
EMI ( m SON --
Assistant City_ Manager
CMR:288:06 Page 2 of 2
lP
ATTACHMENT A
BUILDING MAINTENANCE (PF-0T011)
Description: This project provides for window repair, waterproofing of
the building foundation walls, installation of electrical service to the
building, and a new ventilation system. In addition, roofing repairs will be
done on an as needed basis until such time that the building is leased and
occupied.
Justification: The City acquired the historic Roth Building as part of the
South of Forest land use plan.
In fiscal year 2003-2004 the City removed the non-historic wings and
secured the building. Currently the building is empty waiting for the Palo
Alto History Museum to take possession of the building. Funding was
provided on a one-time basis for roofing repair and the installation of
downspouts. The building’s roof will require on-going maintenance and
repair to prevent further leaking. Water is also entering the building
through the basement walls. In order to prevent mildew and further
deterioration of the building, roof repair, waterproofing, perimeter drainage
and installation of a ventilation/dehumidification system is necessary.
ClP FACTS:
¯ Project Status: New
¯ Timeline: 2006-2007
¯ Overall Project Completion: 0%
¯ Percent Spent: 0.00%
¯ Managing Department: Public Works
¯ Comprehensive Plan: Policy C-24
IMPACT ANALYSIS:
¯ Environmental: Categorically exempt from
CEQA under Section 15301.
¯ Design Elements: None
Pre-Design Costs
Design Costs
Construction Costs $415,000
Other
$415,000
Revenues:
Source of Funds:General Fund Budget Stabilization Reserve
2005-06 Budget City of Palo Alto
Attachment B
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-06 TO ESTABLISH
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT NLIMBER PF-07011, ROTH
BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND TO PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATION IN
THE AMOUNT OF $415,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET
STABILIZATION RESERVE
The Council of the City of Pa!o Alto does ORDAIN as
follows:
SECTION i. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto
finds and determines as follows:
A. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of Article III of
the Charter of the City of Palo Alto, the Counci! on June 20, 2005
did adopt a budget for fiscal year 2005-06; and
B. In April 2000, the City Council approved the purchase of
Roth Building for potentia! development use as a public facility or
alternative use if a public facility is not feasible; and
C. In acquiring the Roth Building, the City of Palo Alto
entered into a development agreement with the Palo Alto Medica!
Foundation, which among other conditions, stipulates that the City
must complete demolition of the non-historic Roth Building wings by
July 19,2003; and
D. In the 2002-03 Adopted Budget, the City Council approved the
creation of CIP PE-03004 (formerly CIP 10304), Roth Building Wings
Demolition and appropriated $930,000 for the Project. Subsequently,
during the fiscal year 2003-04, the City Council, through Budget
Amendment Ordinance Numbers 4790 and 4785, appropriated additiona!
amounts of $275,000 and $30,350, respectively, bringing the total
appropriation to $1,235,350; and
E. The scope of CIP PE-03004 included design, asbestos
abatement, building demolition of non-historic wings, structural
bracing and enc!osure of the spine, and dirt backfill of the hole
left by the removal of the wings, and all project work were
completed in the summer of 2004; and
F. In May 2002, the City Council directed City staff to solicit
proposals for the lease of the Roth Building. A proposal from the
Palo Alto Historical Association (PAHA) was accepted in March 2004.
A draft ~Option to Lease and Lease Agreement" (Lease Agreement) was
submitted to PAHA, and among the changes that PAHA proposed was the
requirement that City maintain and secure the building in water
tight condition during the three-year period of the lease option;
and
G. Before the City can proceed with the negotiations with PAHA,
City staff has concerns about the present condition of the building
due to heavy rains over the past two seasons. The Roth Building has
been impacted by water leakage and moisture, and the removal of the
wings and retention of the spine exacerbated the condition of the
building. The loss of the building’s electrical and mechanical
system resulted to the absence of heat and ventilation which
contributed to the moisture build-up in the building interior; and
H. Improvements to the building are necessary to protect the
building from further deterioration, and until PAHA takes over the
site. Improvements to the building would include installation of
electrical services, new basement water proofing, window sealing and
roof repair; and
I. The estimated cost of the improvements is $415,000 and a new
CIP project wil! need to be created for the Roth Building
maintenance; and
J. If General Fund ongoing costs will be incurred, they will be
included in the operating budget; and
K. City Council authorization is needed to amend the 2005-06
budget as hereinafter set forth.
SECTION 2. Capital Improvement Project (CIP) PF-070!I, Roth
Building Maintenance, is hereby created.
SECTION 3. The sum of Four Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars
($415,000) is hereby appropriated to Capital Improvement Project
Number PF-070!I.
SECTION 4. Revenue in CIP Project Number PF-07011 is hereby
recognized by a transfer from the General Fund Stabilization Reserve
in the amount of Four Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($415,000).
SECTION 5. The General Fund Budget Stabilization Reserve
balance is hereby reduced by Four Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars
($415,000) to Twenty Two Million One Hundred Ninety Five Thousand
Four Hundred Eighty One Dollars ($22,195,481) as shown in Exhibit A.
SECTION 6. As specified in Section 2.28.080(a) of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code, a two-thirds vote of the City Counci! is required to
adopt this ordinance.
SECTION 7. The proposed improvements constitute a minor change
to an existing facility and are exempt from the California
Environmenta! Quality Act (CEQA).
SECTION 8. As provided in Section 2.04.330 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code, this ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
APPROVED:
Mayor
City Manager
Director of
Services
Administrative
Director of Public Works
Exhibit A
Budget Amendment Ordinances Impacting General Fund Reserves Approved-To-Date in 2005-06
Placeholders Impact on theBAO Description ’ ¯ " Already in the General Fund-Cost Revenue 200.05 Adopted~Budget BSR
Balance - July 1, 2005
95-06 Net change to reserve-adopted budget
2005-06 Projected ending balance before BAO’s
3AO-Acquisiton of Bressler Property from POST
~.005-06 Midyear Change-Net
!BAO- Roth Building
S21,066,000
S37,000
$21,103,000
($!,110,305)
$2,617,786
($415,000)
Estimated Futur~
Year Ongoing
Costs
BSR Balance After BAO’s ] $22,195,481 [
ATTACHMENT
City A to
City Manager’s Rep r
C
TO:
FROM:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES
12
DATE:
SUBJECT:
JUNE 5, 2006 CMR: 249:06
APPROVAL OF PROPOSED REPAIRS TO THE ROTH BUILDING, 300
HOMER AVENUE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council appropriate $415,000 from the Budget Stabilization Reserve for
improvements to the Roth Building and w~t[’l return to Council with a Budget Amendment
Ordinance if the recommendation is approved. The purpose of the improvements is to prevent
further structural deterioration until the building is imprbved and developed for its long term use.
BACKGROUND
In. April 2000, the City Council approved the $1,957,000 purchase of the Roth Building and its
0.41 acre site for potential development as a "public facility or alternative use if g-public facility
is not feasible," in conjunction with the South of Forest Avenue Coordinated Area Plan (SOFA
CAP). One of the key proposals in the SOFA CAP was the development of a new neighborhood
park at a central location within the SOFA neighborhood. In acquiring the Roth Building, the
City entered into a development agreement with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF).
The development agreement required that the City complete demolition and removal of the non-
historic wings of the Roth Building by July 2003. The purpose of the demolition was to provide
for additional park space andprovide a buffer of approximately 100 feet between the building
and a residential development project being undertaken by Summerhill Homes immediately
south of the Roth Building. On March 4, 2002, Council: 1) approved the demolition of the
basement/wings associated with the non-historic 1947 addition; 2) approved the temporary
retention oft he spine oft he 1947 addition; and 3) reviewed and commented on the summary of a
request for proposals for non-profit organizations to lease and renovate the Roth Building. On
May 20, 2002, Council approved a Request for Proposals (RFP) and directed staff to solicit
proposals for the lease of the Roth Building. Proposals were due November 25, 2003, at which
time One proposal was re.ceived, from the Palo Alto Historical Association (PAHA). On May 12,
2003, Council approved the permanent retention of the spine and approved the redirection of
infrastructure funds identified for professional park design services and related issues in order to
finance the design and construction of an interim landscape plan for the SOFA Park site. On
December 8, 2003, Council dedicated the park space, excluding the .41acre Roth Building site.
In December 2003, the Roth building non-historic wings were demolished. Seismic bracing of
the spine was completed in April 2004. On March 1, 2004, Council accepted the proposal
CMR:249:06 Page 1 of 4
submitted by the Palo Alto Historical Association (PAHA), and directed staff to prepare the
Option to Lease and Lease Agreement (Option to Lease) and complete the environmental review.
On July 12, 2004, Council approved a Budget Amendment Ordinance and contract for
construction services to implement the Heritage (SOFA) Park Improvements. The interim park
improvements were completed in summer 2004.
DISCUSSION
Following Council acceptance of the PAHA proposal, staff sent PAHA a draft Option to Lease in
April 2004. The draft was in accordance with the terms of the Council-approved Request for
Proposal, which was attached to and an integral part of the proposal submitted by PAHA. The
Option to Lease provided for a 2-year option term during which time PAHA would fulfil!
conditions to exercise the option and enter into the lease. Option conditions include obtaining
required City approvals and providing evidence of sufficient funds to develop the property as a
history museum. In February 2006, staff received PAHA’s proposed changes to the draft Option
to Lease. Proposed changes included extension of the option period from two to three },ears and
the requirement that the City maintain and secure the property in water-tight condition during the
term of the option. Staff intends to negotiate these and other proposed changes with PAHA and
anticipates returning to Council for approval of the Option to Lease in July 2006. However,
before proceeding with negotiations, and due to concerns about the condition of the building,
staff is seeki.n.g Council approval of funding for certain repairs to the Roth Building necessary to
maintain it for another 2 to 3 years until the option is exercised and the building is improved for
its long term use.
With the heav-y rains over the past two seasons, the Roth Building has been impacted by water
leakage and moisture. The impact of the heavy rains on the building has been exacerbated by
conditions related to the removal of the wings and retention of the spine, and grading changes
made during development of the interim park. Specifically, removal of the wings altered the
roof line resulting in a low area that coitects rain water which leaks into the building. Removal of
the wings also resulted in loss of the building’s electrical service and mechanical system, so there
is no heat or ventilation to prevent moisture build up in the building interior. In addition, grading
done during the development of the interim park has damaged a portion of the waterproofing
which is attached to the new exterior wall constructed after remova! of the wings. This and
grading changes on the site have caused leakage into the building basement. The construction of
a permanent SOFA park is unfunded (new capital project) and there was no money available in
the budget for the interim park for a subsurface storm drainage system. The only alternative was
to dispose of the surface runoff by directing it to low points around the perimeter of the site and
allowing the water to percolate down into the ground from these small ponding areas. The area
behind the Roth Building was designed to transport the surface flow toward a low spot between
the rear comer of the buiIding and the Bryant Street sidewalk and the grading was done
accordingly. Subsequent soil settlement along the already shallow swale, coupled with planting
of additional trees in the immediate area, l~ave made moving water from the back of the building
toward the street virtually impossible, and damp conditions now persist in that area.
As a remedy to these conditions and to protect the building from further deterioration until
PAHA takes over the site, staff proposes to install a new electrical service to the building so that
a ventilation and dehumidification system can be installed. Staff also proposes to seal the
CMR:249:06 Page 2 of 4
windows, repair the roof on an annual basis, install new basement waterproofing that comes up
higher on the building foundation, install an area drain inlet at the low spot to collect water
running off the park and connect the roof gutter downspouts to a pipe that will take the excess
water to a sump/drywell outside the building basement or to the storm drain in Bryant Street. The
estimated cost of these improvements is $415,000. See Attachment A for itemized
improvements and costs.
Staff anticipates returning to Council in July 2006 for approval of the Option to Lease with
PAHA. Construction of the proposed improvements is estimated to be completed by, early 2007,
except for the roof which will be maintained annually.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The estimated cost of the proposed improvements is $415,000, to be paid for out of the Budget
Stabilization Reserve.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This recommendation does not represent any change to existing City’ policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed improvements constitute a minor change to an existing facility and are exemp,
from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). An environmental review will be
included when Staff returns to Council with the Option to-Lease. During the option period, the
optionee will also be required to fully comply with all provisions of CEQA as they may apply to
the specific development plans.
PREPARED BY:
WILLIAM W. FELLMAN
Manager, Real Property,
DEPARTMENT HEAD APPROVAL:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
CARL Yt
Direct~Services
EMI’LY HARRISON
Assistant City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A:. Proposed Roth Building Improvements
CMR:249:06 Pa_e ~ of 4
Palo Alto Historical Association
Beth Bunnenberg
Gloria Brown
Carolyn Caddes
Karen Holman
Dick Rosenbaum
Steve Staiger
University South Neighborhood Group
CMR:249:06 Page 4 of 4
2
4
5
6
7
8
ATTACHMENT A
Proposed Roth Building Improvements
Proposed Improvement
Ventilation/dehumidification system
Electrical service
Engineering consultant
Window sealing
Roof repair (3 years)
Repair basement waterproofing
Install perimeter drain system
Construction contingency
Estimated Cost
$50,000.00
$75,OOO.OO
$ 15,000.00
$10,000.00
$75,O0O.0O
$5O,0OO.OO
$ 100,000.00
$ 40,000.00
TOTAL $ 415,000.00