HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem LAGENDA REPORT
DATE:
June 25, 2001
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU:
John B. Bahorski, City Manager
FROM:
Douglas A. Dancs, P.E., Interim Director of Public Works/City Engineer
SUBJECT:
Emergency Repair - Seal Beach Sand Retention Groin
Update and Budget Amendment
SUMMARY OF REOUEST:
The proposed City Council action will authorize an additional $27,340 for repair of the
sand retention groin.
BACKGROUND:
What is the project history?
The Seal Beach Sand Retention Groin was originally constructed in 1959 by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers. The sand retention groin was designed to slow the natural
migration of beach sand and maintain healthy beach widths. Wide beaches prevent public
and private infrastructure damage from coastal flooding and provide recreational and
economic resources to the City. In 1985, an inspection of the structure revealed the initial
stages of deterioration. Since then, the groin has progressively deteriorated to the point
where it is urgently in need of renovation. While the City has been successful in
obtaining grant funds for beach sand replenishment, efforts to obtain grant funding to
repair or replace the forty-two year old groin have not been successful. The estimated
cost to repair and renovate the structure is approximately $600,000.
During the past winter storm season, the City's sand retention groin sustained heavy
damage to one of its pre -cast panels and cap. City staff contacted Moffat & Nichol
Engineers (M &NE) and requested that a letter report be prepared to assess the damage
and identify potential solutions. Upon discussions with M&NE staff, it was concluded
that a temporary repair is immediately necessary to prevent sand from filtering through
the groin in large quantities. The continued flow of sand through the gap in the structure
will result in the need for extensive sand backpassing operations before the next winter
storm season as well as the threat of coastal flooding and wave damage to adjacent public
and private infrastructure. The design life of the repair is estimated at eight to fifteen
years. /
Agenda Item
Emergency Repair - Sand Groin - Page 2
June 25, 2001
In April 2001, City Council passed a resolution declaring emergency conditions and
directed Staff to negotiate contracts with Moffat & Nichols Engineers and qualified marine
contractors at a cost not to exceed $100,000 to repair the City's sand retention groin.
Haw much is the project going to cost?
M&NE was retained for design and construction administration. Plans were prepared and
bids were solicited from two contractors, Connolly Pacific Co. - $101,900.00, and John
S. Meek Company, Inc. - $142,855.00. A letter of intent was sent to the Contractor so the
Contractor could order the proper materials. Project cost are expected as follows:
Design /Administration $ 15,250
Construction $101,900
Contingency 10% $ 10,190
Total $127,340
Staff discussed with both M &NE and the Contractor concerning the overall cost. Due to
the current volume of construction activity in the market and availability of materials,
prices came in higher than previously anticipated by M &NE.
An additional $27,340 is necessary to complete the project. Contingency, if unexpended,
would be returned to the general fund.
Why does the pier have to be closed?
The hydraulic crane necessary to accomplish the work is 18' 6" wide once it is set up
with its out - riggers in place. Since the pier is only 19' wide, it will be necessary to close
the pier during the construction. It would not be safe to allow pedestrian access through
the area nor would emergency equipment be able to pass once the crane is set up to start
work.
Why can't the work be completed before July 4, 20017
It was the original intention to have the work completed by July 4, 2001. After
discussions with the Connolly Pacific Co concerning the their operation, it was decided to
delay the project until after July 4, 2001 due to the pier closure. This will allow the City
to properly notify the public and businesses of the pier closure, the Contractor to properly
mobilize, and ensure that the pier is open for July 4.
Emergency Repair - Sand Groin - Page 3
June 25, 2001
What is the anticipated schedule for the work?
The project is expected to take 15 calendar days to complete. Although Staff is still
negotiating with the Contractor, work is expected to begin the week of July 9, 2001 and
last until the week of July 23, 2001, weather permitting.
Why can't the work be done at night?
In order to drive the sheet piles on each side of the groin, it will be necessary to use a
vibratory hammer. Working at night would provide too much of a sound disturbance to
the surrounding area. In addition, after discussions with the Contractor, costs are
expected to increase significantly from 25 to 35 %.
Why can't this be done later during the winter months?
The longer we leave the situation uncorrected, the greater the possibility of undermining
the pier pilings as well as the loss of sand for beach replenishment. Additionally, if the
City were to wait and perform the project during the winter months, the greater
possibility of inclement weather increased swells and storm events, which would
accelerate the damage as well as jeopardize the actual construction operation. If this
situation were to remain unchecked, the Lifeguard Department has determined that the
beach would need to be closed from the groin to the area of lifeguard tower one to ensure
swimmer safety so to keep a swimmer from being "sucked" in the area.
Haw will businesses that use the pier be affected?
Staff will inform Ruby's, the fishing boat operation, and Torch Oil Company that during
the time of repair, approximately 15 days, businesses will not be able to operate due to
the pier closure and pedestrian safety restrictions.
Haw will the public be notified?
Staff plans to publish a press release regarding the project as well as post signs on the
pier detailing the anticipated duration of closure of the pier for these emergency repairs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Excess funds are not currently budgeted for the proposed work. Staff proposes that the
City utilize unexpended funds in the amount of $27,340 from the Corporation Yard
NPDES/Water Quality Facilities 001 -50008 -043. This project is funded next year
through proceeds from the Redevelopment Agency.
I Emergency Repair - Sand Groin - Page 4
June 25, 2001
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a budget amendment deferring and re- appropriating capital improvement
project funds, Corporation Yard NPDES/Water Quality Facilities 001 -50008 -043 for
the subje t project in Abe amount of $27,340.
Do A. Dancs, .E., Irate vector of Public Works/City Engineer