Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
title
Award Contract #20210028 for the Renovations-Rehab of Historic Structures at Westmoreland Park to New World Builders, Inc.
body
Submitted By: Robyn Holder, CPPB, Procurement Management Department (PMD).
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Robyn Holder, CPPB (PMD).
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and New World Builders, Inc.
3. Purpose: Restoration of 2 historical structures at Westmoreland Park.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: 270 calendar days with no option to renew.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: The Port St. Lucie Historical Society has long sought a place to call “home” and the Peacock Ranch historic homes relocated to the Westmoreland Middle Tract in the Port District will provide just that. Once renovated, the 1952 lodge will provide office and meeting space for the Historical Society, a museum featuring artifacts of the City’s history, and a gift shop. Additional use/programming will be determined for the 1917 house in the coming years and will be brought forward for consideration at that time.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): One-time expenditure of $859,136.
Presentation Information: N/A.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council award Contract #20210028 and enter into a lump sum contract with New World Builders, Inc. for the renovations/rehab of the Historic Structures at Westmoreland Park.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and award Contract #20210028.
2. Move that the Council not approve Contract #20210028 and provide staff with direction.
Background: In Fiscal Year 2016/2017, the City received a grant from the Florida Division of Historic Resources for the restoration and stabilization of the historic Peacock structures. These were the only historic structures in Port St. Lucie that are listed on the Florida Master Site File, the State of Florida’s official inventory of historical, cultural resources. Due to neglect and hurricane damage, the structures are severely deteriorated. Grant funds were used for the relocation of the structures, new foundations, new roofs, and restoration of a dormer on the house to replace an extension that was not relocated.
The City entered into a contract with Bender and Associates, historic preservation architects, to oversee the relocation and restoration work and prepare required reports and bid documents. The structures were relocated to the 9.75-acre Westmoreland Middle Tract adjacent to the City’s Botanical Gardens. Repairs were made to stabilize the structures. The City has applied and been ranked for grant funding with the Florida Division of Historic Resources (DHR) for the renovation of the lodge and house; however, due to the lack of funding available to DHR, the City was not awarded any money for the renovations. Based on planning the CIP, it is anticipated that the renovations would start in FY 2020/2021 and a turnover to the Historical Society for use once a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.
An E-RFP was issued on February 10, 2021 to 582 potential suppliers. There were 36 plan holders with 1 responsive proposal and 1 non-responsive proposal being received on March 18, 2021. The City has been working with New World Builders, Inc., and their attorneys to review and modify the construction agreement to terms agreeable by both parties.
Issues/Analysis: Renovating the Peacock Lodge (and later the Peacock House) fulfills the City’s obligation as part of the lease agreement for the structures with the Port St. Lucie Historical Society. Once complete, this will build upon a mutually beneficial relationship and continue to fulfill a goal of the City’s Strategic Plan by offering residents an opportunity to enjoy culture, nature, and fun activities.
Staff has reviewed the responsive proposal and finds that New World Builders, Inc. provides the best value to the City. New World Builders, Inc. is not a local vendor.
Financial Information: Funds are appropriated in General Fund CIP / Parks & Recreation / Improvements O/T Building (#301-7210-563000-00000).
Special Consideration: As outlined in the CIP, the City will undertake renovations to the Historic Homes over the next several years, with funding achieved through a blend of grants and interfund transfers. It is anticipated the annual maintenance cost, once complete, will be approximately $15,000. Rent from the Port St. Lucie Historical Society shall be one dollar ($1.00) per year as base rent, plus a monthly contribution of $200 for utilities, effective one year after issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Location of Project: Westmoreland Park, 2456 SE Westmoreland Blvd.
Attachments:
1. Location Map.
2. Notice of Intent to Award.
3. Signed Contract.
4. Recommended Proposal.
5. RFP Documents.
6. Construction Plans.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 6039.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Ella M. Gilbert, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.