COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

October 2, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 21, 2008

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Accessibility Improvements 2nd, 4th, and 5th Floor Toilet Rooms at 455 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution:

 

1.

Approving the construction plans, specifications, and conformance with prevailing wage scale requirements for the accessibility improvement project for the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Floor Toilet Rooms at 455 County Center, Redwood City.

 

2.

Authorizing the publication of a Notice to Contractors twice in a local newspaper.

 

3.

Authorizing the Director of Public Works to call for bids and to set the bid opening date, time and place.

 

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

 

Your Board’s adoption of the proposed resolution will upgrade and improve accessibility to the Toilet Rooms on the 2nd, 4th and 5th floors of the County Office Building at 455 County Center.

 

BACKGROUND:

The County transition plan compiled in 1996 identified accessibility deficiencies County wide and established a work plan to remove these barriers. The County Office Building at 455 County Center was built in 1965 prior to the implementation of the 504 Rehabilitation Act and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), which required access and serviceability for those individuals requiring barrier free access. The first floor restrooms were upgraded in 1996.

 

DISCUSSION:

The County ADA Compliance Committee has requested that funds approved in the capital projects budget for FY 2007-08 and FY2008-09 be used to improve the remaining toilets in the building. This will provide accessibility for both public visitors and employees and comply with the County Transition Plan and priorities established by this Committee.

 

A consulting architect has worked with Public Works and the County ADA Compliance Committee to develop plans and specifications to modify and upgraded the existing toilet facilities. Once completed, existing barriers will be removed and barrier free access will be achieved on floors 2, 4 and 5 of this facility. A fourth restroom will be added to the scope and completed as bids and funding permit.

 

The resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The work is estimated to cost between $250,000 - $350,000. This project is included in the 2008-2009 Capital Projects Budget and is financed by a facility surcharges on the rent paid by County departments.