BOARD MEETING DATE: February 2, 2007
AGENDA NO. 16

Authorize Headquarters Building Refurbishment Expenditures

SYNOPSIS:

To maintain AQMD’s building and to meet obligations to building tenants, staff recommends undertaking several projects for the upkeep of the Diamond Bar headquarters facility. Funds have been set aside in a special designation for building refurbishment projects.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, January 12, 2007, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Appropriate $845,000 from the Fund Balance designated for facilities refurbishment to the Services and Supplies Major Object, Building Maintenance account, in District General, to fund needed building refurbishment projects at AQMD’s Diamond Bar headquarters building.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

In September 2006, the Board appropriated $495,000 from the specially designated building refurbishment fund for high-priority maintenance and repair work on AQMD’s fifteen-year-old facility. The board letter stated that additional maintenance and repair projects would be brought to the Board as work needs arose.

Proposal

Staff recommends the Board authorize the expenditure of funds to undertake needed headquarters refurbishment projects, some of which, if postponed, could result in greater expenditures. Specific maintenance and refurbishment projects are:

1. Re-roof conference center, north and south towers, and laboratory

Current roofing material was guaranteed for 10 years and is beginning to show signs of rapid deterioration, creating serious risk of leakage. Estimated cost $675,000.

2. Seal and re-stripe parking lots

After 15 years of heavy use, parking lots are starting to " checker" and develop pot holes. To stop deterioration, patching, seal coating, and re-striping are needed. Estimated cost $75,000.

3.  Upgrade security video cameras and recording system

The current security system does not provide adequate viewing or recording of incidents. To provide protection for staff, tenants, visitors, and property, upgrading to a digital recording system and replacement and repositioning of security cameras is needed. Estimated cost $30,000.

4. Paint laboratory clerestory (saw-toothed roof/window area) and cantilevered roof supports and parking lot photovoltaic array

Paint in these areas is starting to chip and, to protect surfaces and enhance exterior appearance of the building, repainting with “zero VOC” coatings is recommended. Estimated cost $30,000.

5. Renovate headquarters landscaping

To maintain the appearance of the building, significant landscaping work is needed to replenish soil levels and replace lost plants. Estimated cost $35,000.

Any funds remaining after completion of these projects will be used for other needed refurbishment work, including replacement of worn and damaged floor covering and smaller maintenance and refurbishment projects. Work will be competitively bid in accordance with AQMD’s procurement process.

Resource Impacts

Staff recommends the Board appropriate $845,000 designated for facilities refurbishment to the District General-Building Maintenance account to cover the cost of needed building refurbishment as described above.