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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 DwntwnSPGtewyArch ,CITY CLERK File # 600-30 AGENDA STATEMENT CZTY COUNCZL MEETTNG DATE: October 7, 2003 SUBJECT: ATTACHMENTS: Downtown Streetscape Implementation Plan for the Downtown Specific Plans - Gateway Arch Design for St. Patrick: Way Prepared by: Eddie Peabody Jr., Community Development Director 1. Existing Conditions at St. Patrick Way and Amador Plaza Road 2. Preliminary Conceptual Gateway Arch Design (Approved May 1, 2001) with City Council minutes attached 3. Proposed Gateway Arch Design (October 2003) as recommended by Staff 4. Alternative Gateway Arch Design (October 2003) 5. Diagram of the Approximate Location of the Gateway Arch 6. Approved Monument Design (Village Parkway/Dublin Boulevard) with City Council minutes attached RECOMMENDATION: 1. 2. 3. Receive presentation by Staff Question Staff and Consultant Approve Staff recommended proposed Gateway Arch Design Direct Staff to return October 21, 2003 for consideration of an Amendment to the contract with.Singer, Fukushima- Evans to complete construction bid documents for the GateWay Arch FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total budget for the G~teway Arch is $567,820. The amount budgeted for Fiscal Year 2003-2004 is $57,330 which will be for completion of design. Construction will occur in fiscal year 2004-2005. BACKGROUND: In November 1999, the City Council directed Staff to prepare three Specific Plans for various portions of the downtown area of Dublin to guide the development and revitalization of the West Dublin BART, Downtown Core and Village Parkway areas. The Specific Plans were adopted by the City Council on December 19, 2000. COPIES TO: In-House Distribution Adjacent Property Owner Singer Fukushima Evans g:~Downtown Streetscape Impr\CC-srDwntwnStscpGatewayArchDesign ITEM NO. As a part of the implementation of the Specific Plans, streetscape improvements were proposed in the West Dublin BART, Downtown Core and Village Parkway Specific Plan areas to provide continuity and unifying elements to establish a positive image in the Downtown area. Each Specific Plan contains guidelines and concepts for the design of the streetscape improvements addressed within the Plan. Prior to construction of these improvements, the basic designs for the streetscapes, plazas, monuments, gateways, and street furnishings associated with the downtown planning area were to be determined, cost estimates obtained, and a phasing plan with priorities developed based on direction from the City Council. Previous City Council Action on Downtown Improvement Project: At the May 1, 2001 meeting (see City Council minutes in Attachment 2), the City Council approved the preliminary conceptual design for the first gateway monument to be constructed on City property at Village Parkway and Dublin Boulevard along with the gateway arch to be constructed at St. Patrick _; Way (see Attachment 2 for Preliminary Conceptual Design of Gateway Arch), and directed Staff to finalize the design and cost estimate for the gateway monument and arch with the related improvements. Following that meeting, the City Council reconsidered the design of the gateway monument and established a Task Force to revise the monument design. The City Council approved the Task Force recommended monument design on December 3, 2002 (see Attachment 6, Approved Monument Design), with a modification to decrease the height of the monument to 25 feet from 29 feet. As a part of approval of the Capital Improvement Plan and budget for 2003-04, the City Council directed Staff as top priorities to: ' · Complete improvements at Village Parkway and Lewis Avenue · Complete sidewalk improvements and new street lights on Village Parkway bY July 1, 2004 from Amador Valley Boulevard to Dublin Boulevard · Complete final design and construction and bid documents for both the Village Parkway / Dublin Boulevard gateway monument and St Patrick Way Gateway Archway monuments by May 30, 2004 The City was awarded a grant by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) of $1.306 million of Housing Incentive Program funds that is subject to the construction of high density housing in the proposed Dublin Transit Center. A high-density housing project must break ground by May 30, 2004 in order for the City to receive these funds which can be used for pedestrian improvements. With the approval of the 2002-07 Capital Improvement program by the City Council, these funds will be used for construction of sidewalk widening and lighting on Village Parkway, the Gateway monument on Village Parkway and Dublin Boulevard and the Gateway Archway monuments on St. Patrick':3 Way. All design costs are to be borne by city of Dublin for these projects since the grant is for construction costs only. If the Transit Center Housing project(s) are not begun by May 30, 2004, the construction of the above projects would have to be deferred or funded from the City's Downtown Improvement Reserve. GATEWAY ARCH AT ST. PATRICK'S WAY/AMADOR PLAZA RD: Archway Design: The basic design element of the gateway arch for the intersection of St. Patrick's Way and Amador Plaza Road is two columns or towers on either side of St. Patrick' Way, with a metal arch spanning the roadway between the two supporting members. The final design of the gateway arch requires City Council approval prior to preparation of construction and bid documents. The final design o£the archway is similar to the preliminary conceptual design approved by the City Council on May 1,2001 (see Attachment 2 for Preliminary 2 Conceptual Gateway Arch Design); however, some design changes have been made to the supporting Columns and the light feature in the preliminary conceptual design. Since it is necessary for the two supporting columns to take the added structural loading of the arch itself, it was necessary to revise the scale of the Support columns to accept this added structural loading. The preliminary design concept approved by the City Council in May 2001 consisting of a metal archway containing an internally lit City seal spanning St. Patrick ~ Way, between two colUmns, has virtuallY remained the same (see Attachment 3 for Proposed Gateway Arch Design). The two supporting columns of the archway are to be constructed of pre-cast concrete resembling the approved monument's Campanile style with the look of a stone facade, but their scale has been slightly increased to provide the additional support needed for the archway structure. Each column will stand approximately 22 feet in height on a 4 foot by 4 foot base, with the light fixture affixed to the top of the tower, adding an additional 2 ½ feet of height. The metal archway (aluminum) will be approximately 18 feet above the pavement to provide clearance for trucks and other large vehicles in accordance with CalTrans standards. The columns also contain open grillwork and details reflective of the monument design. This grillWork reflects a style similar to that on the Murray School bell tower reCently restored by the City. Also included, is an alternative design based sOlely on the Village Parkway Monument with a top cap reflecting the originally aPproved monument design (Attachment 4). Given the archway design and orbital, internally lit City logo, Staff believes that the slightly modified light fixture on the top of the monument (Attachment 3) better reflects the character oft"he archway / logo design that will be created over St. Patrick Way. Archway Location: When the 1-680 freeway off ramp project by CalTrans was created, the City of Dublin dedicated the St. Patrick: Way right-of-way from Amador Plaza to Golden Gate Avenue to CalTrans as a part of our local share cost for the project. As a result, the archway project will be located directly on CalTrans property. Efforts have begun to secure an easement for both. the sidewalk foundation location and the airspace easement for the archway from CalTrans. No other right-of-way is needed for the project. The archway will span across St. Patrick Way (see Attachment 5) to the west of the intersection of St. Patrick':. Way and Amador Plaza Road. The West Dublin BART Specific Plan established this general location as the archway location, as it will be visible and directly across Amador Plaza Road from the 1-680 off-ramp, at a major gateway entrance to the City. The consultant's engineers considered placing the archway across the northwest and southwest portion of the intersection; however, this would conflict with the location and operation of the traffic signal at the comer of the intersection. Because of this, it was determined that the best location for the archway would be further west of the intersection. The portion of the base of each archway column will be placed within the public right-of-way (4-feet by 4-feet on both the north and south sides), and will encroach approximately 4 feet into the 8-foot sidewalk on St. Patrick Way. This would leave the sidewalk adjacent to the monument at a width of 4' which exceeds ADA requirements. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Estimated Construction Cost for the Gateway Arch is $258,000. Related improvements such as replacement landscaping and any special paving around the base of the structural supports for the arch, determined to be necessary, are estimated at $30,000 (total $288,000). $479,490 is allocated in the Capital Improvement Program budget for physical and structural improvements for the gateway arch project, and the anticipated cost would be well within the budget allocation amount. 3 No right-of-way costs are anticipated given the location of the monuments on the CalTrans sidewalk. Should there be minor costs for any utility relocation due to the monument pads related to the construction, General Fund monies allocated in the 2002-2003 budget ($24,200) for the right-of-way and related items in the CIP budget will adequately fund this part of the project. PROGRESS OF DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS: Side.walk Widening and Lighting Improvements - Village Parkway'. A specific work program with Permco Engineering, already under contract with the City, has commenced to prepare construction and bid documents for sidewalk widening and new streetlights for both Sides of Village Parkway between Dublin Boulevard and Amador Valley Road. These documents will be completed in the next few months, with construction scheduled before the end of June 2004. Improvements at Village Parkway and Lewis Avenue: The construction of the 'intersection improvements for Village Parkway and Lewis Avenue, including a small plaza, landscaping, seating, and a new left-turn pocket, are nearly completed. Gateway Monument: The preparation of construction and bid documents by the City's consultant for the first gateway monument at the intersection of Village Parkway and Dublin Boulevard is nearly complete. It is anticipated that the documents will be completed within the next few months. Potential funding from the aforementioned MTC grant will be secured by May 30, 2004 for the construction of the monument. Following preparation of the documents, the consultant will issue a request for bids on the project which is currently scheduled for construction in September 2004. After bids are received, the Staff will bring the bid proposals back to the Council for review and selection of a contractor for the construction of the monument. Gateway Archway: If the City Council gives its approval to the final design, the construction bid documents would be completed by May 30, 2004 and construction will begin bY September 2004. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council receive the presentation by Staff; question Staff and Consultant; approve Staff recommended proposed Gateway Arch Design; direct Staff to return October 21, 2003 for consideration of an amendment to the contract with Singer, Fukushima-Evans to complete construction bid documents for the Gateway Arch. A.~'m ~CHME~ I '"/, L , ~c °*~ o~' ID.t-'e- '~o o o~ '5~ _c: 8 ATTACHMENT On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by unanimous vote, the Council directed Staff to proceed w/th abatement and to provide a Season End Report for completion of abatements and associated costs. DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FoR THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLANS - PRELIMINARY.DESIGN CONCEPTS & PRIORITIES 7:53 p.m. 8,1 (410-55) Senior Planner Janet Harbin presented the Staff Report and advised that Preliminary Design Concepts and Priorities have been developed for the Downtown Streetscape .Implementation Plan. The Council is being asked to provide direction regarding the detailed design work and specific cost analysis. A presentation was made by Freeman Tung & Bottomley, ConsuRants:' The Council was requested to review options for gateway monuments, streetscape options for Village Parkway, street lights and Street furniture, a Dublin Boulevard streetscape plan and a proposed Plaza at Amador Plaza Road and select preferred options for the above improvements or direct Staff to return with new options. The Council was asked to designate the following projects as the highest priority for inclusion in the 2001-0Z UPdate to the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program: a) Gateway Monument at Dublin Boulevard and Village Parkway b) Custom-designed Gateway feature at St. Patrick Way and Amador Plaza Road with Right-of-Way Acquisition c) Lewis Avenue and Village Parkway intersection streetscape improvements An attachment included a Conceptual Cost Summary for improvements for the various roadway segments and gateway, street furniture, etc. Some of the costs may be the responsibility of new adjacent development and Staff recommended that more detailed cost estimates be developed with more refined designs to be presented to the City Council at a'later date. The Council discussed the Primary and Secondary locations and the 4 Gateway options presented in the Staff Report. Option 1 - Brick Monument; Option 2 - Masonry Monument; Option 3 - Signage; and Option 4 - Custom Designed Gateway Feature. Under Streetscape Plans, the Council discussed the 2 options for Street L/ghting. OptiOn 1 - Transit Series (Lumec) Design; and Option 2 - Custom Designed Luminaire (Lumec). CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING May 1, 2001 PAGE 191 With regard to Benches~ 3 options were presented. Option I ~ Hess America, Corvus Bench; Option £ ~ Landscape Forms, Presidio Collection; and Option $ - Landscape forms, Presidio Collection, Stylized. Three options were discussed for the Bus Shelter Concept. Option 1 ~ Uniform Design; Option Z - Artist Designed; and Option $ - Standard Metal. The Council discussed the Street Trees Concept. The Council discussed the 3 concepts for the Village Parkway Specific Streetscape Design, as well as the pros and cons of each concept. The Council discussed the Dublin Boulevard Specific Design, and Plaza opportunities. Establishing priorities and financial considerations of the Downtown Streetscape Implementation Plan were discussed. In conclusion, Staff recommended that the City Council approve the following concept designs: · Gateways - Option 2 (Masonry Clad) · Streetlighting ~ Boulevard Light - Lumec Custom Design · Benches - BenCh Option 3 · Bus Shelter ~ Uniform Design as presented for areas not specifically designated for Artist Designed Shelters along Dublin Boulevard Street Trees ~ Installed along the curb at 130 feet on center where possible · Plazas - First concept to be implemented at Amador Plaza Road in Dublin Place shopping center · Village Parkway Streetscape Concept C - Widen existing sidewalks in accordance with CIP · Dublin Boulevard streetscape - As Presented in Attachment 5 In addition, Staff recommended that the City Council authorize three projects, including preparation of more detailed cost estimates, to be considered in the 2001-02 CIP: Final design and construction of the first gateway monument at the northwest comer of Dublin Boulevard and Village Parkway (preliminary cost eshmate $159,000) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME gO REGULAR MEETING May 1,200'~ PAGE 192 · Final design and construction of the custom-designed gateway feature project at the intersection of St. Patrick Way and Amador Plaza Road (I~680 off-ramp) (preliminary cost estimate $364,9.00) · Final design and construction of a streetscape improvement at the intersection of Village Parkway at Lewis Avenue (preliminary cost estimate $510,320). Staff advised that these costs will need to be refined with more detailed designs. Dave Evans gave a slide presentation and explained that a particular focus was on gateways and streetscape improvements. Cm. Oravetz asked about the Village Parkway options. Which is best for us? Mr. Evans stated they like to see trees front and back of curb. He hates the idea of cutting down healthy mature trees, however~ a 5' sidewalk is not an ideal uridth. Mayor Houston asked if it is Possible to have the trees in the middle of a sidewalk. Mr. Evans stated they would need an arborist's point of view. They're almost too big for grates. The pear is a fairly shallow rooted tree. Cm. Ora3etz Commented on the two styles of lights and asked Mr. Evans about what he preferred. Mr. Evans stated he did not feel the historic ones are appropriate for Dublin. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she felt we need to take a close look at the trees on Village Parkway and the whole purpose was to make this a pedestrian friendly area. At the corner gateways, she was intrigued and assumed we would have some type of different look on the ground. Mr. Evans explained the concept and stated they offer some possibilities for treatment beneath. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she and Val Barnes were at a League of California Cities meeting where they attended a presentation by a man from Palm Springs who had a unique idea related to benches designed to look like humans. In the downtown area, we are focusing more on a human scale and activity and maybe we could look at some bronze people interacting or something like this. Mayor Houston asked about the Dublin Boulevard and Golden Gate Drive intersection. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING May 1, 2001 PAGE 193 Mr. Evans stated this is a location for a key marker. It seems like a fairly important intersection. Mayor Houston suggested trying to tie this area to the core downtown via a pedestrian bridge and connect the two areas. This could connect it safely and make it look very attractive. He talked about a bridge in Walnut Creek that spans the Iron Horse Trail over YgnaCio Valley Boulevard. Cm. McCormick stated since Village Parkway is really not part of the 4 points where the gateways are, and not really in the downtown, she liked the idea of a tower or modified marker in the median and designating this as The Village Green or its own distinct place with its own identity. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she would like to see us include an artist in on the bus shelters. Mayor Houston and others indicated they did not particularly care for the seats and the trash receptacles shown. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated usually cities that really stand out as being unique are the ones with the little details that make the difference. This is what really brings it all together. This is what sets Tucson apart. These are the:things that will be pleasing to the eye and won't be really expensive. We will be working with WHEELS on the bus shelters. They don't have the expertise to do some of the things, though. · Cm. McCormiCk encouraged them to look at Village Parkway in terms of keeping the trees. At least look to see if some of the trees can be saved. Mr. Ambrose stated from a timing standpoint, the items for inclusion in the CIP, Staff needs direction of whether this is the direction we will go. The Council identified that it would like Village Parkway to be a hybrid between Concepts A and B. Mr. Ambrose stated Staff needed direction on the lighting. Staff will come back with other options for benches and receptacles. The Council selected the Option 2 lighting. The Council stated they liked the tower with the light on top and understood we would use smaller versions at the more minor locations. The Council selected Option 2 gateway CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME g0 REGULAR MEETING May 1, 2001 PAGE 194 monument that goes across the street. Of the brick styles, they Iiked the second one. They wanted a Village Parkway marker; one in front of McDonalds and one near Amador Valley Boulevard. Designate the area with smaller marker that identifies Village Parkway as a spec/al location. They could have the same architectural character, but smaller. In front of the Oil Changers would be the best location. There would have to be some land acquisitions. Mr. Ambrose stated some of the changes are more easily implement able and Staff felt we could make an immediate impact. Vice Mayor Lockhart pointed out there is potential for some business changes on Village Parkway and there may be opportunities in the future. Mayor Houston reminded Staff to keep the bridge idea in mind. The City Council indicated they liked the City logo on the gateway. The City Council supported the group of projects recommended for highest priority for inclusion in the 2001~02 Update to the Five-Year CIE: · Final design and construction of the first gateway monument at the northwest comer of Dublin Boulevard and Village Parkway (preliminary cost estimate $159,000) · Final design and construction of the custom-designed gateway feature project at the inte~'secfion of St. Patrick Way and Amador Plaza Road (I-~80 off-vamp) (preliminary cost estimate $564,200) · Final design and construction of a streetscape improvement at the intersection of Village Parkway at Lewis Avenue (preliminary cost estimate $510,520). CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY TIME CAPSULE 8:38 p.m. 8.2 (940-50) Parks & Facilities Development Manager Herma Lichtenstein presented the Staff Report and advised that in order to accommodate a time capsule into the new Dublin Public Library, a location and proposed timing for the inclusion of the capsule will have to be determined. Additionally, it will be necessary to begin to identify the items for inclusion in the time capsule. Ms. Lichtenstein discussed two options proposed in the Staff Report. The first would be to provide a vault in the paving area in the front plaza. The time capsule could be placed in the vault and sealed with a concrete topping.: The concrete could be poured to allow CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING May 1, 2001 PAGE 195 i? //// 18' Above Pavement Minimum 0 ATTACHMEnt' ~ ~ '~18' Above Pavement Minimum ATTACHMENT/-'/- E lb'~e~6°t p\~z~ t- × 0 0 _J Existing Driveway ATTACHMENT APPROVED MONUMENT DESIGN (VILLAGE PARKWAY/DUBLIN BOULEVARD) WITH CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1/2" cast bmma ~lUe ~er det~ 1/4" a{tuukum inlaid Tower Elevation Scale 3/8" = 1'- 0" t051 46th Avenue o,akl~,s)c~, CA 94601 Phone 510.533.7693 F~zx. 51(I.533.08t5 tic..J314794 www.er fowsigncomp any.cam Jab No,me: Rlermme: Sheel: ATTACHMENT 6 ToiMer Plali View sca~ 3/8" - 1'- o" Oakland, CA 94601 G~: ~n,~ ~hone 5~ 0.~.769~ ~1~ Lit. 9314794 www.or r owsigncompany.com (us~omKApp~: Cm. Sbranti asked if there are any new concepts being worked on or will the same plan be submitted for approval? Mr. Porto stated the developers for the individual parcels will bring a SDR with their design concepts and we will use the City Council's comments in reviewing what they bring to the table. There is still lots of review that w/il occur. Cm. Sbranti stated while he supports Stage 1, there is a lot to still look at. No testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Lockhart Closed the public hearing. On motion of Cm. McCormick, seconded by Cm. Zika, and by unanimous vote, the Council waived the reading and adopted ORDINANCE NO. 2'( -02 AMENDING THE ZONING MAP TO REZONE PROPERTY AND APPROVING A RELATED STAGE I DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE D[.JBUN TRANSIT CENTER PROJECT PA 00-0~13 DOWNTOWN STREETSC~E IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLANS - GATEWAY MONUMENT SIMULATIONS 8:02 p.m. 7.1 (600-50/400-50) Senior Planner Janet Harbin presented the Staff Report and explained that as requested at the City Council meeting on November 5, 2002, the Consultant for the DowntoWn Streetscape Implementation Plan has prepared sknulations of the approved gateway monument design for other locations designated by the Downtown Specific Plans for consideration by the Council. The estimated cost for the monument and related improvements during Phase I of the project is $195~055.40. The funding for the monument is included in CIP Project # 940¢0 for FY 2002~05, as part of the Downtown Streetscape Implementation Program. Dave Evans reviewed the corner locations which were previously looked at. Both 25' and 29' sign simulations were shown at each location. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 Fd~GU~. December 3, 2002 PAGE 605 Cm. Zika asked about moving the traffic controller on the comer by Oil Changers. What was the reason for this? Mr. Evans Stated it was visual and he wasn't sure the cost to relocate the traffic controller would be justified. Mayor Lockhart asked if any consideration was given to the vacant lot across the street where an office building will be going in? It could be constructed with new buildings going in and wouldn't look like something added after the fact. Mr. Evans stated he looked at it with Staff and the proposed architecture will have a comer tower. Part of it was his original justification on what the ideal comers were. The inside comers would be preferable, if they w/Il fit there. Cm. Sbranti stated ff you were to put it on that corner and another one at Casa Orosco they would at least be on the same side of the street. The Casa Orosco side is preferred by him as he felt this is somewhat of a unique building. In the future, perhaps Shamrock Village could build on the theme. Cm. McCormick asked how this would fit with the other two comers if they selected the north comers. Mr. Evans stated he did not think they mark the downtown area quite as well. He pointed out that the simulations are just a static view. When you are actually seeing them, you will experience them from different angles. Janet Harbin suggested that the City Council may want to consider the actual locations after we install the first one by McDonalds. Mr. Evans stated the construction documents will be for the first target site and the critical factor will be how tall the City Council wants the monument. Mayor Lockhart stated she prefers the shorter and the other CoUncilmembers agreed except for Cm. Oravetz, who later stated he would be willing to go with the £ 5'. Bruce Fiedler, stated in looking at the perspective, he felt the smaller would look better because that proportion doesn't overwhelm what is behind it. Tom Odam stated he was on the Task Force and also on the Village Parkway Task Force. The monument will be there for a long time and will be something permanent. You can CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 December 3, 2002 PAGE 606 always make it smaller, but you can't make it bigger. He stated he supports the outside corners, but can live with the inside corners. Bigger is better. An unidentified audience member who spoke from her seat, stated she is for the taller Olle. Cm. Sbranti stated he felt both are pretty tall monuments. He agrees that in years ahead SOme of the businesses may change. He prefers the 25' height as it fits more with the scheme of the area. Mayor Lockhart pointed out that the Village Parkway monuments are really more pedestrian oriented. Cm. McCormick stated she really likes the design and supports the smaller height. Cm. Oravetz stated he really likes the design also. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Cm. Sbranti, and by unanimous vote, the Council selected the 25' height, directed the Consultant to finalize the approved Task Force recommended monument design; instructed the Consultant to prepare construction bid documents for the first monument; and directed Staff to request bids following preparation of bid-level documents. AWARD OF BID FOR PURCHASE OF CITY POOL VEHICLE 8:24 p.m. 7.2 ($50-Z0) Public Works Director Lee Thompson presented the Staff Report and advised that bids for a hybrid passenger car to be used by Staff as a pool car were requested from Alameda County Honda and Toyota dealerships, Five bids were received, with the lowest bidder being Toyota Walnut Creek, with a bid of $21,310.77. These vehicles get 45 to 52 miles per gallon. Cm. Sbranti noted that Dublin Honda's bid was only about $210 more and asked if we are always bound to take the absolute lowest bidder? Mr. Thompson responded he felt if we stop doing this, we may not get bids. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME Z 1 REGULAR MEETING December 3, 2002 PAGE 607