CC - Item 4B - Dinsmoor Heritage House0
Q` ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
e?F! STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OLIVER CHI, CITY MANAGER &
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2008
SUBJECT: DINSMOOR HERITAGE HOUSE
SUMMARY
In April of this year, the Dinsmoor Heritage House sustained significant damage as a
result of a flooding incident. Staff has worked with our insurance company, Safeco, to
coordinate estimates to repair the floor, wall, and ceiling damage related to flooding in
addition to hazardous materials abatement, debris removal, and pest eradication efforts.
To date, the City has received a payment of approximately $55,000 for the repairs.
Additionally, the City could receive around $25,000 in additional insurance funds for
removal and storage of furnishings and other items during repairs.
After receiving the adjuster's estimate for repairs, staff sought informal estimates for
repairs of flood damaged areas as well as existing window and door repairs, additional
hazardous materials abatement, wall and floor repairs, and localized electrical and
plumbing repairs. The cost for these repairs is estimated at $100,000. In order to
proceed, staff would need City Council's authorization to formally bid the project.
As we have gone through this process, however, in order to better assess the actual
condition of the building, a full architectural evaluation might need to be made. Given
the historic nature of the Dinsmoor House, this could also require the services of a firm
that specializes in historic structures.
Staff contacted a number of such firms, and two sent representatives for an on-site
survey. An initial visual inspection of the facility by both firms has suggested that the
Dinsmoor House may be in of much greater attention than previously realized. Areas of
probable concern beyond flood damage include termite and weather damaged beams,
posts, and door & window frames; a dilapidated second story balcony; apparent shifting
of blocks in some of the walls; ceiling cracks; interior and exterior painting; and the need
to upgrade utility and electrical systems.
APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: 0 • ITEM NUMBER:
E
City Council Meeting
October 14, 2008
Paqe 2 of 2
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Given that the repairs resulting from flood damage will definitely require a formal bid,
staff believes that a structural and systems assessment of the house should be done in
order to understand the material conditions of architectural features, the structural state
of the building, and the current condition of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
systems.
Staff Recommendation
Staff is seeking Council direction regarding three options for repairs to the Dinsmoor
House:
A. City Council authorize staff to proceed with bidding repairs for already identified
flood and other visible damages estimated at $100,000.
B. City Council authorize staff to contract the services of a specialty architectural
firm to conduct a structural and systems evaluation of the Dinsmoor Heritage
House for an amount not to exceed $30,000 and to bring back the findings for
further Council direction.
C. City Council authorize staff to contract the services of an architectural firm to
conduct a structure and systems evaluation of the Dinsmoor Heritage House for
an amount not to exceed $20,000 and to bring back the findings for futher
Council direction.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
FISCAL IMPACT
It is assumed that the fiscal impact of Option A will require a budget amendment once
the full cost of identified repairs is known as it will likely exceed the funds provided by
our insurer.
The cost for contracting a specialty architectural firm to assess the condition of the
Dinsmoor House, as proposed in Option B and C, would be paid for with insurance
funds received. However, proposed repairs will require future City Council approval of
additional general fund monies.