Gardena awards $1.387 million contract to upgrade Nakaoka Community Center electrical system and civic-center lighting

The Gardena City Council on Aug. 12 awarded a $1,387,000 construction contract to Weizmann Construction Inc. to upgrade the electrical system at the Nakaoka Community Center and to add outdoor lighting and outlets across the Civic Center lawn. Council also approved project plans, a 25% construction contingency, and a contract for construction support services.

The work at the Nakaoka Community Center will replace aging electrical service equipment, add capacity for future expansion, replace the water heater and add outlets throughout the building. The civic center scope includes uplighting for trees, improved walkway/security lighting, color-changing signage lighting, outdoor outlets and new parking lot lights. Public works staff and the project’s design firm completed plans and publicly bid the project; five bids were received and Weizmann Construction submitted the lowest responsive bid.

Funding and timing: Council approved a budget appropriation of $787,007.05 from deferred maintenance funds to supplement the project budget and placed a $350,000 contingency (25% of construction award) on the project to account for unknowns given the building’s age. The council also authorized construction support services with David Boltz Design Landscape Architects in the amount of $220,000. Staff noted a 60-working-day construction duration but cautioned that material lead times could delay start.

Why it matters: The center is a key community facility with classrooms, offices, a kitchen and an auditorium; upgrades are intended to improve safety, expand capacity for events and support future facility enhancements. New exterior lighting is designed both for civic presentation — including color-changing options for signage — and for routine security and accessibility improvements.

Council process: The motion to award the contract, approve plans and appropriate funds passed unanimously (5–0). Staff described the lowest bidder as a licensed contractor with experience on similar electrical projects and reported favorable references and on-time completions for prior work. The council also declared a CEQA categorical exemption (Class 1) for rehabilitation of existing facilities.

Next steps: The contract will proceed to issuance of a notice to proceed once required bonds, insurance and a start date are confirmed. Staff will oversee construction support services and report back if unforeseen site conditions require changes beyond the contingency.

Context: The project is part of the city’s deferred maintenance and capital-improvement program and follows a design process led by David Boltz Design Landscape Architects. The council’s decision adds to an ongoing slate of facility upgrades intended to extend the useful life of city-owned buildings.