REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
December 10, 2020
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: Randall W. Morrison, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Engineering Division
BY: SCOTT P. SEHM, PE, Public Works Manager
Public Works Department, Engineering Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Downtown Fresno Courthouse Park Interconnectivity Project - Bid File No. 3741 (Council District 3)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1(c,f) and 15305/Class 5(b) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $908,325 to Audeamus, dba Sebastian of Fresno, CA
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1(c,f) and 15305/Class 5(b) of the CEQA guidelines, award a construction contract with Audeamus Inc., dba Sebastian, of Fresno, California in the amount of $908,325 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed Courthouse Park Interconnectivity Project will improve pedestrian safety as well as provide enhancements for Fresno Area Express (FAX) access by installing new traffic signals at the existing unsignalized crosswalks at Fresno Street and L Street and Tulare Street and L Street. Additional pedestrian improvements at the two intersections include the reconstruction of several accessible ramps, updated striping and signage and improved safety lighting. Funding for this project is through the State of California Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant with local match funding.
BACKGROUND
The Courthouse Park Interconnectivity Project was initiated in FY19 when the project was budgeted using ATP revenue. The design commenced following Council approval; preliminary engineering design and project management took approximately two years.
The scope of the project includes the construction of traffic signals at the intersections of Fresno Street & L Street and Tulare Street & L Street. Related improvements include new high-visibility crosswalk striping, reconstruction of existing curb ramps as well as new and updated signage and striping to safely direct pedestrians, motorists and transit vehicles as they navigate through the intersections. Fresno Street and L Street will also receive exclusive bus transit and pedestrian phases and construction of bulb-outs to lessen pedestrian crossing times. No additional right-of-way was required to accommodate construction at either location. Public Works Department staff collaborated closely with Fresno County staff to ensure the needs of both agencies were being addressed; all construction documents were prepared in-house by Public Works staff for this project.
A Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Fresno Business Journal on September 30, 2020, posted on the City’s website and faxed to ten (10) building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to thirty-six (36) prospective bidders. Seven (7) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on October 20, 2020. Bids ranged from $908,325 to $1,014,431. Audeamus, dba Sebastian, submitted the apparent low bid in the amount $908,325 and was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the project. The bids will expire on December 23, 2020.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved to form.
Staff recommends Council award a construction contract with Audeamus in the amount of $908,325 for the Downtown Fresno Courthouse Park Interconnectivity Project as the low bidder, and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign and execute the standardized contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff performed an environmental assessment of this project and determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301/Class 1(c,f), which exempts the repair and maintenance of existing facilities that involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use, and Section 15305/Class 5(b), which exempts areas with an average slope of less than 20% that do not result in any changes in land use or density. These exemptions apply because this project involves the reconstruction of an existing roadway, sidewalks, curb and gutters, accessible ramps, and traffic signal construction that does not involve the expansion of the roadway. Furthermore, staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
The local preference was not implemented because the project is state funded.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Downtown Fresno Courthouse Park Interconnectivity Project is located in Council District 3. The overall cost of the project is $1,261,200 and is funded with a State grant from the Active Transportation Program (ATP). Required local match is covered by SB1 funds. Of the total costs, $908,325 will be used for the construction contract award. The project will have no impact to the General Fund.
Attachments:
CEQA Environmental Assessment
Vicinity Map
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Standardized Contract