REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Scott MOzier, PE, Director
Public Works Department
Randall W. Morrison, PE, Director
Capital Projects Department
BY: JESUS AVITIA, PE, Assistant Director
Capital Projects Department, Transportation Project Management Division
ABDUL BINMAHFODH, Engineer II
Capital Projects Department, Transportation Project Management
SUBJECT
Title
Approve a Third Amendment to the Consultant Service Agreement with SWCA Environmental Consultants, of San Luis Obispo, California in the amount of $18,426 to provide additional environmental and technical memoranda services for the Ashlan Avenue Widening Project, for a total contract value of $87,334 (Council District 1)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve a Third Amendment to the Consultant Service Agreement (Agreement) with SWCA Environmental Consultants, in the amount of $18,426, to provide additional environmental and technical memoranda services on the Ashlan Avenue Widening Project between Polk Avenue and Cornelia Avenue and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign the Third Amendment to the Agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno (City).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Due to design constraints, two parcels within the project limits will need to undergo full parcel acquisitions and relocation of existing tenants/owners. Therefore, the environmental assessment for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance must be revalidated to accommodate these full parcel acquisitions. To comply with the NEPA and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for the two full parcel acquisitions, additional studies and revisions are necessary per comments provided by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Staff recommends approval of this Third Amendment to the Agreement with SWCA in the amount of $18,426 to provide additional environmental and technical memoranda services on the Ashlan Avenue Widening Project between Polk Avenue and Cornelia Avenue.
BACKGROUND
The Ashlan Avenue Widening Project will widen the eastbound section of Ashlan Avenue from one lane to two lanes between Polk Avenue and Cornelia Avenue. This project includes the installation of a sidewalk, Class II bike lanes, and a raised median on the eastbound side of Ashlan Avenue. Additionally, the project will involve the installation of new streetlights, curbs, gutters, curb ramps, the relocation of power poles, new traffic signal loops, and the installation of storm drain infrastructure. The preliminary engineering and design is locally funded through New Growth Area Major Street Impact Fees, while the right-of-way and construction phases are funded by the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program administered through Caltrans.
On October 06, 2021, the City entered into a consultant agreement with SWCA to prepare environmental studies and technical memoranda for the Ashlan Avenue Widening Project. The Agreement underwent amendments in the past, including one on August 24, 2022 (First Amendment) for additional environmental services supporting a CEQA determination. Another amendment on September 21, 2021, extended the Consultant's performance period to complete Task 2 and additional services until December 30, 2022. No additional compensation was provided with this Second Amendment.
The City now desires to amend the Agreement with SWCA Environmental Consultants in the amount of $18,426 and authorize Capital Projects Director or designee to sign on behalf of the City. The SWCA team will prepare the required documentation to support NEPA and CEQA determinations for the proposed project. The modified scope of work additionally encompasses the complete acquisition of two parcels and the relocation of current tenants/owners.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the amendment as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 the contract amendment approval does not qualify as a project as defined by the CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented for this project due to it being funded through a Federal STBG program, which precludes local preference.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Ashlan Avenue Widening Project from Polk Avenue to Cornelia Avenue, situated in Council District 1, will have no impact on the General Fund. The funding for this agreement will be sourced from New Growth Area Major Street Impact Fees, as included in the project budget adopted in the current fiscal year City Budget.
Attachment(s):
Third Amendment to the Agreement
Vicinity Map