REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
January 29, 2015
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: ROBERT N. ANDERSEN, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
STEVEN C. SON, PE, Capital Projects Manager
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
BY: JESUS A. GONZALEZ, PE, Project Manager
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions related to Class I Bike Trail Feasibility Studies for Herndon Avenue and Clovis Avenue (Council Districts 2, 4, 5 and 6)
1. ***RESOLUTION - 34th amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) 2014-95 appropriating $137,300 to complete a Class 1 Bike Trail Feasibility Study for segments along Herndon Avenue and Clovis Avenue (Requires 5 affirmative votes)
2. Approve an agreement with BKF Engineers in the amount of $99,818 and a contingency amount of $10,000 to provide professional engineering services for the preparation of Class I Bike Trail Feasibility Studies for Herndon Avenue and Clovis Avenue
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council adopt the 34th amendment to the AAR and approve the proposed consultant agreement with BKF Engineers for a Class 1 Bike Trail Feasibility Study for segments along Herndon Avenue and Clovis Avenue.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The appropriation of funds will allow City staff to make use of Measure "C" Trails funding to perform Feasibility Studies for the construction of Class I Bike Trail segments along Herndon Avenue from Golden State Avenue to Willow Avenue and along Clovis Avenue from the southern end of the Clovis Old Town Trail (Dayton Avenue alignment) to the McKenzie Trail (Washington Avenue alignment). The consultant agreement allows the City to retain the services of BKF Engineers, to prepare the Feasibility Studies for both Herndon and Clovis Avenues. The studies will provide analysis of future and existing trail segments to determine necessary construction improvements and right-of-way needs to ultimately complete these two Class 1 Bike Path facilities. The results of the feasibility study will serve as a significant tool to guide future capital investments along these two major trail corridors.
BACKGROUND
The Fresno City Council previously adopted a Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Master Plan (BMP) on October 28, 2010. The BMP, as well as the City of Fresno 2025 and 2035 General Plans, have all identified Herndon and Clovis Avenues as Class I Bike Trail segments. Herndon Avenue is designated an expressway with many businesses and heavy traffic volumes. Construction of Class I Bike Trails would provide an alternative viable means of transportation and a desirable amenity for the community. Clovis Avenue within the project limits would link the existing Old Town Clovis Trail and McKenzie Avenue Trail, resulting in continuous north-south and east-west pedestrian and bicyclist facilities.
The feasibility studies will analyze Herndon and Clovis Avenues and recommend potential improvements to existing pedestrian facilities, as well as to establish potential trail alignments for filling the gaps in the system. At a number of locations along these two corridors, the existing pedestrian facilities were constructed to more of an "enhanced sidewalk" rather than a true multi-purpose trail which would accommodate two-way bicycle path usage, joggers and pedestrians. Furthermore sidewalks typically allow street furniture, poles or utility boxes within the sidewalk area, whereas bicycle paths represent a higher standard with no street furniture within the Class 1 trail.
Staff received statements of qualifications from three consultants interested in providing services for this project. Per Administrative Order 6-19, consultants were short listed and interviewed. Based on the interviews and statements of qualifications, staff has selected BKF Engineers of Pleasanton, California. A fee of $99,818 and a contingency of $10,000 were negotiated to prepare the Feasibility Studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15378, this item does not qualify as a "project" for the purposes of CEQA.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented because the number of local firms is less than three.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no impact to the General Fund. All proposed costs will be paid by Measure "C" Trails funding.
Attachments: Annual Appropriation Resolution
Project Vicinity Map
Agreement with BKF Engineers