REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
August 20, 2020
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: Randall W. Morrison, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Engineering Division
BY: CECILIO F. GARCIA, Supervising Engineering Technician
Public Works Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Cedar Avenue and Woodward Avenue Traffic Signal Installation Project - Bid File No. 3738 (Council District 5)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c) and 15304 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines
2. ***RESOLUTION - 6th Amendment to the Annual Appropriations Resolution No. 2020-159 appropriating $310,700 to the Cedar Avenue and Woodward Avenue Traffic Signal Installation Project (Requires 5 affirmative votes) (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
3. Award a construction contract in the amount of $498,969.60 to American Paving Co. of Fresno, California
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) and 15304 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, adopt the attached 6th Amendment to the Annual Appropriations Resolution (AAR) No. 2020-159, award a construction contract with American Paving Co., of Fresno, California in the amount of $498,969.60 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 City of Fresno seeks to improve the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Woodward Avenue. The scope of work includes the installation of new traffic signals, safety street lights, signage and striping, and modifications of curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. Awarding a construction contract for this traffic signal project will provide more efficient and safer vehicle and pedestrian movements through the intersection. The project is being funded by a Federal grant from the Active Transportation Program (ATP). Local match is funded by Local Developer Fees, Senate Bill 1 (SB1) Gas Tax, and Bicycle and Pedestrian local funds.
BACKGROUND
The Cedar Avenue and Woodward Avenue Traffic Signal Installation Project was initiated in FY17 when the City was awarded a Federal grant from the ATP. The grant funds were obligated and the project was budgeted in the adopted FY17 Capital Budget by City Council. The design started following the Public Works Department approval of the consultant contract with JLB Traffic Engineering, Inc., on November 26, 2018. The preliminary engineering design and right-of-way acquisition took approximately one year and seven months to complete.
The intersection of Cedar Avenue and Woodward Avenue is located on the southeast corner of Sequoia Middle School campus. The proposed traffic signal project will promote the orderly travel of pedestrian and vehicular traffic by providing a safer and predictable crossing location for Sequoia Middle School students. The project includes the installation of a traffic signal, construction of ADA compliant curb ramps, crosswalks, signs and pavement striping, concrete improvements, and modifications to the streetlight system.
The Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Business Journal on May 22, 2020, posted on the City’s website and was sent via fax to twelve building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to twenty-three prospective bidders. Four sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on June 30, 2020, with the bids ranging from $498,969.60 to $564,638. American Paving Co., is deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The apparent low bid price was 27% above the Engineer’s Estimate. The bids will expire 64 days after the bid opening, on September 2, 2020.
If the bids are rejected, the project will be rebid resulting in a delay of approximately 60 days.
Staff is recommending award of a construction contract to American Paving Co., in the amount of $498,969.60, to construct a traffic signal at the intersection the Cedar Avenue and Woodward Avenue and to authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign and execute the standardized contract on behalf of the City of Fresno. City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301(c) and 15304 which exempts the repair, maintenance or minor alteration of existing structures or facilities, which includes existing streets, sidewalk and gutters, no further expansion of an existing use, minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, and scenic trees because the project includes construction of a traffic signal, reconstruction of curb ramps and pavement striping.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
The local preference was not implemented based on grant funding requirements for federally funded projects.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is located in the City of Fresno Council District 5. The overall cost of the project is $793,900 and is federally funded by the ATP. Local match is funded by Local Developer Fee, SB1 Gas Tax, and Bicycle and Pedestrian local funds. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. Of the total project cost, $498,969.60 will be used for the construction contract award. An AAR item is included to fully appropriate the necessary budget to award the construction contract for this project.
Attachments:
Vicinity Map
Categorical Exemption Environmental Assessment No. EA-17-034 (PW00526)
6th Amendment to AAR No. 2020-159
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Standardized Construction Contract