REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: NICHOLAS D. MASCIA, PE, Assistant City Manager
Interim Director - Capital Projects Department
SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: Scott p. sehm, PE, Assistant Director
Capital Projects Department, Design Services Division
JASON MILLER, PE, Licensed Professional Engineer
Capital Projects Department, Design Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the South Cedar Avenue Complete Streets Project (Bid File No. 12500348) on South Cedar Avenue from East Jensen Bypass to East Church Avenue (Council District 5, County Supervisorial District 3):
1. Adopt Environmental Assessment No. PW00928, dated June 4, 2024, a determination that the proposed project qualifies for categorical exemption as set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15301/Class1 and Section 15302/Class2;
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $1,748,236 to Cal Valley Construction, Inc. of Fresno, CA, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the South Cedar Avenue Complete Streets Project (Bid File No. 12500348).
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Environmental Assessment No. PW00928, dated June 4, 2024, award a construction contract (Contract) in the amount of $1,748,236 to Cal Valley Construction, Inc. of Fresno, CA, and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign the Contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno is proposing to install infrastructure improvements for the South Cedar Avenue Complete Streets Project on South Cedar Avenue from East Jensen Bypass to East Church Avenue. The scope of work includes roadway improvements with areas of full-depth pavement reconstruction and areas of pavement grind and overlay, installation of new and reconstructed curb and gutter, replacement of traffic signal loops, and striping and signage improvements that will provide new class II bicycle lanes and on-street parking within the limits of the project. Pedestrian-focused improvements will include new and replacement sidewalks, ADA-compliant accessible ramps, and pedestrian crossing upgrades. This project will improve the roadway along the Cedar Avenue corridor and provide much needed pedestrian and bicycle facilities to area residents as well as to the students who attend Calwa Elementary. Minor right-of-way acquisitions were needed to accommodate the ADA improvements. The overall cost of the project is $2,502,700, funded through the federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) with local match funding by Measure C Street Maintenance funding and a contribution from County of Fresno Road Maintenance Funds.
BACKGROUND
The City of Fresno (City) received STBG funding in January 2021 for the South Cedar Avenue Complete Streets Project (Project) to construct infrastructure improvements on South Cedar Avenue from East Jensen Bypass to East Church Avenue (Council District 5, County Supervisorial District 3). These improvements will enhance safety and provide updated bicycle and pedestrian facilities that serve the residents and businesses along this segment of the Cedar Avenue corridor, as well as the students and staff from Calwa Elementary.
The Project is partially within the County of Fresno’s (County) jurisdiction and a Project Specific Supplemental Agreement (PSSA) between the City and County was executed on November 21, 2024, pursuant to the agencies’ Master Dual Jurisdictional Cooperative Agreement, executed on September 10, 2019, that will allow project cost sharing between the two agencies. The County’s share of the final project cost will be approximately thirty-five percent (35%) of the final (actual) project cost, less STBG funding, with the County’s share currently estimated to be $220,000.
The Project will support the City’s complete streets goals by installing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements along this segment of South Jensen Avenue. The Project scope of work includes full-depth pavement reconstruction and pavement grind and overlay with new striping and signage that will provide approximately 5,300 feet of Class II bicycle lanes throughout the limits of the Project and provide on-street parking as well. Other roadway work includes the installation of new and replacement curb and gutter, replacement of existing traffic signal loops, and adjustment of water valves and manhole lids to grade. Pedestrian improvements include new sidewalks, ADA-compliant accessible ramps, and pedestrian crossing upgrades.
Project management, topographic survey, and engineering design work was completed by the Capital Projects Department (CPD) for the Department of Public Works; the preliminary engineering phase took approximately four years to complete. CPD real estate staff acquired right-of-way from two parcels within City jurisdiction and two parcels within County jurisdiction to accommodate the ADA improvements. The right-of-way phase of the project took approximately two years to complete.
Staff prepared a Notice Inviting Bids, which was published in the Fresno Business Journal on January 8, 2025, posted on the City’s website, and sent to eleven (11) building exchanges. Project plans and specifications were distributed to forty (40) prospective bidders. Six (6) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on March 4, 2025, with bids ranging from $1,748,236 to $2,640,450. Cal Valley Construction, Inc., of Fresno, CA, with their bid of $1,748,236, was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The expiration date of the bids is May 7, 2025. If the bids are rejected or expire the project must be rebid which will result in a delay of approximately 90 days.
The total project cost is $2,502,595 and is fully funded by STBG with the required local match funded by Measure C Street Maintenance funding and contribution from County of Fresno Road Maintenance Funds.
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Environmental Assessment No. PW00928, dated June 4, 2024, a determination that the proposed project qualifies for categorical exemption as set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15301/Class1 and Section 15302/Class 2, award a construction contract (Contract) in the amount of $1,748,236 to Cal Valley Construction, Inc. of Fresno, CA, and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign the Contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
The Contract is covered by the Community Workforce Agreement (PLA), adopted by Council in September 2021. The Contractor shall become signatory to the PLA by executing the Agreement To Be Bound.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the standardized Contract and CEQA determination as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and determined it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301/Class 1 (Minor alteration to existing facilities), which exempts the repair and maintenance of existing facilities that involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use, and Section 15302/Class 2 (Replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities), which exempts the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity.
The proposed project is consistent with Class 1 and Class 2 exemptions because the project is proposing to make improvements to existing pavement, reinstall signage and striping. The proposed improvements are minor, do not constitute an expansion of use, and will improve the public right-of-way without increasing road capacity. The proposed project involves negligible expansion of the existing use and will have substantially the same purpose.
Based on staff analysis, it was determined that no adverse environmental impacts would occur because of the proposed project and none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local Preference is not applicable due to Federal funding requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is in Council District 5 and County of Fresno Supervisorial District 3. The overall cost of the project is $2,502,700 and is funded by a federal grant from Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG). The required local match is funded by Measure C Street Maintenance funding and contribution from County of Fresno Road Maintenance Funds. Out of the overall budget, $1,748,236 will be allocated for the construction contract award. The project will have no impact to the General Fund.
Attachments:
Vicinity Map
Environmental Assessment No. PW00928
Standardized Construction Contract
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement