REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Randall W. Morrison, PE, Director
Capital Projects Department
SCOTT MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: JESUS AVITIA, PE, Assistant Director
Capital Projects Department, Transportation Project Management Division
ABDUL BINMAHFODH, Engineer II
Capital Projects Department, Transportation Project Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Jensen Avenue Overlay Project between State Route 41 and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (Bid File No. 12301728) (Council District 3):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1, 15302/Class 2, 15303/Class 3, and 15304/Class 4 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $2,219,535.45 to Granite Construction Company, of Fresno, California
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council (1) adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities), 15302/Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction), 15303/Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and 15304/Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, and (2) award a construction contract with Granite Construction Company, of Fresno, California, in the amount of $2,219,535.45, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno seeks to extend the life of Jensen Avenue from State Route 41 to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard through pavement rehabilitation and by reconstructing existing curb ramps to be compliant with ADA standards. The proposed action involves awarding a construction contract to Granite Construction Company, in the amount of $2,219,535.45. This contract will not only extend the road's longevity but also enhance its overall drivability. The project is funded by a federal grant through the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP), with the local match being funded by SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funding.
BACKGROUND
The City of Fresno's Public Works Department has identified the need for street pavement rehabilitation, full-depth reconstruction, and the reconstruction of existing curb ramps to meet ADA standards along Jensen Avenue. In December 2015, the City applied for RSTP funds to cover the design and construction phases of the Jensen Avenue Overlay Project. This project entails street rehabilitation and reconstructing approximately 1.0 mile of Jensen Avenue, stretching from State Route 41 to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and bringing existing curb ramps into compliance with ADA standards. The grant funds for this project were obligated in October 2016, with the design process commencing after the City Council's approval of the consultant agreement with QK, Inc. in April 2017. Design was completed in May 2023.
The Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Business Journal on May 19, 2023, and posted on the City's PlanetBids website. Four bid proposals were received and opened during a public bid opening on August 01, 2023, with bids ranging from $2,219,404 to $2,925,813. The lowest apparent bidder Avison Construction, Inc. was deemed non-responsive which led to Granite Construction Company to be deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The apparent low bid price was 11% below the Engineering Estimates. The bids will expire on October 04, 2023, 64 days after the bid opening.
Staff recommends awarding a construction contract to Granite Construction Company, in the amount of $2,219,535.45 to carry out the roadway improvements along Jensen Avenue between State Route 41 and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and to authorize the Capital Projects Director or designee to sign the standardized agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno. This agreement is covered by the Community Workforce Agreement (PLA), adopted by the Council in September 2021. The Contractor shall become a signatory to the PLA by executing the Agreement to Be Bound.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved this item as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff performed a preliminary environmental assessment of the project and determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA guidelines, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities),15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) because the project consists of construction, repair, maintenance, installation and minor alterations to existing public structures, facilities, improvements and mechanical equipment within the existing public right of way and includes negligible or no expansion of an existing use including reconstruction of existing pavements. Furthermore, staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented for this project because this contract is federally funded.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Jensen Avenue Overlay Project is located in Council District 3. The overall cost of the project is $2,798,500 and is grant funded through the Federal Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP). Local match is funded by SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds. Out of the overall budget, $2,219,535.45 will be allocated for the construction contract award. All funds required for the contract award are included in the current fiscal year budget, as previously adopted by the Council. The project will have no impact to the General Fund.
Attachment(s):
Environmental Assessment No. P18-03364
Standardized Agreement
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Vicinity Map