REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
February 25, 2016
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: ROBERT N. ANDERSEN, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
LAL GOONAWARDENA, PE, Design Services Manager
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
BY: ERNESTO GARCIA, Supervising Engineering Technician
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the traffic signal installation at the intersection of Blackstone and Fedora Avenues - Bid File No. 3425 (Council District 7)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section15301(c) Class 1 of the CEQA guidelines for the traffic signal installation at the intersection of Blackstone and Fedora Avenues
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $303,567 to American Construction Engineers of Tollhouse, California
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c) Class 1 of the CEQA guidelines and award a construction contract to American Construction Engineers of Tollhouse, California in the amount of $303,567 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the traffic signal installation at Blackstone and Fedora Avenues and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The new traffic signal at Blackstone and Fedora Avenues will assist pedestrians crossing Blackstone Avenue at the northern end of the Manchester Transit Center. Currently the intersection is unmonitored and pedestrians cross Blackstone Avenue to access public transportation and the shopping center. To the west of Blackstone Avenue is Fort Miller Middle School, an apartment complex and a residential neighborhood drawing pedestrians from the bus system. The installation of the signal will dedicate a traffic light to stop vehicles and allow pedestrians to cross Blackstone with their own dedicated pedestrian phase. The project is being funded by a competitive grant received under the Federal Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP).
BACKGROUND
In Fiscal Year 2014, the project was awarded Federal RSTP funding for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Blackstone and Fedora Avenues. When the project was initially funded by Federal grants in 2014, the intersection was ranked number six (6) on the Citywide new traffic signal priority ranking list. Pedestrians wishing to cross Blackstone are currently affecting the flow of traffic as they cross busy Blackstone Avenue. Installation of the signal will dedicate a traffic light to stop vehicles and allow pedestrians to cross Blackstone with their own dedicated pedestrian phase. This will alleviate and reduce the current pedestrian conflicts at the intersection. The project includes the installation of a traffic signal, construction of ADA compliant curb ramps, crosswalks, signs and pavement striping, minor concrete improvements and modifications to the streetlight system.
The Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Business Journal on December 16, 2015, and posted on the City’s website and faxed to twelve (12) building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to twenty-five (25) prospective bidders. Four (4) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on January 19, 2016, with the bids ranging from $303,567 to $395,799. American Construction Engineers was deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The apparent low bid price was 10% below the Engineer’s Estimate. The project will be completed 60 working days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. The bids will expire in 64 days of the bid opening on March 23, 2016.
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 Construction Engineers in the amount of $303,567 to construct the Traffic Signal at the Intersection of Blackstone and Fedora Avenues and to authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign and execute the standardized contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff has determined that a Categorical Exemption is appropriate, based on Class 1 Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines. This section exempts the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures or facilities, including existing streets, sidewalk and gutters. The work of this project will only include ADA curb ramps, crosswalks and traffic signal facilities and no further expansion of existing use. Furthermore, staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project. Staff recommends that the Council, based upon its own independent judgment, adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c), Class 1 of the CEQA guidelines for the proposed traffic signal project at the intersection of Blackstone and Fedora Avenues.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
The local preference was not implemented because this project is funded with State and Federal funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is located in Council District 7. The overall cost of the project is $462,617 and is funded by $452,400 in RSTP funds and $10,217 in Proposition 111 Special Gas Tax funds. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. Of the overall budget of the project, $303,567 will be used for the construction contract award.
Attachments:
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Vicinity Map