REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
July 16, 2015
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: ROBERT N. ANDERSEN, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
RANDY BELL, PE, Capital Projects Manager
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
BY: TIM GROH, Supervising Engineering Technician
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve an agreement with TRC Engineers, Inc. in the amount of $60,165, plus $5,000 for contingencies, to provide professional engineering services for the construction of the Veterans Trail between Hayes and Polk Avenues (Council District 2).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve an agreement in the amount of $60,165, plus $5,000 for contingencies, with TRC Engineers, Inc. for the preparation of the project design, plans, specifications and construction support for the Veterans Trail between Hayes and Polk Avenues and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to execute the standardized Agreement on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The adopted budget for FY2016 includes a project to construct the Veterans Boulevard trail between Hayes Avenue and Polk Avenue. Although the adjacent street project is not scheduled to be delivered until FY2021, the Veterans Boulevard Trail between Hayes and Polk Avenues is being expedited to provide connectivity between the Herndon Avenue trail and the existing neighborhoods. The trail and landscaping were included in the list of features of the Community Facilities District (CFD) for the subdivision backing up to Veterans Boulevard, Tract No. 5141. Staff recommends that the Council approve an agreement in the amount of $60,165, plus $5,000 for contingencies, with TRC Engineers, Inc. for the preparation of the project design, plans, specifications and construction support for the Veterans Trail between Hayes and Polk Avenues.
BACKGROUND
The construction of Veterans Boulevard Trail between Hayes and Polk Avenue is a condition of approval for the adjacent Tract No. 5141. However, due to uncertainties at the time (2005) about the Veterans Boulevard geometric layout, the City chose to accept a cash-in-lieu payment from the developer for the curb, gutter, trail and landscaping along the tract frontage to Veterans Boulevard. The Veterans Boulevard connection to Herndon Avenue is programmed to be constructed in FY2021 concurrent with the new freeway interchange at State Route 99. Considering that the trail and landscaping maintenance is fully funded under the CFD and that construction funds are available, the City’s adopted budgets for FY2015 and FY2016 have included the acceleration of this trail connection in advance of the adjacent street construction.
The City has progressed significantly in the planning of regional trail facilities and in adoption of design standards since 2005 when the subdivision agreement was approved. The trail as proposed reflects current standards whereas the original cash-in-lieu deposit would have reflected a “glorified sidewalk”. Measure “C” Trail funding is being utilized to cover the additional funding needs beyond the original cash-in-lieu deposit from the developer. Maintenance of the trail, landscaping and irrigation is fully covered by the Community Facilities District for Tract No. 5141.
The proposed project consists of a Class I multi-purpose trail along the Veterans Boulevard alignment between North Hayes and Polk Avenues. It will consist of a 12-foot wide multi-purpose trail, landscaping, irrigation and curb and gutter along the Veterans Boulevard alignment. Street lighting will also be included in the project. An approved geometric layout of the Veterans Boulevard has been prepared that the consultant will be utilizing. Measure “C” Trail funding will be utilized consistent with program requirements and only for the trail. Project components such as curb and gutter are to be funded by the cash-in-lieu deposit from the subdivider.
Staff received Statements of Qualifications from six consultants interested in providing services for this project. In accordance with Administrative Order 6-19, four consultants were short listed and interviewed. Based on the interviews and Statements of Qualifications, staff has selected TRC Engineers of Fresno, California. A fee of $60,165, plus $5,000 for contingencies, has been negotiated for this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided by the 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 implemented; the consultant is a local business.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no impact to the General Fund. All proposed costs will be paid for by Measure “C” Trails funding and the developer cash-in-lieu deposit from Tract No. 5141.
Attachments:
Project Vicinity Map
Consultant Agreement