REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
April 6, 2017
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: ROBERT N. ANDERSEN, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
LAL GOONAWARDENA, PE, Design Services Manager
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
ERNESTO GARCIA, Supervising Engineering Technician
Public Works Department, Design Services Section
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Traffic Signal Improvements at Tulare and “N” Streets - Rebid, Bid File No. 3520 (Council District 3)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) (existing facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines for the Traffic Signal Improvements at Tulare and “N” Streets - Rebid
2. Award a construction contract to American Paving Co. of Fresno, California, for $526,143 for the Traffic Signal Improvements at Tulare and “N” Streets - Rebid
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines, award a construction contract for $526,143 to American Paving Co. of Fresno, California, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Traffic Signal Improvements at Tulare and “N” Streets - Rebid and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign the contract on the City’s behalf.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed traffic signal at Tulare and “N” Street will assist the pedestrians crossing Tulare Avenue. Currently, the intersection is uncontrolled with only a crosswalk on Tulare Avenue’s east side where pedestrians can cross to access businesses, governmental offices, parking garages and restaurants. The numbers of pedestrians continue to rise with the increasing addition of establishments to the area. The City is proposing to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Tulare Avenue and “N” Street to allow pedestrians to cross the busy Tulare Avenue with their own dedicated pedestrian phase. This project will enhance safety and alleviate any future pedestrian and vehicle conflicts at the intersection. This project is located in Council District 3.
BACKGROUND
In 2014, the Federal Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) allocated Federal fiscal year 2015/16 construction funds for the Traffic Signal Installation at Tulare and “N” Street. The downtown area has seen a rise in new businesses, government offices and restaurants causing an influx of pedestrians to the area. To the south of the intersection is a parking garage, businesses and restaurants that require pedestrians cross busy Tulare Avenue to the north and south, subsequently causing traffic conflicts with vehicles that currently do not have a stop sign. This project seeks to alleviate these types of conflicts with dedicated pedestrian and traffic phases that a modern traffic signal provides.
Public Works Design staff previously sent the project to bid and published bids on September 9, 2016, for the Tulare and “N” Street traffic signal installation. One sealed bid was received and opened in a public bid opening on October 11, 2016. During staff examination, it was revealed that the bid had numerous Contractor miscalculations which exceeded the project’s budget allocation. The bid was sent to the City Council with a recommendation by Public Works staff to be rejected. On December 8, 2016, the City Council rejected the bid and directed staff to rebid the project as soon as possible.
Public Works Design staff prepared re-bid project plans and specifications and a Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Business Journal on January 25, 2017, posted on the City’s website and faxed to ten (10) building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to twenty-two (22) prospective bidders. Three (3) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in public on February 21, 2017. Bids range from $459,830 to $579,228.
The low bidder Madco Electric, Inc. is being by-passed because they have been determined to be non-responsive due to not filing the required Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE/GFE) documentation that is necessary as required by the project funding authority. American Paving Co., with a bid amount of $526,143 therefore becomes the next lowest responsive, responsible bidder. The bids will expire in 64 days as of the bid opening of February 21, 2017.
Staff recommends that the Council award a construction contract in the amount of $526,143 to American Paving Co. for the Traffic Signal Improvements at Tulare and “N” Streets-Rebid and 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 performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and has determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) (existing facilities), which exempts the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures or facilities, which includes existing streets, sidewalk and gutters, and with no further expansion of existing use. Furthermore, staff has determined that none of the exceptions apply to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented due to federal funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Traffic Signal Improvements at Tulare and “N” Streets - Rebid is located in District 3. The overall cost of the project is $696,143 and is funded by 100% RSTP lifeline funds combined with Proposition 111 Special Gas Tax to cover un-reimbursable costs. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. Of the overall budget of the project, $526,143 will be used for the construction contract award.
Attachment:
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact
Vicinity Map
Standard Contract