REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
August 3, 2017
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Interim Director
Public Works Department
BY: RANDALL W. MORRISON, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Capital Management Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Northbound State Route 41 Off-Ramp Improvements at Shaw Avenue - Bid File No. 3552 (Council District 4)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c) Class 1 of the CEQA guidelines
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $656,158 to Avison Construction, Inc., of Madera, California
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) Class 1 of the CEQA guidelines, award a construction contract with Avison Construction, Inc., of Madera, California (Avison) in the amount of $656,158 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno seeks to improve the northbound State Route 41 off-ramp at Shaw Avenue. The scope of work includes lane reconfiguration of the upper 450 feet of the northbound State Route 41 off-ramp at Shaw Avenue to provide two left-turn and two right-turn lanes, and modifications to landscaping, storm run-off drainage system and existing curb ramps to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The project will increase the lifespan of the roadway and reduce traffic congestion. The project is being funded by a federal grant through the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP).
BACKGROUND
In Fiscal Year 2011, RSTP allocated funds to improve the northbound State Route 41 off-ramp at Shaw Avenue. The off-ramp has a left-turn lane, right-turn lane and a dual left-right turn lane. Because of growing traffic congestion, this lane configuration creates delays and is a safety concern. The project will add a lane to create dual turn lanes in each direction. The off-ramp project will relieve congestion and reduce delays. The project includes an asphalt pavement grind and overlay, striping and pavement markings, replacement of traffic loop detectors, minor concrete improvements and modifications of curb ramps to meet ADA compliance.
The Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Business Journal on May 19, 2017, and posted on the City’s website and faxed to eleven (11) building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to six (6) prospective bidders. Five (5) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on June 13, 2017, with the bids ranging from $656,158 to $804,649. Avison is deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The apparent low bid price was 15% below the Engineer’s Estimate. The project will be completed 70 working days after the issuance of the notice to proceed. The bids will expire in 64 days of the bid opening on August 16, 2017.
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 Avison in the amount of $656,158 to construct improvements to the northbound State Route 41 off-ramp at Shaw Avenue 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 modification of curb ramps to ADA compliance, rehabilitation of the asphalt pavement surface, striping and pavement markings, replacement of traffic loop detectors, minor concrete work 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 improvements to the northbound State Route 41 off-ramp at Shaw Avenue.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
The local preference was not implemented because this project is funded with federal funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is located in City of Fresno Council District 4. The overall cost of the project is $973,700 and is fully funded by RSTP regional bid, RSTP lifeline, and Citywide Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact Fee funds. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. Of the total project cost $656,158 will be used for the construction contract award.
Attachment:
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Vicinity Map
Standard Contract