REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 20, 2019
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: Randall W. Morrison, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department
BY: SCOTT P. SEHM, PE, Design Services Manager
Public Works Department
SUBJECT
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Actions pertaining to the Dakota Avenue and West Avenue Traffic Signal Modification - Bid File 3614 (Council District 1)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff’s determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (CEQA)
2. Award a Construction Contract to Sturgeon Electric California, LLC, of Chino, CA in the amount of $438,933
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff’s determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c) Class 1 of the CEQA Guidelines, award a construction contract with Sturgeon Electric California, LLC, in the amount of $438,933 for the bid, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Dakota Avenue and West Avenue Traffic Signal Modification, and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign a standardized contract on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed Dakota Avenue and West Avenue Traffic Signal Modification will provide protected left turning movements for vehicles in all four directions, as well as upgraded pedestrian facilities. These improvements will provide for more efficient vehicle movements and enhance safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic at this intersection. The project is funded by a Federal grant from the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) with a local match of Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact Fee Funds.
BACKGROUND
The Dakota Avenue and West Avenue Traffic Signal Modification was initiated in FY17 when the City was awarded a Federal grant from the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The grant funds were obligated and the project was budgeted in the adopted FY17 Capital Budget by City Council. The engineering design, utility relocation and right of way acquisition took approximately 24 months to complete.
The scope of work includes a complete traffic signal modification with the addition of vehicle protected left turn phasing, new detector loops, traffic signal poles, and traffic signal conduit. Also included are ADA-compliant curb ramp improvements.
The intersection of Dakota Avenue and West Avenue has been analyzed by the Traffic Operations and Planning Division, who determined this location to be the number two priority on the city’s “Warranted Left-Turn Signals” priority ranking list. This engineering analysis includes intersection accident reports and current traffic counts to quantify the potential benefits of a left-turn phasing signal modification project as compared to other intersections throughout the city. The report, updated annually and presented to Council, was last revised in February of 2019.
Public Works staff prepared a Notice Inviting Bids which was published in the Fresno Business Journal on March 27, 2019, posted on the City’s website, and faxed to eleven (11) building exchanges. Project plans and specifications were also distributed to seven (7) prospective bidders. Four (4) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on May 7, 2019 with bids ranging from $438,933 to $473,665; Sturgeon Electric California submitted the low bid of $438,933. The expiration date of the bids is July 10, 2019. Should the bids be rejected or expire, the project must be rebid which will result in a delay of approximately 60 days.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed Standardized Construction Contract.
Staff recommends Council award a construction contract to Sturgeon Electric California, LLC, CA in the amount of $438,933 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign and execute the standardized contract on behalf of the City of Fresno and adopt a CEQA finding of Categorical Exemption for this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff has performed an 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 no further expansion of existing use, because the project includes the modification of an existing of traffic signal facility, crosswalks, ADA curb access, signage and pavement striping. 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.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not used based on conditions of the federal funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is located in City of Fresno Council District 1. The overall cost of the project is $644,853 and is primarily funded by a federal grant from the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Local match is being funded by Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact Fee Funds. The project will have no impact to the General Fund. Of the total project cost, $438,933 will be used for the construction contract award. All funds necessary for the contract award are included in the current fiscal year budget as previously adopted by the Council.
Attachment:
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Contract
Vicinity Map