REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 11, 2020
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: Randall W. Morrison, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Engineering Division
BY: SCOTT P. SEHM, PE, Public Works Manager
Public Works Department, Engineering Division, Design Services
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Divisadero Street and Mariposa Street Traffic Signalization and Roadway Improvements - Bid File No. 3715 (Council Districts 3 and 7)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c), 15301(f), and 15305(b) of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $586,336 to Avison Construction, Inc., of Madera, California
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section pursuant to Section 15301(c), 15301(f) and 15305(b) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, award a construction contract with Avison Construction, Inc., of Madera, California in the amount of $586,336 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 proposed Divisadero Street and Mariposa Street Traffic Signalization and Roadway Improvements project will improve vehicular capacity and operations, and enhance pedestrian safety along Divisadero Street, from Mariposa Street to State Route 41. Vehicular improvements within the project limits include roadway grind and pavement overlay and the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Divisadero Street and Mariposa Street, near Jefferson Elementary School. Pedestrian improvements within the project limits include the reconstruction of several accessible ramps and a protected pedestrian crossing at Divisadero Street and Mariposa Street provided with the traffic signal. The project is funded through a grant from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement program, with local match funding from the city’s Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact Fee program and SB1 Gas Tax.
BACKGROUND
The Divisadero Street and Mariposa Street Signalization and Roadway Improvement project was initiated in FY18 when the City was awarded a Federal grant from the CMAQ program, as previously authorized by the Council. The grant funds were obligated and the project was budgeted in the adopted FY18 Capital Budget by City Council. The design commenced following Council approval; preliminary engineering design, project management, and real estate services took approximately two years.
The scope of the project includes a complete roadway grind and pavement overlay throughout the limits of work, reconstruction of several accessible ramps along Divisadero Street, between Mariposa Street and State Route 41, a new traffic signal at the intersection of Divisadero Street and Mariposa Street, a Divisadero Street and SR 41 traffic signal modification, and pavement striping to mimic the current travel lane configuration. Additionally, right of way was needed to accommodate specific areas of construction and was secured by staff during the course of the project’s preliminary engineering phase. Public Works staff prepared the general construction documents for the project.
A Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Fresno Business Journal on February 28, 2020, posted on the City’s website and faxed to 10 building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to 42 prospective bidders. Four sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on March 31, 2020. Bids ranged from $586,336 to $777,583. Avison Construction, Inc. submitted the apparent low bid in the amount $586,336 and was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the project. The bids will expire on July 15, 2020.
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form.
Staff recommends Council award a construction contract with Avison Construction, Inc., in the amount of $586,336 for the Divisadero Street and Mariposa Street Improvements as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, 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 performed an environmental assessment of this project and determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301(c) and 15301(f), which exempts the repair and maintenance of existing facilities that involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use, and Section 15305(b), which exempts areas with an average slope of less than 20% that do not result in any changes in land use or density. These exemptions apply because this project involves the reconstruction of an existing roadway, sidewalks, curb and gutters, accessible ramps, and traffic signal construction that does not involve the expansion of the roadway. 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
The local preference was not implemented because this project is federally funded.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is located in the City of Fresno Council District 3 and 7. The overall cost of the project is $810,700 and is federally funded by CMAQ. Local match is funded by the Citywide Traffic Signal Mitigation Fee Program and SB1 Gas Tax Funds. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. Of the total project cost, $586,336 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.
Attachments:
CEQA Environmental Assessment
Vicinity Map
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Standardized Contract