REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 18, 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
Engineering Division, Design Services
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to California Avenue and Walnut Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements - Bid File 3733 (Council District 3)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination pursuant to Section 15301, Section 15302, and Section 15304 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $605,918 to Dawson-Mauldin LLC., of Fresno, CA
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), and 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) of the CEQA guidelines, award a construction contract with Dawson-Mauldin LLC, of Fresno, California in the amount of $605,918 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 California Avenue and Walnut Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project will reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and enhance safety for both pedestrians and cyclists who navigate the intersection. In addition to the traffic signal installation, vehicular improvements include a roadway pavement grind and overlay, and new travel lane striping and signage. Pedestrian improvements within the project limits include accessible pedestrian push buttons and count-down pedestrian heads, updated LED safety lighting, reconstruction of several accessible ramps and the removal of an existing channelized right turn lane at the northeast corner. The project is fully locally funded through Senate Bill 1 (SB1) tax revenue.
BACKGROUND
This California Avenue and Walnut Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements was initiated in FY19 when the project was budgeted using SB1 revenue. 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 overlay within the limits of work, a roadway layout modification that replaces the existing westbound channelized right turn lane onto Martin Avenue with new sidewalk, the reconstruction of all accessible ramps at the project intersection, installation of a traffic signal, and pavement striping and signage. The project also perfected the City’s right of way along California Avenue as it had not been formally granted to the City from previous construction. Public Works Department staff prepared all 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 ten building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to 30 prospective bidders. Five sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on April 7, 2020 with bids ranging from $599,855 to $664,430. After application of the local preference adjustment, the low bidder was determined to be Dawson-Mauldin, LLC., whose bid of $605,918 was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bid. All bids will expire on July 22, 2020.
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved to form.
Staff recommends Council award a construction contract with Dawson-Mauldin LLC., in the amount of $605,918 for the California Avenue and Walnut Avenue 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 (Existing Facilities), which exempts the repair and maintenance of existing facilities that involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use, Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction), which exempts the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new facilities will be location with the same purpose, and Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), which exempts projects consisting of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and vegetation that do not involve removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees. 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
Per the Fresno Municipal Code, local preference was implemented. The apparent low bidder prior to applying local preference was Dave Christian Construction Co., Inc., who is a local business but did not qualify for the 5% local preference because they certified that they would not be able to self-perform 30% of the contract with labor residing within Fresno County or that 50% of the value of the contract would be performed by themselves or subcontractors who meet the local preference criteria. As a result, a 5% local preference was applied to the second lowest bid from Dawson-Mauldin, LLC, per the City’s local preference ordinance, who was then determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is located in Council District 3. The overall cost of the project is $898,010 and is locally funded by SB1 Gas Tax. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. Of the total project cost, $605,918 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