REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: Randall W. Morrison, PE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Engineering Division
SCOTT TYLER, PE, Public Works Manager
Public Works Department, Engineering Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Rebid Barstow Avenue and Palm Avenue Traffic Signal Project - Bid File No. 3827 (Council District 2):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff’s determination, pursuant to Sections 15301, 15302, and 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
2. ***RESOLUTION - 32nd Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2021-178 appropriating $737,400 for the Barstow Avenue and Palm Avenue Traffic Signal Project (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor's Veto)
3. Award a construction contract in the amount of $699,308 to American Paving Company of Fresno, California.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301, 15302, and 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, adopt the attached 32nd Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2021-178 and award of a construction contract to American Paving Company, in the amount of $699,308 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 modify the traffic signal at the intersection of Palm Avenue and Barstow Avenue to add protected left turn phasing. The Scope of work includes installation of sidewalk, curb and gutter, ADA curb ramps, new traffic signal poles and equipment for left turn phasing. This project will enhance the vehicle and pedestrian operations at this intersection and will facilitate pedestrian traffic to and from nearby Bullard High School and Baird Middle School. This project is funded with SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds.
BACKGROUND
The Barstow Avenue and Palm Avenue Traffic Signal Project was initiated in FY19 when the project was budgeted using SB1 RMRA funds. The project will upgrade and modify the existing traffic signal at the intersection of Palm Avenue and Barstow Avenue for protected left turn phasing. The scope of work also includes installing new ADA curb ramps. The design began following the Public Works Department approval of the consultant contract with TJKM Inc. in April 2019 and took approximately one year to complete. The project was previously bid and rejected by City Council per staff’s recommendation in Summer 2020 and again in Spring 2021 due to a bid discrepancy and higher than anticipated construction costs.
The Notice Inviting Bids was advertised and published in the Business Journal on September 17, 2021, and posted on the City’s website. Nine (9) building exchanges received the Notice Inviting Bids. The specifications were distributed to seventeen (17) prospective bidders. One (1) sealed bid proposal was received and opened in a public bid opening on October 12, 2021, with the single bid being $699,308. American Paving Company, is deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The apparent low bid price was 40% above the Engineer's Estimate. The bids will expire 64 days after the bid opening on December 15, 2021. If the bids are rejected, the project will be rebid resulting in a delay of approximately 90 days.
Staff is recommending award of a construction contract to American Paving Company, in the amount of $699,308 to construct the Barstow Avenue and Palm Avenue Traffic Signal Project and to authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign and execute the standardized contract on behalf of the City of Fresno. The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved to form.
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, Sections 15301, 15302, and 15303 because the project consists of reconstruction of ADA ramps and installation of traffic signal facilities, crosswalks, signage and pavement striping without increasing capacity or relocating any existing structures or facilities. 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 considered in staff’s evaluation of the bid proposals received. However, it was not implemented because the lowest responsive and responsible bidder is a local business and only one bid was received.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Barstow Avenue and Palm Avenue Traffic Signal Project is located in Council District 2. The overall cost of the project is $969,800 and is locally funded with the SB1 RMRA funding. Of the overall budget of the project, $699,308 will be used for the construction contract award. Adoption of the attached AAR amendment resolution will appropriate the necessary funding to award the construction contract in the current fiscal year. Additional appropriations for the remaining project costs will be included in the City’s fiscal year 2023 budget. The project will have no impact to the General Fund.
Attachments:
Environmental Assessment No. P19-03639
32nd Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2021-178
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Standardized Contract
Vicinity Map