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 P. SEHM, PE, Public Works Manager
Engineering Division, Design Section
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the Hughes Avenue and Shields Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project - Bid File 3840 (Council District 1):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $799,731.50 to American Paving Co. of Fresno, California
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, award a construction contract with American Paving Company of Fresno, California in the amount of $799,731.50 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Hughes Avenue and Shields Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project, and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City of Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed Hughes Avenue and Shields Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project will enhance safety for the motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians who travel through this intersection every day by upgrading the existing traffic signal to include left-turn phasing as well as correcting existing accessibility deficiencies. The scope of work includes the construction of a new traffic signal system that will introduce protected left-turns for all directions of travel, install a Class II bicycle facility on eastbound Shields Avenue approaching the intersection and the westbound direction will include a shared bike/right-turn lane due to space constraints. Also, this project will grind and overlay a portion of Shields Avenue and reconstruct the raised median at the southwest corner of the intersection which separates the local frontage road from the adjacent collector streets. This intersection serves local businesses and residences, both of which exist immediately adjacent to, or within a short distance from, the project location. The project is completely funded using SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds.
BACKGROUND
The design phase of the project was initiated in FY21, when the City Council approved a list of projects to receive SB1 RMRA funding. The preliminary engineering design, project management, and real estate services took approximately two years and was completed by City of Fresno staff.
The scope of the project includes the removal of the existing traffic signal poles and controller equipment and replacement with new infrastructure that accommodates the protected left-turn phasing heads and signage. The project will also grind and overlay Shields Avenue, from approximately 200’ west of the intersection to 150’ east of the intersection. The raised median island at the southwest corner, between the Hughes Avenue and Shields Avenue frontage roads and the intersection, will also be partially reconstructed to provide an ADA-compliant path of travel from the intersection return to the local street return, across the frontage road. This work will also widen the median south of the intersection where a FAX bus stop currently exists to create a compliant path between the return and bus stop and provide adequate room for the future installation of bus stop furniture per FAX standards. An eastbound Class II bicycle lane with detection will be added west of the intersection. Striping and signage will all be upgraded as necessary with no changes to the operation or layout of the intersection.
A Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Fresno Business Journal on December 29, 2021, posted on the City’s website, and distributed to 10 building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to 17 prospective bidders. Three (3) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on February 1, 2022, with bids ranging from $799,731.50 to $967,067.00. American Paving Co. submitted the apparent low bid in the amount $799,731.50 and was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the project. The bids will expire on April 6, 2022. If the bids are rejected or expire, the project must be rebid, which will result in a delay of approximately 90 days.
The Community Workforce Agreement, adopted by Council in September 2021, does not apply to this project as the Engineer’s Estimate was below the $1,000,000 threshold.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved as to form.
Staff recommends Council award a construction contract with American Paving Co., in the amount of $799,731.50 for the Hughes Avenue and Shields Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project 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 has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and has 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. These exemptions apply because this project involves the reconstruction of an existing roadway, sidewalks, 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 as American Paving Co. is a local business.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Hughes Avenue and Shields Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project is located in Council District 1. The overall cost of the project is $1,110,200 and is locally funded with SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funding. Of the overall budget of the project, $799,731.50 will be used for the construction contract award. The project will have no impact to the General Fund.
Attachments:
CEQA Environmental Assessment
Vicinity Map
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Standardized Contract