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 Sierra Avenue and West Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project- Bid File 3837 (Council District 2):
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $597,777 to Alfaro Communications Construction, Inc. of Compton, 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 Alfaro Communications Construction, Inc. of Compton, California in the amount of $597,777 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Sierra Avenue and West Avenue Traffic Signal Improvement 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 Sierra Avenue and West 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 protected left-turn phasing as well as correcting existing accessibility deficiencies in the intersection. The scope of work includes the construction of a new traffic signal system that will introduce protected left-turns for all directions of travel, remove and replace the existing return ramps at the south leg of the intersection, cutting back the median noses to provide a clear path of travel across West Avenue, and adding shared roadway markings, “sharrows”, to the north and south right-turn lanes on West Avenue. This intersection serves Starr Elementary School as well as residences in the immediate vicinity of the intersection. No additional right-of-way was needed to complete this project, however, the Sierra Avenue and West Avenue frontages of Starr Elementary, which were never properly dedicated as street right-of-way, were corrected with cooperation from the Fresno Unified School District. 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. The preliminary engineering design, project management, and real estate services was completed over two fiscal years 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 for all directions of travel. ADA accessible improvements will include removal and replacement of the ramps at the southwest and southeast corners of the intersection, as well as reconstruction of the West Avenue median noses to provide an unobstructed path of travel in the crosswalks. This intersection serves Starr Elementary School as well as multiple residences in the immediate vicinity of the intersection. No additional right-of-way was needed to complete this project, however, the Sierra Avenue and West Avenue frontages of Starr Elementary, which were never properly dedicated for street easement purposes, were perfected with this project and with the participation and cooperation of Fresno Unified School District. Striping and signage will be replaced 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 22, 2021, posted on the City’s website, and distributed to 14 building exchange. The specifications were distributed to 19 prospective bidders. Four (4) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on January 25, 2022, with bids ranging from $597,777 to $734,330. Alfaro Communications Construction, Inc. submitted the apparent low bid in the amount $597,777 and was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the project. Local Preference was applied but did not change the determination of the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. The bids will expire on March 30, 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 because the engineer’s estimate for this project was less than $1 million, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.
Staff recommends Council award a construction contract with Alfaro Communications Construction, Inc., in the amount of $597,777 for the Sierra Avenue and West 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/Class 1 (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 bid evaluation process did take Local Preference into consideration, but it did not affect the outcome of the determination.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Sierra Avenue and West Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project is located in Council District 2. The overall cost of the project is $869,000 and is locally funded with SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funding. Of the overall budget of the project, $597,777 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