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
Public Works Department, Design Section
SUBJECT
Title
Award a construction contract in the amount of $2,168,547.75 to A-C Electric Company, of Fresno, California for the Fresno Street Corridor Project - Bid File 12301137 (Council Districts 3, 4, 6, and 7)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council award a construction contract with A-C Electric Company of Fresno, California for the Fresno Street Corridor Project in the amount of $2,168,547.75 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 Fresno Street Corridor Project will enhance safety for the motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians who travel the Fresno Street Corridor, from B Street to Friant Road, by constructing traffic signal upgrades at R Street and Clinton Avenue to introduce protected left-turn phasing, installation of two new High-intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) pedestrian signals at Thomas Avenue and San Jose Avenue, and by upgrading 26 intersections along the corridor with count-down pedestrian indication heads as well as refreshing crosswalk striping where needed. Additional right-of-way was acquired at two of the intersections as part of the project. The project is funded by a grant from the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) and local SB1 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds.
BACKGROUND
The design phase of the project was initiated in FY2020, following the Council approval of the grant application, notification of a successful grant application, and adoption of the budget. The engineering design, project management, and right-of-way acquisition took three and a half years to complete. All engineering design, management, and real estate work was performed by city staff.
The scope of the project includes the upgrade of the existing traffic signals along the Fresno Street corridor at R Street and Clinton Avenue to introduce protected left turn phasing for all directions of travel. These improvements will also provide protected pedestrian crossing phases in addition to the exclusive left turns. These improvements will enhance the safety of the two intersections for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, two new HAWK’s will be constructed, one at the intersection of Fresno Street and Thomas Avenue, and the other at the intersection of Fresno Street and San Jose Avenue, which will provide pedestrians improved safety when crossing the street. This project will also replace 141 older style pedestrian indication heads at 26 intersections along the Fresno Street corridor with new count-down pedestrian heads to show pedestrians how many seconds remain in the pedestrian phase of the signal so they can better gauge whether or not they should start crossing the intersection, or, if they already started, how much time remains before the next vehicle phase. Other improvements include reconstruction of seven curb ramps, to bring them up to current ADA standards, median nose adjustments at Fresno Street and R Street to provide pedestrians a direct line of travel across the intersection, installation of Class II bike lanes at Fresno Street and Clinton Avenue, reconstruction of a drive approach, the roadway enhancement by an asphalt grind and overlay at Fresno Street and Clinton Avenue, and restriping at some of these intersections. Collectively, these proposed improvements will create a positive impact for all roadway users by improving safety along the Fresno Street corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Right-of-way acquisition was needed for these improvements and has been fully acquired by City staff. Public Woks staff also performed all survey and engineering design tasks, including preparation of the construction documents and project management duties.
A Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Fresno Business Journal on March 3, 2023, posted on the City’s website, and distributed to 9 building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to 21 prospective bidders. Two (2) bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on April 4, 2023, with bids amounts of $2,168,547.75 and $2,910,905.00. A-C Electric Company submitted the apparent low bid of $2,168,547.75 and was determined to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the project. Local Preference was not applied as the project is federally funded. The bids will expire on June 7, 2023; if the bids are rejected or expire, the project must be rebid, which will result in a delay of approximately 90 days.
This contract is covered by the Community Workforce Agreement (PLA), as adopted by Council in September 2021. The Contractor shall become signatory to the PLA by executing the Agreement To Be Bound.
Staff recommends Council award a construction contract with A-C Electric Company, in the amount of $2,168,547.75 for the Fresno Street Corridor 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 performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption as set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and Section15303/Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). These exemptions apply because this project involves partial reconstruction of traffic signals, construction of HAWKs, and reconstruction of sidewalks and accessible ramps that does not involve the expansion of the roadway. Furthermore, staff determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, section 15300.2 apply to this project. On October 13, 2022 City Council adopted a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff’s determination pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1 and Section 15303/Class 3 of the CEQA Guidelines for this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local Preference is not applicable due to Federal funding requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Fresno Street Corridor Improvements Project is located in Council Districts 3, 4, 6 and 7. The overall cost of the project is $3,218,970 and is funded by a grant through the federal HSIP program, with a local match from SB1 RMRA funds. The project will have no impact to the General Fund.
Attachment(s):
Vicinity Map
CEQA Environmental Assessment
Bid Evaluation
Fiscal Impact Statement
Standardized Contract