AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: THOMAS BEKELE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:
title
PROJECT APPROVAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS FOR EAST BURNETT STREET HISTORICAL DISTRICT PEDESTRIAN AND BIKE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
summary
Summary:
The City Council will consider authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Catalyst Environmental Solutions Corporation for the Project Approval and Environmental Documents (PA&ED) phase of the East Burnett Street Historical District Pedestrian and Bike Enhancement Project. This project includes the installation of sidewalks between Gaviota Avenue and Cherry Avenue, a Class 2 Bike Lane between Walnut Avenue and Dawson Avenue, and various roadway amenities and improvements. The PA&ED process would involve analyzing potential environmental impacts and preparing the necessary environmental documentation. The planned enhancements would promote safer, more popular, and healthier travel options along East Burnett Street. If approved by the City Council, work is scheduled to begin in November 2024 and be completed by May 2025.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1: Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Goal No. 2: Community Safety: Maintain community safety by supporting public safety services and increasing emergency preparedness.
Goal No. 4: Infrastructure: Maintain and Improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
recommendation
Recommendations:
1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Catalyst Environmental Solutions Corporation to provide PA&ED for the East Burnett Street Historical District Pedestrian and Bike Enhancement Project, for a term of six-months and a not-to-exceed contract amount of $147,260.00, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
2. Authorize the Public Works Director to utilize a project contingency of up to 10% ($14,726.00) and approve up to a 180-calendar day term extension to accommodate any unforeseen conditions. The proposed contingency brings the total construction budget to $161,986.00.
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Fiscal Impact:
The total budget for this project is $2,894,000, which covers the cost for the Project Approval and Environmental Documents (PA&ED) phase, Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) and construction costs. Of this total amount, $2,785,000 will come from the Federal Active Transportation Program (ATP Cycle 6) grant, while the remaining amount of $109,000 is budgeted from CIP reserves. The PA&ED phase is budgeted at $200,000, with $192,000 funded by ATP Cycle 6 funds and $8,000 from CIP reserves.
Background:
The East Burnett Street Corridor, from Walnut Avenue to Dawson Avenue at Skyline Drive (where the corridor’s name changes east of Cherry Avenue), is a popular route for pedestrians and bicyclists. However, this corridor lacks sidewalks and or pedestrian safety features, bike lanes and signage. Although the City’s General Plan Circulation Element and Bike Master Plan identify this corridor for future improvements, including sidewalks and Class 3 bike routes, it currently lacks bike route or lane identifications for along the entire length.
The California Active Transportation Program (ATP) promotes transportation through bicycling, walking, or skateboarding, requiring local street improvements to safely accommodate and attract bicyclists and pedestrians. In June 2022, the Public Works Department applied for funding for this project through the ATP Cycle 6 program. The proposed improvements aim to fill walkway gaps, construct new walkways with retaining walls, build new ADA-compliant ramps, and provide lighting and landscaping. Specific improvements include:
• Constructing sidewalks on East Burnett between Gaviota Avenue and Cherry Avenue.
• Landscaping alongside Class 2 Bicycle Lanes on East Burnett Avenue/Skyline Drive between Walnut Avenue and Dawson Avenue.
• Reconstructing the roadway between Walnut Avenue and Cherry Avenue to enhance safety.
The proposed project would facilitate active transportation options and improve connectivity to other walkways, including the popular Hilltop Panoramic trail system, parks, schools, transit stops, City Hall, the Signal Hill Public Library, retail services, grocery stores, community centers, and other residential neighborhoods.
On June 28 and 29, 2023, the California Transportation Commission approved City’s East Burnett Street Historical District Pedestrian and Bike Enhancement Project under the 2023 Active Transportation Program for a total grant amount of $2,785,000 with a City match of $109,000. On May 14, 2024, the City Council approved the City Manager and Public Works Director to execute a Master Agreement with the Department of Transportation for project funding. The grant covers costs for Environmental Studies and Permits, Design, and Construction phases.
Analysis:
RFP Circulation Process
On August 16, 2024, staff issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the preparation of the PA&ED for the East Burnett Street Historical District Pedestrian and Bike Enhancement Project. The City posted the RFP at the following locations:
• PlanetBids via the City’s online portal
• City Website
• Public notice locations as identified in Signal Hill Municipal Code Section 1.08.010
Staff sent notifications to prospective proposers through the City’s electronic bidding system; 22 prospective proposers downloaded the contract documents. The proposals were due to the City on September 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm.
Proposal Opening
The City received one (1) proposal from Catalyst Environmental Solutions Corporation (Catalyst) by the deadline. Staff verified the proposal was complete and in compliance with City requirements. Staff conducted reference checks, confirming that this firm has the required certifications and experience to perform the work under this agreement.
Evaluation Process
The City’s Selection Committee (consisting of the Public Works Director, Associate Engineer, and Contracts Manager) evaluated the proposal using the following criteria:
A. Qualifications and Experience of the Firm
B. Qualifications and Experience of the personnel assigned to the project team
C. Detailed Work Plan
Consultant Selection
Prior to the project’s advertisement on August 16, 2024, staff had previously advertised the same project on July 19, 2024, with a proposal opening deadline of August 9, 2024; however, there were no proposals received at that time. Although the City only received one proposal on the second advertisement (August 16, 2024), based on the results of the evaluation of Catalyst’s proposal, the Selection Committee determined that Catalyst adequately addressed the evaluation criteria, conveyed a logical approach and methodology for the detailed work plan, and demonstrated the qualifications and competence necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services. Staff believes that Catalyst is qualified to provide the Project Approval and Environmental Documents for the project.
Staff recommends the award of the Professional Consulting Services Agreement to Catalyst Environmental Solutions Corporation to prepare the Project Approval and Environmental Documents (PA&ED) for the East Burnett Street Historical District Pedestrian and Bike Enhancement Project (Attachment A). If approved by the City Council, staff would issue a Notice to Proceed to Catalyst Environmental Solutions Corporation, with the project expected to begin in November 2024 and continue for a six-month term.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Sharon del Rosario
Attachments:
A. Professional Consultant Services Agreement with Catalyst Environmental Solutions Corporation