REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL April 23, 2020 FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director Public Works Department THROUGH: RANDALL W. MORRISON, PE, Assistant Director Public Works Department, Engineering Division BY: CECILIO F. GARCIA, Supervising Engineering Technician Public Works Department SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to the Chestnut Avenue and Shields Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project Bid File No. 3660 (Council District 4) 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff's determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c) and 15304 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines 2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $457,322 to Madco Electric, Inc., of Selma, CA, as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Chestnut Avenue and Shields Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project ..Body RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c) and 15304 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, award a construction contract to Madco Electric, Inc., of Selma, CA, a California Corporation, in the amount of $457,322 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign a standardized contract on behalf of the City. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Fresno seeks to install roadway and traffic signal infrastructure improvements at the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Shields Avenue. The intersection is partly in the County of Fresno. The scope of work includes installation of protected left-turn phasing, as well as the installation of ADA compliant curb ramps, concrete improvements, and signage and striping. The proposed project will improve the traffic operations of the intersection and significantly increase safety in the intersection by introducing protected left turn phasing. This project is federally funded by a Federal grant from the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) with local match funding from Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact Fee funds. BACKGROUND The Chestnut Avenue and Shields Avenue Traffic Signal Improvements Project was initiated in FY16 when the City was awarded a Federal grant from HSIP. The project was then budgeted in the adopted FY17 Capital Budget and the funds were obligated. The environmental, design and right-of-way acquisition phases of the project took approximately four years to complete. This intersection remains at the top of the Citywide priority list for recommended protected left turn phasing improvements. The Notice Inviting Bids was advertised and published in the Business Journal on February 17, 2020, and posted on the City's website. Ten (10) building exchanges received the Notice Inviting Bids. The specifications were distributed to thirty-three (33) prospective bidders. Three (3) sealed bid proposal were received and opened in a public bid opening on March 17, 2020, with bids ranging from $457,322 to $564,535. Madco Electric, Inc., from Selma, CA, is deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The apparent low bid price was 13% over the Engineer's Estimate. An analysis was run to compare the current bid amounts to recently bid projects of similar size and scope. The current contractor's bid is within the expected costs based on current conditions. The bids will expire 64 days after the bid opening on May 20, 2020. If the bids are rejected, the project will be rebid resulting in a delay of approximately 60 days. Staff is recommending award of a construction contract to Madco Electric, Inc., in the amount of $457,322 for the installation of protected left-turn phasing at the intersection of Chestnut and Shields Avenues 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 said contract 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 Section 15301 which exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public facilities, such as highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, and similar facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at this time. The proposed project consists of right of way intersection improvements such as traffic signals, vehicle detection devices, ADA curb/ramp, asphalt pavement and crosswalk improvements. Additionally, Staff has determined that the project falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in Section 15304 which exempts minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, and scenic trees. The acquisition of privately-owned property frontage at the southwest corner of the intersection will be altered to meet ADA requirements and provide related improvements. 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 not implemented based on conditions of the HSIP grant as provided by the Federal Highway Administration. FISCAL IMPACT The project is located in the City of Fresno Council District 4. The overall cost of the project is $657,740 and is federally funded with HSIP. Local match is being funded by Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact Fee funds. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. Of the total project cost, $457,322 will be used for the construction contract award. All funds necessary for the contract award are included in the current fiscal year budget as previously adopted by the Council. Attachments: Bid Evaluation Fiscal Impact Statement Environmental Assessment No. EA-17-004 Vicinity Map Standardized Agreement