REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL April 8, 2021 FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director Public Works Department THROUGH: RANDALL W. MORRISON, PE, Assistant Director Public Works Department, Engineering Division BY: SCOTT TYLER, PE, Public Works Manager Public Works Department, Engineering Division SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to the Rebid Armstrong and Lane Traffic Signal Project - Bid File No. 3769 (Council District 5) 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Sections 15301, 15302, and 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines 2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $385,100.00 to Lee Contractors and Consultants, Inc., of Nipomo, California ..Body RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301, 15302, and 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines and award of a construction contract to Lee Contractors and Consultants, Inc., in the amount of $385,100 as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Armstrong and Lane Traffic Signal Project, and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign the construction contract on behalf of the City of Fresno. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Fresno seeks to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Armstrong Avenue and Lane Avenue. The Scope of work includes installation of sidewalk, curb and gutter, accessible curb ramps, and traffic signal equipment. This project will enhance the vehicle and pedestrian operations at this intersection and will facilitate pedestrian traffic to and from nearby John S. Wash Elementary School. This project is funded by local funds provided by the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Program established by Senate Bill 1 (SB-1). BACKGROUND The City of Fresno Public Works Department identified a need for a traffic signal at the intersection of Armstrong Avenue and Lane Avenue. The design began following the Public Works Department approval of the consultant contract with Willdan Engineering on April 2, 2019. The preliminary engineering design took approximately one year and eight months to complete. The Notice Inviting Bids was advertised and published in the Business Journal on January 8, 2021, and posted on the City's website. Six (6) building exchanges received the Notice Inviting Bids. The specifications were distributed to fourteen (14) prospective bidders. Three (3) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on February 9, 2021, with the bids ranging from $385,100 to $711,420. Lee Contractors and Consultants, Inc., is deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The apparent low bid price was 7.3% below the Construction Allocation. The bids will expire 64 days after the bid opening on April 14, 2021. 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 Lee Contractors and Consultants, Inc., in the amount of $385,100 to construct the Armstrong and Lane Traffic Signal Project 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 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 CEQA Guidelines, Sections 15301, 15302, and 15303 because the project consists of reconstruction of ADA ramps and installation of traffic signal facilities, crosswalks, signage and pavement striping without increasing capacity or relocating any existing structures or facilities. 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 because bids received from local businesses exceeded the local preference amount pursuant to the Fresno Municipal Code Section 4-108(c). FISCAL IMPACT The Armstrong and Lane Traffic Signal Project is located in Council District 5. The overall cost of the project is $608,446 and is locally funded by SB1 Gas Tax. Of the overall budget of the project, $385,100 will be used for the construction contract award. The project will have no impact to the General Fund. Attachments: Bid Evaluation Fiscal Impact Statement Environmental Assessment No. P19-03641 Standardized Contract Vicinity Map