REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: RANDALL W. MORRISON, PE, Director Capital Projects Department BY: JESUS AVITIA, PE, Assistant Director Capital Projects Department, Transportation Project Management Division CASSIE L. SCHOLZ, PE, Licensed Professional Engineer Capital Projects Department, Transportation Project Management Division SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to the Fanning No. 76 Undergrounding Project (Council District 3): 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15302/Class 2 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines 2. Approve a Joint Project Agreement with the Fresno Irrigation District to provide for cost sharing on pipeline construction, for an estimated City contribution in the amount of $225,543.75 ..Body RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the City Council (1) Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15302/Class 2 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, (2) Approve a Joint Project Agreement with the Fresno Irrigation District (District), to provide for cost sharing on pipeline construction, for an estimated City contribution in the amount of $225,543.75 and authorize the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute the agreement, conduct negotiations, execute, submit and sign all documents including but not limited to amendments, payment requests, and other documents which may be necessary for the completion of the proposed project on behalf of the City of Fresno. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Through design coordination with the District for the Southwest Fresno Trail Project, the City and District have determined that converting the open channel portion of the Fanning No. 76 ditch between Fruit Avenue and Thorne Avenue to an underground pipeline would be mutually beneficial for it will allow the City to relocate the proposed trail to within the District's property. As a shared project between the District and the City, a Joint Project Agreement between the two agencies is required. Funding for the City's share of the joint project cost will be from Measure P Safe Walking and Biking Trails funding budgeted for the project. BACKGROUND The City is implementing the Southwest Fresno Trail Project, which will construct a Class I Trail along the Fanning No. 76 alignment, from West Avenue to Thorne Avenue, plant trees, install trail lighting, and street lighting. The Agreement for Professional Engineering Services was awarded to Sherwood Design Engineers Inc., on December 9, 2021, and design is in the final stages. After extended acquisition negotiations, and project coordination with the District, it was determined that converting the open channel portion of the Fanning No. 76 between Fruit Avenue and Thorne Avenue to an underground pipeline would be mutually beneficial to the District and the City. As a shared project between the District and the City, a Joint Project Agreement between the two agencies is required. Staff has developed a Joint Project Agreement with the District for converting the Fanning No. 76 between Fruit Avenue and Thorne Avenue to an underground pipeline. The City of Fresno is preparing the plans for construction and the District is scheduled to bid the project in August 2023, with construction intended to start in Fall of 2023. Staff is recommending that the City Council approve the attached Joint Project Agreement with the District and authorize the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute the agreement, conduct negotiations, execute, submit and sign all documents including but not limited to amendments, payment requests, and other documents which may be necessary for the completion of the proposed project on behalf of the City of Fresno. The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved the proposed agreement as to form. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS Staff has determined this project to be Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15302, for replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not implemented because this item does not involve the bid or award of construction or services contract. FISCAL IMPACT There are no impacts to the General Fund, the City's estimated contribution of $225,543.75 is fully funded by Measure P Safe Walking and Biking Trails funding that is budgeted within the Public Works Capital budget for the Southwest Fresno Trail Project. The project is located within Council District 3. Attachment(s): Categorical Exemption Joint Project Agreement Vicinity Map