REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL January 28, 2016 FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director Public Works Department THROUGH: ROBERT N. ANDERSEN, PE, Assistant Director Public Works Department, Capital Management Division RANDY BELL, PE, Capital Program Manager Public Works Department, Capital Management Division BY: MICHAEL W. HOLLY, PE, Professional Engineer Public Works Department, Capital Management Division SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to the traffic signal installation at the intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues - Bid File No. 3436 (Council District 2) 1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section15301(c) Class 1 of the CEQA guidelines for the traffic signal installation at the intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues 2. Award a construction contract in the amount of $262,499 to A-C Electric Company of Fresno, California for the traffic signal installation at the intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues ..Body RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301(c) Class 1 of the CEQA guidelines, award a construction contract with A-C Electric Company of Fresno, California in the amount of $262,499 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 for the traffic signal installation at the intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues and authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign the contract on behalf of the City. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The proposed traffic signal project will alleviate traffic congestion and delays, allow for safer turning movements, improve pedestrian mobility at the intersection and reduce air pollution at the intersection of Barstow Avenue and Brawley Avenue. The scope of work includes traffic signal and detector loop installation, crosswalks, signage and pavement markings, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramp, the construction of minor concrete improvements, and modifications to the street lighting system. BACKGROUND In Fiscal Year 2014, the Federal Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) allocated funds for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues. When the project was initially funded by Federal grants in 2014, the intersection was ranked number 2 on the Citywide new traffic signal priority ranking list. Vehicle traffic through the one-way stop T-intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues experiences persistent delays and congestion. The proposed traffic signal project at the intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues will provide a significant improvement in vehicle movement and pedestrian mobility through the intersection. The project includes the installation of a traffic signal, construction of an ADA compliant curb ramp, crosswalks, signs and pavement striping, minor concrete improvements, and modifications to the streetlight system. The Notice Inviting Bids was published in the Business Journal on November 25, 2015, and posted on the City's website and faxed to ten (10) building exchanges. The specifications were distributed to seven (7) prospective bidders. Three (3) sealed bid proposals were received and opened in a public bid opening on December 15, 2015, with the bids ranging from $262,499 to $382,024. A-C Electric Company is deemed the most responsive and responsible bidder. The apparent low bid price was 35.8% below the Engineer's Estimate. The project will be completed 65 working days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. The bids will expire in 64 days of the bid opening on February 17, 2016. 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 A-C Electric Company in the amount of $262,499 to construct the Traffic Signal at the Intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues and to authorize the Public Works Director or designee to sign and execute the standardized contract on behalf of the City of Fresno. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS Staff has determined that a Categorical Exemption is appropriate, based on Class 1 Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines. This section exempts the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures or facilities, including existing streets, sidewalk and gutters. The work of this project will only include ADA curb ramps, crosswalks and traffic signal facilities, and no further expansion of existing use. 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. Staff recommends that the Council, based upon its own independent judgment, adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Section 15301(c), Class 1 of the CEQA guidelines for the proposed traffic signal project at the intersection of Barstow and Brawley Avenues. LOCAL PREFERENCE The local preference was not implemented because this project is funded with State and Federal money. FISCAL IMPACT The project is located in Council District 2. The overall cost of the project is $427,800 and is funded by $364,900 in RSTP funds and $62,900 in Citywide Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact funds. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. Of the overall budget of the project, $262,499 will be used for the construction contract award. Attachments: Bid Evaluation Fiscal Impact Statement Vicinity Map