title
ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE DOWNTOWN EAST-WEST CONNECTION PROJECT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Award a Professional Services Contract to Siegfried Engineering, Inc. of Stockton, CA, in the amount of $258,500, for design of the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/ATPL-5008(199).
2. Approve findings pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code section 3.68.070 in support of an exception to the competitive bidding process.
3. Appropriate funds in the amount of $20,000 from the Public Facilities Fee Air Quality Fund Balance to the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/ATPL-5008(199).
It is recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
body
Summary
The Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/ATPL-5008(199) is funded through the Active Transportation Program (ATP) and is located along Fremont Street, Oak Street, and Park Street between Pershing Avenue and Wilson Way in downtown Stockton (Attachment A - Vicinity Map). The project will upgrade sidewalk corners to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, install speed cushions, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB), crosswalks, signal timing improvements, and new signage. The project was included in the 2021-26 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
On July 26, 2023, the City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) for design of the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/ATPL-5008(199). On August 23, 2023, one firm submitted a proposal for this project. The Selection Committee evaluated the proposal and found Siegfried Engineering, Inc. of Stockton, CA, to be qualified to perform the scope of work.
Staff recommends that Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $258,500 to Siegfried Engineering, Inc. for design services. Staff also recommends that Council adopt a resolution approving findings and appropriation of funds for the project. It is anticipated that the design will be completed by September 2024. The project will then be advertised for construction bids, with overall project completion anticipated by December 2025.
DISCUSSION
Background
Federal and State ATP funds are available for projects that encourage increased use of active modes of transportation such as walking and bicycling. In 2020, Public Works submitted the Downtown East-West Connection grant application for the ATP Cycle 5 program. The project was awarded $1,799,460 in Regional ATP funds. Measure K funds will be used for the required local match. The project was identified in the Greater Downtown Stockton ATP, Project No. PW1601, and was included in the 2021-26 Five-Year CIP.
The project will construct bicycle facilities and pedestrian improvements on Fremont Street, Oak Street, and Park Street between Pershing Avenue and Wilson Way in downtown Stockton (Attachment A - Vicinity Map). The project will restripe the roadway to add bicycle facilities, upgrade sidewalk corners to ADA standards, install speed cushions, RRFB, crosswalks, signal timing improvements, and new signage.
The ATP grant program requires the project to obtain National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance prior to starting final design. On February 9, 2023, the NEPA Categorical Exclusion was approved by Caltrans’ staff. On February 7, 2023, by Resolution No. 2023-02-07-1216, Council approved the filing of Notice of Exemption No. NOE40-22 under CEQA for the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/ATPL-5008(199).
Present Situation
On July 26, 2023, the City advertised an RFP for design of the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/ATPL-5008(199). On August 23, 2023, one proposal was received from Siegfried Engineering, Inc. of Stockton, CA.
The Selection Committee, comprised of Public Works’ staff evaluated the proposal based on the firm’s understanding of work, experience with similar kinds of work, staff qualifications, technical ability, and project approach.
Staff determined Siegfried Engineering, Inc., a local firm, to be qualified for this project. Staff negotiated a fee of $258,500 with Siegfried Engineering, Inc. for design services. The fee is approximately 17 percent of the estimated construction cost, which is reasonable for a project of this size and complexity.
It is anticipated that the design will be completed by September 2024. The project will then be advertised for construction bids, with overall project completion anticipated by December 2025.
Staff recommends that Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Contract in the amount of $258,500 to Siegfried Engineering, Inc. for design services of the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/ATPL-5008(199). Staff also recommends that Council adopt a resolution approving findings and appropriation of funds for the project.
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
1. The City does not have sufficient staff available to design this project for bidding and construction in 2025.
2. Use of the RFP process is appropriate for this Professional Services Contract because it relies on the evaluation of professional qualifications and performance as the basis for selection of a vendor. Use of the criteria helps ensure selection of a vendor that will provide the highest quality professional service, which is in the public interest.
3. The City negotiated a contract following solicitation of competitive proposals in accordance with SMC section 3.68.070.A.3.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Appropriate $20,000 from the Public Facilities Fee Air Quality Fund Balance to the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/ATPL-5008(199), Account No. 4510-000-800007-300-000-30-45-000-000. The resolution will sufficiently fund all costs to successfully complete the design, including City staff costs and design contingency.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.
Attachment A - Vicinity Map