Item No. 9
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: OCTOBER 16, 2024
SUBJECT: APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KIMLEY-HORN AND
ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR THE ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS
TRAFFIC AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO
INCLUDE A ROUNDABOUT AT THE ALAMEDA DE LAS
PULGAS / ATHERTON AVENUE INTERSECTION AND TO
PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council approve an amendment to the professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Alameda del las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements project in the amount of $212,993.60 for the incorporation of the proposed roundabout at the Alameda de las Pulgas / Atherton Avenue intersection as well as related project environmental support.
BACKGROUND
The City Council approved a professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (K-H) for design services related to the Alameda de las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements project at their February 21, 2024, meeting. The major project scope components included: removal of the mid-block traffic signal on Alameda de las Pulgas (ADLP) located between Mills Avenue and Camino al Lago, installation of a new traffic signal at the Camino al Lago intersection to consolidate pedestrian access to Las Lomitas Elementary School, reconfiguration and signalization of the Atherton Avenue intersection to improve traffic safety, mobility and reduce traffic delays. Reconfiguration of the Atherton Avenue intersection would include accommodation of bicycle and pedestrian needs at the intersection as well as required green infrastructure improvements.
Following approval of the agreement, the City Council approved a study to analyze the feasibility of constructing a roundabout at the ADLP/Atherton Avenue intersection in lieu of the proposed ADPL Traffic and Safety Improvements
K-H Services Agreement
October 16, 2024
traffic signal. The results of the feasibility study were presented to the City Council at their September 4, 2024, Study Session. Following review and discussion, the City Council directed staff to seek an amendment to the project to include a roundabout at the ADPL/Atherton Avenue intersection.
ANALYSIS
Following the study session, staff reached out to K-H to discuss the incorporation of a roundabout at the ADLP/Atherton Avenue intersection. Following review and discussion, K-H submitted a proposal in the amount of $331, 395.33 for preliminary and final design of the roundabout, additional required survey work, and environmental support services required by Caltrans related to Cultural Resources and Air Quality. They also provided a credit for some cost savings in the current services agreement in the amount of $67,992.17, for a total amendment of $263,403.16.
Following review by the project management team and further discussion with Kimley-Horn, KH submitted a revised proposal in the total amount of $212,985.78 broken out as follows:
Roundabout Preliminary and Final Design $195,501.96
Topographical and Boundary Survey (subconsultant) $31,945.14 Cultural Resources and Air Quality $43,538.67
Additional Environmental Support (optional) $10,000.00
Credit against current agreement (67,992.17)
Total Amendment $212,933.60
It is noted that the additional environmental support services related to cultural resources and air quality are required to support the overall project, regardless of inclusion of the roundabout.
Following Council direction, staff also reached out to Caltrans and Congresswoman Eshoo’s Office for feedback regarding the proposed scope adjustment. Staff from Congresswoman Eshoo’s office was supportive of the Town’s proposed change. Caltrans advised that formal documentation would be required to revise the project scope and that a second review by their environmental group would be required to assess any additional studies/documentation needed to complete the environmental review beyond those previously outlined for the project. Caltrans also advised that the grant funding timeline could not be adjusted. The grant fund obligation deadline remains at September 30, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are available in the Capital Improvement Program budget for the Alameda de las Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements project to fund the proposed amendment in the amount of $212,993.60.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
ADPL Traffic and Safety Improvements
K-H Services Agreement
October 16, 2024
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area A – Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
• Goal Area B – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life • Goal Area D – Manage Circulation and Improve Safety
• Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned
POLICY FOCUS
The Council policy focus should be on the desire to improve public, pedestrian, and bicycle safety, and traffic flow along the Alameda de las Pulgas corridor, and intent to incorporate a roundabout at the ADLP/Atherton Avenue intersection. In addition, the Council will need to consider impacts on grant funding, locally required funding, and project timing.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. K-H Amendment Proposal for ADLP Roundabout