Staff Report
City Council
Item No. {{section.number}}.{{item.number}}
Meeting Date: May 28, 2025
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc. for Design of the Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road Project (CIP No. C08671).
RECOMMENDATION:
To approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc., related to the design of improvements along Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road (CIP No. C08671), extending the term of the agreement by an additional six (6) months to allow for completion of project design activities; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
BACKGROUND:
In 2015, MSA Consulting, Inc. (MSA) was contracted to design the first phase of roadway improvements along Date Palm Drive, between Interstate 10 and Varner Road. This initial phase included the design and construction of two (2) travel lanes and an unpaved center median. At the time, the costs associated with utility relocations (specifically power poles), the necessary improvements at the Long Canyon Wash crossing, and general construction cost increases prevented the city from advancing to subsequent phases of the project.
In 2023, the city secured an additional funding opportunity from the Riverside County Flood Control District (RCFCD) for the Long Canyon Wash stormwater crossing improvements.
This construction budget commitment along with the previously executed reimbursement agreement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) in 2015, enabled the city to move forward with the project.
On June 28, 2023, the City Council awarded a professional services agreement (Agreement) to MSA to complete the design of roadway improvements along Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road. This phase of the project includes the design for the Long Canyon Wash crossing improvements, the addition of four (4) travel lanes, curb and gutter, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, utility relocations, and a signalized intersection at Date Palm Drive and Varner Road. See the attached vicinity map for reference.
The Agreement also included services to secure the necessary regulatory permits for the roadway and stormwater improvements at the Long Canyon Wash crossing within the project limits. In addition, the scope of work includes updating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation originally prepared during the initial phase of the project, along with preparing the required environmental and tribal consultation materials to ensure regulatory compliance.
DISCUSSION:
The professional services agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc., executed on June 28, 2023, established an initial two-year term for services, with an expiration date of June 28, 2025.
Following recent coordination with MSA, it has become evident that additional time is needed to complete and deliver the plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E), as well as to secure the required regulatory permits for the project. MSA has played a critical role in the project’s design and has performed satisfactorily to date. To maintain continuity and ensure the successful completion of the project, staff recommend extending the term of the agreement.
Staff are requesting a six (6) month extension, revising the agreement expiration date to December 28, 2025, to allow MSA sufficient time to finalize the PS&E and obtain all necessary permits.
Staff recommend that City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc., related to the design of improvements along Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road (CIP No. C08671), extending the term of the agreement by an additional six (6) months to allow for completion of project design activities; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Amendment No. 1 does not modify the original scope of work or the approved fee. The extension solely allows additional time for completion of the work. Below is a summary of the funding authorized by the City Council for this project.
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2024-2025 CVAG/ CIP
FUND
331-100-150-
156-8600-8601 C08671 $516,000 ONE TIME
2024-2025 GENERAL
FUND
100-100-150-
156-8600-8601 C08671 $172,000 ONE TIME
2024-2025 Total $688,000
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal B – Community Investment
Objective: Cathedral City roads, gateways, public spaces, and other city infrastructure are well planned, designed, constructed, and maintained.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Project Vicinity Map
2. MSA Agreement: Design Professional Services - Amendment No. 1