Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.G
Meeting Date: January 14, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc. for Design of Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road Project (CIP No. C08671).
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc., for the Date Palm Drive Widening Project (CIP No. C08671) between Interstate 10 and Varner Road, extending the agreement term by six (6) months, retroactive from December 28, 2025, through June 28, 2026, to complete project design and permitting; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
BACKGROUND:
In 2015, the city retained MSA Consulting, Inc. (MSA) to design the initial 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 with an unpaved center median. Due to significant costs associated with utility relocations, stormwater infrastructure at the Long Canyon Wash (aka Willow Wash) crossing, and escalating construction costs, subsequent project phases could not advance at that time.
In February 2023, the city secured additional funding from the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (RCFCD) for the construction of the Long Canyon Wash stormwater crossing improvements. This funding, combined with a previously executed reimbursement agreement with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), allowed the city to advance the next phase of the project.
On June 28, 2023, the City Council approved a professional services agreement with MSA to complete final design for roadway widening improvements along Date Palm Drive between Interstate 10 and Varner Road. The scope of work includes the design of four (4) additional travel lanes, stormwater infrastructure, median improvements, curb and gutter, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, utility relocations, and a signalized intersection at Varner Road, as well as preparation of required regulatory permits, updates to existing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation, and associated environmental and tribal consultations.
A vicinity map is included in this staff report for reference.
The agreement was originally approved with a two-year term expiring on June 28, 2025, and at the Council Meeting on May 28, 2025, was extended by six (6) months to December 28, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
During the extension period, unanticipated hydrology design challenges related to the Long Canyon Wash stormwater crossing were identified. These issues require additional technical analysis, and coordination with regulatory agencies and stakeholders to address design considerations, respond to agency comments, and ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards and regulatory permitting requirements.
The Professional Services Agreement expired on December 28, 2025. This Amendment No. 2 provides a retroactive, no-cost extension to allow MSA to complete the remaining plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) and secure all required regulatory permits.
MSA has performed satisfactorily and possesses project-specific knowledge critical to completing the design. Extending the agreement term will maintain continuity and avoid delays to project readiness for construction.
Staff request extending the agreement by six (6) months, revising the expiration date to June 28, 2026, to allow MSA sufficient time to finalize the PS&E and obtain all necessary permits.
Staff recommend City Council approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with MSA Consulting, Inc., for the Date Palm Drive Widening Project (CIP No.
C08671) between Interstate 10 and Varner Road, extending the term of the agreement by six (6) months to June 28, 2026, to complete project design and permitting; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2025-2026 CVAG/CIP 331-100-150-
156-8600-8601 C08671 $516,000 ONE TIME
2025-2026 GENERAL
FUND
100-100-150-
156-8600-8601 C08671 $172,000 ONE TIME
2025-2026 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. 2