Cotati City Council
Agenda Staff Report
Item type: CONSENT CALENDAR (ACTION)
To: City Council
Subject: Approval of a Minor Construction Agreement With DC Electric, Inc. to install bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements on Valparaiso Avenue Date: May 09, 2023
Written by: Craig Scott, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Recommendation
It is recommended that the City of Cotati City Council adopt a motion approving a Construction Agreement with DC Electric, Inc. to install bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements on Valparaiso Avenue for a total project not to exceed amount of $36,000, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and approve any needed change orders up to the authorized amount.
Background
The City has an annual capital project for installing bicycle and pedestrian safety improvement.
These improvements are informed by input from the public on relatively low-cost safety improvements City-Wide. Improvements completed in recent years include the 3-Way Stop at West School Street and West Sierra Ave, Flashing Beacon Cross Walks along West Sierra Avenue at Cypress Ave and Water Street, and speed feedback signs. This year’s project follows the City’s completion of its Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP), which included public requests for safety improvements on Valparaiso Avenue including a cross-walk across Valparaiso at Lund Hill.
Analysis/Discussion
In response to public requests documented in the LRSP, City Staff hired W-Trans to complete a Safety Study for Valparaiso Avenue. The Draft Study was completed in August 2022, and recommendations include the following safety improvements:
1. A crosswalk be installed on Valparaiso Avenue at Lund Hill, and
2. A near-side traffic signal head be installed for the eastbound and westbound approaches on Valparaiso Avenue and Myrtle Avenue to Old Redwood Highway to increase visibility of the traffic signal indications.
City Staff requested and DC Electric, Inc. provided the attached proposal to install these improvements. DC Electric, Inc. is highly qualified to perform these services and has a proven track record as they have installed a number of safety improvements for the City. Additionally, they are uniquely qualified as DC Electric maintains the traffic signal at Valparaiso and Old Redwood Highway and installed the speed feedback sign at Valparaiso which is to be relocated as part of this work. The curb ramp work associated with the Valparaiso cross-walk is to be completed by Argonaut who successfully won the bid for the 2023 Street Rehabilitation Project which includes installing new curb ramps along Valparaiso at Lund Hill at the location of the new cross-walk.
Financial Considerations
The City’s adopted FY22/23 Budget includes the 2023 City-Wide Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project for an amount of $50,000, and is sufficient for the proposed improvements and a 20 percent contingency ($36,000).
Environmental Issues
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15301 Existing Facilities as the Valparaiso Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Improvements are minor alterations of an existing roadway, therefore, no further environmental review is required.
Attachments:
Valparaiso Ave RRFB System and Signal Modification (PDF)