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24-87080
CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Award of a new Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. (Mark Thomas) and Appropriation of Measure R Funds for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project, and execution of an amendment to the existing PSA 8001984 with Mark Thomas for the San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project.
1) Motion authorizing the City Manager or a designee to enter into and execute a PSA with Mark Thomas, to provide Professional Engineering Services for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project in the amount of $1,572,625.
2) Motion authorizing the City Manager or a designee to execute a contract amendment to PSA 8001984 with Mark Thomas for the San Fernando Road Beautification project to perform additional traffic study, engineering and landscape design services, and public outreach regarding pedestrian safety and street improvements on San Fernando Road and adjacent streets, increasing the contract amount by $254,915, and extending the contract time by 24 months.
3) Resolution of Appropriation to appropriate $9,000,000 in Measure R Regional Return Funds for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for February 11, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A PSA is required to hire a consultant to provide professional engineering services for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project, a critical Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project in the city. The consultant will complete the design plans, specifications, and estimates needed to advertise and award a construction contract, while providing as-needed bidding and construction support services for this project.
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Following a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, the consulting team of Mark Thomas, is recommended to perform the work for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project under a proposed PSA valued at $1,572,625.
The Public Works Department (PWD) successfully secured Measure R funds for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements project. As a result, a resolution of appropriation to appropriate these funds is required to initiate the project’s design phase. The scope of work includes multimodal improvements, signalized intersection upgrades, transit enhancements, and roadway improvements along Glendale Avenue between Monterey Road and Verdugo Road and North Verdugo Road between Glendale Avenue and Honolulu Avenue.
Additionally, the San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project is currently in the design phase with 30% of the design work completed. During the project development phase, additional pedestrian safety and street beautification improvements along San Fernando Road and adjacent streets were identified as part of the Local Road Safety Plan. These enhancements will require a traffic study, engineering and landscape design services, and public outreach beyond the original contract scope. The new services include an additional topographic survey and civil design of four curb extensions, landscape design along San Fernando Road, a traffic operational and parking utilization analysis at two major intersections, and a warrant analysis for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) or Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) system. Therefore, the execution of a contract amendment to Mark Thomas’ existing PSA 8001984 is required to continue the design phase with the additional pedestrian safety and street beautification improvements described.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the motion authorizing a PSA with Mark Thomas, to provide professional engineering services for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project in the amount of $1,572,625, plus a resolution of appropriation for $9,000,000 in Measure R Regional Return funding providing additional funding for this project. In addition, approve a motion executing a contract amendment to PSA 8001984 with Mark Thomas for the San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II project, increasing the contract amount by $254,915 and extending the contract duration by 24-months.
ANALYSIS
North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project.
PWD maintains a robust CIP that is guided by the latest version of multiple action plans accepted or adopted by the city, such as the Pavement Management Program (PMP), Pedestrian Plan, and Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP).
The North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project is included in the upcoming CIP because it is a critical north-south corridor connecting several City of Glendale neighborhoods and communities to business districts and major freeways, including the I-210, SR-2, and SR-134 freeways. This corridor provides direct access to key destinations such as the Montrose Shopping Park, Glendale Community College, {{section.number}}{{item.number}}3
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Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School, Civic Auditorium, Glendale Sports Complex, Oakmont Country Club, Verdugo Park, Montrose Park, and Glorietta Park. Additionally, it serves as a vital link in the Metro Beeline bus transit network. The roadway is due for infrastructure upgrades, preventative maintenance, and rehabilitation.
The BTP also identifies North Verdugo Road as a bikeway priority area. In the 2024 Draft Proposed Bike Network, this corridor is designated for Class IV protected bike lanes. Additionally, the Glendale Citywide Pedestrian Plan lists North Verdugo Road as a medium-to-high pedestrian priority area, recommending improvements such as pedestrian lighting, wayfinding signage, traffic calming measures, landscape improvements, bikeway enhancements, curb extensions, and upgrades to the pedestrian bridge enhancements adjacent to Glendale Community College.
The project will enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety through curb extensions, the addition of bikeways where feasible, high-visibility crosswalks, upgrades to the existing pedestrian overcrossing, and improved lighting features. It will also include pavement rehabilitation, replacement of damaged concrete surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and traffic signals modifications at multiple intersections.
Additional work will involve as-needed sewer and storm drain infrastructure repairs and upgrades, planting trees throughout the corridor for continuous shade, replacing non- ADA compliant curb ramps, and relocating bus stops to further improve multimodal transportation safety and circulation along Verdugo Road. A map showing the project location is attached in Exhibit 1.
As part of this project, a Traffic Corridor Study (TCS) will be conducted before preparing design plans to evaluate existing roadway conditions, including lane configurations, pedestrian infrastructure, and bikeway facilities. The study will recommend multiple design alternatives for community and city review, leading to a final decision before advancing to the construction document phase. The TCS will assess the feasibility of modifying turn and travel lanes, implementing new bicycle facilities, and installing raised medians. The TCS also includes conducting a level of service and vehicle miles traveled analyses and performing a parking utilization analysis.
To ensure the development of accurate design and construction documents, staff recommends hiring a professional engineering services firm. To secure the most qualified consultant, an RFP for Professional Engineering Services was issued on June 6, 2024. To encourage competitive proposals, the project was advertised on the city’s website and multiple plan-holder platforms, reaching a broad network of consultants, contractors, and construction industry professionals.
On July 25, 2024, the city received six proposals from the following consulting teams:
1. David Evans and Associates, Inc.
2. Infrastructure Engineers, a Bowman Company
3. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
4. Mark Thomas and Company, Inc.
5. NV5
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6. PSOMAS
An evaluation team from the PWD reviewed and ranked the proposals and further interviewed the proposer’s teams based on the following criteria: proposer’s experience, measurable and trackable results, quality of submittal, and best value.
Proposer Total Score (100 points max)
Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. 95 points
Kimley Horn and Associates 94 points
Infrastructure Engineers, a Bowman Company 77 points
PSOMAS 76 points
David Evans and Associates, Inc. 75 points
NV5 75 points
Based on the combination of written submittals and interview results, Mark Thomas team was ranked as the top firm for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project. Staff then held multiple negotiation sessions with the consultant, successfully reducing their proposed cost from $1,892,345 to $1,572,625, representing a 17 percent reduction.
Mark Thomas’ primary responsibilities will include pre-design development plans, design development plans, public outreach, and as-needed bidding and construction support assistance.
Mark Thomas has extensive recent experience on a variety of public works projects of similar scope and cost. They successfully delivered the design for the San Fernando Road Beautification Phase I Project, which earned the city the 2024 American Public Works Association BEST Project of the Year award. Additionally, Mark Thomas has completed similar projects for the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Norwalk, Santa Ana, Ontario, and other municipalities in California. They have led numerous presentations to the City Council and Planning Commission and understand how to operate as an extension of city staff.
The construction cost for the project is estimated between $25 million and $28 million.
The typical range for professional engineering services for such projects is between 7 to 10 percent of the total construction cost. The consultant’s proposed cost of $1,572,625 falls within the acceptable industry standards.
The city is required to execute a Funding Agreement (FA) for each project funded by Measure R. The FA must be executed in the first year that funds are available and prior to starting any work on the project. The agreement includes a general description of the project, the specific work elements to be completed, and the source of all funds.
On January 15, 2023, a FA was executed between Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and City of Glendale for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project. City staff secured Measure R funds in the amount of $9,000,000 for design, construction, and construction support of the project. {{section.number}}{{item.number}}5
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Upon appropriation of the funds and execution of the PSA, staff will begin working with Mark Thomas on the design phase of the project. After successful design completion as well as stakeholder engagement and approval, construction is expected to begin in 2027.
San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project
The San Fernando Road corridor is included in the upcoming CIP because the roadway is due for preventative maintenance and rehabilitation. The corridor is included in the Pedestrian Master Plan for pedestrian safety improvements.
The San Fernando Road Beautification Project received $5M funding from the Clean California Local Grant Program (CCLGP), which required timely utilization. To meet these requirements, the project was divided into two phases: Phase I, between Grandview Avenue and Elk Avenue which used these funds, and Phase II, between the City of Burbank limit at Spazier Avenue to Grandview Avenue.
Construction of Phase I was successfully completed in 2024. It included installing high- visibility crosswalks, median islands, bioretention areas, drywells, curb bulb-outs, ADA- compliant ramps, a southbound Class II bike lane, a northbound Class III bike route with enhanced sharrows (green-backed), roadway repaving, and other critical pedestrian safety and beautification features.
With the construction of Phase I completed, preparations for the plans and specifications for Phase II are underway. Phase II will feature similar enhancements, such as improved sidewalks for uninterrupted pedestrian access, upgraded bus stop shelters, ADA-compliant ramps, enhanced pedestrian safety measures, and comprehensive roadway improvements. A map showing the project location is attached in Exhibit 2.
On November 29, 2022, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a PSA with Mark Thomas to provide engineering services for the San Fernando Road Beautification Project in the amount of $1,471,898 and authorized a 10% reserve for contingency in the amount of $147,190.
As part of Mark Thomas’ contract, the original scope of work includes preparing pre- design development plans, design development plans, and providing as-needed bidding and construction support assistance.
During Phase II's design stage, additional pedestrian safety and street beautification improvements were identified, requiring further services from the consultant, including:
1. Topographic survey and civil design for additional curb extensions at:
oKellogg Avenue and Pelanconi Avenue
oBurchett Street and Pelanconi Avenue
oGrant Avenue and Omar Street
oAlma Street and Kellogg Street
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2. Landscape and Irrigation design to increase planting area on San Fernando Road parkways in both directions from Grandview Avenue to Spazier Avenue
3. Traffic operational and parking utilization analysis at the intersection of:
oWestern Avenue and San Fernando Road
oSonora Avenue and San Fernando Road
4. Warrant analysis for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) or Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Thompson Avenue.
5. Door to door canvassing outreach at 60% construction plan completion for items 1, 3 and 4 above.
Currently, the project is at 30% design completion. While substantial progress has been made, the incorporation of additional pedestrian safety measures and street beautification requires further design efforts. Incorporating these additional services into the project’s scope is essential to keep the project on schedule and within budget while addressing the community’s needs. This approach increases connectivity and improves pedestrian safety and street beautification in the project area.
Mark Thomas Approved Contract 8001984 $1,471,898
Amendment #1 $ 64,466
Amendment #2 $ 20,281
Amendment #3 $ 53,812
Additional Changes to the Contract $ 254,915
Total New Contract Amount $1,865,372
Approved Contract Contingency $ 147,190
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project.
Active participation and feedback from stakeholders and the public are vital to the successful implementation of the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project. PWD will conduct three online public surveys from project and city stakeholders. The first survey, distributed once the branding and project details are approved, will serve as a fact-finding tool to determine the community’s needs and desires for capital improvements and active transportation in the area. The data gathered, along with recommendations from relevant master plans, will be incorporated in the design phase and development of alternatives.
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An in-person community open house will then be held to provide the public an opportunity to learn about the project and share their thoughts on the proposed alternatives. Subsequently, the second survey will be distributed to gauge community preferences and rank the proposed alternatives. The final survey will be distributed after in-person door-to-door canvassing events to finalize the community’s input.
In addition, PWD will establish a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for plan review comprising of City Council representatives, city staff, members of the Transportation and Parking Commission, and local stakeholders. Independent meetings will also be held with Verdugo Woodlands Elementary and Glendale Community College to gather input on potential improvements to drop-off and pick-up zones along the corridor.
Furthermore, PWD has partnered with Glendale Community College (GCC) for the GCC Team Internship Program during the Spring 2025 semester. This program connects businesses or organizations with GCC students, who act as a consultant team for various complex endeavors. We expect that the students will bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking for the project components such as mobility, accessibility, creative design, landscaping, and multimodal improvements. The outcome of this program will be presented to the PWD team at the end of the semester.
To further engage the community and raise awareness, the consultant will utilize various tools and activities, including developing a unique branding identity for the project, that will be used across all communications. A dedicated webpage will serve as a central hub for project information, featuring interactive maps, project timelines, and the project manager’s contact information. A StoryMap platform will provide a user- friendly way to explore project details and alternatives. Additionally, a fact sheet summarizing key project elements and contract information will be created. Door-to- door canvassing will be conducted to engage with residents and businesses directly, informing them about the project and encouraging participation in surveys and meetings. The city will also hold briefings with key stakeholders to provide them with an overview of the project and what will be discussed at the community meetings.
Furthermore, a series of Eblast campaigns will be deployed to distribute information and reminders about the project. Recognizing the diversity of the community, the PWD is committed to conducting outreach in multiple languages, including English, Armenian, and Spanish.
The proposed alternatives and the feedback from the outreach efforts will be presented to the Transportation and Parking Commission for a recommendation and subsequently to the City Council for final approval. Once the selected alternative is approved, the project will proceed with the preparation of final plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
In conclusion, this comprehensive outreach strategy aims to ensure inclusive and effective community engagement throughout the project, fostering a transparent and collaborative process for its successful execution.
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San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project.
Public outreach for this project will occur at approximately 60% construction plan completion. The added outreach service in the amendment will allow the consultant to perform door to door canvassing to the impacted business and residents, present the potential alternatives, and gather feedback.
A community meeting will be hosted in person and virtually at 90% construction plan completion and will inform the public of the project details, construction schedule, future city and contractor notifications, and the impacts of the construction work in their neighborhood. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide their comments and/or ask questions regarding the project.
Additionally, outreach on this project will continue to occur through dedicated websites for the projects that are hosted through the City of Glendale domain. The websites familiarize the public to the projects and to the project teams, explain the scope of work and project locations, project phases, upcoming outreach events, and provide the public with staff contact information for questions, discussion, and/or input.
FISCAL IMPACT
North Verdugo Road Beautification and Multimodal Improvements Project The overall design development phase for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project will cost $1,572,625, and the construction phase is expected to cost between $25M to $28M which was not included as a part of the FY2024-25 budget.
Therefore, staff is requesting for a total appropriation to cover the design phase and a portion of the construction phase of $9,000,000 from Local Grants – Measure R Regional Return Fund. The appropriation requests are outlined below:
Requesting Appropriation
Amount From (Account String) To (Account String) Funding Source $9,000,000 GL: 34301-2550-PWD-
000
GL: 52100-2550-PWD-
0020-P0000
PL: PWD01329AG
Measure R-
Regional Return
Fund
San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project.
The additional services for the San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project will cost $254,915, which was approved as a part of the FY 2024-25 budget. The City Council approved funding is outlined in the following table:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$ 1,815,178 GL: 52100-4100-CDD-0020-P0000 San Fernando
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PL: PWD00937EN Corridor Tax Share
Fund
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Not applicable.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
The names and business addresses of the members of the board of directors, the chairperson, CEO, COO, CFO, Subcontractors and any person or entity with more than 10 percent interest in the company submitted their proposals, recommended for contract, or amendment as part of this Agenda Item Report are attached in Exhibit 3-8, in accordance with the City Campaign Finance Ordinance No. 5744.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Do not approve the motion authorizing a PSA for professional engineering design services for the North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project and the related resolution of appropriation, and do not authorize the contract amendment to the PSA 8001984 for additional engineering design services for the San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project. Doing so will prevent improvements to the roadway, bicycle and pedestrian safety infrastructure, traffic safety and circulation, and would result in the forfeiture of Measure R funds.
Alternative 2:The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Daniel Hernandez, Director of Public Works
Prepared by:
Armen Avazian, P.E., Principal Civil Engineer
Viktoriya Pakhanyan, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer
Huang Zheng, P.E., Civil Engineer II
Tatevik Barakazyan, P.E., Civil Engineer I
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: North Verdugo Road Multimodal Improvements Project Location Map Exhibit 2: San Fernando Road Beautification Phase II Project - Additional Scope {{section.number}}{{item.number}}10
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Location Map
Exhibit 3: Mark Thomas Campaign Disclosure Forms
Exhibit 4: David Evans and Associates, Inc. Campaign Disclosure Forms Exhibit 5: Bowman Campaign Disclosure Forms
Exhibit 6: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Campaign Disclosure Forms Exhibit 7: NV5 Campaign Disclosure Forms
Exhibit 8: PSOMAS Campaign Disclosure Forms