CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: October 21, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ____-24 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH NCE FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES
FOR THE TAYLOR BOULEVARD SIDEWALK GAP CLOSURE
PROJECT
SYNOPSIS
This item requests authorization for the City Manager to execute a Design Professional Services Agreement with NCE to perform engineering design services for the Taylor Boulevard Sidewalk Gap Closure Project (Project). The area identified for the Project is along the south side of Taylor Boulevard between Lucille Lane and Civic Drive.
A new shared use path (for use by people walking and biking) will be designed as part of the proposed scope of work, as well as ADA curb ramps and minor irrigation modifications. This path will connect the recently completed traffic signal at Taylor Boulevard/Civic Drive to the new shared use path on the south side of Taylor Boulevard west of Lucille Drive, completing an ADA compliant path of travel along Taylor Boulevard between Contra Costa Boulevard and Morello Avenue, consistent with the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
DISCUSSION
Background
In November 2016, Pleasant Hill voters approved local Measure K, a twenty-year, one-half cent transaction and use tax to address the infrastructure needs of the City. The measure generates needed revenue each year, a portion of which may be allocated to help supplement the Pedestrian/Bike Program.
As part of the recently adopted FY 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), this Project was identified to utilize available Measure K funds for design in FY 2024-2025. The Project is a high priority location for pedestrian and bicycle improvements based on proximity to schools, number of nearby destinations, and traffic volume and speed. The Project will connect residents to popular nearby destinations, including the YMCA, the Pleasant Hill Community Center, Valley View Middle School, College Park High School, and the Contra Costa Canal Trail.
Construction funding has not yet been identified for the project; however, completion of design will provide necessary information to pursue grant opportunities.
Analysis
On July 15, 2024, the Public Works Department issued a Request for Proposals to solicit engineering design services for this Project. In addition to posting the information on the City’s website and within the construction exchanges, staff specifically solicited proposals from three local civil engineering design consulting firms known to perform this type of work. The City received two responsive proposals by the August 30, 2024 due date from LCC Engineering and Surveying, Inc. (LCC) and NCE.
To obtain the most qualified firm for this project, staff reviewed each proposal and conducted oral interviews with each firm. The two firms were ranked as follows:
1. NCE Richmond, CA
2. LCC Martinez, CA
NCE was ranked highest based on the following evaluation criteria: qualification of the project team and members, project understanding, innovative project design, and ability to meet the project schedule.
NCE provided a complete proposal for the scope of work and was ranked the higher of the two responsive bids by the selection committee. NCE has stated they can complete the design services within the given timeframe. The NCE team has previously completed a number of design projects for the City, including the Contra Costa Boulevard Complete Streets (Beth Drive to Harriet Drive) and Geary Road Complete Street Improvements – Phase 3.
Staff believes that the NCE team has the expertise and professional competency to deliver a successful project within the project schedule and budget.
FISCAL IMPACT
The design budget for the Taylor Boulevard Sidewalk Gap Closure Project identified in the CIP was $85,000.
NCE’s proposal is in the amount of $102,900. The proposal is complete and acceptable considering the complexity and scope of design services of the project, including upgrading the proposed sidewalk to a shared use path. This exceeds the design budget identified in the CIP of $85,000. Additional Measure K Pedestrian/Bike Program funds in the amount of $17,900 may be used to finance the design engineering costs identified. The Finance Division has confirmed that these funds are available.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department.
The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Staff recommends adopting the proposed resolution.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
Do not adopt the proposed resolution to authorize the Agreement and provide further direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proposed Resolution
Agreement for NCE
Prepared by: Ryan McClain, Transportation Manager
Reviewed by: Ann James, Public Works Director
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager