CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: January 12, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: ADOPT RESOULTION NO. ___-26 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH DKS FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES
FOR THE PLEASANT HILL PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
SYNOPSIS
This item requests authorization for the City Manager to execute a Design Professional Services Agreement with DKS to perform engineering design services for the Pleasant Hill Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements Project, which will install Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at four key crossing locations within the City.
These locations were prioritized based on observed pedestrian demand, community feedback, proximity to schools, and identified gaps in the existing pedestrian network.
DISCUSSION
Background
In March 2024, the City Council approved the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP), which provides a consistent, long-term guide in developing connected networks of multipurpose paths, bikeways, sidewalks, and street crossings. The main goal and objective of the BPMP is to increase the number of bicycle and pedestrian trips by users of all ages and objectives by constructing a network of safe and comfortable bikeway and pedestrian facilities that connect neighborhoods and destinations in Pleasant Hill and adjacent jurisdictions. These include schools, shopping, parks and libraries, recreational centers, trails, transit, and other neighborhood destinations such as the Iron Horse Regional Trail corridor, Contra Costa Canal Trail corridor, Pleasant Hill BART station, Diablo Valley College, regional parks, retail, and employment centers.
The BPMP also provides recommended project prioritization as a guide to incorporate projects into the Capital Improvement Plan, for grant application and for project implementation. Staff has determined that the Pleasant Hill Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements Project (Project), which will install Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and other necessary ADA upgrades meets the objectives of the BPMP.
In accordance with the goals and objectives of the BPMP, the City applied for and was awarded $125,000 in Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant funds for construction of the project.
TDA funds cannot be utilized to perform engineering design services, and construction costs must be incurred before June 30, 2028. The design of the project must be completed within the next year in order to meet the construction deadline before the expiration of the grant funds.
The project scope of work includes new RRFB systems with LED overhead pedestrian lights at four key crossing locations identified as priority locations in the BPMP:
1. Contra Costa Canal Trail at Westover Drive – This location is currently a funded project in the approved FY24/29 Capital Improvement Program. The Contra Costa Canal Trail crossing at Westover Drive includes the installation of RRFBs and crosswalk upgrades.
2. Doris Drive at Linda Drive - The Doris Drive and Linda Drive location is a highly trafficked intersection that is currently crossed by pedestrians with an unmarked crosswalk.
This intersection connects neighborhoods to shopping centers and restaurants within the area. The project would install pedestrian activated RRFBs and overhead lights at the crosswalk as well as ADA compliant curb ramps.
3. Pleasant Hill Road (PHR) at Teigland Road and Lucinda Lane - Teigland Road/Lucinda Lane location provides access points to Pleasant Hill Elementary School and destinations beyond, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to avoid walking along PHR. Contra Costa County has confirmed interest in partnering with the City for the design and construction of the PHR and Teigland Road pedestrian crossing upgrade since Contra Costa County right-of-way covers the west side of PHR at this intersection.
4. Pleasant Hill Road (PHR) at Woodcreek Place - Pleasant Hill Road north of Oak Park Boulevard also lacks sidewalks on the east side and has limited shoulders that can be used to comfortably walk or bike. Providing a crossing at Wood Creek Place allows pedestrians and bicyclists to avoid walking along PHR on the roadway and cross to the existing sidewalk on the west side or access side streets. This location also allows vehicular traffic on both northbound and southbound traffic on PHR to safely view people walking or biking across the street.
When the project is complete, these pedestrian priority crossings will have pedestrian activated RRFBs, overhead lighting, and ADA improvements, and will improve the overall safety and visibility between trail users and approaching vehicle traffic.
Analysis
On November 4, 2025, 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, staff specifically solicited proposals from 11 local civil engineering design consulting firms known to perform this type of work. The City received three responsive proposals by the December 12, 2025, due date from LCC, DKS, and Sanbell.
To obtain the most qualified firm for this project, staff reviewed each proposal and conducted oral interviews with each firm. The 3 firms were ranked as follows:
1. DKS Oakland, CA
2. LCC Martinez, CA
3. Sanbell Pleasanton, CA
DKS 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.
DKS provided a complete proposal for the scope of work and was ranked the highest of the three responsive bids by the selection committee. DKS has stated that they can complete the design services within the given timeframe, completing the plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) by June 30, 2026.
The DKS team has previously completed design projects in the City, including the current CCTA SMART Signals project. Staff believe that the DKS team has the expertise and professional competence to deliver a successful project within the project schedule and budget.
DKS original estimate for the scope of work was $222,030. Staff thoroughly reviewed their cost proposal, and reduced the total project cost to $201,175, by renegotiating the hours required to complete the project’s environmental review.
FISCAL IMPACT
DKS proposal is in the amount of $201,175. The proposal is complete and acceptable considering the complexity and scope of the design services of the project. It is reasonable to include a 10 percent contingency ($20,825) or a project of this scope of work for a total project budget of $222,000.
The project design will be funded by $56,000 in FY2024/2029 Contra Costa Canal Trail/Westover Drive Trail Crossing RRFB funds and $166,000 in Measure K Bicycle and Pedestrian funds. 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
Adopt Proposed Resolution
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council can choose not to adopt the proposed Resolution and not authorize the execution of the design professional services agreement with DKS. Funding could be sought from other sources or the City could choose not to construct the Project.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachments: Proposed Resolution
DKS Signed Agreement
Prepared by: Anthony Nuti, Associate Engineer
Reviewed by: Ann James, Public Works Director
Reviewed by: Erick Cheung, Chief Financial Officer
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager