Agenda Item: 20
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: June 25, 2024
SUBJECT: VISTA CANYON BRIDGE, PROJECT S3037 – PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS, STREET
NAME CHANGE, AND DEDICATION FOR PUBLIC USE AND
ROAD PURPOSES
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: Shannon Pickett
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Vista Canyon Bridge, Project S3037.
2. Award the construction contract to Powell Constructors, Inc., in the amount of $27,976,841 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $3,357,221 for a total contract amount not to exceed $31,334,062.
3. Award the professional services contract to MNS Engineers, Inc., to provide construction management, inspection, and quality assurance services, in the amount of $1,626,796 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $162,680, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,789,476.
4. Award the professional services contract to Compliance Biology, Inc., to provide biological monitoring services, in the amount of $462,110 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $46,210, for a total contract amount not to exceed $508,320.
5. Extend the current contract and authorize an increased expenditure authority for civil engineering support services with Alliance Land Planning & Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $85,000 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $8,500, for a total additional contract amount not to exceed $93,500.
6. Extend the current contract and authorize an increased expenditure authority for water utility support services with Dexter Wilson Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $14,800 and
authorize a contingency in the amount of $1,480, for a total additional contract amount not to exceed $16,280.
7. Extend the current contract and authorize an increased expenditure authority for bridge engineering design services with Dokken Engineering, in the amount of $320,000 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $32,000, for a total additional contract amount not to exceed $352,000.
8. Extend the current contract and authorize an increased expenditure authority for electrical engineering design services with IDS Group, in the amount of $5,000 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $500, for a total additional contract amount not to exceed $5,500.
9. Extend the current contract and authorize an increased expenditure authority for traffic engineering design services with Kimley Horn & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $27,500 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $2,750, for a total additional contract amount not to exceed $30,250.
10. Extend the current contract and authorize an increased expenditure authority for soils engineering design services with R.T. Frankian & Associates, in the amount of $313,067 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $31,307 for a total additional contract amount not to exceed $344,374.
11. Extend the current contract and authorize an increased expenditure authority for landscape design services with Yamasaki Landscape Architecture, in the amount of $15,000 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $1,500 for a total additional contract amount not to exceed $16,500.
12. Adopt a resolution authorizing the street name change of the segment of Lost Canyon Road south of Soledad Canyon Road to Vista Canyon Boulevard.
13. Authorize the City Manager or designee to grant an easement for public use and road purposes across City-owned parcels for the Vista Canyon Bridge.
14. Appropriate funds in the total amount of $14,614,009 to the Vista Canyon Bridge, Project S3037, as identified in Attachment A.
15. Authorize the transfer of project savings in the amount of $2,095,000 to Vista Canyon Bridge, Project S3037, as identified in Attachment A.
16. Decrease Vista Canyon Bridge, Project S3037, expenditure account S3037306-516101 (Developer Fees Fund) by $2,000,000.
17. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
On April 26, 2011, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 11-23, which approved the Vista Canyon project (Master Case 07-127), including the final Conditions of Approval (COA), conditioning Vista Canyon Ranch, LLC (Developer) to construct the Vista Canyon Bridge over the Santa Clara River to connect Soledad Canyon Road to the Vista Canyon development.
On October 25, 2018, the City of Santa Clarita (City) was allocated $20 million in Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Measure R funds for construction of the Vista Canyon Bridge. The allocation requires construction funds to be spent by June 30, 2026, and the Vista Canyon Bridge to be constructed by the City.
On February 13, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 24-5, which amended the COA for the Vista Canyon project and authorized the City Manager to execute agreements with existing consultants to acquire plans and specifications for the design and construction of the bridge and associated road improvements, providing a connection from Soledad Canyon Road to the Vista Canyon development including the recently completed Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Transit Center as shown on the attached Location Map. This project supports the Enhancing Economic Vitality theme of the City’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025.
The Vista Canyon Bridge, and associated road improvements, will construct a new two-lane bridge spanning approximately 780 feet and will consist of one lane in each direction with a striped median for emergency vehicles, highway safety lighting, concrete barriers, metal railing, a raised landscape planter, and shared-use sidewalk with a Class 1 bike lane and a new bike trail under the bridge. The road improvements will include a new traffic signal at the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Lost Canyon Road, new exclusive eastbound left-turn and right-turn lane additions, a lane extension of the existing westbound left-turn lane, and roadway improvements on Lost Canyon Road north of the bridge. The improvements south of the bridge include a roundabout and road improvements to access the Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Transit Center, which includes the Vista Canyon Metrolink Station and the Bus Transfer Station.
The City reviewed the proposed actions in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Per Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations section 15168(c)(2), if a project is proposed which has been the subject of a prior certified Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and if the agency finds that pursuant to Section 15162, no new effects could occur or new mitigation measures would be required, the agency can approve the activity as being within the scope of the project covered by the EIR, and no new environmental document would be required.
On April 26, 2011, the City Council certified the Vista Canyon project’s final EIR (SCH No. 2007071039). Authorizing the proposed actions will not result in any new environmental effect not already considered in the final EIR regarding the project. Consequently, no additional environmental review is required.
Solicitation Process - Construction Contract
An invitation to bid was prepared and published twice in The Signal newspaper on April 30 and May 7, 2024, and was posted on the City’s e-procurement system, BidNet. A total of six bids were submitted to the City and opened by Purchasing on June 5, 2024. Each of the bids included
a base bid and four alternates. Purchasing conducted a selection process in accordance with California Public Contract Code section 20103.8 (d) which states that “The lowest bid shall be determined in a manner that prevents any information that would identify any of the bidders or proposed subcontractors or suppliers from being revealed to the public entity before the ranking of all bidders from lowest to highest has been determined.” This process was followed to ensure fairness when opening, reviewing, and determining the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
After review of the bids by the project manager, the basis for award was determined to be the total of the base bid and one bid alternate combined. The results of the bids are shown below:
Company Location Total Bid Powell Constructors, Inc. Fontana, CA $27,976,841 MCM Construction, Inc. North Highlands, CA $28,532,581 Griffith Company Brea, CA $29,015,070 C.A. Rasmussen, Inc. Valencia, CA $29,027,458 Ames Construction, Inc. Corona, CA $29,201,266 Security Paving Company Westlake Village, CA $29,801,143
Staff recommends awarding the construction contract to Powell Constructors, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, in the amount of $27,976,841, which includes $27,426,436 for the base bid to construct the bridge and $550,405 for bid alternate four to extend Vista Canyon Boulevard from Humphreys Parkway to Mitchell Drive, and authorizing a contingency in the amount of $3,357,221, for a total contract amount not to exceed $31,334,062. This contractor possesses a valid state contractor’s license and is in good standing with the Contractors State License Board. Staff reviewed the bid response for accuracy and conformance to the contract documents and found it to be complete. The bid proposal adheres to the project’s plans and specifications and is available in the City Clerk’s Reading File.
While the City maintains a Support of Local Businesses policy that can be utilized by the City Council when warranted, the City is governed by the California Public Contract Code with regard to public works project procurement. In this type of procurement, the California Public Contract Code does not permit a city to utilize a Support of Local Businesses policy and instead requires the contract be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
The requested construction contingency will cover costs associated with unforeseen site conditions such as potential utility conflicts and fees, abandoned utilities not shown in record drawings, field adjustments, change order requests made by the contractor, and additional work requested by the City.
Solicitation Process - Construction Management, Inspection, and Quality Assurance Services Contract
A Request for Proposal (RFP) for construction management, inspection, and quality assurance services was prepared and posted on BidNet on May 9, 2024. The RFP asked firms to identify their relevant experience with similar projects and demonstrate their approach for this project.
On June 5, 2024, three firms submitted proposals. Staff reviewed the proposals and, based on their evaluations, scored the firms on a 100-point scale as follows:
Rank Company Location Score
1. MNS Engineers, Inc. Thousand Oaks, CA 96
2. Kane Construction Services, Inc. North Hollywood, CA 72
3. Monterroso Inspections Canyon Country, CA N/A
The scoring system was based on the following criteria: recent experience with similar projects, qualification of team and resources, understanding of key development items, quality of proposal, proposed services in relation to the project’s scope, scheduling, availability, and references. The non-scoring proposal was found to be incomplete as it did not address each of the scope components in the RFP.
MNS Engineers, Inc., demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the project needs and provided a detailed scope of work and approach to the project. Based on their experience with similar projects, and the completeness of their proposal for this project, staff recommends awarding the contract for construction management, inspection, and quality assurance services to MNS Engineers, Inc. The proposal is available in the City Clerk’s Reading File.
While the City maintains a Support of Local Businesses policy that can be utilized by the City Council when warranted, the policy only extends to purchase of supplies, equipment, and services other than Public Works projects and professional services, such as architectural and engineering services.
California Government Code 4526 prescribes selection of architectural and engineering services to be based on demonstrated competence and professional qualification necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required and does not authorize the selection of professional architectural and engineering services based on cost. City staff was able to reach an agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc., at a fair and reasonable price.
Solicitation Process - Biological Monitoring Services Contract
A Request for Proposal (RFP) for biological monitoring services was prepared and posted on BidNet on May 8, 2024. The RFP asked firms to identify their relevant experience with similar projects and demonstrate their approach for this project. On June 3, 2024, four firms submitted proposals. Staff reviewed the proposals and, based on their evaluations, scored the firms on a 100-point scale as follows:
Rank Company Location Score
1. Compliance Biology, Inc. Glendale, AZ 85
2. CJ Biomonitoring LLC Long Beach, CA 82
3. Psomas Pasadena, CA 82
4. Endemic Environmental Services, Inc. Saugus, CA 72
The scoring system emphasized the consultant’s experience and qualifications as they relate to biological monitoring during construction, as well as the following criteria: recent experience with similar projects, qualification of team and resources, understanding of key development
items, quality of proposal, proposed services in relation to the project’s scope, scheduling, availability, and references.
Compliance Biology, Inc., demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the project needs and provided a detailed scope of work and approach to the project. Based on their experience with similar projects, and the completeness of their proposal for this project, staff recommends awarding the contract for construction management and support services to Compliance Biology, Inc. The proposal is available in the City Clerk’s Reading File.
California Government Code 4526 prescribes selection of architectural and engineering services to be based on demonstrated competence and professional qualification necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required and does not authorize the selection of professional architectural and engineering services based on cost. City staff was able to reach an agreement with Compliance Biology, Inc. at a fair and reasonable price.
Construction Support Services
The City Council authorized the assignment of nine contracts from the Developer for the design of the Vista Canyon bridge to the City for a combined total amount not to exceed $999,661 at the February 13, 2024, City Council meeting. In order to provide appropriate construction and design support throughout the construction period, it is recommended that seven of the existing contracts be increased by a total of $858,404, including contingency, as shown in the table below. The proposals are available in the City Clerk's Reading File.
Consultant Service Previously
Authorized
Contract
Amount
Additional
Contract
Amount
Additional
Contingency
Amount
Total
Contract
Amount
Alliance Land
Planning &
Engineering,
Inc.
Civil
Engineering
$165,220 $85,000 $8,500 $258,720
Dexter Wilson
Engineering,
Inc.
Water Utility $52,536 $14,800 $1,480 $68,816 Dokken
Engineering
Bridge
Engineering
$506,000 $320,000 $32,000 $858,000
IDS Group Electrical
Engineering
$20,259 $5,000 $500 $25,759
Kimley Horn &
Associates, Inc.
Traffic
Engineering
$32,450 $27,500 $2,750 $62,700
R.T. Frankian &
Associates
Soils
Engineering
$123,723 $313,067 $31,307 $468,097
Yamasaki
Landscape
Architecture
Landscape $12,573 $15,000 $1,500 $29,073
Pacific
Advanced
Water
Engineering,
Inc.
Water
Resources and
Embankment
Protection
Engineering
$70,070 N/A N/A $70,070
BJ Palmer &
Associates, Inc.
Electrical
Utility
$16,830 N/A N/A $16,830
Total $999,661 $780,367 $78,037 $1,858,065
This increase will allow the consultants to provide construction support for regular meetings, review submittals, respond to requests for information, provide material testing and inspection services, structural observations, and address design issues as the project is constructed.
The requested contingency will cover the costs of unforeseen design modifications requested by the City and other permitting agencies during construction. This includes potential adjustments to the drawings, engineered grades, and change orders made by the City.
Street Name Change
A portion of Lost Canyon Road intersects Soledad Canyon Road north of the Vista Canyon development. This road extends to the south, approximately 500 feet, and terminates near the Santa Clara River as shown on the attached Location Map. The bridge will connect this road to Vista Canyon Boulevard within the Vista Canyon development. Staff recommends changing the street name for this portion of Lost Canyon Road to Vista Canyon Boulevard.
The City is the entity responsible for authorizing City street name changes and can do so by the adoption of a resolution. The resolution is attached. City staff has coordinated with the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, and neither has issues regarding the proposed street name change. There is one commercial center with a Lost Canyon Road address in this roadway segment. Staff has been in contact with the property owner of the commercial center, who is supportive of the street name change.
If the attached resolution is adopted, staff will complete the necessary mail notifications to the United States Postal Service and local utility companies. Subsequently, the City will notify the businesses and the property owner by mail regarding the new street name. New street name signs displaying Vista Canyon Boulevard will also be installed.
Grant of Easements
The Vista Canyon Bridge will be constructed across City-owned parcels and a Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCVWA)-owned parcel as shown on the attached Location Map. A license and indemnity and release agreement between the City and SCVWA has been executed to allow for the construction of the bridge across SCVWA’s parcel. SCVWA will grant a permanent easement for public use and road purposes to the City for the bridge. In addition, staff recommends that the City grant an easement for public use and road purposes along Vista Canyon Boulevard to allow public utility agencies to construct their facilities within the right of way.
Budget Appropriation
The requested budget appropriation will provide for construction of the bridge, as well as the bid alternate, for improvements from the bridge to the Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Center, and all anticipated project administrative costs, including, but not limited to, staff time, public works inspections, utility fees, permitting fees, and labor compliance monitoring. The General Fund - Capital (Fund 601) appropriation will be reimbursed through Eastside Bridge and Thoroughfare fees obligated on the Vista Canyon development. Contingent on approval by funding agencies for Measure M multi-year sub-regional program funds, Prop A LR (Fund 261) and TDA Article 8 (Fund 233) appropriations will be adjusted by $7,295,000.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Upon approval of the recommended action, project budget will be increased in expenditure accounts S3037233-516101 (TDA Article 8) by $7,047,865, S3037260-516101 (Prop C LR) by $550,000, S3037261-516101 (Prop A LR) by $861,144, S3037264-516101 (Measure R LR) by $320,000, S3037266-516101 (Measure M LR) by $930,000, and S3037601-516101 (General Fund - Capital) by $7,000,000; and decreased in project expenditure account S3037306-516101 (Developer Fees Fund) by $2,000,000 for a total net appropriation of $14,709,009. Project funding previously budgeted is available in S3037270-516101 (Measure R Hwy Op Fund) and S3037306-516101 (Developer Fees Fund) to support the recommended contracts and associated project costs for a total construction budget of $35,655,000.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Vista Canyon Bridge Project Funding
Location Map
Resolution
Bid Proposal for Powell Constructors, Inc. (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) Proposal for MNS Engineers, Inc. (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) Proposal for Compliance Biology, Inc. (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) Proposals for Construction Support Services (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)