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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: September 1, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with NCE for the PA&ED – Active Santa Maria Safe Routes to School Corridor Improvement Project
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd. for the Project Approval and Environmental Document – Active Santa Maria Safe Routes to School Corridor Improvement Project (K -PW-2024-021), increasing the total not -to-exceed amount by $25,000 and extending the agreement term by 15 months.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd. for the Project Approval and Environmental Document – Active Santa Maria Safe Routes to School Corridor Improvement Project, and increasing the total not-to-exceed amount by $25,000 for a revised total of $514,270 and extending the agreement term by 15 months; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City retained Nichols Consulting Engineers, Chtd. (NCE) to provide professional engineering and environmental services for the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED) – Active Santa Maria Safe Routes to School Corridor Improvement Project (K-PW-2024-021). NCE’s original contract authorization was $489,270.
The project scope included engineering design, cost estimation, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) technical studies, and environmental studies necessary to advance the project through the PA&ED phase. As the project progressed, the City continued stakeholder outreach and right-of-way coordination to further refine the project design and minimize potential property impacts.
DISCUSSION:
2 During the course of the project, additional engineering design and en vironmental planning services have been identified as necessary due to changes resulting from right- of-way negotiations and subsequent City requests. These changes include revisions to portions of the Jones Street Trail to address right -of-way constraints and reduce project costs, including revisions to the drainage design and environmental studies.
The City has also requested revisions to accommodate a future transit facility adjacent to Allan Hancock College. This will require modifications to the Jones Street Trail between College Drive and US-101 and updates to the environmental technical studies and CEQA Notice of Exemption package.
NCE has submitted a request for an additional $25,000 for the engineering design and environmental planning services associated with these project revisions. Amendment No. 1 will increase the agreement from $489,270 to $514,270 and extend the agreement term by 15 months.
Approval of the amendment will provide the additional contract authorization and time necessary to address the revised project requirements and support completion of the PA&ED phase.
Alternative(s)
The City Council may choose not to approve Amendment No. 1. This would maintain the existing contract authorization and may limit the City's ability to proceed with the additional project scope and associated design and environmental planning requirements
Fiscal Considerations
Amendment No. 1 will increase the Professional Services Agreement by $25,000, resulting in a revised total agreement amount of $514,2 70. Funding for the amendment will be provided through Gas Tax and Measure A funds. No additional appropriation is required, as sufficient funds are available within the approved project budget.
Impact on the Community
The additional engineering design an d environmental planning scope supports modifications to the Active Santa Maria Safe Routes to School Corridor Improvement Project, including revisions to the Jones Street Trail to address right -of-way considerations, reduce overall project costs, and acco mmodate a future transit facility adjacent to Allan Hancock College. The project will improve the City's ability to advance pedestrian and bicycle improvements that support safe routes to schools and connectivity within the community.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Original Agreement
C. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement