City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: May 14, 2024
Agenda Item: 5.A
1 of 6
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Rick Valte, Public Works Director, Public Works, Engineering and Street Services
Rick Valte, Public Works Director, Public Works Department Subject: Award Construction Contract for Olympic Boulevard and 26th Street Project Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 and 15311 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and Section 21080.25 of CEQA;
2. Award Bid #SP2662 to Hardy & Harper, Inc., a California-based company, for the construction of the Olympic Boulevard and 26th Street Project for the Public Works Department;
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Hardy & Harper, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $1,248,500 (including a 10% contingency); and
4. Authorize the Director of Public Works to issue any necessary change orders to complete additional work within contract authority.
Summary
The Olympic Boulevard and 26th Street Project (Project) aims to enhance first-last mile connections to the 26th Street/Bergamot Metro E Line station and other transportation facilities. 26th Street from Olympic Boulevard to Broadway is a commercial street that serves as an important boundary within the Bergamot area and varies in pedestrian and bicycle amenities. The project would improve connectivity and enhance signal operations as described in the Bergamot Area Plan, Pedestrian Action Plan, and the Bike Action Plan Amendment. The project aligns with these Council adopted plans and community-endorsed initiatives to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access. The 2 of 6
proposed improvements include adding a new west-leg crosswalk, new curb ramps at Olympic Boulevard and 26th Street, protected bicycle infrastructure, signal timing modifications, and street repaving. The project would not require removal of any vehicle travel lanes and only one parking space would be displaced. The project builds upon foundational City initiatives rooted in community engagement and feedback, with substantial preparatory work already completed. Staff recommends Hardy & Harper, Inc. to provide construction services in an amount not to exceed $1,248,500 (including a 10% contingency) for the Olympic Boulevard and 26th Street Project. The Project would be funded by a Metro Active Transportation Program Grant, Proposition C Local Return, and Transportation Impact Fee funds.
Discussion
The Project represents a comprehensive effort to enhance transportation infrastructure and connectivity in the Bergamot area. In alignment with Council adopted plans including the Land Use Circulation Element (LUCE), Bergamot Area Plan, Pedestrian Action Plan, and the Bike Action Plan Amendment, the Project advances the City’s commitment to a Clean and Safe Santa Monica and the Vision Zero initiative, which is the goal of eliminating severe traffic injuries and fatalities on City streets. The Project prioritizes safety and accessibility for the City’s most vulnerable roadway users, children, seniors, pedestrians, and bicyclists. These improvements fulfill the vision outlined in the adopted plans mentioned above and reduce barriers, provide more transportation options, and reflect community support from organizations such as the Pico Neighborhood Association, Mid-City Neighborhood Association, Santa Monica Spoke, and Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance.
Moreover, the Project leverages existing investments and partnerships to expedite the design and construction process. With preparatory work already completed and coordination with businesses and property owners underway, the City anticipates a seamless implementation of the proposed improvements. This project would deliver high-quality infrastructure for individuals traveling along this commercial street, to and from the Metro E Line and Expo Bike Path.
3 of 6
Overall, the Project represents a collaborative effort between the City, community stakeholders, and transit agencies to deliver safe, reliable, and accessible transportation options in Santa Monica. Through careful planning, extensive outreach, and leveraging existing resources, the City aims to deliver a project that meets the immediate needs of residents and commuters, and contributes to the long-term sustainability and livability of the area.
Improvements include:
• Installation of a new west-leg crosswalk on Olympic Boulevard at 26th Street, where there is not one today.
• Installation of new curb ramps at the northwest and southwest corners of Olympic Boulevard and 26th Street.
• Signal timing adjustments at signalized intersections. • New pavement on 26th Street from Broadway to Olympic Boulevard. • Installation of a concrete protected bikeway on 26th Street from Broadway to Olympic Boulevard.
• Installation of a new bicycle box at 26th Street and Broadway on the south leg coupled with No Right on Red signage for the northbound direction only.
The Project would not require removal of any vehicle travel lanes and only one parking space would be removed. This construction would be coordinated with the adjacent Stewart Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Safety Enhancement Project and Olympic Boulevard Improvements Project but would follow an independent schedule.
Contractor Selection
Bidder Recommendation
Best Bidder Hardy & Harper, Inc.
4 of 6
Evaluation
Criteria
Price; the ability, capacity, and skill of the bidder to perform the services; the capacity of the bidder to perform the contract within the time specified; the sufficiency of the bidder’s financial resources; the reputation and experience of the bidder.
Municipal Code SMMC 2.24.180
Submittals Received
Hardy & Harper, Inc. $1,135,000
PALP Inc. dba Excel Paving Company $1,148,970
Dash Construction Company Inc. $1,296,783
Access Pacific, Inc. $1,342,387
All American Asphalt $1,760,024
Bid Data
Date Posted Posted On Advertise In
(City Charter & SMMC)
Vendors
Downloaded
Date Publicly
Opened
02/01/2024 City's Online
Bidding Site
Santa Monica Daily Press 112 03/01/2024
Best Bidder Justification
Staff recommends Hardy & Harper, Inc., the lowest bidder, as the best bidder when evaluating bid price, previous paving project experience, and completion of past projects for the City of Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and San Bernardino County.
Public Outreach
Public outreach began in 2013 with the adoption of the Bergamot Area Plan and followed by Land Use and Circulation Element in 2015. Project planning and concept design began in November 2019. The Project reached final design in December 2023.
In anticipation of the upcoming construction, staff have recently presented on the Project at several community meetings including the Pico Neighborhood Association, Mid-City Neighborhood Association, and Santa Monica Spoke. Staff would continue to communicate and share information about the Project through various forums including social media, newsletters, and community events such as Bike Month in May. A Project information flyer would also be mailed to residents within a quarter mile of the project area.
5 of 6
Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2024, and last for approximately 6 months. Prior to and during construction, City staff and the contractor would distribute construction notifications to adjacent properties and residents detailing the project scope, construction schedule, and potential impacts. Periodic updates about the construction status would be provided, as necessary. Social media would be utilized to notify the public about general construction updates and milestones.
Environmental Review
The Project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 and Section 15311 of the CEQA Guidelines and Section 21080.25 of CEAQ. Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities) exempts the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Section 15311 (Class 11 – Accessory Structures) exempts the construction, or replacement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including but not limited to seasonal or temporary use items in generally the same locations from time to time in publicly owned parks, stadiums, or other facilities designed for public use. Additionally, Section 21080.25 of CEQA states that CEQA does not apply to pedestrian and bicycle facilities that improve safety, access, or mobility, including new facilities, within the public rightof-way. This project would add an upgraded protected bikeway, a new crosswalk, and upgraded curb ramps. The project would not expand existing City streets or infrastructure. Furthermore, none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2, apply to this exemption. Therefore, the Project is exempt pursuant to Section 15301 and Section 15311 of the CEQA Guidelines, and Section 21080.25 of CEQA.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
6 of 6
Staff seeks authority to approve funding from the Special Revenue Source Fund (Transportation Impact Fees), Miscellaneous Grants Fund (Metro Active Transport Program Grant) and Local Return Fund (Prop C) to award a contract to Hardy & Harper, Inc. to provide construction services.
Contract Request
Funding Source FY 2023-24
Request
Amount
CIP Account # Total Contract Amount
Transportation
Impact Fees
$155,079 C1007600.689000
Vision Zero and
Mobility Projects
$155,079
Metro Active Transport
(MAT) Program Grant
$793,421 C2008160.689220
Olympic Blvd. &
26th Street
$793,421
Local Return Fund
Prop C - Annual
Paving
$300,000 C2704600.689130
Annual Paving and
Sidewalk
Replacement
$300,000
Total $ 1,248,500
Prepared By: Jonathan Maldonado, Civil Engineering Associate Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Levine Act Disclosure Form - Hardy & Harper
B. Oaks Initiative Disclosure Form - Hardy & Harper
C. Bike Action Plan Amendment
D. Pedestrian Action Plan
E. Land Use Circulation Element
F. Written Comments