City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: March 3, 2026
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works-City Engineer Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Carlos Velazquez, Assistant Engineer
Subject
Services Agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc. for City of Vernon Vision Zero Action Plan Recommendation
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3), the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects that may have a significant effect on the environment; and B. Enter into a services agreement with H.W. Lochner Inc., in substantially the same form as submitted, to perform a feasibility study and develop the City of Vernon Vision Zero Action Plan, for a total amount not-to-exceed $163,382.20.
Background
In late 2022, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA), in coordination with multiple municipalities, submitted a joint application for the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. The SS4A program provides funding for regional and local initiatives through two categories: Planning and Demonstration Grants and Implementation Grants. These grants are intended to prevent and eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
LACMTA applied for a Planning and Demonstration Grant on behalf of participating municipalities to support the development of Vision Zero Action Plans. A Vision Zero Action Plan establishes a Safe System approach to comprehensively analyze citywide transportation infrastructure and make engineering recommendations to improve safety and accessibility for all users. The development of the Vision Zero Action Plan will provide a comprehensive framework to improve traffic safety and reduce roadway-related fatalities and serious injuries within the City.
LACMTA was awarded a total of $6,320,257 for distribution among participating municipalities that formally agreed to partner with the agency, including the City of Vernon. Under the funding agreement between LACMTA and the City, the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant will fund 80 percent of the cost to develop the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan, with the City providing the remaining 20 percent local match. LACMTA has allocated $204,120 to the City of Vernon, requiring a City contribution of $51,030, for a total project value not to exceed $255,150.
In accordance with Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.080, the Public Works Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a firm that could provide the desired services. The RFP for City of Vernon Vision Zero Action Plan was issued on September 16, 2025, via the PlanetBids online portal with responses due by October 23, 2025. A total of six firms submitted a proposal in response to the RFP by the specified deadline. After reviewing the proposal and conducting reference checks, it was determined that H.W. Lochner, Inc. best meets the Department's needs based on its responsiveness to the RFP, professional qualifications, and experience.
Pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.030 (A), all contracts over $100,000 require City Council approval. The proposed Services Agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc., is not-to-exceed $163,382.20. Therefore, it is recommended that City Council approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a services agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc.
The proposed services agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $163,382.20 for the term of the Services Agreement. The grant funds will cover 80% of the costs of the services agreement. This will result in $130,705.76 in additional revenue to the General Fund, Public Works Department, Street Maintenance, Grant Revenues, Account No. 011-595-430-440100. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, Public Works Department, Street Maintenance, Grants-Capital Outlay - Account No. 011-595- 430-660000 for the 80% grant funded portion. However, approval of this action would require additional appropriation of $32,676.44 in the General Fund, Public Works Department, Street Maintenance, Capital Outlay - Account No. 011-040-430-660000 for the City’s 20% match, for the current fiscal year.
Attachments
1. Services Agreement with H.W. Lochner, Inc.