City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works-City Engineer Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Lissette Melendez, Project Engineer
Subject
Consulting Services Agreement with CNS Engineers, Inc. for the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation and Widening Project
Recommendation
A. Find that the proposed action is within the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for this project pursuant to the provisions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance with Section 15063 of the CEQA Guidelines; B. Find that the best interests of the City are served by a direct award of a Services Agreement to CNS Engineers, Inc., without a competitive selection process pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code Section 3.32.110 (B)(2); and
C. Approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute a Services Agreement with CNS Engineers, Inc. for the rehabilitation and widening of the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge (Federal Project No. DBPL02-5139(010)).
Background
The Atlantic Boulevard Bridge, originally constructed in 1931, is a vital regional corridor that currently carries over 50,000 vehicles daily. Due to its age and narrow pedestrian and vehicular lanes, the bridge no longer meets modern traffic demands. In November 2009, the City awarded a design and right-of-way support agreement to CNS Engineers, Inc. via Resolution No. 10,112.
While the design and right-of-way phase is nearing completion, the project has experienced delays due to the complexities of coordinating with multiple external agencies. These external entities, including the BNSF Railway Company (BNSF), the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), each have independent requirements and review timelines that have exceeded the project’s original schedule.
The proposed new agreement will provide an extension and additional funding to allow CNS to:
(1) finalize the escrow and recording of easements for the LADWP and Magellan Atlantic properties; (2) execute the BNSF Railroad Construction and Management (C&M) Agreement and obtain California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) construction permits; (3) finalize relocation plans with Southern California Edison (SCE) and Maywood Mutual Water Company #3; and (4) secure final Right-of-Way Certification and construction authorization from Caltrans.
City Attorney’s office recommended executing a new agreement since the original agreement has been in place since 2009, and the City has an updated agreement template. To remain compliant with Caltrans Local Assistance requirements, the new agreement must be approved before the expiration of Contract No. CS-0099. Therefore, pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.110(B)(2), it is in the best interest of the City to enter into a new agreement with CNS to finalize the design phase of the bridge widening project as this will allow for continuity of services and for the City to remain in compliance with Caltrans Local Assistance requirements.
Pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.030(A), City Council approval is required for contracts with a total lifetime value exceeding $100,000. This new agreement replaces the expiring Contract No. CS- 0099, formalizes the transfer of the remaining $267,935.01 balance, and adds $86,760.81 in additional funding for a total not-to-exceed amount of $354,695.82.
The 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 $354,697. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, Federal Grants, Street Operations Division, Capital Outlay Account No. 011-595-430-660000 for the current fiscal year. The current balance of $267,935.01 from Contract No. CS-0099 will be transferred to the new agreement.
Attachments
1. Services Agreement - CNS