To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
title
APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. FOR THE DESIGN OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS AT BERYL ST AND NORTH MARIA AVE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $79,700 AND A TERM THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 2029
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Citywide Traffic Signal Replacement and Repair project is intended to refurbish and repair existing traffic signals at locations where grant funding is not typically available or where urgent repairs are needed. The City has appropriated local return funds since FY 2019-20 to this Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project account to address deferred maintenance and aging traffic signal equipment.
Alta Planning and Design, Inc. (Alta) is a nationwide transportation firm experienced with traffic signal design, curb ramp design, and projects near school sites. The proposed agreement, if approved, would authorize Alta to develop all applicable plans and specifications required to replace the Beryl/Maria traffic signal and prepare bid ready documents for advertisement.
BACKGROUND
In 2023, an older traffic signal pole at the intersection of Beryl Street and N. Maria Avenue was removed due to a traffic collision. Two traffic signal mast arm poles serving Beryl Street were installed as an interim measure, but staff had to procure special custom parts in order to place standard poles in older foundations. In addition, staff encountered unexpected utility and electrical constraints. While the situation was stabilized at the time, all other components of the traffic signal, such as push buttons, remaining poles, controller equipment, and detection systems, are considered non-standard and at the end of their service life.
At the November 27, 2023 Public Works Safety and Sustainability Commission (PWSSC) meeting, the commission recommended upgrading traffic signal equipment at the intersection to current standards and adding (marking) the fourth crosswalk across the northeasterly leg of Beryl Street. Providing these upgrades would require a full replacement of all signal components that weren’t already addressed due to the traffic collision, and a cost was provided to the City Council for budget consideration. Since then, the City has been accumulating funds in the Citywide Traffic Signal Replacement and Repair project account for the work. Funding is now estimated to be sufficient to initiate the design process and construct the project, which will consist of traffic signal replacement, crosswalk addition, bulb out curb ramps, updated signal timing, and associated traffic striping. Bulb out curb ramps, or curb extensions, have proven to improve pedestrian safety and are typically popular with the public. They also prevent drivers from blocking crosswalks, which is especially important during school drop-off times. To comply with Federal law, bulb outs may be required in order to meet current ADA standards for ramps and signal poles. Additionally, because current standard signal poles are larger with deeper foundations, bulb out curb ramps provide the extra space necessary to place signal poles without utility conflicts. Bulb outs also assist with providing dual curb ramps (one ramp per crosswalk generally required) and compliant pedestrian push button positioning per current ADA standards. Lastly, bulb outs help reduce the chances for less intuitive and less preferred design features such as retaining curbs and non-walkable surfaces.
Alta is ready to proceed with full design plans for the intersection. Staff received design services proposals from two prospective consultants and is recommending the City Council approve an agreement with Alta, which provided a proposal that included the best combination of price, expertise, and value to the City.
Alta’s proposed contract covers all necessary scope items to prepare plans and specifications for this signalized intersection. Services under the proposed agreement will be provided for a not-to-exceed cost of $79,700. Staff recommends approving the proposed agreement to proceed with design of the project.
COORDINATION
The Agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of design services is $79,700. Funding for the design agreement is available in the Citywide Traffic Signal Replacement and Repair project account #41200.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Agmt - Alta Planning + Design, Inc.
• Insurance - Alta Planning + Design, Inc.