To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ANDREW WINJE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
TITLE
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APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. FOR THE DESIGN OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS AT BERYL ST AND NORTH MARIA AVENUE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $79,700 AND A TERM THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15, 2029
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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 fiscal year (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 construction 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 new 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 their November 27, 2023 meeting, the Public Works, Safety, and Sustainability Commission (PWSSC) recommended upgrading traffic signal equipment to current standards and adding (marking) the fourth missing crosswalk across Beryl Street (northeasterly leg). 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 CIP project account for the work. Funding is now sufficient to complete design of the project, which will consist of traffic signal replacement, the crosswalk addition, new curb ramps, signal timing, and associated traffic striping.
It should be noted that, bulb out curb ramps, or curb extensions, may be required in order to execute the project, and will be explored as part of the design process. To comply with Federal law, bulb outs may be required to meet current ADA standards for ramps and signal poles. 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 design features such as retaining curbs and non-walkable surfaces.
Alta is ready to proceed with full design plans for this intersection, which includes replacing all remaining traffic signal components, installing new curb ramps, potentially with bulb outs, and new traffic signal timing. Staff received design services proposals from two prospective consultants and is recommending the City Council approve an agreement with Alta Planning + Design, Inc (Alta) who provided the proposal with the best combination of price, expertise, and experience to the City.
Alta’s proposed contract covers all scope items needed to prepare plans and specifications for the proposed signal replacement project. Services under this Agreement will be provided for a not-to-exceed cost of $79,700. Staff recommends approving the Agreement in order 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
Funds in the amount of $79,700 are available in the Citywide Traffic Signal Replacement and Repair Project Account #41200 to cover the cost of the agreement.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Agmt - Alta Planning + Design, Inc.
• Map - Project Location Map
• Insurance - Alta Planning + Design, Inc.