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Affirm the contract award for the Mankas Corner Improvement Project to Granite Rock Company; and Authorize the Department of Resource Management to execute the construction contract for $947,953 and issue any necessary change orders up to 10% of the total contract
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Affirm the contract award for the Mankas Corner Improvement Project to Granite Rock Company, and
2. Authorize the Department of Resource Management to execute the construction contract for $947,953 and issue any necessary change orders up to 10% of the total contract.
SUMMARY:
In 2013, Solano County was awarded $1.175 million in federal One Bay Area Grant funds to improve the “farm to market” transportation network in the Suisun Valley. These funds are intended to improve and enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle access between urban city centers and local farms. Since the award, the Department of Resource Management has worked to environmentally clear and design improvements to the first phase of the project through Mankas Corners.
On September 8, 2016, the Department of Resource Management held a bid opening, where 8 bids were received ranging from $947,953 to $1,383,712. Granite Rock Company was the lowest responsible bidder at $947,953.
At the October 25 meeting, the Board directed staff to meet with the local property owners commenting on the project and consider changes to the design if deemed appropriate. Details of their requests and the Department’s responses are noted below. These changes will be incorporated into the project after the contractor begins work. Therefore, the Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors affirm the contract award for the Mankas Corner Improvement Project to Granite Rock Company, and authorize the Department of Resource Management to execute the construction contract for $947,953, and issue any necessary change orders up to $94,795 (10%) of the total contract.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Project is funded with $926,980 in federal funds for construction, with $100,000 Transportation Development Act Article 3 funds and $15,768 from the Road Fund combining for the local match. There is no impact to the General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
On February 1, 2011, the Board adopted the Suisun Valley Strategic Plan, which defined the plan area and provided guidance as to how the transportation corridor should be improved. The Suisun Valley Strategic Plan improvements consist of a network of 14 miles of Class II bike routes and pedestrian improvements, connecting the City of Fairfield and the surrounding areas with the many agricultural businesses and agri-tourism locations in the plan area (see Attachment A - Site Plan). On February 19, 2013, the Board adopted a resolution in support of Suisun Valley becoming the County’s sixth priority conservation area, which was subsequently adopted by the Association of Bay Area Governments. Later in 2013, Solano County was awarded $1.175 million in One Bay Area Grant funds, which are administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in partnership with the Solano Transportation Authority.
The Mankas Corners Improvement Project represents the first phase of construction of bicycle and pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Mankas Corners Road and Gordon Valley Road, with shoulder widening, bike racks, pedestrian crossings, historic markers, and benches. The Project also incorporates traffic calming design elements, such as colored crosswalks, bike stencils, and medians to moderate speed and enhance safety through the corridor. Future phases will include shoulder widening and other improvements to enhance the flow of all forms of transportation through the area.
On January 28, 2014, the Board authorized the department to execute an environmental services contract for the project. On October 2, 2014, an Open House event was held to provide the public and local landowners an opportunity to review and discuss the project with staff. On March 10, 2015, the Board authorized the department to enter into a design contract for the Mankas Corner Improvement Project. Alta Planning & Design, which specializes in bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic calming roadway designs, was contracted to complete the design work within the guidelines of the Suisun Valley Strategic Plan. Department staff has also met with local landowners and CalFire in the last few months to ensure the project design works within corridor constraints.
The Project is in the Board approved Capital Improvement Plan 2016, and was planned for construction in the current fiscal year. On March 14, 2016, a CEQA Notice of Determination was filed, and Gallaway Enterprises (environmental consultant) has since completed the environmental clearance work for the County, which allows us to begin construction.
Follow up to October 25th Board discussion and direction:
At the Board’s direction, staff met at the project site with the two parties who provided public comment about the project on October 25th. Staff agreed to incorporate the following changes into the project, which will happen after execution of the construction contract:
1. In consideration of space, the parking stalls along the south side of Mankas Corners Road fronting Vezer’s Family Vineyard will be designed and designated as “Compact.”
2. The median on Gordon Valley Road will be moved slightly eastward to improve the access to the adjacent property entrance.
3. The edge-line striping along Gordon Valley Road will be extended around the intersection curve to define the lane and shoulder areas.
4. A small culvert and asphalt swale will be added to improve drainage along the east side of Mankas Corners Road, south of the intersection.
These changes create minimal impact to the project budget, likely less than $1,000, and will be incorporated by contract change order. Staff did not agree to a request to eliminate the parking stalls on the north side of Mankas Corners Road, as they will provide orderly parking where it already exists and also enhance safety for the corridor. The parties also agreed to provide some historic photos to staff (temporarily) to help in memorializing the historic preservation of Mankas Corners as part of the historical markers for the project.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to authorize execution of a contract for the Project. This is not recommended, as the work is planned as part of the Capital Improvement Plan and facilitates transportation improvements as planned in the Suisun Valley Strategic Plan.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this item as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION