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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with SWA Group in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $200,000 for a Feasibility Study of (1) a Potential New Bicycle and Pedestrian Ramp and Pathway Connecting Ince Boulevard to Ballona Creek; and (2) a Potential New Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge across Ballona Creek Connecting Jefferson Boulevard to Ince Boulevard.
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Meeting Date: August 11, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Mate Gaspar/Public Works Engineering Division
Phone Number: (310) 253-5602
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [X] No [ ]
Attachments: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notification: E-Mail: Meetings and Agendas -City Council (08/07/2025)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director (07/28/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a professional services agreement with SWA Group in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 for a feasibility study of (1) a potential new bicycle and pedestrian ramp and pathway connecting Ince Boulevard to Ballona Creek; and (2) a potential new bicycle and pedestrian bridge across Ballona Creek connecting Jefferson Boulevard to Ince Boulevard.
BACKGROUND
Proposed Projects
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge is proposed to be a non-vehicular bridge across the Ballona Creek Channel to connect Ince Boulevard and Jefferson Boulevard, which requires public access and easements through two private properties.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Ramp and Pathway is proposed to connect Ince Boulevard to Ballona Creek. It would require the construction of a bicycle and pedestrian ramp at Ballona Creek and an easement across the private property located at 8680 Hayden Place, allowing the public to reach Ince Boulevard.
On August 12, 2024, the City Council directed staff to proceed with preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for feasibility and cost studies detailing the scope of work, including the location and dimensions of the required private property easements, costs for permitting engineering studies and construction, and a timeline to complete the proposed projects. The cost to complete the required studies was estimated to be approximately $200,000.
On September 9, 2024, the City Council approved a four-fifths budget amendment of $200,000 for this project.
DISCUSSION:
On January 16, 2025, a Request for Proposals (RFP) #2601 was released and advertised on PlanetBids for a qualified firm to conduct a Feasibility Study (“Study”) to construct a bicycle/pedestrian ramp and construct a bicycle/pedestrian bridge across the Ballona Creek. The Study shall include preparation of a detailed scope of work: record easements, technical documents required from impacted governing agencies, processes to obtain permits, and feasibility of constructing the bicycle/pedestrian ramp and bridge.
On February 13, 2025, the following two firms responded:
Staff thoroughly evaluated each response using the criteria contained in the RFP, including qualifications and experience, a clear understanding of the scope of work, proven ability to complete the contracted tasks, and fair pricing, with cost only being one factor in the selection criteria. The selection committee interviewed the two firms and is recommending SWA for preparation of the feasibility study.
SWA Group Inc. is in Los Angeles and has extensive experience in planning, landscape architecture, including currently working on the Ballona Creek Visioning Plan to extend the Ballona Creek Bike Path from Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City into Los Angeles.
SWA’s timeline anticipates a 9-month process from the project kick-off date thru project completion.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes $200,000 in CIP Project No. PF050 (Ballona Creek Bicycle). The funding for the project comes from the General Fund (Fund 420).
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve a professional services agreement with SWA Group, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 for a feasibility study of (1) a potential new bicycle and pedestrian ramp and pathway connecting Ince Boulevard to Ballona Creek; and (2) a potential new bicycle and pedestrian bridge across Ballona Creek connecting Jefferson Boulevard to Ince Boulevard;
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.