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CC - (1) Approval of Professional Services Agreement with SWA Group for Engineering Design Services for Ballona Creek Path Sustainability, Safety, and Accessibility Improvement Project, PS-0018, in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $333,110; and (2) Authorization to the Public Works Director/City Engineer to Approve Amendment(s) to the Agreement in an Additional Amount Not-to-Exceed $50,000 (15%).
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Meeting Date: October 11, 2021
Contact Person/Dept: Diana Szymanski/Public Works, Engineering
Phone Number: 310-253-5623
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (10/07/2021);
Department Approval: Charles D. Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer (09/29/2021)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council to (1) approve a professional services agreement with the SWA Group for Engineering Design Services in an amount not-to-exceed $333,110; and (2) authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to Approve Amendment(s) to the Agreement in an additional amount not-to-exceed $50,000 (15%), for the Ballona Creek Path Sustainability, Safety, and Accessibility Improvement Project, PS-0018.
BACKGROUND
In November 2020, the City Council accepted Prop 1 grant awarded by the Baldwin Hills Conservancy for the Greening the Greenway: Ballona Creek Bike/Ped Path Sustainability, Safety and Accessibility Enhancements Project, PS-0018. The project includes improving 1.1 miles of the Ballona Creek Bike Path between National Boulevard and Duquesne Ave. Improvements include; wayfinding signs, accessibility at the National Boulevard/Jefferson Boulevard Gateway and at the Duquesne Avenue Gateway, planting over 100 trees, replacing the bike path with eco-friendly permeable pavement, installing solar powered lighting along this path segment, adding lighting under the overcrossings, replacing damaged fencing, and enhancing signage and markings for improved public safety.
The planned upgrades will improve the Path utilization by active forms of mobility and access for persons with disabilities or mobility impairments, will provide for wildlife habitat, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contamination of water runoff into the Ballona Creek watershed. In addition to delivering habitat and sustainability benefits, the proposed enhancements will allow more bicyclists and walkers to enjoy the extensive connections afforded by this major Regional Greenway multi-use path, which links to a wide array of important destinations and mobility hubs.
DISCUSSION
A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on May 20, 2021. Three design proposals were received with the following fee amounts:
Staff recommends hiring SWA Group to provide engineering design services for this project. SWA Group has designed improvements for similar projects along the Ballona Creek Bike Path within the City of Los Angeles and has demonstrated they have strong technical expertise with innovative design concepts. SWA Group has also completed similar projects in a number of southern California cities, including in Culver City, with satisfactory performance as confirmed through staff’s reference checks.
It is estimated the final design of the project will be completed by mid-2022.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The proposed SWA Group design fee totals $333,110. This is in addition to the need for 15% contingency as listed below.
The Prop 1 grant awarded by the Baldwin Hills Conservancy (BHC) is $1,952,500, There is a local match of $200,000 Measure R Funds in FY 20-21 and $647,660 of SB1 Funds in FY 21-22 as matching funds for the project. The initial design phase will be funded with SB1 gas tax funds. Starting with the design phase, staff will monitor and evaluate that grant requirements are met.
ATTACHMENTS
1. None
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Approve a professional services agreement with SWA Group for engineering design services for Ballona Creek Path Sustainability, Safety, and Accessibility Improvement Project, PS-0018, in an amount not-to-exceed $333,110; and
2. Authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to approve amendment(s) to the agreement in an additional amount not-to-exceed $50,000 (15%); and
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.