Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Consulting Services Agreement with Fehr & Peers for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update in the Amount of $172,307.00 and Authorization for Cumulative Amendments up to 25% of the Original Agreement and Appropriating $115,383.75 of Measure BB Bicycle and Pedestrian Funds for the Project, Project No. 2024.6260
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Infrastructure
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Consulting Services Agreement (CSA) with Fehr & Peers in the amount of $172,307.00. The consultant will assist the City in updating the adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, consistent with the Transportation Element of the 2035 General Plan.
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and approve amendments to the CSA up to 25% of the agreement amount.
Staff also recommends an appropriation from Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds of $115,383.75 to supplement previously appropriated funds for Project 2024.6260 of $100,000.00 to completely fund the work.
BACKGROUND
In 1997, the City adopted a Bikeway Plan as part of the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan. A Pedestrian Element was added to the Bikeway Plan update in 2004. This plan is now the “Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan,” which is discussed in the Transportation Element of the 2035 General Plan. The last update to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was adopted by City Council in March 2018.
The Plan includes policies and programs that guide the planning and development of bikeways and pedestrian facilities throughout the City. The Plan also includes information required by grant programs that contribute funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Many grant programs, such as the State of California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP), require that the City update its Plan every five years. Because the City’s Plan was last updated in 2018, an update is necessary.
This proposed update to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan will be consistent with the City’s 2035 General Plan and Complete Streets policy. The update will also satisfy the requirements set forth in the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s “Bicycle Master Plan Guidelines” (January 2015), and the “Toolkit for Improving Walkability in Alameda County” (June 2009).
Analysis
Two consulting firms responded to the City’s Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP sought a qualified consultant that specializes in multi-modal mobility and pedestrian/bicycle planning. Fehr & Peers ranked highest based on responsiveness, approach, capacity, ability, experience, and references.
The agreement with Fehr & Peers includes a budget of $172,307.00. Staff recommends authorization for amendments in an amount not to exceed 25%.
Awarding the CSA will require an appropriation from Measure BB Bicycle and Pedestrian funds of $115,383.75 to provide a total of $215,383.75 to complete the work. The total appropriation will fund the CSA cost as well as a contingency for amendments to the maximum amount of compensation in the CSA.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan will be developed with the input of the City Council appointed Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The BPAC’s primary mission is to advise upon the development of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Additionally, the Measure B and BB grant programs require that the Plan be developed with input from an advisory committee such as the BPAC.
To gather feedback from citizens, staff will invite the general public to participate in four scheduled BPAC meetings throughout the one-year plan update period. Fehr & Peers will also conduct an online survey to collect data on current bicycle and pedestrian behavior, perceptions, and needs. Outreach for plan input will be completed in multiple languages to ensure access and participation from all interested residents.
Current Agency Policies
• Maintain and enhance San Leandro’s infrastructure
Applicable General Plan Policies
Policy T-2.1 Complete Streets Serving All Users and Modes. Create and maintain “complete” streets that provide safe, comfortable, and convenient travel through a comprehensive, integrated transportation network that serves all users.
Policy T-2.2 Context Sensitive Design. Be sensitive to local conditions when planning and implementing street improvement projects. The City will work with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to improve streets in a way that creates a stronger sense of place.
Policy T-3.1 Citywide Bikeway System. Develop and maintain a bikeway system that meets the need of both utilitarian and recreational users, reduces vehicle trips, and connect residential neighborhoods to employment and shopping areas, BART stations, schools, recreational facilities and other destinations throughout San Leandro and nearby communities.
Policy T-3.2 Funding. Maximize the City’s eligibility for funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and aggressively pursue such funding to complete desired projects.
Policy T-3.3 Designing for Multiple User Groups. Recognize the dual needs of experienced cyclists relying on bicycles for commute trips and daily travel and less experienced cyclists using bicycles principally for recreation. Where needed, develop facilities designed to serve each user group, with recreational routes primarily using low-volume streets and off-street bike paths.
Policy T-3.5 Accommodation of Bicycles and Pedestrians. Require new development to incorporate design features that make walking, bicycling, and other forms of non-motorized transportation more convenient and attractive. Facilities for bicycles and pedestrians, including secured bicycle parking, clearly marked crosswalks, well-lit streets and sidewalks, landscaping, and street furniture should be provided within new employment areas, shopping destinations, multi-modal transportation facilities, and community facilities.
Policy T-3.6 Pedestrian Environment. Improve the walkability of all streets in San Leandro through the planning, implementing, and maintaining of pedestrian supportive infrastructure.
Environmental Review
This project qualifies for a statutory exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per California Public Resources Code Section 21083 and CEQA Guideline Section 15262 “Feasibility and Planning Studies”.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
The planning of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update was presented to the general public through the BPAC meetings on April 27, 2023.
Four meetings of the Council-Appointed BPAC will be conducted within the next twelve months to solicit input from the public. An online survey will also be conducted to collect data on current bicycle and pedestrian behaviors, perceptions, and needs.
Fiscal Impacts
The estimated cost of the CSA of $172,307.00 includes the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update, Online Survey & Analysis, and Trails and Bikeway User Map. If amendments to the agreement are needed, the total amount of the amendments will not exceed 25% of the original contract amount. Staff recommends the appropriation of Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds of $115,383.75 to supplement the $100,000.00 of previously appropriated funds. The appropriation will fund the total CSA cost and contingency for amendments to the CSA.
Budget Authority
Current funding for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update is $100,000.00 in account no. 210-36-351, appropriated in the 2023-2024 budget.
Staff requests City Council approve an additional appropriation of $115,383.75 for account no. 153-36-351 in 2023-24 from the fund balances listed below.
• Account Number: 153-36-507 - Amount: $15,000.00
• 153 Fund Balance - Amount: $100,383.75
ATTACHMENTS
• Attachment A: Resolution
• Attachment B: CSA Scope of Work
• Attachment C: CSA Compensation Schedule
PREPARED BY: Adrian Toscano, Junior Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department