TOWN OF WINDSOR AGENDA REPORT

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1 ITEM NO. : 9.7 Town Council Meeting Date: June 17, 2015 TOWN OF WINDSOR AGENDA REPORT To: From: Subject: Mayor and Town Council Jim O Brien, Project Manager Approve a Professional Services Agreement for the Downtown Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing of U.S. Highway 101 Study Recommendation to Council: Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Steven Grover & Associates Architecture Engineering (SGA) for the Downtown Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing of U.S. Highway 101 Study in an amount not to exceed $169,882 and authorize the Town Manager to execute said agreement. Background: In 2014 the Town of Windsor in partnership with the Sonoma County Transportation Authority adopted the Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The primary emphasis of the Plan was to identify and facilitate transportation improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians, and to provide greater local and regional connectivity. One of the largest obstacles to mobility in the Town of Windsor is the U.S. Highway 101 interchange that divides the Town into two nearly equal parts. Although recent sidewalk and bike lane improvements through the existing Old Redwood Highway corridor have improved safety, this travel corridor remains challenging for bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition to the logistical problems associated with the physical passage of bicycles and pedestrians, there is also an aesthetic component to this main entry to the Town that needs to be more welcoming and appealing for all commuters. Improved entry and crossing has also been identified by the Town Council as important in its goal-setting sessions. Discussion: In March of 2015, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was developed by staff and sent to nine Bay Area firms that had experience with bicycle and pedestrian transportation studies as well as several local landscape architectural firms. The proposed scope of services contained elements asking for creative alternatives to crossing Highway 101demonstrating overhead options as well as using the existing Windsor Creek drainage culvert. The RFP also requested that creative options be developed for the beautification of the existing underpass and on-ramps which may include hardscape, landscape, art-work, murals and other streetscape improvements. Additionally, the proposed scope of services requires a specific and thorough public vetting process that elicits input through public meetings and outreach, and from the Windsor Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Staff Review Committee, Stakeholders, Caltrans, the Town Council and Commissions. Finally, the RFP asked that the selected consultant provide a cost estimate for each alternative including other costs necessary to implement a completed project. Page 1 of 2

2 On May 4, 2015, two proposals were received for the Downtown Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing of US 101 Study. Proposals were reviewed and evaluated by Engineering and Community Development staff and both consulting teams were interviewed by Town staff on May 18, Based on their proposal, interview results and experience with similar projects staff selected SGA as the most qualified. The study is expected to begin in July 2015 and is expected to have the first public open house in November of The final report is anticipated to be completed in October of Fiscal Impact: Appropriations for this study are included in the General Fund Operating Budget for fiscal year Environmental Impacts: No environmental review is necessary for this proposed action. Attachments: 1. Professional Services Agreement 2. Location Map Prepared by: Jim O Brien Project Manager Reviewed by: Camille Kazarian Administrative Services Director Reviewed by: Alejandro Perez Senior Civil Engineer Reviewed by: Toni Bertolero Public Works Director/Town Engineer Recommended by: Linda Kelly Town Manager I:\80 - Public Works\Admin\Agenda Reports\2015\ Mtg\US 101 Pedestrian-Bicycle X-ing Study\Agenda Rpt Pedestrian-Bicycle US Hwy 101 Crossing Study v3.docx Page 2 of 2

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