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Agenda Item # 17

BOARD MEMORANDUM

Authorize the General Manager to amend the contract with Mark Thomas   & Co. for final design and design support during construction of the River Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, increasing the approved contract value by $52,500 for a new total contract value not to exceed $570,000.

BACKGROUND:

Due to funding constraints, the project has been designed for implementation in two phases.   Phase I will provide a usable connection across the river by constructing the bridge, approach ramps, stairs and levee path.   Phase II will re-construct the pedestrian sidewalk and bike paths along River Oaks Parkway, install additional landscaping, irrigation, lighting and signage.  The budget for Phase I of the project is $2.67 million.  Funding for Phase I includes contributions from the Cities of San Jose and Santa Clara, 1996 Measure B Transportation Improvement Program Bicycle funds and grants from Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC) and Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) programs.  The budget for Phase II is estimated at $1.0 million.  Although there is no source of funding currently identified for Phase II, VTA staff has submitted grant applications for additional TFCA and TLC intended to fund Phase II of the project.   

On October 22, 2002, the San Jose City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with VTA to provide partial funding for the River Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Project.   On November 7, 2002, the VTA Board of Directors approved an amendment to the FY 2003 VTA Capital Budget, which added the River Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Project.   The action by the Board also authorized the General Manager to execute necessary cooperative agreements with agencies necessary to implement the project.  On July 22, 2003, the City of Santa Clara Council approved a cooperative agreement with VTA, which provided for the Santa Clara share of funding for the project. 

On January 9, 2003, the Board authorized the General Manager to execute a contract with MTCo for environmental analysis and final design in the amount of $450,000 utilizing TFCA and San Jose funding.   Thereafter, an amendment totaling $67,500 was executed under the authority of the General Manager utilizing contingency funds, per the authorized limit of 15% of the contract authorization by the Board, and increased the total contract value to $517,500.   This amendment was needed in order to complete environmental studies and permits, and supplemental geotechnical services.

DISCUSSION:

An additional contract amendment is recommended for $52,500 that includes the following items:

The recommended amendment increases the total contract value not to exceed $570,000.   It provides for approximately 300 hours of additional final design services.   Final design will continue to be completed on a cost plus fixed fee basis, and design support during construction will be completed on an as needed, time and materials basis.

This is the final amendment needed to complete all design work and provides for design support during construction of the Phase I of River Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Project.

ALTERNATIVES:

There are no practical alternatives to the recommended action.   The services included in this amendment are necessary to complete design and construction of the River Oaks Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Project.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Sufficient funding is available for this project through funds received from the Cities of San Jose and Santa Clara and project grants.   No funding from the VTA Transit Enterprise Funds will be used for this work.  

SBE Participation

Based on identifiable subcontracting opportunities, a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) goal of 19% was established for this contract.   Contractor met the goal and has committed to 19% SBE participation on this contract.

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