DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Razi Hosseini, P.E., R.P.L.S.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 5
SUBJECT:
Design Services Contract Amendment: West Commerce Street (Frio Street to Colorado Street) (2017 Bond Project)
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the existing professional design services agreement with Bain Medina Bain, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $422,129.36 for the West Commerce Street (Frio Street to Colorado Street) Project, a 2017-2022 General Obligation Bond funded project, located in Council District 5.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The development of the West Commerce Corridor was initiated by Council District 5 as the first phase in developing a “Gateway” in and out of the west side of downtown San Antonio. This area is home to institutions such as University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), the new VIA Centro Plaza, the University Hospital District and residential developments such as the Peanut Factory.
A traffic analysis, bridge study and development of a master plan for this corridor have been performed. The enhancements envisioned and recommended in the master plan for this corridor will help serve the recent revitalization efforts near downtown and develop new business opportunities. The plan also includes recommendations on improving connectivity and mobility for current residents, businesses, customers, employees and tourists who come to enjoy San Antonio’s rich cultural history.
On May 6, 2017, voters approved the 2017-2022 Bond Program which authorized $10,000,000.00 to finalize the plan and fund construction for the West Commerce Street (Frio Street to Colorado Street) Project as part of the West Commerce Corridor Master Plan.
Project design upon amendment approval is anticipated to be completed in May 2019.
Previous Council Action
In order to develop preliminary construction plans, City Council approved within the FY 2015 Budget the allocation of $1 million towards the West Commerce Street (Frio Street to Colorado Street) in Council District 5. The funding provided for an engineering assessment, master plan for infrastructure improvements, and initial design of those improvements.
On December 8, 2016, City Council authorized a Professional Design Services Agreement with Bain Medina Bain, Inc. in amount not to exceed $800,000.00 through Ordinance 2016-12-08-0958. This amendment will increase the contract by $422,129.36 to a total contract amount of $8,422,129.36.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes an amendment to the existing professional design services agreement with Bain Medina Bain, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $422,129.36 for the West Commerce Street (Frio Street to Colorado Street) Project, a 2017-2022 General Obligation Bond funded project, located in Council District 5.
As part of the Master Plan Study, an inventory and analysis was completed to identify existing conditions within the corridor including the evaluation of existing studies and planning documentation available. In the Program Development Phase, needs and deficiencies were used to identify goals and define the vision for the master plan. This phase also included an evaluation of demographics and an economic analysis. The Plan identified and prioritized potential projects within the corridor and provided estimated costs for these options. Through an extensive public engagement process input was obtained from the community to identify needs and goals for the area that will help serve existing businesses, spur economic development opportunities and improve connectivity and mobility for current residents, customers, employees and tourists.
As a result of project plan development, engineering judgment and extensive community input process, the project scope has been refined to include the maintenance of the two parallel bridges along Buena Vista and Guadalupe, sidewalks along Commerce Street from Colorado Street to the Alazan Creek Bridge, traffic signal upgrades at the intersection of Commerce Street and Colorado Street and the addition of critical drainage infrastructure from Colorado Street to the Alazan Creek Bridge.
The proposed amendment will compensate the design firm Bain Medina Bain for additional design and engineering services for the following:
• Rehabilitation of the Commerce Street Bridge
• Full reconstruction of the service roads to include bike lanes and wider sidewalks from Frio Street to the Alazan Creek Bridge
• Drainage improvements
• Traffic signal upgrades at the intersection of Commerce Street and Colorado Street
• Gateway structure
• Streetscape amenities (i.e., trees/benches)
• On-street parking and street side lighting
Project design upon amendment approval is anticipated to be completed in May 2019.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, City Council could choose not to amend this contract and require staff to complete a new solicitation process; however, considering the additional time required for another solicitation process, this would adversely affect the timely completion of the design for this project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a one-time capital improvement expenditure in the amount of $422,129.36 authorized payable to Bain Medina Bain Inc. Funds are available from 2017-2022 General Obligation Bonds and are included in the FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing an amendment to the existing professional design services agreement with Bain Medina Bain, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $422,129.36 for the West Commerce Street (Frio Street to Colorado Street) Project.