HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/05/1999, C8 - BOB JONES CITY-TO-SEA BIKE TRAIL AND RAILROAD RECREATIONAL TRAIL PLANNING - REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. council M.oin Do.
October 5, 1999
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C I T Y O F S A N L U I S O B I S P O
FROM: Mike McCluskey,Director of Public Works
Prepared By: Terry Sanville,Principal Transportation Planner L">
SUBJECT: BOB JONES CITY-TO-SEA BIKE TRAIL AND RAILROAD ,
RECREATIONAL TRAIL PLANNING—REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Appropriate $25,000 from the unappropriated General Fund balance to
supplement the existing budget for these projects;and
Authorize the Public Works Department to distribute RFPs and the CAO to
select and execute a contract with a qualified Consultant if the proposal
amount is within budget($140,000).
DISCUSSION
On June 1, 1999 the City Council evaluated a variety of projects targeted for inclusion in the 1999-
2001 Financial Plan's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Council agreed that the CIP
should include route planning and preliminary engineering for in-city segments of the Bob Jones
City-to-Sea Bike Trail and for the extension of the Railroad Recreational Trail (RRT) from the
AMTRAK passenger terminal to Foothill Boulevard. Both of these projects are described in
Appendix B of the adopted Financial Plan(pages 230 and 239 respectively).
Since the Consultant services required for both the RRT and the Bob Jones City-to-Sea Trail are
virtually identical and since the Financial Plan calls for these studies to be undertaken during the
same time frame,staff has consolidated this effort into a single RFP.
Initially,staff had recommended that the Council approve the planning of the Railroad Recreational
Trail from the AMTRAK passenger terminal to Marsh Street. However,at its June V meeting,the .
Council agreed that the scope of this effort should be expanded to extend to Foothill Boulevard.
The Council did not, however, increase the project's budget ($70,000) nor give a detailed
description of the desired level of planning/design for the expanded study area. Therefore, there
may be a disparity between the amount of funding budgeted and the bid costs for the RRT
component of this project.
To partially address this issue, the attached RFP describes different levels of planning for the
following two segments of the RRT extension:
0 AMTRAK Station to Marsh Street: Specific preliminary engineering will be done for this
segment in anticipation of pursuing near-tern implementation. The outcome of this segment's
planning will be used to negotiate with Union Pacific Railroad concerning acquisition of land
and/or access rights within the railroad right-of-way, establish design parameters for bridges
and other major structures,and provide specific cost estimates. (For details see page 7 of the
attached work scope.)
0 Marsh Street to Foothill Boulevard: This evaluation will be more generalized and would
evaluate the physical feasibility of a route along the railroad, consider alternative routings,
provide generalized cost information,and recommend a specific route. (For details see page 9
of the attached work scope.)
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Council Agenda Report: Bike Path Planning and Preliminary Engineering RFP
Page 2
Even after employing this variable planning approach, however, it is likely that project costs will
exceed the current budget. Therefore, staff is recommending that the Council appropriate an
additional$25,000 from the General Fund to cover potential costs.
CONCURRENCES
The use of USHA funds for planning the Railroad Recreational Trail is overseen by the San Luis
Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG). Since the City's "cooperative agreement" with
SLOCOG defines the scope of the RRT planning as extending from the AMTRAK Station to
Marsh Street,a minor amendment will need to be approved to change the description of the prof ect
to extend to Foothill Boulevard. SLOCOG staff has indicated that there should be no problems
with approving this amendment. However,no additional grant funding will be forthcoming.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City has budgeted $120,000 to cover the cost of this effort (reference page E-10 of the
Financial Plan). Staff believes that$5,000 of the current budget must be reserved to pay for aerial
photographs that will be used by the Consultant selected to do this work.
If the City Council supports the CAD's recommended action and increases the project budget by
$25,000, the total amount available for consultant services will be $140,000. Of this amount,
$70,000 is provided through a USHA Grant from SLOCOG.
Recently SLOCOG has invited agencies to submit grant applications for the use of unprogrammed
RSHA, TEA and STIP funds. This subject is addressed under a separate Council Agenda item.
The planning and preliminary engineering for the Bob Jones City-to-Sea Bike Trail and RRT is not
eligible for grant funding under these programs as they are currently structured.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council may retain the existing project budget ($115,000)and authorize the distribution
of the RFP as drafted. If the lowest responsible proposal exceeds $115,000;staff would return to
the Council and seek supplementary funding or a reduction in the scope of work to match budget
resources.
ATTACIIN[ENTS
Draft Description of Work: Bob Jones City-to-SeaBike Trail and Railroad Recreational Trail
Full Draft RFP(in the City Council Office for Review)
(:\Everyone\Co ilAgrnddtepom\BikePathP[=ingRFP
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Section A
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
1. INTRODUCTION.
The City of San Luis Obispo has an active bicycle program. In recent years,the City has begun to
construct bike paths that are separated from the community's road system. As an example,the City
is just completing construction of a one mile long segment of bike path — called the Railroad
Recreational Trail(RRT)—along the Union Pacific Railroad.
The City intends to continue its efforts to incrementally develop an off-street bicycle and pedestrian
network. Two increments of this network are the subject of this RFP. However, before
construction documents can be prepared for these segments, additional route planning and
preliminary engineering and environmental work is needed.
2. GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The two bicycle path increments that are the subject of this RFP are described below:
A. Bob Jones City-To-Sea-Trail
The long-term goal of the City and the County of San Luis Obispo is to develop a bicycle trail that
connects San Luis Obispo with Avila Beach—a distance of about eight miles. Within the corporate
boundaries of the City, the trail will extend along San Luis Obispo Creek (and adjoining streets
where necessary) from the downtown commercial core to the southern City Limits, with
connections to other"tributary trails."
The specific trail segments that are the focus of this RFP are illustrated on Exhibit A (page 4) and
include the following:
Segment 1: Madonna Road to Elks Lane Along San Luis Obispo Creek (770 meters): this
segment is bordered by State Route 101, Caltrans District 5 corporation yard, a cemetery and
mausoleum,the Elks Club and vacant land. The creek corridor is generally constrained,especially
to the west of the cemetery and mausoleum.
Segment 2: Elks Lane to Prado Road Along San Luis Obispo Creek (950 meters): this
segment is bordered by a mobile home park,open agricultural fields,and commercial development.
The creek corridor is most constrained at its southern end as it approaches Prado Road and at its
northern end adjoining the mobile home park.
Segment 3: Prado Road to Los Osos Valley Road Along San Luis Obispo Creek (1800
meters): this segment is bordered by the municipal wastewater treatment plant and a petroleum
refueling facility. Since most of the land is publicly owned, it is the City's intent to pursue
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construction of a bike trail along this segment as a priority capital project. While no formal trail
alignment has been established,given the area's public land ownership and land use pattern, the
trail should extend through City-controlledproperty along the west side of San Luis Obispo Creek
and connect to Los Osos Valley Road at the segment's south end at a existing signalized
intersection. However,other connection points should be considered.
Segment 4: Madonna Road to Calle Joaquin Along Prefumo Creek (1400 meters): this
segment is generally bordered by a residential neighborhood, open agricultural fields, and
commercial development. This is a"tributary trail" segment that should link to the Bob Jones trail
via the local street system.
B. Railroad Bicycle Path(RRT)
In a similar fashion,the City's long-term goal is to develop a bicycle trail along the Union Pacific
Railroad throughout San Luis Obispo with connections to adjoining neighborhoods, activity
centers, and destinations outside the City. While a primary function of the trail is to serve the
recreational needs of bicyclists and pedestrians,the trail will also provide a convenient connection
between city neighborhoods and Cal Poly State University — a very important destination for
commuting bicyclists at the northern edge of San Luis Obispo. Components of the RRT that have
already been completed or are under development include the following(also see Exhibit C, page
5):
• Phase I of this trail was completed in 1998 and extends along the east side of the railroad
between Orcutt Road and Bushnell Street(see attached photograph).
• Phase II of the RRT will extend along the east side of the railroad between Bushnell and
Jennifer Streets,with construction targeted for completion in Spring,2000.
• The City has constructed a bicycle-pedestrian bridge over the railroad at Jennifer Street that
links the Phase II segment of the RRT with the proposed segments of the RRT (see attached
photograph).
The segments of the RRT that are the focus of this RFP are identified on Exhibits B and D and
described below:
Segment 1: AMTRAK Passenger Terminal to Marsh Street(850 meters): this segment of the
RRT would extend along the west side of the railroad and bridge across Johnson Avenue (a major
arterial street that passes under the railroad)and San Luis Obispo Creek. The railroad right-of-way
in this area is bordered by residential development. See Exhibit D,Photographs 1-13 for details.
Segment 2: Marsh Street to Foothill Boulevard(1400 meters): this segment of the RRT will
need to bridge across Monterey Street,extend under the Mill Street bridge through a narrow grade
cut (if possible), and cross over State Route 101 (a four-lane depressed freeway)to connect with
Foothill Boulevard,a major arterial street serving Cal Poly State University campus. See Exhibit
D,Photographs 14-25 for details.
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3. SCOPE OF CONSULTANT SERVICES
The City intends to hire a qualified consultant or consultant team to provide the following services
and products. Separate reports and plans will be prepared for each of this RFP'.s two components:
the Bob Jones City-to-Sea Bike Trail and the Railroad Recreational Trail(RRT).
A. For the Bob Jones City-to-Sea Trail and For Segment 1 of the RRT: the following services
and products are required`.
1. Constraints Analysis: a written and illustrated summary of the physical and environmental
constraints to establishing bicycle-pedestrian paths along the creek segments(see Section 2.A)
and segments of the Union Pacific Railroad(see Section 2.B,Segment 1).
2. Bicycle Path Route Plans:. to-scale metric plans (scale = 1:500 or larger) that establish the
route of each bicycle path along the creek segments and railroad segments, including all
appropriate connections to adjoining neighborhoods, and supportive written and graphic
materials that describe:
a) Property needs for accommodating paths along recommended corridors. Impacted parcels
should be clearly.identified and acquisition/easement areas identified and quantified.
b) The need for-and conceptual designs of significant structures(such as retaining walls,culverts,
slope banks, barrier fencing, etc.) required to accommodate the paths. Cross sections of the
creek and adjoining bike path. should be provided where bank areas are proposed to be.
modified.
c) Preliminary engineering analysis of bridge structures at the required locations: span
requirements, abutment locations and needs, illustrated recommendations for the types of
structures,and fabricator information,as necessary.
d) Design concepts for changes to adjoining public streets and intersections (traffic controls,
striping, alterations within the right-of-way, traffic signal modifications, etc.) that will be
needed to provide safe access to and from the bicycle paths.
e) Itemized preliminary cost estimates(property and construction/installationcosts)for each path
segment. Cost information should include estimates of professional fees for right=of--way
acquisition;design,inspection and construction administration.
f) Alternative routings that may reduce property acquisition requirements,environmental impacts,
or implementation costs while still providing for convenient and safe travel ways.
g) Preliminary landscape and lighting concept for trail segments.
h) Any rerouting of utilities necessary to accommodate the bike paths:at the preferred locations.
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i) Key issues associated with securing required permits or approvals from regulatory agencies.
3. Initial Environmental Studies: prepare requisite Initial Environmental Studies, using forms
supplied by the City, that comply with the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act(CEQA). The potential for the presence of hazardous materials should be evaluated
for each parcel along proposed bike paths. Cost estimates should be provided for conducting
complete evaluations and mitigating potential problems.
Data from existing documents is available that should provide an overview of the environmental
setting for the Bob Jones Trail segments. The City expects the Consultant's environmental staff
to work closely with its planning/engineeringstaff in establishing a route for the creek side bike
trail with the goal of avoiding significant impacts to sensitive habitat areas and incorporating
effective mitigation into the route concept design as needed.
4. Design Review and Project Approvals: present the route plans and reports to the San Luis
Obispo City Council for its consideration. Prepare and submit all permit applications required
by Union Pacific to gain access by the Consultant to pertinent segments of its right-of-way as
needed. Pursue and secure UP comments on Segment 1 concept plan.
5. Project Coordination and Processing: as a minimum, be responsible for coordinating the
preparation of the bicycle routing plans with the following agencies and organizations,seeking
their consensus where required, and acting as the City's representative in
discussions/negotiationsrelated to bike path design and routing.
Agency Context
Union Pacific Railroad Acceptability of proposed routing of the RRT; setback and barrier
(real estate,operations, requirements,evaluation of fee purchase vs.easement options or eminent
and right-of-entry domain options; right-of-entry permits, coordination of site visits with
divisions) UP officials to review proposals in the field.
Public Utilities Compliancewith minimum PUC setback requirements from the railroad.
Commission
Caltrans,District 5 and Potential encroachment onto State right-of-way;use of the service road
Headquarters as needed at south end of the Bob Jones City.-to-Sea Trail;requisite modifications
to traffic signals on Los Osos Valley Road at the southern trail head.
City Public Works Potential impact of the project on traffic(where the paths interface with
Department local streets)and drainage facilities.
San Luis Obispo Requesting initial environmental determinations and CEQA compliance.
Community Application and interpretations of City's creek setback ordinance.
Development
Department
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Agency - ,_Context..:
CaliforniaDepartmentof Impacts to environmental resources along pertinent creek segments;
Fish and Game design of mitigation measures if required;standards for working near or
within creek channels.
U.S.Army Corps of Determination whether Corps permits required depending on routing of
Engineers bike paths.
National Fish and If Corps permits are not required,consult with these agencies(consistent
Wildlife Service; with Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act)if work is to be done in
National Marine areas potentially inhabited by endangered species.
Fisheries Service
City Utilities Impacts of the Bob Jones City to Sea Trail on the municipal waste water
reclamation facility.
The Consultant will be responsible for scheduling all meetings and preparing all materials that
support the purpose and intent of the meetings.
6. Public Workshops: organize and sponsor workshop in San Luis Obispo to review plan
concepts with the public. Three(3)workshops are envisioned:
a) For the Railroad Recreational Trail (for both Segments 1 and 2), one workshop should be held
at the beginning of the design process to enable interested citizens and agencies to present ideas
and concerns. A second workshop should be held to review Consultant recommendations.
b) For the Bob Jones City to Sea Trail, one workshop should be held to review Consultant
recommendations.
For all workshops,the Consultant shall be responsible for preparing all materials and presenting
all information to those attending. City staff will be responsible for scheduling the time, date
and place of each workshop and providing public notice. The City shall provide Consultant
with mailing lists for the distribution of workshop agenda materials.
B. For Segment 2 of the RRT: the following services and products are required:
1. Alternative Routing Memorandum: a technical memorandum that describes alternative
routings evaluated by this study and the constraints and opportunitiesposed by each
2. Bicycle Path Plan: to-scale metric plans(scale= 1:500 or larger)that establish the route of the
RRT and connections to adjoining neighborhoods along with a written description of major
structures required.
3. Preliminary Cost Estimates: using the results of the research needed to complete Section 3.A
of this RFP,provide cost estimates for development of Segment 2 of the RRT.
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C. City Council Presentations: Consultant shall present the findings and recommendations for
each of the bike path projects covered by this RFP to the San Luis Obispo City Council. Since
completion of each project may proceed along different schedules,Consultant should anticipate
making two(2)presentations.
4. STANDARDS TO BE USED
In performing the services and providing the products described in the preceding section, the
Consultant shall,as a minimum,use the following standards:
Application Source.
General Bike Path BikewayPlanningandDesign, CalifomiaDepartment of Transportation,
Design Highway Design Manual,Chapter 1000.
Caltrans Traffic Manual
Caltrans Standard Plans
Bicycle TransportationPlan, City of San Luis Obispo,1993.
Design Principles Bicycle TransportationPlan, City of San Luis Obispo, 1993.
Near Creeks
Minimum Setbacks Public Utilities Commission Minimum Standards(contact PUC directly)
from Railroad
Minimum Setbacks San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 17.16.025
from Creek
Preparation of Plan CAD Drafting Standards,San Luis Obispo Public Works Department,Engineering
Sheets Division
Design Standards for Metric Engineering Construction Standards&Metric EngineeringDesign
Small Facilities Standards,City of San Luis Obispo Pubic Works Department,Engineering
Division
Urban Design for Railroad District Plan,City of San Luis Obispo,June 1998
Railroad Area
5. MATERIALS AND INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY CITY
The following information will be provided to the Consultant hired by the City:
• Copies of the plans,policies,and standards(except for PUC setback requirements)identified in
the preceding section of this RFP.
• Names and contact numbers of Union Pacific Railroad officials.
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• Corrected aerial photographs with topography @ 1/2m intervals for all bicycle path segments
and adjoining lands(metric scale= 1:500).
• Construction Plans and specifications for Phase I and II (if available) of the Railroad
Recreational Trail(RRT).
• Initial Environmental Study for Phase 11 of the Railroad Bicycle Path.
• Product informationrelated to the construction of the Jennifer Street bicycle-pedestrianbridge.
• Copies of all application materials for Architectural Review and requisite forms needed to
prepare Initial Environmental Study.
• Various Environmental Impact Reports that describe the environmental setting along San Luis
Obispo Creek and related survey data
• As needed, maps showing the routing of municipal utilities (sewer, water, storm drainage)
along the bike route segments. Consultant may need to research location of facilities since City
mapping in older areas is schematic in nature.
• Mailing lists for public workshops.
6. INTENDED USE OF CONSULTANT'S WORK
The City intends to use the products called for by this RFP in the following ways:
A. The Bob Jones City to Sea Trail: the route plans associated with Segments 1, 2 and 4 of this
bicycle-pedestrian path will be used to establish the general location and right-of--way
requirements for the creek-side trail. As adjoining properties develop or redevelop over time
under City jurisdiction,the route plan will enable the City to secure the requisite right-of-way
and require the incremental construction of the trail.
For Segment 3 of the Bob Jones Trail,the City intends to use the route plans prepared as part of
this project to establish location and right-0f--way requirements. The plans would also form the
basis for preparing requisite construction documents and engineering estimates with the goal of
immediately pursing construction. However,the preparation of construction documents is not a
part of this effort.
B. Railroad Recreational Trail:
Segment 1: AMTRAK Station to Marsh Street: the products associated with this trail
planning effort should reflect an agreement between the City and Union Pacific Railroad as to
the location of the trail and concept designs for the requisite bridges, barriers, etc. Once this
concurrence on routing and basic design is reached,the City intends to use this route plan as the
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basis for purchasing or securing easements on the requisite railroad property and preparing
construction documents.
Segment 2: Marsh Street-to Foothill Boulevard: the products associated with this level of
trail planning will enable the to City to decide the.feasibility of establishing a continuous Class
I bike path within the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way and, where feasible,and which side
of the railroad tracks the path should be located.
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