HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW Engineering Support Svcs. SMART 2010CITY OF,
Agenda Item No: 9
Meeting Date: 4/19/10
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Public Works
Prepared by: City Manager Approval:
Director of Public Works (NM)
File No.: 18.06.52.02
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT BERNSTEIN, INC. P.S.
TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE SMART COMMUTER
RAIL PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEEED $151,000.
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution
BACKGROUND:
Downtown San Rafael is the most complex rail crossing along the SMART corridor. It involves many
minor and major crossings in the downtown grid system between Mission Avenue and Second Street.
These crossings will impact the city's traffic operations and require close cooperation with the SMART
design team to identify remedies to minimize congestion and maximize safety in San Rafael. The rail
operation also impacts the parking supply and demand, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. As part of
the city's NTPP projects, we are designing to construct a Class I bike path on Netherton between Mission
and Fourth Street; its operation will be impacted by the rail preemption system that require traffic signal
rail priority movement. It would impact the capacity in the City's traffic network.
In addition, the city recently obtained an MTC grant to look into the potential housing sites near the two
SMART stations in San Rafael. The downtown SMART station will be between Fourth and Third streets,
and the north San Rafael station will be on Civic Center Drive near Mc Innis Parkway. The station designs
require knowledge and experience in traffic, rail, pedestrian and bicycle pathway, and transit operation
along with extensive knowledge of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requirements and
regulations. Staff has determined that such expertise is required to assist with SMART operation issues.
The consultant will be an extension of Public Works staff to address SMART operation issues mentioned
above. Staff searched for such experts and discussed the traffic, rail and transit, pedestrian, bicycle and
parking operations with Robert Bernstein and Joe Walsh, who have both been involved in various rail
projects in Oregon and Washington. Staff has found the consultant team is well qualified and both have
been involved in the SMART project or other San Rafael traffic improvement projects, such as Andersen
Drive. Mr. Bernstein and Mr. Walsh's proposal and qualifications are attached in exhibit "A". As part of the
consultant's services, the Andersen Drive crossing needs to be addressed. Conceptual Andersen Drive
crossing options have been developed that requires consultant expertise to analyze and prepare reports
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.:
Council Meeting:
Disposition:
to be discussed with various
board and CPUC.
presented to the City Council, SMART
ANALYSIS:
The complex rail crossings in San Rafael require expert knowledge in rail operation, and CPUC policy
and regulation knowledge in concert with traffic and parking operation for all modes of transpiration. Staff
has identified the need for such expertise to address SMART related issues.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The tasks identified will cost up to $102,500. The project will be funded by the San Rafael
Redevelopment Agency ($60,000), Parking Services ($22,500), and a portion of the MTC grant
($20,000). Optional future services and tasks may cost another $48,100 which funding has not been
identified yet. The project cost not to exceed $151,000.
OPTIONS:
1) Accept report and Authorize the Public Works Director to enter into an agreement with Robert
Bernstein, Inc. P.S. to provide engineering support services for the SMART commuter rail project
in a form approved by City Attorney.
2) Decline staff recommendation and direct staff to seek other options to address SMART issues.
3) Take no action.
ACTION REQUIRED:
Authorize the Public Works Director to enter into an agreement with Robert Bernstein, Inc. P.S. to provide
engineering support services for the SMART commuter rail project.
Enclosures:
Resolution
Exhibit "A"
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN
RAFAEL AUTHORIZING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO ENTER
INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT
BERNSTEIN, INC. P.S. TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING SUPPORT
SERVICES FOR THE SMART COMMUTER RAIL PROJECT IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $151,000.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Rafael as follows:
WHEREAS, the San Rafael crossings are the most complex crossings
along the SMART corridor; and
WHEREAS, the design and operation of rail crossings require special rail,
and traffic operation expertise for all modes of transportation to minimize the impact in
San Rafael; and
WHEREAS, staff has identified Robert Bernstein, Inc. P.S., a well
qualified and expert consulting team, to provide engineering support services to the City;
and
WHEREAS, staff has identified such expertise is necessary to address
SMART related issues comprehensively;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City
of San Rafael does hereby authorize the Public Works Director to enter into a professional
services agreement with Robert Bernstein, Inc. P.S. to provide engineering support
services for the SMART commuter rail project in a form approved by the City Attorney
and in an amount not to exceed $151,000.
I, ESTHER C. BEIRNE, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of
said City on the 19`" day of April, 2010, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk
File No.: 18.06.52.02
ROBERT BERNSTEIN, P.E.
Consulting Transportation Engineer/Planner
April 6, 2010
EAJ it a
AHIBIT
Mr. Nader Mansourian, Assistant Public Works Director
City of San Rafael
P.O. Box 151560
San Rafael, CA 94915-1560
Subject: Proposal to San Rafael Public Works Department to Provide Engineering
Support Services for the SMART Commuter Rail Project
Dear Nader,
My colleague Joe Walsh and I are pleased to submit this proposal to provide assistance to the
City of San Rafael Public Works Department on matters related to the planning, design, and
implementation of the SMART Commuter Rail System. (This proposal comprises our original
February 15 proposal with revisions based on our April 5 meeting with City of San Rafael Public
Works and Planning staff.)
Proposal Content
This proposal addresses the seven basic tasks we discussed with you: (1) preparation of a
comprehensive issues assessment, (2) review of the City's Station Area Planning Study work
scope and products, (3) evaluation of Andersen Dr crossing alternatives, (4) analysis of
downtown signalization coordination needs, (5) evaluation of all crossings in the city,
(6) assessment of Quiet Zone issues and needs, and (7) on-going support (e.g., representing PWD
at committee meetings, etc.). We also have provided time/cost estimates, as requested.
Management
I will be the overall lead for all work under this scope, and will be responsible for client
communications, contract matters, and quality control. For specific tasks, Joe, I, or the two of us
jointly will have lead responsibility, as appropriate.
Qualifications
As you know, both Joe and I bring unique experience and qualifications directly applicable to the
assignments covered by this scope: we have both worked on rail transit projects as city staff
(Portland), I have completed a number of project -specific and on-call assignments for the City of
San Rafael, and Joe has managed an LRT extension project and a commuter rail start-up project
as transit agency staff (TriMet's PDX MAX and Westside Express (WES), respectively). Please
note that the WESproject has distinct and directly applicable similarities to the SMARTproject
in terms of location, service, impact, and city/transit agency relations. A detailed summary of
our qualifications is attached to our proposal.
Mr. Nader Mansourian
April 6, 2010
Page 2
In addition to our background and experience, Joe and I already have well-established lines of
communication with SMART staff, as we are both long-time colleagues (30+ years) of SMART
GM Lillian Hames and SMART Project Director John Lackey.
If you have any questions or if you need additional information, please contact me. We look
forward to working with you!
Sincerely,,
�el�
CA txlt
Robert Bernstein, P.E.
Attachment: Proposal and SoQ
Robert Bernstein, P.E.
Consulting Transportation Engineer/Planner
Robert Bernstein, P.E.
Consulting Transportation Engineer/Planner
507 — 18th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
(206)325-4320
RBernstein.CE76 cr,GTalumni.org
Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh Consulting
111 SW Oak St, Ste 300
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 704-3728
joegioewalshconsultine coin
Proposal and Statement of Qualifications
San Rafael Public Works Department Engineering Support Services
for SMART Commuter Rail Project
February 15, 2010; revised April 6, 2010
We are pleased to submit this proposal to provide assistance to the City of San Rafael Public
Works Department on matters related to the planning, design, and implementation of the
SMART Commuter Rail System.
The proposal covers seven basic tasks(1) preparation of a comprehensive issues assessment,
(2) review of the City's Station Area Planning Study work scope and products, (3) evaluation of
Andersen Dr crossing alternatives, (4) analysis of downtown signalization coordination needs,
(5) evaluation of all crossings in the city, (6) assessment of Quiet Zone issues and needs, and
(7) on-going support (e.g., representing PWD at committee meetings, etc.). We also have
provided time/cost estimates, and a summary of our qualifications.
TASKS
Task 1. Comprehensive Assessment Issues of to be Addressed
Purpose: Identify for the Public Works Department (1) the key SMART design and
operating decisions that affect City operations and maintenance responsibilities, and (2) the
likely timeframes necessary for proactive City input and participation.
Work elements:
• Make site visits;
• Review and summarize key SMART documents to identify scope, schedule and design
issues that will significantly affect City operations and maintenance responsibilities;
• Interview SMART staff,
• Interview operations and maintenance management in peer jurisdictions with operating
rail projects;
• List and evaluate issues arising during the design phase of the SMART project that affect
City of San Rafael Public Works; make recommendations for addressing those issues.
Deliverables: Report summarizing evaluation and recommendations.
Consultant lead responsibility: Joint
Engrg Services Proposal
Qualifications
Task 2. Participate in City's Station Area Planning Study
San Rafael PWD
February 15, 2010; rev April 6, 2010
Purpose: Serve as Public Works Department representatives on the City's Station Area
Planning Study Project Team, and provide input on work scope, consultant submittals, and
work products.
Work elements:
• Review key documents, including draft work scope, consultant proposals, and draft work
products;
• Work with City Planning staff and consultants and attend Team meetings as needed;
• Interview and work with SMART staff and station design consultants;
• Prepare appropriately -detailed traffic operations analyses needed for the development and
analysis of station area plan alternatives;
• Provide input and assistance as necessary to the City's Station Area Planning Study
consultant preparing the comprehensive parking supply/utilization/demand analysis for
the station area;
• Document issues that affect the Public Works Department; make recommendations for
addressing those issues.
Deliverables: Memo compiling traffic operations analysis results, and memos summarizing
our comments and recommendations, as necessary and appropriate.
Consultant lead responsibility: Rob Bernstein
Task 3. Evaluation of Andersen Dr RR crossing alternatives
Purpose: Provide technical and regulatory analysis needed to gain necessary approvals of an
operationally and financially appropriate crossing design.
Work elements:
• Review background information, including prior CPUC rulings and local agreements,
design drawings and cost estimates, etc;
• Interview SMART staff, and, as appropriate, CPUC officials
• Evaluate existing designs' for safety, cost-effectiveness and likely compliance with
CPUC standards;
• Any additional civil design work and cost estimating for new or refined altematives, if
needed, is beyond the scope of this proposal, but can be provided as `extra services;'
There are three existing basic design concepts: () signalize existing crossing, (i) realign roadway at crossing,
and (iii) grade -separate crossing.
Robert Bernstein, P.E. Joe Walsh
(206)325-4320 (503) 704-3728
RBerustein.CE76(aD,GTaluimii.org Page 2 loc n,ioewalshconsulting coin
Engrg Services Proposal
Qualifications
San Rafael PWD
February 15, 2010; rev April 6, 2010
• Present evaluation results to City staff, and assist as requested in presentations to CPUC
officials and SMART staff, solicit feedback, and finalize evaluation and
recommendations.
Deliverable: Report that summarizes background information and documents the evaluation
of crossing design alternatives
Consultant lead responsibility: Joint
Task 4. Analysis of downtown signal coordination needs
Purpose: Identify the combination of rail system signalization, commuter rail vehicle
controls, and traffic signal system modifications necessary to insure safe and efficient
operations and circulation for trains, buses, general traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists at and
around the San Rafael downtown station/transit center.
Work elements:
• Inventory street facilities and traffic controls in the station impact area;
• Observe peak traffic operations in the station impact area;
• Interview SMART staff and Caltrans staff, as appropriate;
• Review background information pertaining to SMART vehicle control systems and
crossing design and control;
• Review results of previous traffic operational analyses and simulations;
• Identify train and traffic signalization concept options to be considered;
• Summarize traffic/commuter train signal coordination issues and experience from peer
jurisdictions (e.g., Beaverton, OR)
• Using the City's available Synchro/SimTraffic model and forecasted traffic volumes
provided by the City, prepare operational analyses and simulations for the signalization
options, and evaluate the results;
• Present evaluation results to Caltrans and SMART staff, solicit feedback, and finalize
evaluation and recommendations.
Deliverable: Report that documents the alternatives considered, the analyses performed, the
evaluation of signalization alternatives, and the resulting conclusions and recommendations.
Consultant lead responsibility: Rob Bernstein
Task 5. Evaluation of all SMART RR crossings in the city
Purpose: Provide a comprehensive assessment of crossing design, control, and operations
issues, and program of improvement needs.
Robert Bernstein, P.E.
(206)325-4320
RBeriistein,CE76@GTalumili.org
Page 3
Joe Walsh
(503) 704-3728
joe@ioewalshconsLilting.com
Engrg Services Proposal
Qualifications
San Rafael PWD
February 15, 2010; rev April 6, 2010
Work elements:
• Visit and visually inspect all crossings;
• Review SMART crossing inventory and other background information pertaining to
crossing design and control;
• Interview SMART staff,
• Evaluate crossing conditions and existing design concepts for safety, cost-effectiveness
and likely compliance with CPUC standards;
• Identify necessary improvements.
Deliverable: Report summarizing crossing -related issues and recommendations.
Consultant lead responsibility: Rob Bernstein
Task 6. Assessment of Quiet Zone issues and needs
Purpose: Review and evaluate Quiet Zone technical and procedural requirements and
implementation issues as they pertain to City of San Rafael interests and responsibilities.
Work elements:
• Compile and document Quiet Zone regulations and requirements;
• Interview SMART staff;
• Describe and evaluate Quiet Zone issues that affect City of San Rafael Public Works;
make recommendations for addressing those issues.
Deliverable: Report summarizing Quiet Zone findings and recommendations.
Consultant lead responsibility: Joe Walsh
Task 7. Develop options for meeting station area public parking needs.
Purpose: Develop and evaluate options for meeting short-term and long-term station area
public parking needs, including:
• Replacement of public parking eliminated by construction of SMART station;
• Resolution of existing public parking deficit in station area;
• Provision of adequate public parking for demand associated with development
envisioned by the City's Station Area Plan; and
• Management of potential "hide-and-ride"Z demand.
Z The term "hide -and -ride" refers to park-and-ride activity that occurs in areas where park-and-ride is prohibited,
discouraged, or otherwise not accommodated.
Robert Bernstein, P.E. Joe Walsh
(206)325-4320 (503)704-3725
RBernstein CE76gGTalumni.org Page 4 ioe@joewalshconsulting.com
Engrg Services Proposal
Qualifications
San Rafael PWD
February 15, 2010; rev April 6, 2010
Work elements:
Note: This proposal presumes that the City's Station Area Planning Study will prepare a
comprehensive analysis of existing and future public parking supply, utilization, and demand
for all users, including station area businesses, station area residents, potential hide -and -
ride vehicles z, and others. The work elements described below are dependent on this
analysis as input.
• Compile and assess station area parking inventory and analysis (prepared by City's
station area planning consultant);
• Prepare a public parking toolkit that lists, describes, and evaluates public parking
techniques (e.g., on -street parallel, on -street angle, city lot, public structure, shared use of
private facilities);
• Review public parking toolkit with stakeholders selected by city staff,
Prepare and evaluate a set of station area public parking options;
Review station area public parking options with stakeholders.
Deliverables: Report describing station area public parking options.
Consultant lead responsibility: Rob Bernstein
Task 8. On-going support (attend committee meetings; undertake other assignments as needed)
Purpose: Provide on-going support of City efforts by providing support and advice on
matters that may come up over the course of the project, and by representing the Public
Works Department on technical and programmatic matters, as directed, at monthly SMART
TAC meetings, at other meetings with SMART, at meetings with other City staff or public
officials, and at other hearings and open houses.
Work elements:
• Prepare for, attend, and summarize/document meetings, as directed;
Complete other assignments as directed.
Deliverables: Meeting agenda materials and/or meeting summaries/documentation, as
necessary; reports and/or technical memoranda, as necessary.
Consultant lead responsibility: Joint
Robert Bernstein, P.E.
(206)325-4320
RB c rn s tc i n. C E 7 6 @GTa I umni . o rg
Page 5
Joe Walsh
(503)704-3728
ioet(ioewalshconsultin
Engrg Services Proposal
Qualifications
TIME/COST ESTIMATE
San Rafael PWD
February 15, 2010; rev April 6, 2010
Task
Consultant
Time
Consultant
Costahbl
1. Issues Assessment
50 hr
$6,500.
2. CoSR Station Area Planning Study participation
150 hr
$19,500.
3. Andersen Dr Xing alternatives evaluation
specialized RR signalization expertise, if needed
175 hr
$22,750.
$5,000.
4. Downtown signalization coordination
150 hr
$19,500.
5. Evaluation of all SMART RR Xings in City
50 hr
$6,500.
6. Quiet Zone assessment
25 hr
$3,250.
7. Public parking options
150 hr
$19,500.
Total, Tasks 1.-7.
750 hr
$102,500.
8. On-going support activities °l:
per meeting °
1.5 mtgs/month x 24 months
10 hr
360 hr
$1,300.
$46,800.
a) Consultants' billing rate is $130./hr, and assumes a "not -to -exceed" budget
b) Consultants do not bill for travel expenses
G) Meetings covered by this task are in addition to the meetings integral to and incorporated in Tasks 1.-6.
d) Estimate includes average prep time, attendance time, and documentation/debriefing time for 1.5 persons
Robert Bernstein, P.E.
(206)325-4320
RBernstein CE76@GTalwrnni.org
Page 6
Joe Walsh
(503) 704-3728
ioe@ioewalshconsulting.com
Engrg Services Proposal San Rafael PWD
Qualifications February 15, 2010; rev April 6, 2010
Robert Bernstein, P.E.
Experience and Qualifications
Rob has over 30 years experience in the preparation of traffic and transportation analyses for a
wide range of local and regional transportation plans, traffic circulation studies, road and transit
facility planning/design studies, campus and downtown master plans, and neighborhood traffic
management plans. As Senior Transportation Planner with the City of Portland, OR, as Senior
Transportation Engineer at the Puget Sound Council of Governments, and as an independent
consultant, Rob has completed numerous transportation studies for state and local jurisdictions
and public and private institutions in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Georgia. Rob
is a registered engineer in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Georgia, and New Jersey.
Rob has extensive experience in analysis, planning, and conceptual design of rail transit systems
and their various elements. Throughout his career he has been involved in a wide range of rail
transit projects. In addition, he has completed several projects and on-call assignments for the
City of San Rafael.
Applicable Project Experience
Commuter Rail Station Studies: Rob helped direct the commuter rail station studies for
Auburn, Puyallup, and Sumner, WA. His main responsibility was to help facilitate the selection
of a preferred station site, and his technical responsibilities were to address issues associated
with station area traffic access and circulation, coordination of rail and bus service, and station
accessibility to rider markets.
Ferry Terminal / Multimodal Transportation Center Studies: Rob prepared traffic forecasts
and EIS traffic operational analyses, and developed road network and roadway configuration
alternatives for ferry terminal relocation/multimodal transportation center development projects
in Edmonds and Mukilteo, WA. (These projects also comprised the integration of local bus,
commuter rail, Amtrak, and intercity bus services.)
City of San Rafael projects and on-call services: Rob was the lead traffic engineer on the
Andersen Drive Extension Project and the Bellam Interchange Improvement Project. In
addition, Rob completed a variety of assignments for the City on an on-call basis, including the
following:
• Representing the City on technical matters at the Caltrans Hwy 101 HOV Gap Closure
Project TAC;
• Assisting City Planning staff in the review and approval process for the Downtown General
Plan Update;
• Developing a work scope and assisting in consultant selection for the development of the
City's original traffic forecasting model.
Robert Bernstein, P.E. Joe Walsh
(206)325-4320 (503)704-3728
RBernstein.CE76@GTalunmi.orQ Page 7 loena,ioewalshconsulting.com
Engrg Services Proposal San Rafael PWD
Qualifications February 15, 2010; rev April 6, 2010
Joe Walsh
Experience and Qualifications
Joe Walsh is principal of Joe Walsh Consulting in Portland, Oregon. The firm focuses on
implementation and program management for capital improvements for transit agencies and
other public entities. Joe established his consulting practice in 2007 after thirty years of
innovative project management at the City of Portland and TriMet, Portland's public transit
district. During that time, Joe successfully managed numerous high profile projects, including
$ 100m + projects undertaken in complex regulatory environments with multiple public and
private funding sources. Joe is an innovative and dynamic project manager, and is an articulate
and credible advocate with peers in the project delivery environment, the media, Boards,
Commissions and the public
Applicable Project Experience
Sonoma -Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) utilized Joe's rail -project management
experience in 2008-2009 as it began to ramp up to implementation of its $550 million, 71 -mile
commuter rail and pedestrian/bicycle path project. Joe staffed SMART's program management
consultant selection, and assisted with staffing plans, selection of permanent staff, development
of project schedules and revisions to the project cost estimate.
Washington County (Oregon) Commuter Rail Project: Joe was Project Manager through
preliminary engineering and construction for the innovative $133 million federally and locally
funded project to introduce passenger rail service on an operating freight line in Washington
County, Oregon. The project included upgrade of 14.5 miles of existing freight track, a mile of
new in -street heavy rail alignment; a fleet of new self-propelled diesel rail vehicles, and
stations/park-and-rides. Joe assisted with development of Shared Use Agreement with the short
line railroad and directed development of capital and operating plans within the regulatory and
business parameters of the short line, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Transit
Administration. In addition, Joe's contract oversight responsibilities included (i) the CMGC
contract that included rail, civil/architectural, and train signaling, (ii) master and ancillary
agreements with four cities covering approval process, locally -funded "betterments," and
maintenance obligations, and (iii) specific local agreements in the city of Beaverton.
Portland Airport Light Rail Extension: Joe managed the $125 million fast track, design -build
project to extend light rail to the Portland International Airport - the West Coast's first "train to
the plane". Joe oversaw development of the design -build contract, developed project control
plans tied to the geographic and program restrictions on project partner's funds. As part of
managing the construction to on-time, on -budget startup, he led the ad hoc group that resolved
access and site control issues related to the simultaneous Light Rail and Terminal Expansion
Projects. With extremely limited contingency funds, the project relied on close working
relationships and value engineering efforts to successfully stay within budget.
Robert Bernstein, P.E. Joe Walsh
(206)325-4320 (503) 704-3728
RBernstein CE76(a),GTalumni.org Page 8 ioe@ioewalsheonsulting.com