SR-06-12-2012-3MCity Council Report
City of
Santa Monica'
City Council Meeting: June 12, 2012
Agenda Item:
To: Mayor and City Council
From: David Martin, Director Planning and Community Development
Subject: Pedestrian Action Plan Preparation Contract Award
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
execute a professional services agreement with Alta Planning + Design (Alta), a
California -based company, in an amount not to exceed $350,000 to provide analysis,
research, design, evaluation and outreach leading to adoption of a Pedestrian Action
Plan.
Executive Summary
Following the successful development of the Bike Action Plan as an implementing
document of the 2010 Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) the development of a
Pedestrian Action Plan would enable the City to prioritize investments and evaluate
policies that support trips made by walking. The plan would allow for a comprehensive
approach for addressing deficiencies in the City's walking network and further help
anticipate changes associated with Expo Light Rail service. The project would initiate
with the collection and analysis of traffic crashes involving pedestrians to immediately
inform ongoing education and enforcement by multiple City departments, including
locations to target for crosswalk stings and public safety campaigns. The bulk of the
plan is anticipated to be rooted in extensive community input. Staff recommends that
the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a professional
services agreement with Alta Planning + Design (Alta), a California -based company, in
an amount not to exceed $350,000 to provide analysis, research, design, evaluation
and outreach leading to adoption of a Pedestrian Action Plan.
Discussion
The Pedestrian Action Plan would be a citywide guide for the policies, investments and
programs related to walking in Santa Monica. While Santa Monica is widely considered
pedestrian friendly, challenges persist regarding safety, outreach and prioritizing where
physical improvements should be focused, such as near Expo stations and in
neighborhood commercial districts. The proposed contract would include analysis,
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research, design and public outreach leading to the preparation and adoption of a
Pedestrian Action Plan. On April 5, 2012, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued,
emphasizing the unique qualities of the project. Responses to the RFP were reviewed
by a selection panel of staff from the Planning and Community Development and Police
Departments, as well as the City Manager's Office. Evaluation of the submitted
materials was based on the following selection criteria:
• Understanding of the project
• Qualifications and ability of staff
• Innovative approach and ability to foresee and avoid problems
• Track record of successful public engagement and completed projects
• Responsiveness to project work scope
• Capacity to perform the contract on- schedule and within budget
A total of five teams responded to the RFP. Two firms were selected to participate in an
interview. The selection panel unanimously recommends Alta to be the consultant for
the development of the City of Santa Monica's Pedestrian Action Plan. The proposed
contract is within the amount budgeted for this project.
Alta is North America's leading multi -modal transportation firm, with an emphasis on the
planning, design and implementation of bicycle, pedestrian, greenway, park and trail
corridors and systems. The City of Berkeley hired Alta to develop that City's first
Pedestrian Master Plan. Furthermore, Alta was involved in the development of the
Pedestrian Safety Action Plan for the City of Vancouver in British Columbia. Alta and
their subconsultant team are exceptionally qualified to complete the plan; Alta's
excellent project management and pedestrian planning expertise will be aided by
professionals focused specifically on traffic safety, public health and innovative outreach
tools.
FA
Next Steps
Following execution of the agreement with Alta, the consultant will initiate a review of
existing data and trends regarding crashes involving pedestrians to be utilized
immediately for the City's education and enforcement efforts and will then inform the
creation of the Pedestrian Action Plan through collection and analysis of data followed
by community engagement. Staff anticipates initiating community outreach in the Fall
and returning to the Council for adoption in FY 2013 -2014.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
The contract to be awarded to Alta is $350,000. Funds are available in account
0207014.589000 ($200K) and C010456.589000 ($150K).
Prepared by: Beth Rolandson, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner
Approved:
0,
David Martin
Director
Planning and Community Development
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Forwarded to Council:
Rod Gould
City Manager
Reference Contract No.
9597 (CCS).