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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, 1 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 3 Forwarded to Council: Rod Gould City Manager Reference Contract No. 9597 (CCS).