Report Prepared by: Steven C. Son, Deputy Public Works Director/Interim City Engineer, Engineering Division
Title
SUBJECT: Railroad Quiet Zone Feasibility Study and Establishment within City Limits
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff provides the status of the Request for Proposal for the Railroad Quiet Zone Feasibility Study and Establishment and requests City Council to provide additional direction.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide Staff with further direction regarding the Railroad Quiet Zone Feasibility Study.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Direct Staff to proceed with one of the Statement of Qualifications.
2. Direct Staff to negotiate a fee with reduced scope.
3. Reject all proposals.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Council has requested Staff to solicit a consultant to conduct a study to investigate the possibility of a railroad quiet zone within City limits.
DISCUSSION
Under the Code of Federal Regulation 49 CFR Part 222, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires all train engineers to utilize their locomotive horns at road crossings, when workers are present or near the tracks, and at any time it deem necessary. With both Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway traversing through the City, at times the amount of noise can be excessive. For this reason, the Council expressed an interest in establishing a railroad quiet zone within City limits.
Staff prepared a statement of qualification (SOQ) to solicit proposals for Professional Service for Railroad Quiet Zone Feasibility Study and Establishment. The scope of work was broken down into two (2) phases. The first phase was to conduct preliminary investigation/risk index update and review, coordinate with governing entities and conduct diagnostic meeting, and form a quiet zone cost calculation analysis. The second phase of the project was to establish the quiet zone.
On April 20, 2018, Staff received two (2) proposals with a cost proposal in a separate sealed envelope. The proposals were submitted by CTC, Inc. based in Fort Worth, Texas, with a local office in Los Angeles, California; and RRM Design Group from San Luis Obispo, California.
On May 10, 2018, Engineering and Development Services Staff met to discuss the two proposals. Based on the meeting, it was determined that the proposal from CTC, Inc. was most qualified for the project. Once a consultant was selected, the cost proposals from CTC, Inc. and RRM Design Group were opened. The cost proposal from CTC, Inc. listed $160,342 whereas RRC Design Group proposed $650,640.
At this time, Staff is requesting further direction from City Council.
HISTORY AND PAST ACTIONS
Council has stated that this is one of Council’s high priority projects.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No budget appropriation is needed at this time since staff is asking for Council’s direction on how to proceed with this project. However, there is $60,000 appropriated in FY17/18 budget for this project. If Council’s direction is to proceed with this project, additional appropriation will be needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. CTC, Inc. Fee Proposal
2. RRM Design Group Fee Proposal