Title
Recommendation to Accept the Work of McGuire and Hester for Cross Alameda Trail - Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, No. P.W. 05-16-11. (Recreation and Parks 280)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Elizabeth D. Warmerdam, Acting City Manager
Re: Recommendation to Accept the Work of McGuire and Hester for Cross Alameda Trail - Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, No. P.W. 05-16-11
BACKGROUND
Jean Sweeney Open Space Park (Sweeney Park) is a new, 27-acre community park located in the central west area of the island. This site is the former Alameda Beltline Railroad property that was secured by the City of Alameda at its original purchase price due to the advocacy efforts of long-time resident Jean Sweeney. The property is bounded by Constitution Way, Atlantic Avenue, and Sherman Street.
The Cross Alameda Trail is a wide, lighted and paved trail that is 21 feet wide and 3,600 feet long with dedicated bike lanes in each direction, a pedestrian lane, and a jogging path made of decomposed granite for a softer surface. It will connect with the Cross Alameda Trail along Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway to the west and along Clement Avenue to the east. The Cross Alameda Trail Feasibility Study, adopted in 2005, laid the groundwork for a 4-mile long bicycle and pedestrian trail that will cross the entire island from Main Street to Broadway and provide a safe and convenient route for bicyclists and pedestrians between Alameda’s residential neighborhoods and transit access points.
On June 20, 2017, the City Council awarded a contract to McGuire and Hester for construction of the Cross Alameda Trail through Sweeney Park. This construction was funded primarily from the Active Transportation Program grant, administered by Caltrans.
DISCUSSION
The Cross Alameda Trail through Sweeney Park project was complete in accordance with the plans and specifications, and is acceptable to the Recreation and Parks Department and Public Works Department. The final cost for this construction contract, including all extra work orders, is $2,947,108.65.
This notice of completion is necessary because it removes the contractor’s liability for the job site now that their work is done.
By late Fall 2018, the current park construction project on the east end along Sherman Street will be completed. Until then, it is considered an active construction zone that encompasses both sides of the trail and it is not safe for residents to use. As a result, the Cross Alameda Trail through Sweeney Park will not open until Fall 2018 when the entire park is opened to the public. This will include the Cross Alameda Trail running the length of the park as well as approximately 8-acres of completed park amenities on the east side including a playground, parking lot, restroom, open lawn area plus large and small picnic areas. At that time, the remainder of the park will be open in its natural state which will be maintained for safety by keeping bushes and trees trimmed and basic lighting.
When future phases of the park are built, the trail will remain open as an “existing condition” that is known in advance to the selected contractor, similar to working around a street.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The construction contract was completed in the amount of $2,947,108.65. The project was budgeted in the Recreation and Parks Department Capital Improvement Project Fund (Project No. 91614) and was funded with monies allocated from the Active Transportation Program grant, Open Space fund, Measure B, General Fund, Recreation Fund and Development Impact Fees.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is Categorically Exempt under the CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) - Existing Facilities and 15304(b) - Minor Alterations to Land and 15304(h). In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, this project is a Categorical Exclusion under 23 Code of Federal Regulations 771.117(c): activity (c)(3) - Construction of bicycle and pedestrian lanes, paths and facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the work of McGuire and Hester for Cross Alameda Trail - Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, No. P.W. 05-16-11.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Edwin Gato, Acting Finance Director