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File #: 2025-5545   
Type: Consent Calendar Item
Body: City Council
On agenda: 12/16/2025
Title: Recommendation to Accept the Work of Ray's Electric for Streetlight Conduit Replacement - Fernside Boulevard Project, P.W. No. 06-23-18. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). (Public Works 310)

Title

 

Recommendation to Accept the Work of Ray’s Electric for Streetlight Conduit Replacement - Fernside Boulevard Project, P.W. No. 06-23-18. 

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities). (Public Works 310)

Body

 

To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

 

From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

On November 7, 2023, City Council awarded an agreement with Ray’s Electric in an Amount, including contingency, not to exceed $824,369 for the Streetlight Conduit Replacement - Fernside Boulevard Project.  The improvements made under the subject contract are complete and acceptable to staff.  Staff is now recommending that City Council accept the work.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Street, parking lot, and park pathway lighting has either above ground or underground electrical services to the light. Underground electric services are installed in a conduit that, depending on the material and the surrounding environment (roots, corrosive soils, groundwater, etc.), has an expected useful life before the conduit and wire must be replaced. Based upon the rate of failure of lighting service conduit, Public Works prepared a master plan to replace conduit when it reaches the end of its useful life, and ideally prior to failure. The master plan identifies annual project areas to replace service conduit based upon expected budget.

 

Fernside Boulevard between Tilden Way and High Street was identified as high priority conduit replacement to prevent streetlights from being out of service due to conduit failures. The project removed and replaced streetlight conduits, conductors, and streetlight pull boxes to ensure continuity of service.

 

DISCUSSION

 

On November 7, 2023, City Council awarded a contract in the amount of $824,369, including contingency, to Ray’s Electric for Streetlight Conduit Replacement - Fernside Boulevard Project, to remove and replace streetlight conduits, conductors, and streetlight pull boxes to ensure continuity of service.

 

The project was completed in accordance with the plans and specifications and is acceptable to the Public Works Department.  The final cost, including all change orders, is $742,426.

 

ALTERNATIVES

 

                     Accept the work of Ray’s Electric as presented by staff.

                     Do not accept the work and give staff alternate instructions.

 

FINANCIAL IMPACT

 

Street, Park, and Pathway Lighting is a recurring project in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP No. C16000) and any unspent funds from one budget cycle are available for the next identified project.  As a general benefit to the public, this ongoing project is funded with monies allocated from the General Fund and Construction Improvement Tax, appropriated with the two-year Capital Budget.

 

MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE

 

This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code. The streetlight conduit replacement project is consistent with Alameda Strategic Plan priorities to Enhance Community Safety and Services by maintaining well-lit roadways and investing in Transportation, Infrastructure, Economic Opportunities and Historic Resources by rehabilitating utilities.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

 

In accordance with CEQA, this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities).

 

CLIMATE IMPACT

 

City of Alameda staff expect that this project will have a positive climate impact through better-lit streets which make it safer and more convenient to ride a bicycle, use the bus, and walk and to reduce congestion and idling motor vehicles.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Accept the Work of Ray’s Electric, for Streetlight Conduit Replacement - Fernside Boulevard Project, P.W. No. 06-23-18.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Erin Smith, Public Works Director

 

By,

Scott Wikstrom, City Engineer

 

Financial Impact section reviewed,

Ross McCarthy, Finance Director