Title
Community Development Agency, Transportation Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the First Amendment to Agreement 413-S1511 with North State Resources increasing compensation by $156,228 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $242,870, to provide a Phase II Cultural Resources Evaluation Study for the Hanks Exchange at Squaw Hollow Creek - Bridge Replacement Project, CIP 77135, PW 15-54149.
FUNDING: Highway Bridge Program. (Federal Funds)
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Community Development Agency, Transportation Division (Transportation), recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the First Amendment (Amendment) to Agreement No. 413-S1511 (Agreement) with North State Resources (NSR) increasing compensation by $156,228.32 for a new not-to-exceed amount of $242,870.44, to provide a Phase II Cultural Resources Evaluation Study for the Hanks Exchange at Squaw Hollow Creek - Bridge Replacement Project (Project), CIP No. 77135, PW No. 15-54149.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On May 12, 2015 (Item No. 23), the Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the Agreement with NSR to provide environmental services for the Project with a not-to-exceed amount of $84,642.12.
This Amendment is necessary because the Extended Phase I investigation resulted in the discovery of a possible cultural site. Further studies are required to ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. A Phase II Cultural Resources Evaluation Study is conducted when an archaeological survey or Extended Phase I investigation results in the discovery of archaeological deposits that may potentially be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). In order to determine if the identified deposit is eligible for NRHP listing, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) requires excavations beyond those conducted under the Extended Phase I requirements. Features and artifacts noted and/or recovered by the excavations must be recorded, analyzed, and documented in an Archaeological Evaluation Report for Caltrans review. NSR will coordinate with Transportation and Caltrans to complete the additional cultural investigations and documentation as necessary to evaluate the cultural resources and comply with Caltrans environmental guidelines and consultation guidelines required under the NRHP.
The proposed Amendment includes approximately $50,000 to perform the Phase II work. The proposed Amendment also includes approximately $106,000 to perform work that could be required based on the results of the evaluation described above. For example, if the results of the evaluation indicate that the archaeological deposits constitute a “historic property” (a cultural resource listed or recommended eligible for listing on the NRHP) and this deposit cannot be avoided through Project redesign, extensive recordation efforts may be necessary. Additional documentation and coordination with Caltrans, the County, and Native American tribes could also be needed, depending on the evaluation results.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to cancel the Project. However, the Board approved the Project previously and the County might have to refund monies already spent to the Highway Bridge Program.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The proposed Amendment has been approved by County Counsel and Risk Management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office concurs with staff's recommendations.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding for the Agreement will be provided by the Highway Bridge Program. The Project is included in Transportation's 2015 CIP which was adopted by the Board on June 16, 2015 (Item No. 40). There is adequate capacity in the Project's planning and environmental budget to fund the proposed Amendment; therefore a budget transfer will not be required.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Board Chair's signature on two (2) copies of the proposed First Amendment.
2) The Clerk of the Board will return one (1) of the signed copies of the First Amendment to Sandra Ewert, Community Development Agency, Administration and Finance Division, Contracts and Procurement Unit for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
John Kahling
Deputy Director, Engineering
Community Development Agency, Transportation Division