Heritage Trail Extension ProjCITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
April 13, 2000
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT:
Consultant Recommendation for Heritage Trail Extension Project
The City solicited proposals to provide engineering and construction services for the
Heritage Trail Extension Project, Seven firms responded and four were selected to
be interviewed by the selection committee,
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending the selection of
Veenstra and Kimm, Inc,
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
M'ichael C, Van Milligen
Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Tim Moerman, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
MCVM/dd
Attachment
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
MEMORANDUM
April 10,2000
TO:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM:
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager ~
SUBJECT:
Consultant Recommendation for Heritage Trail Extension Project
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memo is to request the City Council select a consultant for the Heritage
Trail Extension Project and authorize negotiation of a contract with that consultant. This
project involves the construction of multi-use bicycle/pedestrian facilities on city streets, levee
system and public right-of-way as part of a riverfront trail system. The 10,6 mile trail system
will extend from 22Od Street to the Mines of Spain. The consultant will provide engineering
and construction management services for the physically-separated (Class I) sections of the
trail system, and for the installation of pedestrian walkways where absent along the signed
and striped bike routes of the trail system. City staff will design and construct the striped
(Class II) and signed (Class III) portions of the trail.
BACKGROUND
City staff solicited proposals from thirty three qualified consulting firms to provide engineering
and construction management services for this project. Seven firms responded to the
Request for Proposal (RFP),
The City has received an Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)
Transportation Enhancements grant for this project from the Iowa Department of
Transportation (lOOT), The total cost for this project was estimated at $461 ,087. The budget
for the Class I trails and pedestrian walkways was estimated at $365,058. The budget for the
Class II and Class III routes was estimated at $96,029. The budgeted amount for engineering
and construction management services was estimated at $48,000 for this project. Maps and
descriptions showing the project locations are attached.
The City was prohibited from requesting fees or cost estimates from prospective consultants
as part of the RFP because of the ISTEA funding for this project. The City must rank the
proposed consultants based on the above criteria and enter into contract negotiations to
develop the detailed scope of services and the corresponding fees, If a contract can not be
successfully negotiated with the first ranked consultant, the City then proceeds to
negotiations with the second ranked firm.
Memo to Michael C, Van Milligen
April 10,2000
Page 2
CONSULTANT SELECTION PROCESS
A proposal review committee composed of Mike Felderman, Civil Engineer; John Hail, Park
Division Manager; Kathy Sturm, Purchasing Coordinator; Lisa Sesterhenn, Assistant Planner;
and myself reviewed the proposals received for this project, Proposals were received from
seven consulting firms: WHKS and Co., IIW Engineers and Surveyors, P,C., Veenstra &
Kimm, Inc., Raymond-Beling, Inc" Buesing and Associates Inc., Missman, Stanley &
Associates, P,C. and The Schemmer Associates.
On March 16, 2000, the review committee met to evaluate the seven responses. After tallying
the results of the evaluation form and discussing the responses, the review committee short-
listed four firms to interview, Letters were sent to the short-listed firms, as well as the three
not selected, informing them of the committee's decision, The four short-listed firms were
interviewed by the review committee on March 21, 2000, The review committee then
evaluated all seven firms based on their RFP responses, interviews, references, and any
other information known about the firms, The review committee used a rating scale of
Superior (highest) to Less than Satisfactory (lowest) to complete the analysis of the firms.
The results of the selection analysis are attached. The review committee ranked the
consulting firms as follows:
1.
2,
3.
4,
Veenstra & Kimm, Inc,
WHKS & Co,
IIW Engineers and Surveyors, P.C,
Raymond-Beling, Inc,
The committee evaluated the proposals and interviews using the following factors:
a)
Local economic impact - proximity of firm(s) to Dubuque, ability to incorporate local
firms.
Project design team qualifications and experience of the principal consulting staff.
proposed to work on the project, variety in application of various disciplines within the
team and availability and qualifications of the subcontracting staff.
Grasp of project requirements - the firms analysis, preparation and level of interest.
Design approach/methodology in completing the scope of services - technology
alternatives, creativity, and problem solving ability.
Responsiveness - compatibility between consultants and the City of Dubuque,
general attitude and ability to communicate,
Qualifications and experience of the firm, reference checks, achievements and
completion of similar projects within the past five years,
Schedule evaluation - time required to complete the project, ability to deliver the
products in a timely manner.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of at least ten percent (10%).
Experience of the firm with ISTEA-funded trails,
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h,)
I.)
Memo to Michael C. Van Milligen
April 10, 2000
Page 3
RECOMMENDATION
The proposal review committee recommends that City staff proceed with contract
negotiations with the consulting team from Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. for engineering and
construction management services for the Class I (physically separated) and pedestrian
walkways portions of the Heritage Trail Extension Project. Although specific fee amounts
were prohibited from the RFP process, the budgeted amount for engineering and
construction management services was estimated to be $48,000 for this project. Veenstra &
Kimm's project team is drawn from their Moline, Illinois and Coralville, Iowa offices,
Veenstra & Kimm, Inc, is the recommended choice of the review committee because of the
following factors:
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
e,)
f.)
Veenstra and Kimm's project team was the only team evaluated which consisted of
individuals who have worked on ISTEA-funded trail projects and have taken the
projects from design through construction following the Iowa Department of
Transportation regulations for ISTEA-funded trails,
The project manager has direct experience with trails along the Mississippi River, trails
with constrained right of ways, and trails that involve railroad crossings. He was the
project manager for two portions of the Illinois Great River Trail and the Davenport
Riverfront Bike Path,
Veenstra and Kimm was ranked as Superior in six out of seven of the categories
designated as Very Important by the review committee, The second ranked firm,
WHKS, received a Superior ranking in two out of the seven categories.
The project manager and project engineer are both senior engineers with Veenstra
and Kimm.
Reference checks for Veenstra and Kimm were very positive.
The lOOT has concurred in the consultant selection ranking.
The review committee strongly felt that the project team's experience with ISTEA-funded trail
projects is crucial to the success of the Heritage Trail Extension Project. This type of funding
requires that the City follow strict, detailed processes throughout this project and work
closely with the lOOT and other state and federal agencies. For example, there are 32 steps
in the consultant selection process that must be followed for ISTEA-funded projects. In
addition, because of the funding, the bid letting for this project is through the lOOT and the
lOOT's critical path deadlines must be followed in order for the project to be let on May 15,
2001.
ACTION STEP
The requested action step is for the City Council to concur with the selection of Veenstra &
Kimm, Inc., and to authorize City staff to negotiate a contract, in accordance with City and
lOOT standards, with Veenstra & Kimm, Inc, for engineering and construction management
services for the Heritage Trail Extension Project.
Attachments
Ratin2 Key:
Superior (highest)
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
Less than Satisfactory (lowest)
Heritage Trail Extension Consultant Selection Analysis
AbilitY to devote the necessary staff to the project. I Good I Very Very Good Good Less than I Superior I Superior
Good Satisfactory
Qualifications and experience ofthe project team assigned to the project. I Satisfactory I Very Very Good Good Less than I Superior I Very Good
Good Satisfactory
Design approach /methodology in completing the scope of services - Satisfactory Very Very Good Good Less than I Superior I Very Good
technology alternatives, creativitY, and problem solving abilitY, Good Satisfactory
Experience of project team in managing projects of similar magnitude Satisfactory Good Very Good Good Less than I Superior I Very Good
fiom design through construction/inspection management. Satisfactory
Grasp of project requirements. the fmn's analysis, preparation and level Satisfactory Very Good Good Less than I Superior I Very Good
of interest. Good Satisfactory
Local economic impact. proximitY offmn(s) to Dubuque, abilitY to Superior Superior Satisfactory Very Good Satisfactory I Satisfactory I Superior
incorporate local finns.
Experience of the firm with lSTEA.fimded trails I Less than I Good I Good I Very Good I Satisfactory I Superior I Good
Satisfactory
VarietY and application of various disciplines with the project team. Very Satisfactory Good Less than Very Good
Good Satisfactory
Responsiveness -- compatibilitY between consultants and the CitY of Good Very Satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory I Superior I Very Good
Dubuque, general attitude and abilitY to communicate. Good
DBE Target - effort and success in achieving the 10% target. Superior Superior Superior
Satisfactory Very Superior
Good
City of Dubuque
Heritage Trail Extension Project
Definition of Trail Classes and Routes
The Heritage Trail Extension Project involves the development of3 main types of trails:
. Class I: Physically Separated Path
. Class II: Striped Lane or Paved Shoulder
. Class III: Signs Only
The purpose of this document is to define the specific routes for each category by listing the
beginning and ending points for each trail segment.
Attached is a map of the Dubuque Heritage Trail Project. It is intended to be used as a
supplement to the tables shown in this document.
Trail Sel!ment
Bel!inninl! & Endinl! Points
Volunteer Drive
Harbor Street to Lock and Dam #11
16th Street
Kerper Blvd. to Admiral Sheehy Drive
Audubon Wildlife Overlook (Marsh Street) to Sycamore
Platted 15th Street
Star Brewery Easement
Platted Bell Street from 6th Street to Wall Street, platted Wall
Street from Bell Street to the Riverwalk, and Brewery
Easement from platted Wall Street to platted Commercial
Street
Power Company Easement
Grandview Avenue to Julien Dubuque Drive
Sidewalk Locations
In addition to the Class I trails, sidewalks will be needed on 16th Street from Admiral Sheehy
Drive to Marsh Street, Lincoln Avenue from Shiras Avenue to Hawthorne Street, one side of
Admiral Sheehv Drive. one side of Grevhound Park Road, and one side of Julien Dubuque Drive
from Mar Jo Quarry Road to the Mississippi River.
Page 1 of 3
City of Dubuque
Heritage Trail Extension Project
Definition of Trail Classes and Routes
Trail Sel!:ment
Peru Road
Bel!:inninl!: and Endinl!: Points
Shiras Avenue
425 feet south of the entrance to the Four Mounds Farm south
to the North End Neighborhood Trail
Lincoln Avenue to Eagle Point Drive
Lincoln Avenue
Shiras Avenue to Volunteer Drive
Harbor Street
Volunteer Drive to Shiras Avenue Extension
Admiral Sheehy Drive
Greyhound Park Road
16th Street to Miller Riverview Park
16th Street
Admiral Sheehy Drive to 16th Street
Kerper Blvd to platted Marsh Street
3,d Street
Main Street to Bell Street
Bell Street
3td Street to 6th Street
5th Street to Bell Street
6th Street
5th Street
6th Street to White Street
Southern Avenue
Railroad Avenue to Grandview Avenue
Grandview Avenue
Hwy 15l/61 Overpass
Mar Jo Hills Road
Julien Dubu ue Drive to Rockdale Road
Page 2 of 3
City of Dubuque
Heritage Trail Extension Project
Definition of Trail Classes and Routes
Trail Route
Peru Road
Four Mounds Center
Drive
Eagle Point Drive
Volunteer Drive
Lincoln Avenue
Kniest Street
Washington Street
15th Street
Main Street
Main Street
Iowa Street
9th Street
5th Street
Harrison Street
Railroad Street
Mt. Cannel Drive
Grandview Avenue
Julien Dubuque Drive
Mar Jo Qu
Road
Be!!innin!! and Endin!! Points
425 feet south of Four Mounds Fann entrance drive north to Four
Mounds Center entrance drive
Peru Road to Four Mounds Center
Shiras A venue to Eagle Point Park rear entrance
Lock and Dam # II to turnaround cul-de-sac at the end of Lock
and Dam road
Washington Street to Shiras Avenue
22nd Street to Lincoln Avenue
Lincoln Avenue to 15th Street
Sycamore Street to Main Street
15th Street to 9th Street
5th Street to Harrison Street
15th Street to 5th Street
Main Street to Iowa Street
Main Street to White Street
Main Street to Railroad Avenue
Harrison Street to Southern A venue
Railroad A venue to Grandview Avenue
Southern Avenue to the Hwy 151161 Bridge Overpass
Hwy 151161 Bridge Overpass to Mt. Cannel Drive
Grandview Avenue to Mississippi River
Julien Dubu ue Drive to Mines of S ain entrance drive
Page 3 of 3
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