A9

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: June 21, 1999
Author/Local: Doug Smith/7320
CC File No. 1375

RTS: 761
Council: July 6, 1999

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Consultant Services - Clark Drive & First Avenue

RECOMMENDATION

A. THAT SNC-Lavalin be hired to carry out the work detailed in this report at a total cost of $90,000, with funding provided from Streets Capital Account 10004154.

B. THAT the Director of Legal Services execute the required Professional Services Agreement on behalf of the City.

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Engineering Services RECOMMENDS approval of A and B.

COUNCIL POLICY

The appointment of consultants whose fee will exceed $30,000 must be authorized by City Council.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to engage SNC-Lavalin to provide engineering services related to the design and construction of three retaining walls and modifications to the First Avenue Viaduct's east abutment. This work is required to accommodate left turn bays on Clark Drive at First Avenue. The work will include: geotechnical investigation, preliminary design, cost estimates, detailed design, tender analysis, construction administration, and construction inspection.

BACKGROUND

On February 27, 1996, the Vancouver Traffic Commission approved the design of left turn bays on Clark Drive at 1st Avenue. The provision of a northbound and southbound left turn bay was found to be necessary due to the rezoning of 900 Terminal Avenue for a new Home Depot centre, and to reduce the high incidence of accidents at the Clark Drive and First Avenue intersection. After consultation with residents and owners of the immediate area, Council approved the construction of the left turn bays on March 14, 1996. Property acquisition has been ongoing since then.

To accommodate the left turn bays, Clark Drive must be widened at First Avenue. On the west side of Clark Drive, the property slopes dramatically and three large retaining walls must be constructed to allow for the widening. Also, modifications to the east abutment of the First Avenue Viaduct are required to align it with the new walls and curb line.

PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

Proposals for structural engineering services for the design, construction administration and inspection of the retaining walls and modifications to the First Avenue Viaduct's east abutment were requested from three consultants on the rotating list of consultants maintained by Engineering Services. Two companies provided proposals and one company was unable to respond. The proposals indicate that both consultants have good general experience and would be able to perform the work.

The General Manager of Engineering Services recommends that SNC-Lavalin Inc. be awarded the work based on their submission which provides the best value to the City. SNC-Lavalin Inc. is a Vancouver based engineering consulting firm and has demonstrated a high level of work in this field both locally and internationally. Their previous experience with the design and supervision of large retaining structures and bridges make them an ideal candidate for this work. The consultant's appointment will be subject to a Professional Services Agreement satisfactory to the General Manager of Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services.

FUNDING

Based on the man-hours and fees estimated by SNC-Lavalin Inc., the consulting services for the work will require funding of $90,000, including GST, a contingency and City overhead. This is considered reasonable for this work. Funds are available in Streets Basic Capital Account Number 10004154.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver