AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
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A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH SEXTON ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, INC. AS AN EXPERT ENGINEERING CONSULTANT IN RELATION TO FLORIDA’S TURNPIKE EXPANSION.
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BACKGROUND:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proposing to widen Florida’s Turnpike from six (6) lanes to ten (10) lanes in the vicinity between West Atlantic Boulevard and Wiles Road. This section of the turnpike directly abuts several residential communities, and this expansion would negatively affect Coconut Creek’s residents. Staff determined the need to hire an Engineering Consultant to help analyze the engineering documents associated with the Project Development & Environment (PD&E) study in order to provide expert testimony.
DISCUSSION:
The search for an Engineering Consultant was exhaustive due to the lack of expertise in project development, environmental studies, the NEPA process, and due to conflicts of interest.
City staff reviewed several Engineering firms starting with the ten (10) firms on the City’s Consultant list procured through RFQ No. 11-19-14-10. Most did not have the combined required expertise and ability to represent the City’s interest in a controversial issue. The companies on the list are known to have existing contracts with FDOT, which constitutes a conflict of interest.
Staff then proceeded to contact two (2) additional companies found on the internet or referred, including Rhon Ernest Jones Group and Sexton Engineering Associates. Rhon Ernest Jones declined due to the lack of expertise. He referred us to Sexton Engineering Associates as the only firm he was aware of with the expertise to do the work.
Sexton Engineering is a Florida-based consulting firm that provides professional engineering and analysis services. Sexton Engineering has extensive experience in project development, environmental studies, and the NEPA process; has worked with governmental entities; and has no conflict of interest. Furthermore, Michael Sexton, owner of Sexton Engineering Associates, is qualified as an expert witness in these matters, specific to the South Florida region, including Broward County.
On October 5, 2017, staff proceeded with a sole-source agreement with Sexton Engineering as the only available candidate with the required expertise to complete the project within the timeframe required by the City in an amount not to exceed $24,000. Florida’s Turnpike expansion has been postponed to further evaluate other options, but in light of the critical nature of the issue and the potential to need ongoing services, staff desires to enter into an hourly contract to provide services, as needed. The attached Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement provides for an authorization to spend up to $60,000 for professional engineering services.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this Resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT:
REVENUES: $ 0
EXPENDITURES: $ 60,000
BUDGETED? No
NOTES: Funds are available from Account No. 6151-3135, General Trust Planning Professional Services.