Submitted By: Tye Chighizola
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Presentation By: Tye Chighizola
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve a professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for the provision of design services for SunTran transit facility site and building improvements in the amount of $368,247
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Low or No Emissions Grant Program is a federally funded initiative to modernize public transit infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation. On July 2, 2024, City Council accepted and appropriated a $16,166,822 Low or No Emissions Grant Award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to upgrade the SunTran transit system to support the integration of electric-powered vehicles. The grant includes a $4,041,706 match funded through toll revenue credits provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). A local match is not required for this grant.
The Center of Transportation and Environment (CTE) and Kimley-Horn and Associates (Kimley-Horn) were identified as Project Partners by the City of Ocala under the Low or No Emissions Grant application process. CTE will serve as the project management/modeling/training consultant, and Kimley-Horn will provide all design and engineering services required for the project. The City Council approved the formal award of the Professional Services Agreement to CTE agreement on June 18, 2024.
As part of the City of Ocala’s Low or No Emissions Project (the “Project”), the SunTran facility at the City complex will be upgraded to support the accommodation of electric-powered transit vehicles. The improvements include expanding the existing single-story maintenance building by 4,410 square feet to include two new bus bays, adding six charging stations for Gillig 35-foot buses, twelve charging stations for Ford E-350 vehicles, adding new canopies to cover the charging stations, and upgrading the parking.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The Project’s primary goal is to prepare the SunTran transit system for electric-powered vehicles in order to ensure operational efficiency while reducing emissions. The City is prepared to meet federal emission reduction goals by equipping SunTran with electric vehicle support infrastructure.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The funding for the proposed nine Kimley-Horn and Associates agreement totals $368,247. Exhibit B of the agreement includes a complete breakdown of each item. The $368,247 is part of the $16,166,822 Low/ No Emission Grant and resides in account 494-060-458-544-54-31010.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City's Procurement Policy and federal competitive procurement requirements under 49 U.S.C. 5325(a).
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with changes
• Table
• Deny