The Engineering Department recommends approval of an expenditure in the amount of $135,500 for engineering professional design services from J. Volk Consulting, Inc., for the Douglass Sidewalk Improvements. This project includes construction of sidewalks in the Douglass community located east of U.S. 75, south of 14th Street, and bound between the DART line on the south and east side.

J. Volk Consulting, Inc. was deemed most qualified based on their Statement of Qualifications submission for RFQ No. 2019-0396-X.

The benefit of this project includes providing the community with safe pedestrian facilities to provide access to the local community center, parks, nearby downtown, and the DART station.

Not approving the expenditure would result in the continued absence of safe pedestrian facilities for residents navigating the community and to community amenities, and a continued reduction in the quality of life for local residents.

Funding for this item is available in the 2020-21 Street Improvements CIP.  Approval of professional services, in the amount of $135,500, will leave a balance of $129,000 for future project expenditures.

Approval of this item supports the City's Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor of Safe, Vibrant Neighborhoods.