Staff recommends that City Council approve the Professional Services Contract with KLJ Engineering for WO 26-21 - Wicks Lane - Hawthorne to Bitterroot, in the amount of $358,567.
 

The City proposes reconstructing approximately 2,600 feet of Wicks Lane, from Hawthorne Lane to Bitterroot Drive, to arterial complete street standards. The project will include roadway reconstruction, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, intersection improvements, stormwater infrastructure, and replacement of aging water mains and services in coordination with the County Water District of Billings Heights (CWDBH). These improvements will enhance roadway conditions, traffic operations, pedestrian connectivity, and safety for all users.

Staff solicited proposals from 15 prequalified engineering firms and received six responses. Following evaluation of the proposals, KLJ Engineering was selected based on its qualifications, project approach, and relevant experience.

The approved FY27 Capital Improvement Plan includes $380,000 for the project, funded through Stormwater Funds, Gas Tax Funds, and Sidewalk and Curb District Bonds supported by property owner assessments. Sufficient funding is available for the contract.
Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to execute the professional services agreement with KLJ Engineering for preliminary evaluation, design, and bidding services.

This project involves the reconstruction of Wicks Lane from Hawthorne Lane to Bitterroot Drive to arterial complete street standards, as identified in the FY27 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).  This project represents the second phase of a two-phase corridor improvement effort, with the first phase, extending from Bench Boulevard to Hawthorne Lane, completed in 2021.

The proposed improvements include asphalt reconstruction, curb and gutter, sidewalks, bike lanes, and appropriate traffic calming measures.  The intersections of Wicks Lane with Hawthorne Lane and Bitterroot Drive will be reconstructed based on traffic and safety evaluations. Stormwater improvements will include the installation of additional storm drain inlets and connections to adjacent stormwater mains. The existing sanitary sewer infrastructure is in adequate condition with no known maintenance concerns; therefore, sanitary sewer rehabilitation is not anticipated. In coordination with the County Water District of Billings Heights (CWDBH), the project will also include replacement of aging water mains and services.  CWDBH will be responsible for funding the work associated with the water main replacement. 

Wicks Lane and Bitterroot Drive are designated as Principal Arterials, while Hawthorne Lane is classified as a Collector. Both intersections are along suggested walking routes identified in the City’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plans. The SRTS plans specifically recommend pedestrian crossing improvements at the Wicks Lane /Bitterroot Drive intersection and enhanced sidewalk connectivity throughout the area. The proposed reconstruction will address these recommendations while improving roadway conditions, traffic operations, and safety for motorists, pedestrians, and other multi-modal traffic.

Project design and construction will require coordination with CWDBH, the Billings Bench Water Association (BBWA), and adjacent property owners. The BBWA irrigation ditch located near the northwest corner of the Wicks Lane/Hawthorne Lane intersection may be impacted by the proposed improvements and could require realignment. Properties along the corridor consist primarily of established residential lots, with several commercial properties and a church. Design and construction activities will need to accommodate existing property access and minimize disruptions to residents and businesses. Additionally, property owner assessments will be incorporated into the project in accordance with City Code Article 13-1200, requiring coordination and communication with affected property owners throughout project development.

Staff recommends Council authorize the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with KLJ Engineering for preliminary evaluation, design, and bidding services.  The City requested proposals for professional engineering services from 15 pre-qualified firms identified through Public Works' established Statement of Qualifications process.  Proposals were received from Cushing Terrell, IMEG, KLJ Engineering, Performance Engineering, Sanbell, and Stahly Engineering.  Proposals were evaluated based on project team qualifications and availability, proposed project approach, and relevant firm experience. KLJ Engineering was selected based on its qualifications and demonstrated experience with traffic analysis, roadway reconstruction, stormwater infrastructure, and utility rehabilitation and replacement. Staff determined that KLJ Engineering is well qualified to provide the professional services necessary to successfully advance the project through design and bidding.

The approved FY27 Capital Improvement Plan includes $380,000 for this project, funded through a combination of Stormwater Funds, Gas Tax Funds, and Sidewalk and Curb District Bonds supported by property owner assessments. Sufficient funding is available within the approved budget to award the professional services contract.

The City Council may:

• Approve award of a Professional Services Contract to KLJ Engineering for $358,567; or
• Not approve a contract with KLJ Engineering. If this agreement is not approved, the proposed work will be delayed in design and installation.