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8.G.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
Meeting Date:
02/17/2026
From:
Alec Latino, Engineering Project Manager

TITLE:

Consideration and Approval of Contract: Approve a Task Order to an On-Call Professional Services Contract with The WLB Group, Inc. for the Highland Mesa FUTS Project.
 

STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:

  1. Approve a Task Order to an On-Call Professional Services Contract with The WLB Group, Inc. in the amount of $129,040 for the Highland Mesa FUTS Project and a contract duration of 365 calendar days; and
  2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Executive Summary:

Through a Contract for On-Call Professional Services approved by the City Council and dated September 19, 2022, The WLB Group, Inc. ("WLB Group") became an On-Call Professional Services provider for Engineering Services ("On-Call Contract"). The process for utilizing the engineering services of providers, such as WLB Group, includes preparing a Task Order which defines the scope of work and price for the engineering services. 

Here, staff had a need for engineering services on the Highland Mesa FUTS Trail and sought to utilize the September 19, 2022 On-Call Contract with WLB Group. The Highland Mesa FUTS Trail design work will accommodate the engineering design of approximately 1,700 linear feet of trail. The proposed trail is anticipated to be asphalt and/or concrete. The site conditions and topography will also require our design team to coordinate traffic analyses as well as coordinate any structural retaining walls that will be needed to accommodate the trail. The engineering design work will also investigate geotechnical conditions and provide engineering design recommendations. WLB Group will also help identify any easements required to construct the trail. The project is needed to coordinate access to the Highland Mesa Park currently under design.

Staff followed the procedural requirements and completed the necessary Task Order documentation which was presented to the Change Order Committee on January 8, 2026. The Change Order Committee reviewed and approved the Task Order and it is now before the City Council for further approval.  

Financial Impact:

This project was not budgeted as part of the FY2025-26 budget. The budget appropriation from the FY26 Lockett Fourth Roundabout has been reallocated to this project in the amount of $150,000 in FY2025-26. This budget appropriation reallocation will not have any impact on the timing of either project. This project will be funded by the Roadway Pedestrian Bicycle Safety Improvements, Bicycle Pedestrian Projects, and Flagstaff Urban Trail System Funds for FY26 and FY27. The design budget accommodates conceptual design to final plans, traffic analysis, geotechnical investigation, stormwater analysis, structural design for retaining walls, and will identify any needed easements.

Policy Impact:

No impact.
 

Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:

On July 5, 2022, the City Council approved numerous On-Call Professional Services Contracts, including an engineering services contract with The WLB Group, Inc.

Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:

  1. Approve the Task Order to the On-Call Professional Services Contract as recommended. Approval will allow work on the project to move forward.
  2. Reject request for the design contract. This action would delay the project.
    1. If rejection occurs, possible options include:
      1. Suspend or cancel the project.

Background and History:

During the design of the Highland Mesa Park, it was identified that an existing FUTS would need to be rerouted to accommodate the future park. WLB Group is the engineering firm working with PROSE on the design of the park. WLB Group was selected from the City’s on-call engineering firm list to help coordinate design of the relocated FUTS with the park.

Community Benefits and Considerations:
The Highland Mesa FUTS will provide pedestrian access from the end of Highland Dr. to S. Highland Mesa Rd. This piece of trail will act as a critical connection for multi-use, non-motorized users. The trail will allow easy access for residents living in the area to businesses located on S. Woodlands Village Blvd. as well as provide better connectivity to Northern Arizona University. This trail will also provide access to the proposed Highland Mesa Park.  

The Change Order Committee (COC) is tasked with reviewing and approving the use of On-Call task orders over $100K. The COC reviews these task orders in order to confirm they are in scope with the On-Call program and to monitor the On-Call expenditure cap for that discipline. This Task Order has been reviewed and approved by the COC, it is within scope and within the expenditure cap. 

Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:

Livable Community — Provides amenities and activities that support a healthy lifestyle.
  • FUTS trails are an amenity that supports a healthy lifestyle by making active transportation safe and more accessible. 
Sustainable and Innovative Infrastructure — Provide, manage, and maintain effective infrastructure for multimodal and active transportation.
  • This project will provide new infrastructure for multimodal and active transportation. 
Safe and Healthy Community — Promote physical and mental well-being through providing recreational opportunities, parks, open space, and active transportation options. 
  • This project will promote physical and mental well-being for community members by providing safe, active transportation routes. 

Connection to Regional Plan:

Regional Plan Goal || Open Space
  • Use open space as opportunities for non-motorized connectivity, to interact with nature, and to enjoy the views and quiet. (OS.I.4)

Regional Plan Goal || Downtown Area
  • Provide multiple routes and pathways for pedestrian movement (LU.I2.7)
  • As defined in the FUTS Master Plan, includes trail access points and bicycle facilities (LU.I2.9)

Regional Plan Goal || Suburban Area
  • Prioritize connectivity for walking, biking, and driving within and between surrounding neighborhoods. (LU.I3.I)
  • Use open space and FUTS trails to provide walking and biking links from residential uses to employment, shopping, schools, parks, and neighbor woods (LU.I3.9)

Regional Plan Goal || Environmental Planning & Conservation
  • Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (E&C.2)

Regional Plan Goal || Community Character
  • Reflect and respect the region’s natural setting and dramatic views in the built environment (CC.1)

Regional Plan Goal || Transportation
  • Improve mobility and access throughout the region. (T.1)
  • Improve transportation safety and efficiency for all modes. (T.2)
  • Increase the availability and use of pedestrian infrastructure, including FUTS, as a critical element of a safe and livable community. (T.5)
  • Provide for bicycling as a safe and efficient means of transportation and recreation. (T.6)

Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:

The proposed FUTS design, once constructed, will help our community be less car dependent. Constructing new trails will encourage Flagstaff residents, as well as visitors, to walk or choose other forms of active transportation. The construction of trails also makes it easier for the community to access public transit. 

Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:

N/A

Connection to Division Specific Plan:

 The Highland Mesa FUTS is shown as a future path in the Active Master Transportation Plan (ATMP) adopted by the City Council. 

Attachments