COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

October 18, 2006

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 14, 2006

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Adoption of the Standard Plans and Specifications of the State of California, Department of Transportation, as the Standard Plans and Specifications for the County of San Mateo

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution approving the Standard Plans and Specifications of the State of California, dated May 2006, as the Standard Plans and Specifications for the County of San Mateo.

 

Vision Alignment

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety of all.

Goal(s): Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors.

 

Adopting the State’s Standard Plans and Specifications (Standard Plans) will expedite County projects that are financed in part with federal or state funds and which are subject to the approval of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

 

Background

 

Previous Board Action

Adopted the State’s Standard Plans, dated July 2002, as the Standard Plans and Specifications for the County of San Mateo.

 

Adopted previous versions of the Standard Plans in prior years.

 

History

The Department of Public Works has recommended and your Board has approved the use of State Standard Plans as these standards are used statewide, and contractors and suppliers of construction material or equipment are familiar with these standards. CalTrans periodically updates these standards, and published new revised standards dated May 2006.

 

Discussion

Your Board adopting the May 2006 Standard Plans and Specifications will:

 
 

Ø

provide the Department with updated plans and specifications;

 
 

Ø

allow us to meet the State’s requirements for plans and specifications for projects that have to be approved by the State; and

 
 

Ø

allow us to reference Standard Plans instead of having to include them verbatim in our contract documents.

 

A resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

 

Fiscal Impact

There will be a cost savings to the Department as the size of plans and specifications for an individual project can be reduced by referencing the Standard Plans. We estimate that approximately $100 to $1,000 in staff time and in printing costs is saved per project by using Standard Plans.

 

There is no impact to the General Fund.