The Cathedral City Council unanimously approved contracts Dec. 10 to install two High-Intensity Activated crosswalk (HAWK) systems, LED luminaires and related safety improvements at two city locations, funding the work largely with Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11B grant dollars.

Project and funding: City engineering staff said the two HAWK installations will be at 30th Avenue and Avenida La Paz (adjacent to Landau Elementary School) and at Cathedral Canyon Drive and Ortega Road. The project includes flashing beacons, high-visibility pavement markings, advanced-warning signage and LED lighting. City staff reported the construction budget — including a 15% contingency — totals approximately $1,041,900, with the HSIP grant covering 90% of eligible costs.

Procurement: Staff described a two-part procurement: award of a professional engineering services agreement to Specs Engineering Group (highest-ranked proposer) for construction engineering and recommendation to award the construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, which submitted the lowest responsive bid. Andrew Lee (engineering) presented the recommendation and noted the project had been programmed in the city's CIP.

Council action: Councilmember Lamb moved to award the HSIP Cycle 11B signalized pedestrian-crossing upgrades as presented; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous vote.

Next steps: The council authorized the city manager to execute contract documents, the city engineer to obtain required bonds and insurance, and staff to issue a notice to proceed. Construction will proceed following contract execution and state-funding authorizations.