Council approves architecture and engineering contract for Lindsay Transit Center

The Lindsay City Council approved an award of architectural and engineering services for the Lindsay Transit Center and authorized staff to finalize a contract with firm QK for design tasks.

Staff told the council the RFQ process produced four responsive proposals; an evaluation committee rated QK highest and negotiations produced a $790,690 fee for tasks covering topographical survey, civil and architectural plans, utility design, and landscaping/irrigation. The council approved moving forward with tasks 1–4 in the negotiated contract and directed staff to finalize terms for construction-phase tasks (construction staking and management) later when 60–90% plans are available.

Nut graf: The project site at 240 North Mount Vernon is part of a regional plan to create a transportation hub and possible future rail integration. Project design work will be funded with Measure R allocations administered by the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG); staff said no general-fund dollars are expected to be required. Staff also said the city has secured a state transit grant providing roughly $6.5 million for construction, which combined with Measure R resources yields approximately $8.2 million in available construction funding.

The contract award follows an advertised RFQ process with multiple addenda; staff described the decision to defer final pricing for construction-phase services until later design milestones, when scope and quantities are better defined. Councilmembers expressed support for advancing design work so the city can move toward construction when final funding and permits align.

Ending: With council approval to proceed on tasks 1–4, staff will finalize the contract with QK and return with task orders and any required supplemental agreements to secure Measure R funds and state grant reimbursements as the design progresses.