Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing Contract Amendment No. 2 for the professional services agreement with Freese and Nichols, for the final design and right of way services for Phase 1 of the Chaparral Road Widening Project, in the amount of $6,351,144.00.
Body
DATE: October 21, 2025
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Andrew Zagars, P.E., City Engineer
SUBJECT: Contract Amendment No. 2 with Freese and Nichols, for the Chaparral Road Widening Project
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Capital Improvement Plan includes the Chaparral Road Widening Project (Project) as an approved project for design. In 2019, the City of Killeen, City of Harker Heights, Killeen Independent School District (KISD), and Bell County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this scope of the Project. Currently most of the roadway alignment resides in Bell County with smaller portions within the cities of Killeen and Harker Heights. KISD completed Chaparral High School, which included construction and dedication of a portion of roadway along the frontage of the Project. The work completed by KISD represents it total share of responsibilities referenced in the MOU.
In 2020, the City of Killeen applied for a state grant for the funding of construction through the Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization (KTMPO). Consequently, the Chaparral Road Widening Project was selected for a FY 2025 grant award of $12,880,000 for the first phase of construction (i.e., State Highway (SH) 195 to East Trimmier Road).
A panel comprised of City of Killeen, City of Harker Heights, and Bell County officials performed consultant interviews for the design in November 2020. The interview panel selected Freese and Nichols for the design contract for the Project.
On September 27, 2022, City Council approved the replacement of the MOU with an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between the City of Killeen, the City of Harker Heights, and Bell County. KISD was not part of the ILA as it had completed its contribution with the completion of the high school.
On October 18, 2022, City Council approved a professional services agreement with Freese and Nichols for the schematic design of the Chaparral Roadway Widening project in the amount of $1,485,240. The schematic design included reviewing the three proposed alignments for the roadway past the newly constructed high school, environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, surveying, drainage analysis, traffic analysis, and public outreach. The schematic design also includes the widening of the roadway, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, intersection improvements, a preferred corridor alignment, necessary environmental, and historical reviews with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as needed for the entire corridor as part of the federal National Environmental Protection Act process.
On November 18, 2024, City Council approved Contract Amendment No. 1 in the amount of $44,186.00, to increase funding for work associated with a Raise Grant Application.
During the time of the schematic design, the City has had to perform studies associated with environmental clearances, historical and archaeological clearances, and coordination with TxDOT, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Corp of Engineers. It was discovered, while working with TxDOT, that there is a property with historical significance located within the new proposed alignment east of Chaparral High School. This discovery will require additional coordination and design considerations for the Project.
Working with TxDOT, it was decided that the best way forward to keep the Project on schedule would be to shift the priority of phases. The first phase of the Project will now include the Project limits between SH-195 and the intersection next to Chaparral High School. By doing this, it allows the City to move forward with the final design up to construction of the newly defined limits of Phase 1. This ensures the Project is moving forward within the same time frame as currently scheduled, be able to utilize the current grant funding, and allow additional time towards clearances on the remaining phases of the Project. This keeps the Project moving forward on schedule with construction anticipated in 2028.
This amendment includes the final design for the portion of the Project between SH-195 and Chaparral High School. This amendment will fund the plans, specifications, and estimate for Phase 1 of Chaparral Road between SH-195 and Chaparral High School. This will include 60%, 90%, and 100% design submittals. The proposed improvements for the amendment include the roadway widening to 4 and 5 lanes, sidewalk/shared use path, undergrounds storm drain, roadside ditches, cross culvers, stormwater detention, intersection improvements, temporary traffic control, retaining wall design, illumination, pavement marking/signage, erosion control, utility relocations, and landscaping. This amendment also includes right-of-way services and permitting.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a memorandum/resolution authorizing the Contract Amendment No. 2 for the professional services agreement with Freese and Nichols, for the final design and right-of-way services for Phase 1 of the Chaparral Road Widening Project in the amount of $6,351,144.00.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The item conforms to state and local policies
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The fee for services is $6,351,144.00.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
This is a one-time expenditure.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, expenditures are budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program as part of an approved, ongoing project. Funding is allocated in the Governmental CIP Fund (300) and the Certificate of Obligation, Series 2025 Fund (307), under Design/Engineering accounts 300-56200-900-400-923003 and 307-56200-900-450-923003.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a memorandum/resolution authorizing the Contract Amendment No. 2 for the professional services agreement with Freese and Nichols, for the final design and right of way services for Phase 1 of the Chaparral Road Widening Project in the amount of $6,351,144.00
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Engineering Services
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Proposal
Contract Amendment
Presentation