The Public Works Department received a letter from the Yellowstone County Commissioners on October 6, 2010.  In this letter, the Commissioners requested that a grade-separated pedestrian crossing be included with the design and construction of the 6th Avenue North to Bench Boulevard Connection project.  The tunnel will eliminate the conflict of the MetraPark patrons with the vehicular traffic on Bench Boulevard.  The scope of services in the Morrison-Maeirle contract for the design of this project did not include the design of a pedestrian tunnel.  Currently, the scope of services is being reviewed by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to ensure that the contract meets the federal requirements.  The review may cause the contract to be altered.  As such, this memo requests that the City Council authorize the Mayor to amend the original design contract with Morrison-Maierle, Inc. by up to $90,000 to include the design of the grade-separated pedestrian crossing.

The Council may:
• Authorize the Mayor to sign the finalized amendment (not to exceed $90,000)
• Not authorize the Mayor to sign the finalized amendment (not to exceed $90,000)

The design fee for the grade-separated pedestrian crossing will not exceed $90,000.  The design and construction of the pedestrian tunnel will be funded within the approved project budget.  All costs for the pedestrian facility above the approved budget will not be the responsibility of the City of Billings.

Staff recommends that the Council authorize the Mayor to sign the Supplemental Amendment No. 7 to Contract for Professional Architectural and Engineering Services for the 6th Avenue North to Bench Boulevard project for up to $90,000.