Adopt Resolution #22-097 Approving 2023 - 2027 Master Partnership Contract with the Minnesota Department of Transportation

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to approve Master Partnership Contract (MPC) #1050200 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for State Fiscal Year 2023 -2027.
 
Background:
The Master Partnership Contract provides a framework for MnDOT and Local Agencies to provide services and payment to each other.  A few of the more routine services provided by MnDOT are included in Exhibit A of the attached MPC. Other services would require work orders describing costs and scope.  The City’s current MPC with MnDOT, Contract #1028156, expires on June 30, 2022.
 
Copies of current MPC #1028156 and new MPC #1050200 are attached for reference.
 
When maintenance work is required along Trunk Highways within the City of Ramsey, either the City or MnDOT can complete work independently by contracting the work out, or completing the work with City Staff. Contracting work out may require the City to hire a consultant to prepare plans and specifications that must meet MnDOT Trunk Highway design standards, and right-of-way permits are typically required from MnDOT whether the work is contracted out or completed using City Staff.  Therefore, whether contracting such work out or completing such work using City Staff, additional costs and delay will likely be incurred by the City. However, when such work is completed using an MPC, MnDOT typically completes their own plans and will not require a right-of-way permit, which saves the City project costs and potentially prevents delays.
 
Attached is a cover letter from MNDOT further summarizing the purpose and benefits of using the contract to complete maintenance projects on trunk highways.
 
MnDOT requires that a new resolution be passed by the City Council authorizing its officials to sign and execute the agreement on its behalf.  Only the named officials may sign the agreement. If anyone else signs in the named official’s place, the agreement will not be executed by MnDOT.   

Notifications are not required for this case. 

Observations:
The City Council may reject or modify this contract. Not approving the contract may result in increased costs and delays to future maintenance projects that occur wholly or partly within MnDOT right-of-way.   

Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion to adopt Resolution #22-097 approving Master Partnership Contract #1050200 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for State Fiscal Year 2023 -2027.   
 

No hard costs are associated with approving this contract.

While there may be cost implications for future projects, such costs would typically be discussed with Council prior to completing the work, unless the work was needed to address an emergency or unless maintenance funds were budgeted for the work. However, opportunities will likely exist for saving money by completing joint maintenance projects in partnership with MnDOT in the future.      

Staff reviewed and recommends approval of MPC #1050200.
 
The City Attorney reviewed and recommends approval of MPC #1050200.  The City Attorney feels the new MPC is generally the same as the current MPC.   

Motion to adopt Resolution #22-097 approving Master Partnership Contract #1050200 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for State Fiscal Year 2023 -2027.