Committee Update on Central Park Southern Parking Lot Reconstruction as part of 161^st Avenue Reconstruction

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to update the Public Works Committee on the reconstruction of Central Park southern parking lot as part of the 161^st Avenue Reconstruction.
 
Background:
The Central Park main parking lot reconstruction was discussed at the December 13^th, 2022 City Council meeting. City Council gave Staff direction to include the Central Park southern parking lot as part of the Central Park main parking lot reconstruction or the 161^st Avenue Reconstruction projects. Staff has reviewed the southern parking lot, and determined it would be more feasible to reconstruct the southern parking lot as part of the 161^st Avenue reconstruction project. The determining factors are:
 

• Location – The bituminous trail being constructed as part of 161^st Avenue reconstruction is between the parking lots
  • Construction limits for the trail construction and southern parking lot reconstruction are in conflict, meaning one impacts the other
  • The southern parking lot will likely be used as a staging area for 161^st Avenue
    • Avoids conflicts if two different contractors are awarded contracts
• Project Timing – The contract time for the main (north) parking lot will be constricted due to public park use needs
  • Adding the south lot to the main (north) parking lot reconstruction would significantly extend the project schedule
    • Potential to add additional mobilization(s) and project costs
• Cost – Staff does not anticipate significant cost savings due to reconstructing the south lot with the main (north) lot
  • Both projects are large enough that unit costs are not anticipated to be impacted by this additional work

 
Preliminary Estimated Costs
Southern Parking Lot Project Cost (Includes 23% Indirect)  $164,000
Park Improvement Trust Fund           $164,000
 
Central Park Main Parking Lot Reconstruction Project Cost $893,500
Park Improvement Trust Fund           $367,500
Capital Maintenance Fund                 $340,000
Storm Sewer Utility Fund                   $186,000
 
For note, approximately $140,000 of the Central Park Main Parking Lot project cost is required for the center medians with trees and shrubbery. The funding source and cost would not be proposed to change based on which larger project the southern parking lot reconstruction is tied to.

Staff estimates up to 15 minutes will be needed to present this case and respond to questions.

Observation:
Staff is currently designing plans for both Improvement Project #23-01 and Improvement Project #23-02. It’s anticipated Improvement Project #23-01 will be brought to City Council in March to approve the plans and authorize bidding. Because 161^st Avenue is a Municipal State Aid street, Staff must submit plans and receive approval from MnDOT prior to opening bids.

Funding for the Central Park southern parking lot reconstruction is proposed to come from Park Improvement Trust Funds.

Staff recommends constructing the Central Park southern parking lot as part of Improvement Project #23-01, 161^st Avenue Street Reconstruction.

On November 15, 2022, the Ramsey Public Works Committee recommended reconstruction of the Central Park southern parking lot after identifying that it was in similar condition as the main parking lot, and it would make the most sense to complete the reconstruction at the same time.

Motion to recommend the City Council authorize construction of the Central Park southern parking lot as part of Improvement Project #23-01, 161^st Avenue Reconstruction.