Adopt Resolution #13-09-136 Approving the Joint Powers Agreement and Accepting Bids for the Mississippi River Trail

For many years, the City of Ramsey has been working other units of government to promote and secure funding for regional trails including the Mississippi River Trail (MRT). This case represents the culmination of much of this effort, coordination, and collaboration - and formally approves the construction of this trail.

The purpose of the case is to approve both the Joint Powers Agreement by Resolution and accept the bids for that portion of the MRT within Ramsey City Limits.

Project costs are best described within the attachment 'Financial Summary'. The details of jurisdictional responsibility as well as future reimbursement from Anoka County to the cities of Anoka and Ramsey are included in the JPA attachment as well.

There were 9 plan holders, and two bids received on August 6th - with the low bidder Sunram Construction of Corcoran, Minnesota at $1,219,072.50, for the entire project in Anoka and Ramsey.  This bid was approximately 10% higher than the engineer's estimate, attributable primarily to the two bridges required (1.5 bridge costs attributed to Anoka, .5 for Ramsey).

The bids were higher than the April 2013 consulting engineer's estimates for the Anoka segments and less for Ramsey. However, the funding ratio (the 'revenue' side consisting of the Federal grant and future reimbursement from the county) after adjusting to reflect the actual bids, changed somewhat, with Ramsey's total 'revenue' being lower than the earlier estimate.  (Anoka's construction costs are significantly higher than estimated.)  The comparison of estimated costs to the actual bid is contained within the attachment entitled 'Low Bid Analysis'.

Of additional note is that the portion of trail from Ramsey Boulevard to Traprock Street is required to be constructed by October 18th of this year (as opposed to 2014 completion). This is to realize benefits of this trail project sooner, and provide connection to Mississippi West Regional Park for Ramsey residents.

The City of Anoka is scheduled to award the project at their regular City Council meeting on September 16th, 2013.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution #13-09-136.

Funding for this trail will be apportioned as indicated in the Financial Summary and Joint Powers Agreement. Ramsey's share will be funded by the Park Trust Fund which had a 2013 beginning-year balance of approximately $2.6 million.

Ramsey's total costs are anticipated to be less than or equal to $645,000, (construction, plus administration and engineering as well as a contingency).  This total will be reduced following reimbursement by Anoka County of $126,800, and the Federal grant of $164,200 (to Ramsey), bringing an amended total project cost to an estimated $354,000 (or less) for Ramsey's side of the ledger for the Mississippi River Trail.

Motion to adopt Resolution #13-09-136 Approving the Joint Powers Agreement and Accepting the Bids for the Mississippi River Trail.