Review Updated Estimated Costs for Reconstructing Andrie Street.

In December of 2008, a Feasibility Report for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane was completed. In 2009, plans and specifications were prepared, including an alternate bid for constructing sidewalks with the project. This project was then bid but never constructed due to a controversy that arose over whether sidewalks should be constructed with the project, as well as due to some project funding questions.

On May 21, 2013, the Public Works Committee directed staff to update the estimated project costs for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane as proposed in 2008/2009, but without concrete sidewalks. The Committee also directed staff to explore costs for widening the pavement to accommodate on-road bicycle lanes for use by pedestrians and bicyclists.
 
On May 20, 2014, staff provided updated costs to the Public Works Committee for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164^th Lane as either a 32-foot wide street with concrete sidewalk on one side, or as a 36-foot wide street with an on-road bike lane on one side.  The estimated costs reflected 2009 pricing.  It was also discussed that no petitions have been received requesting improvements to Andrie Street and 164th Lane since petitions were originally received in May of 2008.  However, there appears to be a renewed interest by numerous area residents to reconstruct Andrie Street and 164th Lane, but based on preliminary feedback the addition of a concrete sidewalk is not favored.  Also, since the City did complete plans and specifications for bidding this project in 2009, the project could be moved forward quickly as long as assessments are not included as a funding source or, if assessments are used to fund a portion of the improvements, if a design that is acceptable to the neighborhood and the City Council can be agreed upon.
 
Andrie Street continues to remain one of the worst streets in Ramsey in terms of pavement condition.  Based on the most recent PASER ratings, Andrie Street would likely be next in line to be reconstructed following Garnet Street and 168th Avenue.

This case is estimated to conclude in 15 minutes or less.

As discussed on May 20, 2014, this project is currently not listed in the CIP but staff will add it to the CIP for reconstruction in 2016 (following Garnet Street in 2015).  Also, both Andrie Street and 164th Lane are part of our Municipal State-Aid Street (MSAS) system so MnDOT state-aid standards must be followed. Minnesota rule 8820.9941 was therefore followed to determine the minimum design width for an on-road bicycle facility for urban reconstruction projects. This width is listed as 5 to 6 feet; staff is proposing 6 feet.  Staff is also proposing 11 foot drive lanes to reduce the proposed overall road width by 2 feet, resulting in a total proposed width of 36 feet.

The following design criteria apply to Andrie Street and 164th Lane;
• Functional class = collector
• Traffic volumes = < 2,000 ADT (450 to 1,250 ADT in 2009)
• Design speed = 30 mph
• Parking = one side only (opposite on-road bike lane)

The 2009 estimated costs for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane as 32 foot wide streets with concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer, and a 5 foot wide concrete sidewalk along one side was $1,813,000 including indirect costs.  If the 5 foot concrete sidewalk is removed and the streets are widened by 4 feet to accommodate two 11 foot drive lanes and a 6 foot wide on-road bicycle lane, the estimated cost including indirect costs, becomes $1,647,000. Therefore, based on 2009 estimated costs it is estimated to cost about $166,000 less to construct the on-road bike lane than the off-road sidewalk.

Based on direction received from the Public Works Committee on May 20^th, staff updated the 2009 engineer’s estimates to reflect 2014 estimated costs for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane as a 36-foot wide street with two 11-foot lanes and a 6-foot bike lane at $1,758,000.  This includes 20% indirect costs for engineering and administration, and reflects an estimated increase of $111,000 in project costs from 2009 to 2014.
 
Staff also updated the 2009 engineer’s estimates to reflect 2014 estimated costs for reconstructing Andrie Street and 164th Lane as a 32 foot wide street with no concrete sidewalk or on-road bike lane, as was originally proposed. This cost is estimated at $1,665,000 and includes 20% indirect costs for engineering and administration.  This cost was calculated in the event the Public Works Committee wishes to direct staff to include this option as an alternative in the Feasibility Report due to the fact that special assessments will likely be part of the proposed funding package and, based on previous experience and recent feedback, there will likely be opposition again to incorporating pedestrian facilities into the project.  Therefore, by adding the 32 foot street width option as an alternate the project may have a better chance of moving forward without being petitioned against by the residents.  

Staff is again seeking direction on a funding program for this project based on 2014 estimated costs, but knowing that a draft special assessment policy will be discussed at the July 15^th Public Works Committee meeting it might be more productive to wait until the July or August meeting to discuss funding program options for this project.

At this time there are not sufficient funds in the MSA account to fund the project so funding would need to be provided using other available sources including the general levy, special assessments, or bonds.  As was previously discussed, applying special assessments to this project may be difficult since the adjacent properties are large lots which will provide fewer lots to spread project costs over.

Staff recommends waiting until the July or August Public Works Committee meeting to further discuss or provide direction on funding program options for this project.  And given that the project will not be constructed in 2014, that the Feasibility Report can be updated relatively quickly, and because there is a shelf life to a Feasibility Report once it is approved by Council, there is not an immediate need to finalize the Feasibility Report at this time.

No action is required at this time, but direction by consensus on any project elements that may impact estimated costs are encouraged.