Adopt Resolution #15-11-287 authorizing preparation of Plans and Specifications for Riverdale Drive Extension from Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard, Improvement Project #16-20

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt a resolution authorizing City staff to accept the attached proposal from Bolton & Menk, Inc. in the amount of $89,170 to prepare final Plans and Specifications to extend Riverdale Drive from Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard in 2016.

Background:
In September of 2014, the Cities of Ramsey and Anoka, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the Anoka County Highway Department, and the Metropolitan Council, completed the Highway 10 Access Planning Study. This Study includes an Implementation Plan that identifies 21 proposed improvement projects along the Highway 10 corridor through Anoka and Ramsey. These projects are prioritized as immediate, short-term, mid-term, or opportunity/development/safety driven projects. The extension of Riverdale Drive from Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard is prioritized as an immediate need, the highest priority.

On October 28^th, 2014 the City Council adopted the Highway 10 Access Planning Study, thereby supporting the mutual goals and objectives of the various agencies to improving the operations and safety of Highway 10 in balance with local community values. In support of these goals and objectives, City staff submitted an application on January 2, 2015 for $750,000 in grant funding from the Routes of Regional Significance Account, administered through the Local Road Improvement Program, for extending Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard south of U.S. Highway 10, which was subsequently denied.

On May 26^th, 2015 the City Council authorized applying for up to $710,000 in funding through the MnDOT Metro Municipal Agreement Program. On July 21^st City staff received a comment memo from MnDOT requesting additional information on the project, including a cost breakdown showing eligible project costs based on MnDOT’s cost participation policy. On August 11^th Staff submitted the attached memo to MnDOT including the requested information, which defined MnDOT’s maximum share of the project costs at $584,280. On September 21^st Staff was notified the project was awarded up to $584,280 in funding through the Metro Municipal Agreement Program based on the information provided. A copy of the funding award letter is attached.

On October 13^th, 2015 the City Council adopted a resolution accepting the awarded MnDOT Metro Municipal Agreement Program funds for the Riverdale Drive extension project in the maximum amount of $584,280.  This obligated the City to moving forward with the project including preparation of final Plans and Specifications, as well as executing a Cooperative Construction Agreement and letting the project by June 30, 2017.  If the City does not follow through with any of these items, funding will be withdrawn.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $1,253,280 and the City's share is estimated at $669,000. This amount was budgeted in the City's Capital Improvement Plan and Municipal State Aid dollars have been designated to cover this cost.

Notifications are not required for this case.

Observations:
Staff previously received a letter of support from the Anoka County Parks Departments for this project, which requires Riverdale Drive to be extended across Anoka County Park property. This letter was submitted with the City’s funding application.  Upon Council approval to prepare plans and specifications, Staff will work with the Anoka County Parks Department to obtain the required roadway right-of-way and ponding easements.

Alternatives:
Alternative #1 - Adopt Resolution #15-11-287 authorizing City staff to accept the attached proposal from Bolton & Menk, Inc. in the amount of $89,170 to prepare final Plans and Specifications to extend Riverdale Drive from Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard in 2016. Staff supports this alternative.

Alternative #2 - Deny adoption of Resolution #15-11-287 at this time. Staff does not support this alternative.

The total estimated cost for extending Riverdale Drive between Traprock Street and Ramsey Boulevard is $ 1,253,280. It is estimated that the City is eligible to receive up to $584,280 in funding through the Metro Municipal Agreement Program, and that an estimated local match of $669,000 will be required from the City to complete the project.  Local costs are proposed to be paid with Municipal State Aid funds.

City staff recommends adopting Resolution #15-11-287 authorizing City staff to accept the attached proposal from Bolton & Menk, Inc. in the amount of $89,170 to prepare final Plans and Specifications to extend Riverdale Drive from Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard in 2016.

Adopt Resolution #15-11-287 authorizing City staff to accept the attached proposal from Bolton & Menk, Inc. in the amount of $89,170 to prepare final Plans and Specifications to extend Riverdale Drive from Traprock Street to Ramsey Boulevard in 2016.