Adopt Resolution #16-05-098 Authorizing Master Partnership Contract Work Order for Improvement Project #15-23, TH 47 Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements

Purpose:
The purpose of this case it to adopt Resolution #16-05-098 authorizing the City Engineer to enter into a Work Order in accordance with Master Partnership Contract #1001234 for the construction of Improvement Project #15-23, TH 47 Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements.

Background:
In the spring of 2015, construction of a multi-use pedestrian trail was completed on the north side of Nowthen Boulevard/CR 5 with the Stoney River Assisted Living facility in the northwest corner of the intersection of TH 47 and CSAH 5.  While the trail was under construction, City Staff began planning and design efforts for a new pedestrian crosswalk on TH 47 to connect the new trail segment to the existing trail east of TH 47.  Since TH 47 is a State highway, Staff needed to work with MnDOT to discuss their design and right-of-way use requirements.
 
Staff from the City and MnDOT met on July 16^th, 2015. During the meeting it was discussed that significant cost savings could occur if the City executed a Master Partnership Contract with MnDOT.  Master Partnership Contracts allow local government agencies and MnDOT to work together closely to coordinate the efficient delivery of transportation services within MnDOT right-of-ways by performing work for each other, and by sharing facilities, equipment, staff, data, and miscellaneous other services.  As such, the City executed a Master Partnership Contract with MnDOT in October of 2015 (see attached Agreement # 1001234).  This prevents the City from needing to use the traditional design, bid, build process to construct the proposed TH 47 pedestrian crosswalk improvements, which will save the City thousands of dollars in plan preparation fees, and months of time typically spent on MnDOT plan reviews and approvals and on the bidding process.
 
It was also discussed at the July 16^th meeting that the City would need to execute an updated Limited Use Permit (LUP) encompassing all sections of the existing trail system east of TH 47 within MnDOT’s right-of-way, as well as the proposed TH 47 pedestrian crosswalk, and that the LUP would need to be executed prior to beginning construction of the crosswalk.  The purpose of the LUP is to allow the City to construct, operate and maintain trail facilities within MnDOT’s right-of-way.  Attached is LUP # 0206-0028 which was approved for execution by the City Council on May 10^th.
 
Since Master Partnership Contract #10001234 and Limited Use Permit #0206-0028 are now in place, City Staff is requesting Council authorization to enter into a Work Order to construct the proposed TH 47 Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements. Staff estimates project costs will total $19,500, though costs are still being finalized.  This includes an estimated $4,500 for MnDOT to complete signal system improvements including installation of wiring and adding two push button pedestals and two count-down signal heads, and $15,000 for City crews and contractors to complete the remaining improvements which includes $1,600 to remove and replace 75’ of concrete curb and gutter, $600 for median nose modifications, $1,000 for bituminous pavement removals and repairs, $3,000 to install two new pedestrian curb ramps, $5,500 for pavement striping, and $2,400 for traffic control, as well as other miscellaneous costs.
 
The proposed TH 47 pedestrian crosswalk improvements include connecting to the existing trail facilities, constructing concrete pedestrian curb ramps on both sides of TH 47, modifying the TH 47 center median nose, installing crosswalk striping, and modifying the existing signal system by adding pedestrian crosswalk indicator heads, rewiring it, and modifying the signal phasing.  Page 7 of Exhibit A in the attached LUP shows the proposed crosswalk improvements as developed by City staff and approved by MnDOT.  Staff had hoped to be able to construct this crosswalk late last fall, but approval of the Master Partnership Contract occurred too late in the year to complete construction at that time.
 
MnDOT will hire their own contractor to complete the required signal system modifications.  City crews will remove existing curb and gutter and bituminous pavement sections, and will construct the concrete pedestrian curb ramps and modify the median nose.  The City will hire contractors to stripe the crosswalk and provide traffic control. Costs for all required work will ultimately be the responsibility of the City.

Notifications are not required for this case.

Observations:
The trail north of CSAH 5 was installed with the Stoney River assisted living facility and has had “TRAIL CLOSED” signs on both ends since it was completed.  This has drawn numerous comments and questions from the public. Staff therefore proposes to construct the crosswalk improvements as soon as possible following Council approval to enter into a Work Order to complete the improvements.  Staff is therefore in the process of obtaining the required MnDOT and Anoka County right-of-way permits, and is working with contractors to schedule the work to expedite the project as much as possible.

Alternatives:
Alternative #1 – Motion to adopt Resolution #16-05-098 authorizing the City Engineer to enter into a Work Order in accordance with Master Partnership Contract #1001234 for the construction of Improvement Project #15-23, TH 47 Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements.

No other alternative is recommended.

Costs to construct the proposed TH 47 Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements are estimated at $19,500.  The Engineering Department’s Miscellaneous Professional Services budget and the PIR Fund are the proposed funding sources, with costs to be split evenly between the two.

Staff recommends alternative action #1.

Motion to adopt Resolution #16-05-098 authorizing the City Engineer to enter into a Work Order in accordance with Master Partnership Contract #1001234 for the construction of Improvement Project #15-23, TH 47 Pedestrian Crosswalk Improvements.