Approve Plans and Specifications, and Advertise for Bids: Trott Brook Boardwalk

The purpose of this case is to approve Plans and Specifications, and authorize the advertisement for Bids for the proposed Trott Brook Boardwalk.  The project has been in the City's Capital Improvement Plan for many years.  In July of 2017, the Park and Recreation Commission recommended the project (then listed as a 2017 project for 2018 construction) for City Council consideration.

The project would connect the existing Trott Brook Trail west of Nowthen Boulevard (south of the brook) by a new boardwalk west, approximately 1,500' feet to Variolite Street.  This proposed link was the subject of two grant applications to the MN DNR.  The City of Ramsey did not score high enough for funding in this highly competitive program, due to not directly 'facilitating a regional trail connection'.  Thus, the Commission and Staff are recommending that the city proceed with development at this time, utilizing Park Trust Fund monies from the Brookfield subdivision (various phases).

 

A Public Hearing had been conducted on the 2017-2026 (as well as the 2018-2027) Capital Improvement Program which included the proposed Trott Brook Boardwalk.

It may be noted here, that this trail extension project meets 3 of 4 of the City's Strategic Imperatives, and especially that of A Connected Community—with respect to 'enabling citizens to easily navigate the community' and providing 'diverse and robust recreational opportunities'.  Further, it may be emphasized that while this project will significantly benefit hundreds of families near or within the Brookfield neighborhood, the project's greater value is connecting a gap in the Trott Brook Trail that is a critical portion of the city-wide Greenway, referred to as the 'Circle of Ramsey'. (Staff will highlight the significance of the boardwalk project to the city-wide Greenway at the Council meeting.)

The attached 'Contract Documents and Technical Specification for Improvement Project 18-08 Trott Brook Boardwalk' contains myriad details, including the boardwalk's general location within the park (wetland) east of Variolite Street.

If Council authorizes the advertisement for bids, it will be published in the Anoka County Union Herald January 12^th, 19^th and 26^th, 2018 and bids will be solicited by other means during this same timeframe.  The bids would then return for Council consideration and award on February 12th, 2018, with potential project completion in June of this year.

Staff estimates the bids for the boardwalk project to be between $195,000 - $225,000.

The other elements of this project that would be considered on February 12th with the boardwalk bid award, (small trailhead parking area along Variolite Street with signage and striping, two short bituminous trail sections with ADA elements), are all together, estimated at approximately $10,000.

                                               
 

Funding for the Trott Brook Boardwalk is available from the Park Trust Fund, fees collected from new development, which has an approximate present balance of $2.3M.

During the various phases of the platting of the Brookfield Addition (4th through 8th Additions), it was understood that the recreational opportunity for that larger neighborhood would be the boardwalk, and resulting connections to the rest of the park and trail system this case describes.  The approximate total in Park Dedication and Trail Fees for the 4th through 8th Additions paid into the Park Trust Fund was $350,775.

 

The Park and Recreation Commission, and Staff recommend the approval of the Plans and Specifications, and proceeding to Advertise for Bids, to construct the Trott Brook Boardwalk.

Motion to Approve/Not Approve the Plans and Specifications, and Authorize the Advertisement for Bids for the Trott Brook Boardwalk.