Adopt Resolution 15-05-111 Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisements for Bids for Ridgepoint Residential Development Public Improvements, Improvement Project #15-21

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to approve final plans and specifications and authorize advertisements for bids for public improvements that support the Ridgepoint seven (7) unit single-family residential development, Improvement Project #15-21.

Background:
City of Ramsey Improvement Project 15-21 proposes to extend Rivlyn Avenue and construct public utilities to serve a new seven (7) single family lot development known as Ridgepoint.  Attached is the title sheet of the plans prepared by the developer’s engineer, Hakanson Anderson, which shows the location of the proposed improvements.

This is the third of three cases under consideration by the City Council this evening.  The first two cases sought Council approvals for the Final Plat and an Assessment Agreement to allow the City to construct the proposed public improvements and to assess the private developer for the actual construction costs.  This case seeks Council approval of the plans and specifications completed by Hakanson Anderson, the developer’s engineer, and to authorize bids based on the approved plans and specifications.
 
The plans propose to extend Rivlyn Avenue approximately 500 linear feet to the east using a 32-foot wide (back-of-curb to back-of-curb) urban section with concrete surmountable curb and gutter and bituminous pavement, all located within a 60 foot wide right-of-way which will be deeded to the City upon completion of the project.  Storm sewer and public utilities are also proposed to be constructed with the project, including the extension of watermain and sanitary sewer to serve a portion of the City of Anoka as previously approved by both City Councils via Joint Powers Agreement.
 
The plans also propose substantial subgrade corrections by removing unsuitable soils and debris from the subgrade soils and replacing the soils with engineered fill.  This will ensure a stable subgrade base exists for the proposed improvements and the homes to be built on the adjacent lots.
 
The plans also propose to reconstruct the 10-foot wide Mississippi River Trail through a realigned corridor in the same general alignment and vicinity.

Notifications were not required for this case.
 
If Council authorizes advertisements for bids, staff will publish bid advertisements in the Anoka County Union Herald and in Finance and Commerce on Friday, May 15^th, 22^nd, and 29^th, 2015.  Bids will then be opened June 11^th, checked for errors and omissions, and presented to the City Council for acceptance and award of contract to the lowest responsible bidder on June 23^rd, 2015.

Alternatives:
Alternative Action #1 – Motion to adopt Resolution #15-05-111 approving final plans and specifications and authorizing advertisements for bids for Ridgepoint residential development public improvements, Improvement Project #15-21.

Alternative Action #2 – Motion to deny adoption of Resolution #15-05-111 at this time.

The Engineer’s construction cost estimate is $469,722, but this cost excludes street lighting costs which are estimated to cost $12,500 bringing the total Engineer’s estimate to $482,222.

Since City staff has not been able to verify that all required construction items have been incorporated into the statement of estimated quantities, or that realistic unit prices have been utilized to develop the engineer’s estimate, staff included a 15% contingency in the Assessment Agreement to help ensure that the maximum assessment amount will not be less than actual construction costs upon completion of the project.  This results in a total estimated construction cost of $544,555.  After receiving bids it will become more apparent as to whether the engineer’s estimate is reasonably sufficient.

Per the previous Council case, the City will initially fund the improvements with the private developer paying the City back over a three-year term via the collection of special assessments.

Staff recommends Alternative Action #1 if the City Council is comfortable with funding the proposed public improvements in support of the residential development and being reimbursed by the developer through the collection of special assessments over a three-year period.

Staff supports Alternative Action #2 if Council is not comfortable with funding the public improvements at this time.

Approve or deny adoption of Resolution #15-05-111 approving final plans and specifications and authorizing advertisements for bids for Ridgepoint residential development public improvements, Improvement Project #15-21.