Adopt Resolution #15-10-251 Approving Master Partnership Contract with Minnesota Department of Transportation

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #15-10-251 approving a Master Partnership Contract with the Minnesota Department of Transportation allowing for future partnering on joint maintenance projects on Trunk Highways within the City of Ramsey.

Background:
Currently, when maintenance work is required along Trunk Highways within the City of Ramsey, either the City or the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) completes the work independently by contracting the work out, or completes the work with internal forces.  When contracting work out this can require the City to hire a consultant to prepare plans and specifications that must then meet MnDOT Trunk Highway design standards.  And right-of-way permits are often required from MnDOT.  This all adds cost and delay to such maintenance projects.
 
The City Council is therefore asked to approve the attached Master Partnership Contract with MnDOT for the purpose of partnering with the City of Ramsey to complete future maintenance projects within City limits.  The Master Partnership Contract provides a framework for MnDOT and local agencies to provide payment to each other for services rendered.  A few routine services are included in the contract and all other services are accomplished through the execution of work orders.
 
Attached is a copy of the draft Master Partnership Contract which has been reviewed and approved by both the City Attorney (after requesting several minor revisions) and MnDOT (after accepting the City Attorney’s requested revisions).  Also attached is a cover letter which summarizes the purpose and benefit of using the contract to complete maintenance projects on trunk highways.
 
The first project the MnDOT Master Partnership Contract would likely be utilized for is to construct a new pedestrian crosswalk across Trunk Highway 47 on the north side of the intersection with CSAH 5/Nowthen Boulevard to connect the trail along the east side of TH 47 to the new trail constructed along the north side of CSAH 5 as part of the Stoney River assisted living development.  Attached is a copy of the crosswalk design prepared by City staff and preliminarily approved by MnDOT.  Staff had hoped to be able to construct this crosswalk this fall utilizing the Master Partnership Contract, in which case MnDOT would have hired a contractor to construct the required signal system revisions, with City crews pouring the concrete pedestrian curb ramps and modified median nose, and hiring a contractor to stripe the crosswalk.  Costs for this work will ultimately be the responsibility of the City.  Unfortunately, there just was not enough time this summer/fall to receive MnDOT approval on our plan and to execute the Master Partnership Contract.  By approving the contract now, we will position ourselves to be able to schedule the work for early spring, but in the meantime the “trail closed” sign will remain in place, 
 

N/A

The City Council may reject or modify this proposal.  Not approving such an agreement will add cost and delay to maintenance projects.

There are no costs associated with approving this contract.  However, future projects will likely have cost implications but such costs would be discussed with Council prior to completing the work, unless maintenance funds were budgeted for the work.  However, numerous opportunities will likely exist for saving money by completing maintenance projects in partnership with Mn/DOT in the future.

Staff recommends approving the Master Partnership Contract with MnDOT at this time.