Consider Change Order for City Project #10-07; Alpine/Roanoke Street Improvements

The City Council approved improvement project #10-07; the bituminous overlay of Alpine Drive and Roanoke Street on October 12, 2010.  This project was delayed prior to award so a bituminous trail could be added to the scope of improvements along the north side of Alpine Drive.  Due to the unknown nature of the ultimate trail connection near the Northfork neighborhood and Lake Itasca, the plans were incomplete as it related to the ultimate trail alignment.  At the time of award it was still unknown whether the trail would follow the existing roadway in the boulevard, go north through an easement to tie into the existing trail on the south side of Lake Itasca, or continue on a east-west alignment through land owned by the Northfork Homeowners association.  It was decided to delay a decision and work with the homeowners association through the winter in an attempt to secure a new easement such that the final alignment would be the most direct route to existing trail connections.

Staff was able to reach agreement on the terms of an easement with the Northfork homeowners association, and they have provided the City with a right-of-entry to construct the trail immediately while the final details of the easement are worked out.  The trail work is substantially complete, but due to the delay at the time of bidding the quantities for this work were not in the original award of contract, therefore a change order is required to cover these costs.

In addition to the trail extension contract changes, Council may want to consider revision to the turf establishment portion of the contract (in light of recent policy discussions), and the pedestrian ramps to comply with the recently adopted new MnDOT standards.  The attached information outlines each of these items for Council consideration.

The existing contract calls for 2 types of seed mix for different areas (natural/open areas vs. lawns/properties), but the existing conditions of some of these lots in the Northfork area may warrant the consideration of sod being installed.

Over this past winter MnDOT adopted new pedestrian ramp standards for ADA compliance.  This project was approved prior to that standard being established, and was approved for previous MnDOT state aid standards.  The rules have now changed and it would seem to make sense to address this matter now, as opposed to waiting for future improvements in the area to bring into compliance with the new standard.

Staff recommends that the Council approve the change order for the trail extension and pedestrian ramp improvements.  The turf establishment revision is a policy decision (that is currently being developed) and is based upon Council direction.

All items presented would be eligible to be funded through state aid.

Motion to approve the change order for trail extension and pedestrian ramp upgrades to current MnDOT standards, and consideration of potential turf establishment revisions.