Title
Resolution No. 1 - Prepare Plans and Specifications for Miller Avenue Sidewalk and Curb & Gutter Improvements
Memorandum
Approval of the attached resolution directs staff to prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the addition of new sidewalk and curb & gutter along Miller Avenue as a special assessment project. This work will be part of the Miller Avenue Improvements Project (Maple Road to Newport Road) which is scheduled for construction in 2013.
Miller Avenue Improvements Project
Miller Avenue from Maple Road to Huron Street is scheduled for reconstruction in 2012 as an MDOT-let Federal Aid Project. In addition to the street reconstruction, the project includes replacement of the water main, stormwater improvements and rain gardens, sanitary sewer repairs, striping for bike lanes, marked street crossing pedestrian islands, and the addition of sidewalk and curb & gutter where there are gaps.
Public workshops were held in 2009 to develop the scope of work. This project is included in the approved City of Ann Arbor Budgeted Capital Improvement Projects for FY12 & FY13. The final project design is currently underway.
Sidewalk Gaps
On the south side of Miller Avenue, there is currently a gap in the sidewalk system which extends from approximately Saunders Crescent to Linda Vista Avenue. In accordance with the City's Non-Motorized Plan and Complete Streets approach, it is proposed to add new sidewalk to close this gap and provide a continuous pedestrian connection along the south side of the street. Providing this walkway would allow safer access to Miller Park, as well as bus stops located on the south side of the road. A map of the area is attached.
The construction of this sidewalk may require the removal of some vegetation and grading along some properties. Where grading on private property is needed, we will be asking the property owners to provide temporary grading permit. As part of the MDOT process, property owners will be compensated for the grading permits granted to the City. Permanent easements for this construction will not be necessary as the public right-of-way provides sufficient width.
Curb & Gutter Gaps
On the south side of Miller Avenue, there is a gap in the curb & gutter between approximately Saunders Crescent and Newport Road. At many locations along this segment of Miller Avenue there have been reports of surface stormwater flowing off the road onto adjacent parcels.
Staff analyzed two options for controlling surface stormwater runoff in these areas. The first was to create a bio-swale/ditch between the road and the proposed sidewalk. However, there does not appear to be sufficient space to create a swale of sufficient size to adequately control the surface stormwater runoff. Therefore, to provide proper storm water control and address these issues, staff proposes to install new concrete curb & gutter consistent with the rest of the corridor. As part of the Miller Avenue Improvements Project, all the existing curb & gutter between Maple and Newport will be replaced due to its condition and to improve the road grades.
Special Assessments
As called for in Chapter 13 of City Code, the cost for the addition of new sidewalk and curb & gutter where none currently exists is borne by the parcels that benefit from the improvements. Because this is a federal-aid project, up to 80% of the construction cost of the sidewalk and curb & gutter is anticipated to be paid by federal Surface Transportation Funds. The remainder of the costs would be local share. The attached resolution directs staff to complete the design and provide detailed cost estimates for this work and to prepare cost estimates for the local share borne by the property owners. We have identified nineteen parcels with sidewalk gaps and fifteen parcels with curb & gutter gaps. Miller Nature Area would be included in these totals for both sidewalk and curb & gutter.
A public meeting for administrative hearing with the residents was held on June 27, 2012. Eighteen invitations were sent out to affected property owners. Four residents attended the meeting. At the meeting, staff described the project and the need for the improvements, shared preliminary estimated costs, and received feedback from the attendees. The comments received at this meeting were generally positive and in support of the project.
If authorized to undertake this work as a special assessment project, staff will return to Council with Resolutions 2 and 3 which define the individual costs to each parcel and establish a Public Hearing Date. Below is a tentative schedule for the Special Assessment (SA) process:
June 27, 2012: Administrative Hearing with Residents
Aug 20, 2012: SA Resolution # 1 - Prepare Cost Estimates
Nov 19, 2012: SA Resolution # 2 - Approve Estimated SA Cost Estimates
Nov 19, 2012: SA Resolution # 3 - Approve Public Hearing Date
Dec 17, 2012: SA Public Hearing
Dec 17, 2012: SA Resolution # 4 - Approve Special Assessment Districts
Staff
Prepared by: Homayoon Pirooz, P.E., Project Management Manager
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, P.E., Interim Public Services Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Miller Avenue from Maple Road to Newport Road is scheduled for reconstruction in 2012;
Whereas, Within the limits of the Miller Avenue project there are gaps in the sidewalk and curb & gutter;
Whereas, Installing curb and gutter within the project limits and where there are gaps will better control surface storm water flow;
Whereas, Installing new sidewalks within the project limits and closing the gaps will provide a continuous pedestrian connection along the south side of the street and a safer access to Miller Park and the bus stops;
Whereas, per Chapter 13 of City Code, the cost for the addition of new sidewalk and curb & gutter is borne by the adjacent parcels;
Whereas, the property owners with a share of the special assessment within the Miller Avenue Improvement project will benefit from the reduced cost for the improvements due to the cost sharing with the Federal Funds available for the project; and
Whereas, Council deems it necessary to acquire and construct sidewalk and concrete curb & gutter fronting parcels along Miller Avenue, east of Maple Road, which are currently not served;
Resolved, That the City Administrator be directed to have prepared plans and specifications for said improvement project, and an estimate of the cost thereof;
Resolved, That the City Administrator be directed to file a report of same with the City Clerk, including a recommendation as to what proportion of the cost should be paid by special assessment and what part, if any, should be a general obligation of the City, the number of installments in which the assessments may be paid, and the land which should be included in the special assessment district; and
Resolved, That the City Clerk shall present said report to the Council and make it available for public examination.