Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Parsons Brinckerhoff Michigan, Inc. ($299,911.54) for the South State Street Transportation Corridor Study
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to authorize a Professional Services Agreement with Parsons Brinckerhoff Michigan, Inc. (PB) for professional engineering and public engagement services for the South State Street Transportation Corridor Study. The South State Street Corridor Transportation Study area extends from the intersection of Ellsworth Road and South State Street northerly to the intersection of Oakbrook Drive and South State Street and encompasses an area approximately 1.3 miles in length.
Sufficient funds for this project are included in the approved General Capital Fund (00CP) FY 2014 ($150,000.00) and FY 2015 ($150,000.00) as a transfer from the approved General Fund FY 2014 ($150,000.00) and FY 2015 ($150,000.00) operations and maintenance budget. The scope of work anticipates the project will begin in June of 2014 and be completed within a twelve-month period. Staff support for the project is budgeted in FY 2015.
The goal for this plan, based on the City of Ann Arbor Transportation Plan Update, is to evaluate community and transportation needs in this key corridor and provide base conceptual engineering plans for the redesign of the corridor. Of interest is the potential to create a modern boulevard “Complete Street” design or similar alternative that will: address all modes of travel; enhance vehicle flow; improve safety; create an aesthetically pleasing entrance to the City; and, utilize sustainable concepts such as low impact design (”LID”), and low energy use lighting.
Continued development and redevelopment in the Corridor is suggested by the recently completed South State Street Corridor Plan, which was adopted by City Council in July 2013 as a component of the City of Ann Arbor Master Plan. The South State Street Corridor Plan established planning objectives for the land use along the corridor. The plan addressed the corridor from Stimson Street to Ellsworth Road and referenced the area as a major employment center and retail destination. It described the corridor as a high-activity area that is primarily automobile-oriented, connecting I-94 to the downtown and recommended transportation and aesthetic improvements to this segment of the corridor.
The Systems Planning Unit issued a Request for Proposal (RFP #891) in March 2014 for a professional engineering firm to perform the following scope of work for this project:
• Community Engagement and Communication
• Prior Work Review, Data Collection and Traffic Analysis
• Preparation of Base Plans
• Preparation of Alternative Conceptual Plans
• Development of Conceptual Design Plans and Produce a Final Report
In response to this request, two proposals were received. A review team composed of staff from City and the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA) evaluated the proposals, interviewed the two firms, and selected PB for their proposed work plan, public engagement plan, staff qualifications and past involvement with similar projects.
PB received updated Human Rights and Living Wage approvals on April 24, 2014.
Staff
Prepared by: Eli Cooper, AICP, Transportation Program Manager
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The existing South State Street Corridor is an important gateway and commercial corridor and its transportation facilities provide access to and from the greater Ann Arbor area;
Whereas; The goal for the South State Street Transportation Corridor Study project is to provide conceptual engineering plans for the redesign of the corridor to create a modern design that serve as a “Complete Street” while enhancing vehicle flow, improving safety, creating an aesthetically pleasing entrance to the City, and utilizing sustainable concepts such as low impact design (”LID”), and low energy use lighting;
Whereas, Parsons Brinckerhoff Michigan, Inc. of Detroit, Michigan has submitted to the City a proposal for the necessary services, setting forth the services to be performed by said firm and the payments to be made by the City therefore, all of which are agreeable to the City;
Whereas, Parsons Brinckerhoff Michigan, Inc. received updated Human Rights and Living Wage approvals on April 24, 2014; and
Whereas, The required funds for the South State Street Transportation Corridor Study are included in the approved General Capital Fund (00CP) FY 2014 ($150,000.00) and FY 2015 ($150,000.00) as a transfer from the approved General Fund FY 2014 ($150,000.00) and FY 2015 ($150,000.00) operations and maintenance budget;
RESOLVED, That a Professional Services Agreement with Parsons Brinkerhoff Michigan, Inc. in the amount of $299,911.54 be approved for Professional Engineering Services for the South State Street Transportation Corridor Study Project;
RESOLVED, That the funds be available without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement after approval as to form by the City Attorney and approval as to substance by the City Administrator; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.