Title
Resolution No. 1 - Prepare Plans and Specifications for the Pontiac Trail Improvements Project - Sidewalk and Curb & Gutter Special Assessment Project (8 Votes Required)
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 Pontiac Trail as a special assessment project. This work will be part of the Pontiac Trail Improvements Project (north of Skydale Drive to just south of the bridge over M-14) which is scheduled for construction in 2014.
The project included the reconstruction of Pontiac Trail beginning just north of Skydale Drive to just south of the bridge over M-14. In addition to the street reconstruction, the project also includes extending water main north from Dhu Varren Road to just south of the bridge over M-14, extending sanitary sewer north from Skydale Drive to just south of bridge over M-14, and striping for bike lanes. The project will also include stormwater improvements such as bioswales or rain gardens and the addition of a small section of curb and gutter.
Approximately 1,000 feet of new curb and gutter just north of Skydale on each side of Pontiac Trail is being proposed to protect an existing wetland. In addition, it is recommended that the project include the addition of sidewalk along the east side of Pontiac Trail to fill in existing sidewalk gaps and to provide pedestrian access to Olson Park and Dhu Varran Road. See attached map.
A public meeting was held on June 6, 2013 to gather feedback and develop the scope of work. This project is included in the approved City of Ann Arbor Capital Budget and work on the overall project design is currently ongoing. See attached meeting summary.
There are currently no sidewalks on the west side of Pontiac Trail the entire length of the project limits. A majority of the property along the west side of Pontiac Trail is under the jurisdiction of Ann Arbor Township. Feedback collected during our public meeting on June 6, 2013, indicated that 9 of 15 respondents preferred that sidewalk be constructed on the east side of Pontiac Trail only. On the east side of Pontiac Trail there are currently two sidewalk gaps south of Dhu Varren Road of approximately 1,330 feet and 460 feet, respectively. There is no sidewalk along the east side of Pontiac Trail north of Dhu Varren Road along Olson Park. During the public meeting held on June 6th, the residents expressed interest in extending the sidewalk on the east side of Pontiac Trail to provide pedestrian access to Dhu Varren Road and Olson Park. There is an asphalt path that meanders through Olson Park that initiates just north of Dhu Varren Road on the east side of Pontiac Trail. In accordance with the City's Non-Motorized Plan and Complete Streets approach, it is proposed to install a new sidewalk along the east side of Pontiac Trail south of Dhu Varren Road to close these gaps and provide a continuous pedestrian connection along the east side of Pontiac Trail north of Dhu Varren to the path in Olson Park. Providing this walkway would allow safer access to Olson Park, as well as bus stops located on the east 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 easement.
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. The attached resolution directs staff to provide and share cost estimates for this work once it is designed.
Permanent easements for this construction will not be necessary as the public right-of-way provides sufficient width.
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:
January 2014: Council Meeting - Resolution 1
February 2014: Administrative Hearing with residents
April 2014: Council Meeting - Resolution 2 and 3
April 2014: Public Hearing date is advertised
May 2014: Council Meeting - Public Hearing and Resolution 4
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Council deems it necessary to acquire and construct the following improvement: Pontiac Trail Sidewalk and Curb & Gutter; described as:
Construction of: 1) a sidewalk on the east side of Pontiac Trail, between Skydale and Dhu Varren Road, and 2) concrete curb & gutter fronting parcels extending north from Skydale approximately 920 feet along the east side of Pontiac Trail and approximately 1,030 feet along the west side of Pontiac Trail, 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 is 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.