Title
Resolution No. 2 - Clague Safe Routes - Nixon Road Sidewalk Special Assessment ($14,537.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to establish the special assessment costs and distribution for the Clague Safe Routes - Nixon Road Sidewalk Project (Resolution No. 2 for Sidewalk District #46). The sidewalk is proposed to be constructed along the east side of Nixon Road from the Clague School driveway to Haverhill Court.
Budget/Fiscal Impact
Bids for the project were opened by MDOT in October 2014. Estimated Project Costs are as follows:
Construction Bid $ 222,761.90
Construction Contingency $ 22,276.19
Planning/Design $ 33,017.52
Const Eng/Project Admin/Inspection/Testing $ 44,552.39
Total Cost $ 322,608.00
This project costs will be funded by the Safe Routes to School Grant, Alternative Transportation Fund, Special Assessment, and the current Street Resurfacing Road Millage. Although the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) cannot be assessed, a contribution will be requested as per other assessable properties. Below are the anticipated Project Revenues:
Safe Routes to School Grant $ 172,067.00
Alternative Transportation Funds $ 95,000.00
Special Assessment $ 14,537.00
AAPS Contribution $ 3,828.00
Street Resurfacing Millage
(RRFB installation on Green Rd) $ 37,176.00
Total Revenue $ 322,608.00
The City's ability to use federal funds through the Safe Routes to School grant for this project has created the opportunity for the adjacent property owners to receive the sidewalk improvements at a lower cost and to reduce the city-share non-recoverable funding amount.
Maintenance Impact
Routine maintenance, such as snow clearing, will be performed by adjacent property owners; and no additional cost is anticipated to be incurred by the City. Long term repairs/replacement of sidewalk slabs adjacent to taxable parcels may continue to be performed by the City, such as is currently done under the voter approved sidewalk millage. The cost of repairs to sidewalk adjacent to Clague School would be the responsibility of Ann Arbor Public Schools. The City will maintain the rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) to be installed on Green Road, west of Kilburn Park. The estimated cost of RRFB maintenance is $2,000.00 annually and will be funded by the Field Operation's Major Street Fund operation and maintenance annual budget.
Background
On May 21, 2012, City Council approved resolution R-12-234 supporting a Safe Routes to School grant application for Clague School. The City received grant funding approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT); and proceeded with design of a new 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk to be constructed on the east side of Nixon Road from the Clague School driveway entrance to Haverhill Court, and a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the crosswalk on Green Road west of Kilburn Park.
The completed plans were submitted to MDOT in July 2014 and bid through MDOT in October of 2014. Subsequently, City Council passed resolution R-14-354 on October 20, 2014 to approve the City-State agreement with MDOT for the project.
Special Assessments & Resident Input
As called for in Chapter 13 of City Code, the cost for the addition of new sidewalk where none currently exists is borne by the parcels that benefit from the improvements. The Safe Routes to School Grant will provide approximately 77% of the construction cost of the sidewalk. The remainder of the project costs will be local share.
On January 5, 2015 City Council approved Resolution #1 (R-15-006) authorizing the Clague Safe Routes - Nixon Road Sidewalk as a special assessment project. The adjoining properties to be assessed include Northbury Condominiums Phase I and Phase II, and two single family residential parcels.
The affected property owners were invited to share their thoughts at an Administrative Hearing on January 21, 2015 where staff explained the project and the estimated assessment amounts. A summary of the discussion is included as an attachment to the resolution.
The special assessment amounts will be distributed to the properties in proportion to the length of sidewalk that will be installed adjacent to each property.
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, Plans and specifications have been prepared for the Clague Safe Routes - Nixon Road Sidewalk Project (Clague School Driveway to Haverhill Court), District #46;
Whereas, In accordance with Chapter 13 of City Code, the cost for the addition of new sidewalk is borne by the benefitting parcels;
Whereas, A construction estimate and appropriate funding sources have been established; and
Whereas, Federal Safe Routes to School Funds are available to fund a portion of the construction costs;
RESOLVED, That the City Council determines the total cost of said Nixon Road sidewalk improvement including all incidentals, to be $322,608, and that of said cost, the sum of $150,541 be a local share;
RESOLVED, That, of the local share, $14,537 be paid by special assessment upon the properties specially benefited;
RESOLVED, That the following described lots and parcels of land be designated as constituting the special assessment district against which the cost of said improvements shall be assessed, or against which an improvement charge shall, pursuant to Section 1.278 of the City Code, be levied: SEE ATTACHED; and
RESOLVED, That the City Assessor be herby directed to prepare a special assessment roll in accordance with the foregoing determinations of the City Council and to file the same, together with his certificate attached thereto, with the City Clerk for presentation to the City Council.