Title
Resolution to Redirect Staff Resources and Funding from the Morehead-Delaware Pedestrian Bridge Project to the Changing Driving Culture Study and Installation of Additional Enhanced Pedestrian Crosswalks
Memorandum
In the 2013 Non-Motorized Transportation Plan (NMTP) Update, pages 39-40, a total of 21 midblock crosswalks were identified as potential locations for enhanced treatments, in the form of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs). While these were identified as potential locations for RRFBs, detailed engineering analysis has not yet been performed at all of the locations to determine if they are actually feasible (in terms of safety, construction, etc).
Of these 21 locations, 10 have either been completed or are currently scheduled for construction within the next two years. Work on these locations has been progressing primarily through Federal Safety Grants, and in conjunction with street reconstruction projects. However, as indicated in the NMTP, there is presently no dedicated funding source to move forward with the remaining 11 locations.
The City has been approached by Western Michigan University (WMU) in regards to the City’s interest in participating in a study (referred to herein as the Changing Driving Culture Study). This study would extend the research into how to affect driver behavior at pedestrian crosswalks with the goal of increasing driver yielding rates and improving safety. The techniques utilized by the WMU team include a combination of physical devices, signage, education, and police enforcement. These techniques have been tested and seen measurable success in several other communities, and have also demonstrated a lasting effect on driver behavior. Please refer to the attached memo for more information.
On May 18, 2015 per budget amendment 9, , City Council amended the Public Services Administration expenditure budget and the General Capital Project fund revenue and expenditure budgets by $450,000 to fund the Morehead-Delaware Pedestrian Bridge Project (CIP No. R-AT-15-05).
The attached Resolution would direct staff to stop work on the Morehead-Delaware Pedestrian Bridge Project, and redirect staff resources and funding to the Changing Driving Culture Study and to advance work on the additional 11 RRFB locations identified in the 2013 NMTP Update.
If the attached resolution is approved, City staff would work with WMU staff to negotiate an agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both parties in regards to the proposed Changing Driving Culture Study. This agreement would then be brought back to City Council for approval at a later date.
Staff would also begin to conduct an engineering review of the remaining 11 potential RRFB locations. A prioritized list of these locations will be provided to Council once the preliminary engineering analysis is complete. Staff will then begin installing the RRFBs at locations found to be appropriate for such a treatment.
Budget/Fiscal Impact
Of the $450,000 approved for the Morehead-Delaware Pedestrian Bridge Project, approximately $438,000 remains unspent. Since these funds have already been transferred out of the General Fund and into the Capital Projects Fund, the remaining funds can be repurposed without a budget amendment.
The estimated cost to the City for the Changing Driving Culture Study is $150,000, which includes staff time from Project Management, Field Operations, and the Police Department. The remaining $288,000 would then be directed to the design and installation of additional RRFBs from the locations identified in the NMTP Update.
Sponsored by: Council Members Grand, Westphal and Warpehoski
Body
Whereas, The City has been presented with an opportunity to participate in the Changing Driving Culture Study with Western Michigan University, the results of which may improve driver yielding rates at pedestrian crosswalks resulting in an overall increase in safety;
Whereas, The City’s cost to participate in the Changing Driving Culture Study is approximately $150,000;
Whereas, On May 18, 2015 per budget amendment 9, City Council amended the Public Services Administration expenditure budget and the General Capital Project fund revenue and expenditure budgets were increased by $450,000 to fund the Morehead-Delaware Pedestrian Bridge Project; and
Whereas, The Morehead-Delaware pedestrian bridge project has commenced and has a remaining unspent project budget of approximately $438,000;
RESOLVED, The City Administrator shall direct staff of stop work on the Morehead- Delaware Pedestrian Bridge Project;
RESOLVED, The City Administrator shall direct staff to work with the staff of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Office in particular and other agencies as appropriate to investigate potential funding partnerships for the design and replacement of the Morehead-Delaware Pedestrian Bridge Project;
RESOLVED, The City Administrator shall direct staff to engage with Western Michigan University to negotiate an agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both parties in regards to the proposed Changing Driving Culture Study;
RESOLVED, That a portion of the remaining $438,000 approved for the Morehead-Delaware Pedestrian Bridge Project be reallocated to a project budget for the Changing Driving Culture Study ($150,000);
RESOLVED, The City Administrator shall direct staff to engage in discussions with Morehead-Delaware residents to determine how to achieve a solution that meets the neighborhood’s reasonable aspirations and the City’s duty to husband its resources, and report back to Council on the results of this engagement by September 6, 2016; and
RESOLVED, That Council authorizes the City Administrator to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Grand, Westphal and Warpehoski
As Amended by Ann Arbor City Council on April 18, 2016 and May 2, 2016