Title
Resolution to Approve Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan for the Development of the Fuller Road Station
Memorandum
Attached for your approval is an MOU representing the conceptual agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan as we continue our collaboration toward implementation of the intermodal transportation facilities to be constructed along Fuller Road on City land currently used for parking at the foot of the University of Michigan Hospital.
Previously, Council approved a resolution authorizing Professional Services with JJR, LLC in the amount of $541,717.00 for conceptual design, environmental assessment and engineering services related to the Phase I project. Deliverable Number One of this effort was to confirm the Phase I Conceptual Plan and identify the Phase I development footprint. That effort has been completed and was presented to the council at the October 12, 2009 Working Session.
The City owns the land containing the existing southern surface parking lot along Fuller Road and has determined that this area is: uniquely suited as adjacent to the existing Amtrak passenger rail service corridor, which is proposed to accommodate commuter rail service linking Ann Arbor to Metro airport and Detroit and has been designated as a national high-speed corridor between Detroit and Chicago; immediately adjacent to the University Medical center campus with thousands of employees and visitors daily; able to provide direct pedestrian access to jobs and medical services; accessible to bus transport via Fuller and East Medical Center Drive and is along a proposed signature transit corridor identified in the City's recent Transportation Plan Update; and adjacent to the Washtenaw County Border to Border Trail.
The City and University desire to jointly develop an intermodal transportation station, with the working title of the Fuller Road Station, and include in this first phase of development a bus terminal for UM and AATA buses, a parking structure with approximately 900 parking spaces and a surface parking lot with approximately 50 parking spaces, and bicycle parking with lockers.
Beyond Phase I the overall concept for intermodal facilities includes the potential for additional parking, connections to rail platforms, a rail waiting/ticketing area, an expanded bus terminal, skywalk connections to the University of Michigan Hospital, linkage with the proposed signature transit corridor identified in the City's Transportation Plan update, a 'full-service' bike station and an expanded system of bike paths and connections as well as other elements.
This MOU provides the basis for City and University of Michigan cost participation in the Phase I project, as well as the mutual understanding of the parties for use of the facilities as agreements for operation and use of the facility are developed. In advance of those agreements, the MOU allows the design work to begin by the respective parties with the knowledge that there is agreement in principle to guide the development of the future contracts. Minimizing delays in these early phases of the design process are critical to meeting the required project completion date of June, 2012. University staff is recommending the project for approval to the University of Michigan Regents at their November meeting.
Staff
Prepared by: Eli Cooper, Transportation Program Manager
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Administrator
Jayne Miller, Community Services Administrator
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City and University of Michigan (UM) have collaborated on development of transportation plans including the City's 2009 Transportation Plan update and find continuing to implement planning recommendations as necessary and desirable;
Whereas, The study of the relocation of the Amtrak Station from Depot Street to Fuller Road is identified as a short-term recommendation in the City's 2009 Transportation Plan;
Whereas, The UM desires to co-locate university related parking and transportation services as part of an intermodal facility being considered with the rail station relocation;
Whereas, The City owns the land along Fuller Road and has determined the area is suitable for consideration of an Intermodal Transportation Station, hereinafter referred to by the working title Fuller Road Station;
Whereas, The City has determined that this area is uniquely suited to accommodate commuter rail service linking Ann Arbor to Metro airport and Detroit and has been designated as a national high-speed corridor between Detroit and Chicago;
Whereas, The City and University desire to jointly develop an intermodal facility which shall include in its first phase of development a bus stop with passenger waiting area, bike parking and lockers, and a parking structure with approximately 900 parking spaces;
Whereas, Additional phases of the Fuller Road Station may include elements including additional parking, connections to rail platforms, a rail waiting/ticketing area, an Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and University bus terminal, skywalk connections to the University of Michigan Hospital, linkage with the proposed signature transit corridor identified in the City's Transportation Plan update, as well as other elements;
Whereas, The City and UM have previously partnered in Site Investigation, Project Definition and development of Conceptual Plans for the Fuller Road Station;
Whereas, The project can be phased such that the immediate needs can be accommodated while future phases evolve on their respective timelines;
Whereas, The Council has reviewed the Conceptual Plan for Phase I of the Fuller Road Station; and
Whereas, The City and the UM have developed and agree on respective roles and responsibilities of the parties, including financial participation for Phase I of the Fuller Road Station,
RESOLVED, That Council approve the attached Fuller Road Station Phase I Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said MOU after approval as to from by the City Attorney, and approval as to substance by the City Administrator; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Rapundalo, Greden and Mayor Hieftje