Title
Resolution No. 1 - Prepare Plans and Specifications for the Proposed Miller/Maple Sidewalk Project - Sidewalk and Curb and Gutter Special Assessment Project
Memorandum
Approval of the attached resolution directs staff to prepare plans, specifications, and cost estimates to fill in the sidewalk gaps along Miller Avenue and North Maple Road as a special assessment project. This work will be included in the Miller/Maple Sidewalk Project which in part will be funded by the Federal Surface Transportation Fund (STP). The City’s ability to use federal funds for this project will also create the opportunity for the private property owners to receive the sidewalk and curb and gutter improvements at less than the standard rates.
There are currently gaps in the sidewalk on Miller Avenue between the westbound M-14 off ramp and North Maple Road; and on North Maple Road between Miller Avenue and westbound M-14 roundabout. The gaps are approximately 2,400 feet in length. In accordance with the City’s Non-Motorized Plan and Complete Streets approach, it is proposed to install a new sidewalk to close the gap and provide a continuous pedestrian connection along the north side of Miller Avenue and the west side of North Maple Road. The construction of the sidewalk will also require the construction of curb and gutter, the removal of some trees, and a small amount of storm sewer to maintain drainage.
As called for in Chapter 13 of City Code, the cost for the addition of new sidewalk, curb and gutter, and storm sewer where none currently exists is borne by the parcels that benefit from the improvements. Because this is a federal-aid project, up to 80% of the construction cost of the sidewalk would be paid by federal Surface Transportation Funds. The remainder of the costs would be local share.
The project may also require the City to obtain some temporary grading easements from adjacent property owners. As required by MDOT, staff will estimate the value of the grading permits following MDOT’s procedures and offer the property owners reasonable compensation for the grading permits granted to the City. Any property owner that chooses may donate their grading permit to the project at no cost, or ask for the value of the grading permit to be factored into the calculation for the special assessment items as an offset to some of their special assessment cost.
The attached resolution directs staff to provide and share cost estimates for this work once it is designed. Nineteen parcels have been identified as being potentially part of the special assessment district.
If authorized to undertake this work as a special assessment project, staff will meet with the affected property owners to describe the project and its associated costs. Following that meeting, staff will return to Council with Resolution 2 which will define the estimated individual costs to each parcel.
Below is a tentative schedule:
December 5: Council Meeting - Resolution 1
January 2017: Administrative Hearing Meeting with residents
February 2017: Council Meeting - Resolution 2
April 2017: Resolution 3
May 2017: Public Hearing & Resolution 4
July/August 2017: Begin construction
Budget Impact
This project is scheduled to receive Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funding, which typically pays for up to 80% of the construction cost of the project. In addition to special assessments, the local share of the project will be funded by the Street, Bridge, and Sidewalk Millage Fund.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Council deems it necessary to construct the following improvement: Miller/Maple Sidewalk Project; described as:
Construction of sidewalk and curb & gutter fronting parcels along Miller Avenue between the westbound M-14 off ramp and North Maple Road; and on North Maple Road between Miller Avenue and westbound M-14 roundabout.
RESOLVED, The City Administrator be directed to prepare plans and specifications for said improvement project, and an estimate of the cost thereof;
RESOLVED, The City Administrator be 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, The City Clerk shall present said report to the Council and make it available for public examination.