Title
Resolution to Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with NTH Consultants, Ltd. to Design the Access Bridge Replacement Project at the Water Resource Recovery Facility, RFP No. 21-17 ($378,800.00 Amendment; $668,972.00 Total Contract)
Memorandum
Your approval is requested for Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) in the amount of $378,800.00 for professional engineering services to complete a site plan and the design of a new access bridge over the Huron River to the City’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF).
The City’s WRRF is located in Ann Arbor Township and operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Access to the WRRF is provided by a roadway leading from Old Dixboro Road to the plant entrance that includes a bridge spanning the Huron River. The WRRF access bridge is approximately 90 years old, and the bi-annual bridge inspection performed in 2024 identified the bridge to be in fair condition and in need of replacement.
The current access road and bridge are located along a 650-foot long and 57-foot wide easement east of Old Dixboro Road. A new bridge must be located on property south of the existing bridge and will require realignment of a portion of the access road. Property along the south side of the access road is privately owned and City staff have begun discussions with the property owner to obtain an easement needed for the construction of the project. In addition, the existing bridge must remain in service while constructing a new bridge as it provides the only access for WRRF staff, delivery of materials and contracted service providers.
On September 7, 2021, Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with NTH in the amount of $290,172.00 to perform a preliminary project study and preliminarily design a replacement access bridge to the WRRF (RFP No. 21-17, Resolution R-21-340).
As part of this preliminary project study, NTH identified alternatives for replacing the WRRF access bridge and prepared preliminary engineering design drawings for the selected alternative. During the preliminary design phase, it was determined that the new bridge will impact a potential forested wetland and require excavation within the existing floodplain. As a result, it is appropriate that a natural features assessment and impact study be conducted, which is a requirement of a Joint Permit Application from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
During the preliminary project study, the City met with Ann Arbor Township staff, and it was determined that the township would require a submittal of a full site plan. The full site plan was triggered by the potential impact to the natural features, the potential acquisition of additional land and the significant nature of the construction of a new access bridge.
The professional engineering services required for these additional task are temporary and project-specific to the new bridge design. Because this need is not anticipated to continue at a level that would justify permanent staffing, utilizing professional services is the most appropriate means of providing the necessary resources.
NTH has submitted a new scope of services and fee schedule for these additional tasks and they are deemed reasonable and necessary.
WRRF staff is requesting your approval of Amendment No. 1 to the contract with NTH in the amount of $378,800.00 and to establish a contingency of $70,000.00, to fund any necessary design engineering services as approved by the City Administrator.
NTH complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
Budget & Fiscal Impact: The City of Ann Arbor Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) includes the Access Bridge Replacement Project (UT-SN-20-06). Funds to finance this contract are included in the approved Sewage Disposal System Capital Budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Anne M. Warrow, P.E., WRRF Senior Engineer
Reviewed by: Jordan Roberts, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The roadway that provides access to the City’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) includes a bridge spanning the Huron River;
Whereas, The WRRF access bridge is 90 years old, and the bi-annual bridge inspection performed in 2024 identified the bridge to be in fair condition and in need of replacement;
Whereas, On September 7, 2021, Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with NTH in the amount of $290,172.00 to perform a preliminary project study and preliminarily design a replacement access bridge to the WRRF;
Whereas, During the preliminary project study and design it became clear that a full site plan would need to be prepared and submitted to Ann Arbor Township for approval;
Whereas, Due to the potential impacts to the forested wetlands and floodplain, a natural features assessment and impact study needed to be conducted in accordance with the Joint Permit Application from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy;
Whereas, Completion of these additional tasks requires specialized knowledge and expertise in natural features and bridge design that is not currently available within existing City staff resources and it is appropriate to utilize a professional engineering consultant;
Whereas, NTH’s revised scope and cost estimate of $378,800.00 to complete the additional task was deemed appropriate;
Whereas, WRRF staff request that Council approve a contingency of $70,000.00 to fund additional necessary services approved by the City Administrator;
Whereas, NTH complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances, and
Whereas, Funds are available in the Sewage Disposal System Capital Budget.
RESOLVED, That Council approve Amendment No.1 to the Professional Services Agreement with NTH Consultants, Inc. (NTH) in the amount of $378,800.00 to provide professional engineering services to complete the necessary task for the design of the WRRF Access Bridge;
RESOLVED, That Council approve a contingency of $70,000.00 to fund additional necessary services as approved by the City Administrator;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the agreement after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.