Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Services Agreement with OHM Advisors, Inc. for Engineering Services for the South Barton Bridge Project ($407,824.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a Professional Services Agreement with OHM Advisors, Inc. (OHM) in the amount of $370,749.00 for Engineering Services for the South Barton Bridge Project.
Project Description
The South Barton Bridge is a 304-foot-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Huron River within Barton Nature Area. The bridge serves as a key connection along the Border to Border Trail and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel.
Constructed in 1991, the bridge has experienced deterioration of its steel support structure and has reached the end of its useful life, requiring replacement.
In addition to structural concerns, the existing 8-foot clear width does not meet current shared-use path design standards. Replacement of the bridge provides an opportunity to bring the structure up to current standards and improve the overall trail and park user experience.
An engineering firm is needed to design the replacement structure and lead the permitting process. Given the constraints of the site, constructability considerations will need to be incorporated throughout design, including construction access and temporary structures. The potential reuse of the existing bridge piers will also need to be evaluated as part of the design process.
Solicitation of Proposals
Parks staff solicited proposals through RFP #26-37 through the City’s Procurement Unit. The scope of work and project information were distributed electronically through the City of Ann Arbor’s procurement website and MITN.info.
On July 30, 2026, five proposals were received and opened. Following a review of qualifications, experience, work plans, and fees, three firms were selected for interviews. Following the interviews, staff selected OHM based on their qualifications, relevant experience, proposed work plan, and fee.
OHM has extensive experience working on similar projects, including other Border to Border Trail bridges and projects along the Huron River corridor. OHM will use Materials Testing Consultants as a subconsultant for geotechnical services, including soil borings.
OHM can meet the project requirements and has submitted all required Non-Discrimination, Living Wage, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure forms and complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances.
Staff recommend that City Council approve a Professional Services Agreement with OHM Advisors, Inc. in the amount of $370,749.00 for engineering services for the South Barton Bridge Project.
Given uncertainties associated with permitting, construction access, temporary structures, and the potential need for a new substructure, a 10% design contingency in the amount of $37,075.00 is requested to cover potential additional services that may be required to complete the project, subject to approval by the City Administrator.
It is requested that a $407,824.00 contract and contingency amount be approved for the life of the project without regard to fiscal year.
The Park Advisory Commission recommended approval of the Professional Services Agreement at its September 15, 2026 meeting.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding is available from the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage Fund and Parks and Recreation will be applying for a Ralph C. Wilson Trail Maintenance Fund grant in the amount of $500,000 that can be applied to both the design and construction phases of this project.
Staff
Prepared by: Hillary Hanzel, Landscape Architect IV
Reviewed by: Josh Landefeld, Parks & Recreation Services Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The South Barton Bridge serves as a key connection along the Border to Border Trail and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel;
Whereas, The bridge has experienced deterioration of its steel support structure and has reached the end of its useful life;
Whereas, The condition of the bridge requires replacement of the structure, providing an opportunity to bring the bridge up to current shared-use path design standards and improve the overall trail and park user experience;
Whereas, Parks staff solicited proposals through Request for Proposals #26-37 through the City’s Procurement Unit;
Whereas, Following review of the five proposals and interviews with three firms, staff selected OHM Advisors, Inc. based on its qualifications, relevant experience, proposed work plan, and fee;
Whereas, OHM Advisors, Inc. will subcontract Materials Testing Consultants for geotechnical services;
Whereas, The proposed engineering services will be performed on an hourly, not-to-exceed basis;
Whereas, The total not-to-exceed fee for engineering services is $370,749.00;
Whereas, OHM Advisors, Inc. can meet the project requirements, has submitted all required Non-Discrimination, Living Wage, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure forms, and complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances;
Whereas, Funding is available from the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage Fund;
Whereas, The City will be awarded a $500,000.00 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan that may be applied to the project; and
Whereas, The Park Advisory Commission recommended approval of the Professional Services Agreement at its September 15, 2026 meeting;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves entering a Professional Services Agreement with OHM Advisors, Inc. in the amount of $370,749.00 for engineering services for the South Barton Bridge Project (RFP #26-37);
RESOLVED, That a 10% contingency amount of $37,075.00 is established within the project budget to cover potential additional services for the life of the project and that the City Administrator is authorized to approve amendments to the Professional Services Agreement with OHM Advisors, Inc., not to exceed the contingency amount, in order to satisfactorily complete the project;
RESOLVED, That all amounts herein are without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to execute the agreement after approval by the City Administrator and City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution and the agreement, including execution of subagreements, change orders, or related documents, and to make all determinations and exercise all authority delegated to the City under the agreement.