Title
Resolution No. 2 - Barton Drive Sidewalk Special Assessment ($1,980.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to establish the special assessment costs and distribution for the Barton Drive Sidewalk Project (Resolution No. 2 for Sidewalk District #41). The sidewalk is proposed to be constructed along the south side of Barton Drive from approximately 250 feet west of Chandler Road to Longshore Drive (see attached map).
The Barton Drive sidewalk will be combined with the Scio Church sidewalk to be bid as one project through MDOT with construction funded in part by the Federal Surface Transportation Fund (STPU). The City's ability to use federal funds for this project has created the opportunity for the private property owners to receive the sidewalk improvements at a lower cost and to reduce the city-share non-recoverable funding amount.
Background
On December 10, 2012, staff received a petition requesting the City to provide a sidewalk along the south side of Barton Drive from approximately 250 west of Chandler Road to Longshore Drive. The petition had 7 signatures from three separate households.
A public meeting was held on April 10, 2013 to further assess the community desire for sidewalk at this location. The general input from the vast majority of residents in attendance, was that the extension of this sidewalk was necessary to provide safe pedestrian access to the non-motorized boardwalk connecting the neighborhood to Argo Nature Area and Bandemer Park.
Subsequently, City Council approved Resolution #1 appropriating funding for staff to design the sidewalk (R-13-238).
Special Assessments & Resident Input
As called for in Chapter 13 of City Code, the cost for the addition of new sidewalk 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 is eligible to be paid by federal Surface Transportation Funds. The remainder of the costs will be local share.
On July 15, 2013 City Council approved Resolution No. 1 (R-13-238) authorizing staff to prepare plans, specifications, and estimates for this work as a special assessment project. Because most of this sidewalk abuts the rear of a parcel or is along City-owned land, only two properties are assessable.
The two affected property owners have been contacted and were given detailed information regarding the project and the estimated assessment amounts. Both residents were given the opportunity to ask questions and have stated they understand the benefit of the sidewalk.
The total estimated cost of the Barton Drive sidewalk is $80,606.00 of which an approximate $36,000.00 will be paid from the Federal Surface Transportation Funds. The remaining $44,606.00 local share is to be funded by the General Fund ($42,626.00) and by special assessment ($1,980.00).
The special assessment amounts will be distributed to the properties in proportion to the length of sidewalk that will be installed adjacent to each property.
Staff
Prepared by: Nick Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Plans and specifications have been prepared for the Barton Drive Sidewalk Project, District #41;
Whereas, In accordance with Chapter 13 of City Code, the cost for the addition of new sidewalk is borne by the benefitting parcels;
Whereas, A construction estimate and appropriate funding sources have been established; and
Whereas, Federal Surface Transportation funding is available to fund a portion of the construction costs;
RESOLVED, That the City Council determines the total cost of said Barton Drive sidewalk improvement including all incidentals, to be $80,606.00, and that of said cost, the sum of $44,606.00 be a local share;
RESOLVED, That of the local share, $1,980.00 be paid by special assessment upon the properties specially benefited;
RESOLVED, That the following described lots and parcels of land be designated as constituting the special assessment district against which the cost of said improvements shall be assessed, or against which an improvement charge shall, pursuant to Section 1.278 of the City Code, be levied (SEE ATTACHED); and
RESOLVED, That the City Assessor be hereby directed to prepare a special assessment roll in accordance with the foregoing determinations of the City Council and to file the same, together with his certificate attached thereto, with the City Clerk for presentation to the City Council.