Title
Resolution to Authorize Professional Services Agreements with OPUS International Consultants, Inc. for $58,724.36 for Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement Study
Memorandum
Attached for your review and consideration for approval is a resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with OPUS International Consultants, Inc. (OPUS), for $58,724.36 for the Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement Study.
On June 2, 2014, a request for proposal for Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement Study was issued (RFP-899), and proposals from three consultants were received on June 23, 2014. OPUS International Consultants, Inc. is recommended based on their professional qualifications, past involvement with similar projects, proposed work plan, and fee quotations.
The current City of Ann Arbor Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) includes project TR-SC-15-01, the Nixon and Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement Study. The FY15 capital budget includes $100,000.00 in funding for this project, funded by the Street Resurfacing Millage.
Lands in the north-west and south-west quadrants of the intersection are being proposed for development. Existing concerns regarding the current configuration and the impact of the proposed development support the need for an analysis of potential improvement options for the intersection. The goal of the study is to recommend a configuration that considers traffic flow, road user safety, accommodation of pedestrians and cyclists, accessibility for the disabled, construction cost, and impact on environmental areas. A variety of options will be considered to ensure that the most appropriate solution is selected at the completion of the study. Public meetings will be held as part of this process to present the alternatives and get feedback from the public.
The intersection of Dhu Varren Road, Green Road, and Nixon Road is currently an all-way stop-controlled offset-tee intersection. Dhu Varren Road is a two-lane road approaching from the west, with no turning lanes at the intersection. It has bike lanes in some locations, overhead utility poles, and a posted speed limit of 35 mph. The land to the north and south of Dhu Varren Road is currently undeveloped and contains several environmentally sensitive features.
Green Road, approaching from the east, is a three-lane roadway with a two-way-left-turn-lane (TWLTL) and through lanes in each direction. The TWLTL turns into a left turn lane at the intersection. The existing corridor has sidewalks on both sides, bike lanes, bus stops, and a variety of underground services and utilities. There is currently residential development north and south of Green Road. An environmentally sensitive area is to the immediate north.
Nixon Road runs north-south and is predominantly a two-lane roadway connecting Huron Parkway and Plymouth Road on the south to rural areas north of the City. It has a sidewalk on the east side, bike lanes on both sides, bus stops, and a mix of above ground and underground utilities. The road has a mix of 30 and 35 mph speed limits in the project area.
OPUS International Consultants, Inc. received Human Rights approval on July 29, 2014.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, It is necessary to conduct a study to evaluate alternative intersection configurations that will improve the operational efficiency of the Nixon/Dhu Varren/Green Road intersection, engage the public, prepare conceptual engineering plans for the recommended alternative, and develop a planning level cost estimate;
Whereas, It is necessary to retain the services of a professional engineering firm to conduct the study;
Whereas, In response to RFP No. 899 for Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement Study, the City received three proposals; and selected OPUS International Consultants, Inc. based on their professional qualifications, past involvement with similar projects, proposed work plan and fee quotations;
Whereas, The Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement Study is included in the City's Capital Improvements Plan;
Whereas, OPUS International Consultants, Inc. received Human Rights approval on July 29, 2014 and complies with the living wage ordinance; and
Whereas, Funding for the study is available in the approved Street Millage Capital Budget;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with OPUS International Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $58,724.36 for Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement Study;
RESOLVED, That a contingency amount of $10,000.00 be established from the project budget and that the City Administrator is authorized to approve change orders to the professional services agreement with OPUS International Consultants, Inc, not to exceed $10,000.00 in order to satisfactorily complete the project;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreements after approval as to form by the City Attorney and approval as to substance by the City Administrator; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.