Title
Resolution to Authorize Professional Services Agreements with Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) for the Design of the Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement and the Nixon Road Corridor Traffic Study (RFP No. 955) ($538,076.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and consideration for approval is a resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreements with Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM), for $538,076.00 for the Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement design and the Nixon Road Corridor Traffic Study.
The intersection of Dhu Varren Road, Green Road, and Nixon Road is currently an all-way stop-controlled, offset-tee configuration. Traffic is currently congested at this location during the morning and evening peak hours. In addition to this, the parcels at the northwest and southwest quadrants of the intersection currently have approved site plans for new residential developments. As a result, the current intersection configuration is not adequate to accommodate present and future traffic demands.
An Intersection Improvement Study was conducted in 2015 by OPUS International Consultants, Inc. that identified expected operational problems at the intersection and possible improvements to address these issues. Based on the result of this study, which included a public input component, the City has determined that the optimal long term solution to this intersection would be to install a modern roundabout to improve the traffic operations, pedestrian and bicycle access, and other factors affecting this area.
The Nixon Road corridor begins at Plymouth Road and extends north to the City limits. Nixon Road is predominantly a two lane roadway with some widening for turn lanes at a few intersections. Planned construction of the roundabout at the intersection of Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren combined with existing public concern regarding the current and future traffic has prompted the City conduct a transportation study to be used as a planning guide for future capital improvements on this corridor. The results of this study will include recommendations for vehicular, pedestrian, and other non-motorized transportation.
This has prompted the City of Ann Arbor to seek a qualified engineering firm to undertake the design of the Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Roads Intersection Improvement and Nixon Road Corridor Traffic Study.
On November 6, 2015, a request for proposal (RFP No. 955) was issued, which included the engineering design of a roundabout at the Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren intersection, as well as the Nixon Road Corridor Traffic Study. Proposals were received from three consultants on December 3, 2015. A team of staff members reviewed the proposals and selected Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) based on their professional qualifications, past involvement with similar projects, proposed work plan and, fee quotations.
Budget/Fiscal Impact
Work for this project is included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as:
Funding for the Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Roads Intersection Improvement Project (CIP number TR-SC-162-18) will come from the City of Ann Arbor Street Millage, and from contributions from developers of up to $1,025,460.00, which amount was fixed as 50% of the estimated total cost of the project. This portion of the project scope represents $353,076.00 of the total contract amount of $538,076.
Funding for the Nixon Corridor Traffic Study (CIP number TR-OT-16-05) will come from the General Fund, as approved by City Council (Resolution No. R-15-339). This portion of the project scope represents $185,000.00 of the total contract amount of $538,076.00.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The current configuration of the intersection of Dhu Varren Road, Green Road, and Nixon Road is not adequate to accommodate present and future traffic demands;
Whereas, It is necessary to conduct the Nixon Road Transportation Study, as directed by Council (Resolution R-15-339) to be used as a planning guide for future capital improvements on the corridor;
Whereas, The Nixon Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Roads Intersection Improvement and Nixon Road Corridor Traffic Study are included in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan;
Whereas, Funding for this contract is available in the approved Street Millage Capital Budget and the General Capital Fund as established by City Council (R-15-339);
Whereas, It is necessary to retain the services of a professional engineering firm to perform the engineering design of the intersection and conduct the corridor study;
Whereas, In response to RFP No. 955, the City received four proposals and selected Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) based on their professional qualifications, past involvement with similar projects, proposed work plan, and fee quotations; and
Whereas, Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage Ordinances;
RESOLVED, That the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM) in the amount of $538,076.00 for the Nixon/Green/Dhu Varren Intersection Improvement and the Nixon Road Corridor Traffic Study;
RESOLVED, That a contingency amount of $60,000.00 be established from the project budget and that the City Administrator be authorized to approve change orders to the professional services agreement with Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, Inc. (OHM), not to exceed the $60,000.00 contingency amount 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.