Title
Resolution to Approve a Professional Service Agreement with Northwest Consultants, Inc. for the Snyder and Edgewood Avenues Area Storm Water Improvements Project ($208,034.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval, please find a resolution to approve a professional services agreement with Northwest Consultants, Inc. (NCI) in the amount of $208,034.00 for the completion of the Snyder and Edgewood Avenues Area Storm Water Improvements Project.
The neighborhood surrounding the Snyder and Edgewood intersection has experienced flooding during rain events that has damaged at least one of the homes. The intersection is a low point in the area, and most storm water from north and west of the intersection flows to it. The intersection is drained by a 42-inch storm sewer southerly towards the Pioneer High School, routed around the storm water quality system constructed by the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commission in 2011, and ultimately drains to a 54-inch storm sewer under S. Main Street to the east. This piping system is essentially the headwaters of the Allen Creek system, which flows through the downtown area.
On April 30, 2018, the City published RFP 18-23 requesting proposals from qualified engineering consulting firms to provide public engagement, project scoping and design services, and to prepare preliminary plans. On May 29, 2018, the City received four proposals. A Selection Committee composed of Public Services Area staff and a representative of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commission evaluated the proposals and held interviews with two firms. The Committee objectively scored the selection criteria and chose NCI.
This design study and preliminary engineering project will quantify the flooding along Snyder Avenue and rank mitigation options. NCI will also provide a written report, preliminary plans, specifications, and cost estimate, developed to a 30% level, that is suitable for moving forward into a final design phase of the project at a later date.
The project will also involve creation and implementation of a public involvement and outreach plan, which will allow the City to obtain more detailed information on past flooding and its impacts, and input regarding possible solutions. This part of the project will allow the City to test proposed solutions with the neighborhood, meet with residents one-on-one to discuss questions and concerns, and create and provide content that can be published on the project webpage. These tasks will be some of the first work undertaken on the project and will work to inform the project team more fully about the project and its needs. We also plan to strategically schedule and hold four public meetings throughout the project’s duration to fully discuss and vet the project with all affected parties.
We expect the work to begin on, or about, October 1, 2018 and be concluded by mid-Summer 2019. Construction of the preferred alternative will be programmed at the completion of this project subject to funding availability.
The form of contract will be the standard professional services agreement drafted by the City Attorney’s Office.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Approximately 4
50 staff hours are expected to be expended during the course of this project for tasks like coordination of work with various City Service Units or outside agencies (such as the University of Michigan, Washtenaw County Water Resources Commission, Ann Arbor Public Schools, internal and external project stakeholders, etc.), review of consultant work product, planning and scoping future project work, and other related tasks.
Funds for this work are contained within the approved Public Services Area Stormwater Sewer System Fund Capital Budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Nicholas S. Hutchinson, P.E., City Engineer, Project Management
Reviewed by: Craig Hupy, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, It is appropriate to retain the services of a professional consulting engineering firm to perform work for the Snyder and Edgewood Avenues Area Storm Water Improvements Project;
Whereas, Funding for this work exists within the approved Public Services Area Stormwater Sewer System Fund Capital Budget;
Whereas, The professional engineering firm of Northwest Consultants, Inc. (NCI), of Toledo, Ohio has submitted to the City a proposal for the necessary services, setting forth the services to be performed by said firm, and the payments to be made by the City therefor, all of which are agreeable to the City;
Whereas, NCI was selected as part of a qualification-based selection process overseen by Public Services Area staff; and
Whereas, NCI complies with the requirements of the City’s Non-Discrimination and Living Wage ordinances;
RESOLVED, That a professional services agreement with Northwest Consultants, Inc. of Toledo, Ohio in an amount not to exceed $208,034.00 be approved for the Snyder and Edgewood Avenues Area Storm Water Improvements Project;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to approve amendments to the professional services agreement up to $20,800.00 in order to satisfactorily complete the project;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement, 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.