ITEM: 12.2 ADMINISTRATION - Jean M. Keely, City Engineer
Title
APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ANOKA COUNTY FOR THE DESIGN OF COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 14 (125TH AVENUE) BETWEEN COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 52 (RADISSON ROAD) AND 1500 FEET EAST OF HARPERS STREET IN THE CITY OF BLAINE, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 13-14
Background
At the March 7, 2013 Council Workshop, Council considered a potential Harpers Street improvement project at the intersection with 125th Avenue. The discussion on the intersection of Harpers Street and 125th Avenue was precipitated by the developments occurring within the Harpers Street corridor. Currently the northern leg of the Harpers Street intersection with 125th Avenue has not been improved as the abutting properties have not yet developed and there is a need for additional right-of way. At the request of the City, the intersection was reviewed this spring by Anoka County for traffic numbers and warrants for traffic signal installation may be met.
On June 6, 2013, Council initiated a project and ordered preparation of a Feasibility Report that would define the project scope, right of way acquisition, and intersection improvements including a possible traffic signal system and median on Harpers Street and 125th Avenue along with sidewalk and trail.
At the September 12, 2013 Council Workshop, staff reported on a meeting that was held with the Anoka County Highway Department. The County had an improvement project scheduled for construction in 2016 from Radisson Road through Harpers Street. The County offered to move their project to 2015 if the City could front the cost of hiring a consultant to perform preliminary and final design for a combined project. The Council authorized staff to request proposals for preliminary and final design services.
Before approval of a consultant contract, Council is asked to consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Anoka County. The MOU states that the City and County agree in principle that the design and subsequent reconstruction of 125th Avenue from Radisson Road to east of Harpers Street is in the best interest of the traveling public. The MOU outlines proposed improvements of four lanes, concrete median, turn lanes, curb and gutter, storm sewer, bituminous trail, and potential traffic signals. Anoka County states that they will acquire right-of-way if needed. The MOU also states the City of Blaine will front the costs of design and preparation of a biddable set of plans that meet MnDOT State Aid standards and that both parties will continue to work toward a proration of construction and engineering costs. This division of costs will be further defined and detailed in a Joint Powers Agreement.
Temporary funding for the upfront engineering costs will be the City's internal Municipal State Aid construction funds and permanent funding for the City's portion of construction will be Municipal State Aid street funds and developer escrows. A Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County will be brought back to City Council for approval prior to this project moving forward to construction.
Recommended Council Action
By motion, approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the County of Anoka and the City of Blaine agree in principle that design and subsequent reconstruction of 125th Avenue from Radisson Road to east of Harpers Street is in the best interest of the traveling public; and
WHEREAS, it is intended that 125th Avenue from Radisson Road to east of Harpers Street will be constructed to a 4-lane urban section, with concrete median, turn lanes, through lanes, curb and gutter, storm sewer, bituminous trail and potentially traffic signals; and
WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding has been prepared which outlines the responsibilities of the County and the City as to requirements and obligations for traffic signals, right-of-way, drainage, bituminous trail, traffic control, driveways, landscaping/streetscaping, utilities, permits, and engineering costs for reconstruction of 125th Avenue.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine as follows:
1. The Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Anoka and the City of Blaine regarding the reconstruction of 125th Avenue from Radisson Road to 1500 feet east of Harpers Street is hereby approved.
2. The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to execute said Memorandum of Understanding.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 5th day of December, 2013.