ITEM: 12.5 ADMINISTRATION - Jean M. Keely, City Engineer
Title
APPROVE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT NO. 2013-0509 WITH ANOKA COUNTY FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF UNIVERSITY AVENUE (COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 51) FROM 109TH AVENUE TO 125TH AVENUE, CITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 10-09 (SP 002-651-007, SAP 106-020-031)
Background
In 2009, Anoka County applied for Surface Transportation Program funding to widen and reconstruct University Avenue (CSAH 51) from just north of 109th Avenue to just north of 121st Avenue (where the 125th Avenue Design Build project ended). Their funding application was approved and the County is now completing the Environmental Assessment (EA) and design and preparing for right-of-way acquisition in 2013 and construction in 2014.
The design for the road is based on both the needs of today and future traffic demands. The project involves reconstructing the existing 2-lane roadway into a new 4-lane divided roadway with medians, curb and gutter and pedestrian trails on both sides of the road. The project also involves the reconstruction of major intersections, including the installation of turn lanes at all public streets. Traffic signals will remain at the 109th, 111th, 117th and 121st Avenue intersections. In addition, a traffic signal will be installed at 113th Avenue.
Three public information meetings were held on February 15 and August 29, 2012 and February 12, 2013. A noise wall meeting for affected residents was also held on December 11, 2012. The County has provided every property owner with a packet of information and has met with or talked to, on an individual basis, property owners with concerns and questions. The County is in the process of completing the Environmental Assessment. Once the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has completed its review and given authorization, the County will schedule the required public hearing on the EA.
The estimated construction cost of the total project is just over $9.9 million with Federal funds capped at just under $6.4 million. Federal funds will cover a portion of City costs. Anoka County has prepared a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) based on their cost participation policy. The City is being asked to pay for a portion of curb and gutter, a portion of traffic control, a percentage of storm drainage improvements based on contributing area, the trail on the east side of the road and a portion of the traffic signal work at 109th, 111th, 113th, 117th and 121st Avenues. The total estimated construction cost to the City is $966,939.18 prior to application of federal funds. After federal funds are applied, the estimated cost to the City for their share of the construction items is $345,421.77. Adding the 8% County construction engineering costs brings Blaine's estimated total of $422,776.90.
An optional item to consider is noise wall upgrades similar to what the City approved on TH 65 and Radisson Road. The additional cost to the City for noise wall upgrades is estimated to be $25,000.
The JPA also spells out future maintenance obligations of the City to include storm sewer and detention basins, bituminous trail, crosswalk pavement markings at all City streets, street lights, luminaries and EVP systems on traffic signals, and ongoing electrical costs for street lights and traffic signals.
In addition, there are two new items in the JPA that were not present on recent County JPAs with the City which the Council should be aware of:
· The City will be required to reimburse the County for maintenance costs for noise walls where the City has been previously notified about noise issues. The noise wall between 121st Ave and 125th Ave would fall into this category.
· The JPA requires the City to pay for the costs (after federal funds have been applied) of relocating City utilities which currently lie within City right of way. The County is proposing to realign 111th Avenue and construct a storm water pond within the existing City owned 111th Avenue right of way. This will require relocation of existing City owned sanitary sewer and water utilities that are currently located under 111th Avenue.
Anoka County staff will be available to provide additional information and answer Council questions.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the County of Anoka and the City of Blaine desire to jointly cause the improvements of reconstructing University Avenue from 335 feet north of 109th Avenue to 290 feet south of 125th Avenue for the benefit of the traveling public; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 471.59 authorizes the County of Anoka to enter into an Agreement with the City of Blaine to provide for the reconstruction of University for the joint exercise of powers common to each; and
WHEREAS, said Agreement details the responsibilities of the County of Anoka and the City of Blaine as to the costs associated with the design, construction and related activities of the project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine Council elected to amend this resolution to incude in the project the estimated $25,000 for noise wall upgrades.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine as follows:
1. Joint Powers Agreement No. 2013-0509 between the County of Anoka and the City of Blaine with regards to the reconstruction of University Avenue is hereby approved.
2. The Blaine City Council elected to amend this Resolution to include in the project the estimated $25,000 for noise wall upgrades.
3. The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to execute said agreement.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 4th day of April, 2013.