Explanation
Several large transportation and development efforts are currently underway that will have a profound effect on the way vehicular and pedestrian traffic circulate in downtown Columbus. The reconstruction of I-70/71 will alter the means in which motorists access the downtown area. RiverSouth and Scioto Mile will create new travel patterns based on residential and river park development. Rebuilt bridges across the Scioto River will enhance connectivity with the Franklinton area. The redevelopment of Whittier Peninsula may require new access points. Streetcars and vehicles will occupy the same travel lane. The Downtown Columbus Circulation Study has recommended a number of streets revert from one-way to two-way operation.
In order to harmonize these separate but connected efforts to produce a downtown transportation system that provides mobility and safety for all users, additional engineering analysis must occur to successfully link surface street and freeway system operations. It is also imperative that the various construction schedules associated with these efforts be coordinated to minimize impact to the walking and driving public. The Division does not currently posses the resources to devote to this work as the Ohio Department of Transportation is soon to decide the I-70/71 alternative to continue to the detail design phase. It is important that consultant resources be acquired now to protect the City's vision for downtown traffic flow and visual enhancement of the freeway corridor. The cost of these services is now estimated at $100,000.00. This amount may increase and the contract may need to be modified, subject to City Council approval, based on decisions made by the City, ODOT and other agencies involved in the projects mentioned.
It is recommended that applicable provisions of Chapter 329 of the City Code be waived and the traffic engineering firm of Trans Associates, Inc., CC# 25-1634385, be authorized to perform this work. The traffic engineer that will be assigned to this project, Doyle Clear, has over 25 years experience in practicing traffic engineering and transportation planning in Central Ohio and downtown Columbus. Mr. Clear has a unique understanding of all the various issues associated with downtown development and travel patterns. He has conducted traffic analysis associated with the RiverSouth redevelopment, the I-70/71 project, Nationwide Arena District and Pen West District. In addition to already having access to the necessary development and traffic data, he is also in regular communication with the major developers and planners tasked to revitalize downtown.
Emergency action is requested as The Ohio Department of Transportation desires to select a final freeway and collector/distributor street system in January of 2007. In order for the City to provide input for desired pedestrian safety, vehicle circulation and aesthetic treatments in a timely fashion, traffic engineering support services must commence as soon as possible.
Fiscal Impact: The City of Columbus will be responsible for up to $100,000.00 of the cost of contracting with Trans Associates Engineering Consultants. This amount may increase dependent on decisions regarding these projects by the Ohio Department of Transportation and other agencies involved. City funds for this project are available within the Fund 266, the Municipal Motor Vehicle Tax Fund.
Title
To authorize the Public Service Director to enter into contract with Trans Associates Engineering Consultants; to authorize the expenditure of $100,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed from the Municipal Motor Vehicle License Tax Fund; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Columbus City Code with respect to said agreement; and to declare an emergency. ($100,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, several substantial projects are currently under way which will affect vehicular and pedestrian traffic for years to come; and
WHEREAS, these projects require monitoring which the Transportation Division cannot provide at its current personnel level; and
WHEREAS, it is important that consultant resources be acquired now so that these projects can be overseen to protect the City's vision for downtown traffic flow and visual enhancement of the freeway corridor; and
WHEREAS, in order to harmonize these separate but connected efforts to produce a downtown transportation system that provides mobility and safety for all users, additional engineering analysis must occur to successfully link surface street and freeway system operations; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code with respect to professional services due to the consultant's unparalleled knowledge and understanding of this project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus will contribute $100,000.00 or so much therof as may be needed for consultant services in order to oversee the construction of these public infrastructure improvements; and
WHEREAS, this estimated cost may increase and the contract may be modified dependent upon decisions on various project aspects by the Ohio Department of Transportation and other agencies involved; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Public Service Department, Transportation Division, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize said contract meet community and stakeholder interests and concerns, as well as to meet schedule and timeline commitments; thereby preserving the public health, peace property, safety and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Public Service Director be authorized to enter into an agreement with Trans Associates Engineering Consultants, 941 Chatham Lane Suite 105, Columbus, Ohio 43221, $100,000.00 or so much for the Transportation Division for the purpose of overseeing the various downtown projects that are currently underway, including the reconstruction of I-70/71.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $100,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed be and is hereby authorized from Fund 266, Municipal Motor Vehicle License Tax Fund, Department 59-09, Object Level One Code 03, Object Level Three Code 3336, and OCA Code 599115 to pay the cost of these consultant services.
SECTION 3. That this Council finds it in the best interests of the City of Columbus that the formal competitive bidding provisions of Section 329 of the Columbus City Code, 1959 be waived.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.