Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Strawser Paving Co., Inc. for the Big Walnut Crosswalk at Cherrybottom Road Project. The contract amount is $66,855.00, with a contingency of $8,000.00, for a total of $74,855.00. An additional $2,500.00 is being authorized for interdepartmental inspections and fees for a total of $77,355.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
This project includes improvements to the pedestrian crosswalk on Cherry Bottom Road, which is 200 feet south of the intersection of Cherry Bottom Road and White Flower Lane. The improvements include the installation of a Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the crosswalk and the construction of an ADA compliant shared use path. This path will connect the existing curb ramp on the east side of the crosswalk to an existing shared use path in Blendon Woods Metro Park.
These improvements are being made to increase pedestrian safety at the crosswalk and to connect the surrounding area to the existing shared use path within Blendon Woods Metro Park. The RRFB will provide a visual signal alerting cars to pedestrians who will be crossing the intersection. It will also allow drivers to stop and safely let pedestrians cross the street. An ADA compliant path allows for an accessible connection to the park that does not currently exist. Additionally, this project will provide direct access from the future Big Walnut Trail to Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Metro Parks will be reimbursing Columbus Recreation and Parks $25,000.00 for this project as a partnering organization. Construction is anticipated to start in fall 2025 and be completed in spring 2026.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions: Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on May 27, 2025 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on June 10, 2025. Bids were received from the following companies:
Strawser Paving Co., Inc.
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Strawser Paving Co., Inc. was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Strawser Paving Co., Inc. and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
As part of their bid, Strawser Paving Co., Inc. has proposed the following vendors as subcontracts for this project:
MP Dory Co.
Principal Parties:
Strawser Paving Co., Inc.
1595 Frank Road
Columbus, Ohio 43223
Kyle Strawser, (614)-276-5273
Contract Compliance Number: 002336
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: April 1, 2026
Benefits to the Public: The installation of the Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon and ADA compliant path connection will increase safety and accessibility at the crosswalk. It will also provide a direct connection to Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Community Input/Issues: Community input was gathered through 311 requests made about the current conditions of the crosswalk.
Area(s) Affected: Rocky Fork-Blacklick (33)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by removing access and circulation barriers to city parks. It will also improve access to existing trails from surrounding neighborhoods, business districts, and parks.
Fiscal Impact: $77,355.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Strawser Paving for the Big Walnut Crosswalk at Cherrybottom Road Project; to authorize the appropriation of $77,355.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund; to authorize the transfer of $77,355.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund; and to authorize the expenditure of $77,355.00 from the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund. ($77,355.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Strawser Paving Co., Inc. for the Big Walnut Crosswalk at Cherrybottom Road Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the appropriation of $77,355.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; and,
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $77,355.00 within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $77,355.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Permanent Improvement Fund 7747; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Strawser Paving Co., Inc. for the Big Walnut Crosswalk at Cherrybottom Road Project, NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Strawser Paving Co., Inc. for the Big Walnut Crosswalk at Cherrybottom Road Project.
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 5. That the appropriation of $77,355.00 is authorized within the Recreation and Parks Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the transfer of $77,355.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects within the Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 7. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $77,355.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Permanent Improvement Fund 7747 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 8. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.