Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The City of Columbus, Department of Public Service, is engaged in the Arterial Street Rehabilitation - James Road Project (530103-100014/2979 DR. E). This legislation establishes a $235,000.00 expenditure authority for the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, for acquisitions related to the roadway improvements of this site. This legislation also authorizes the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, to hire professional services and to negotiate with property owners to acquire the various property rights necessary to complete this project.
The project limits are James Road from Livingston Avenue to Main Street. The length of the project is approximately 0.68 miles. The Department of Public Service is currently finalizing construction plans and is prepared to authorize right-of-way acquisition pending passage of this funding legislation.
Work on this project includes: intersection improvements at James Road and Livingston Avenue; widening of James Road from four lanes to five lanes to include a two-way left turn lane or dedicated left turn lanes; pavement reconstruction; sidewalk and curb replacement; bike facilities; ADA accommodations; storm water and water line improvements; and traffic control, street lighting, and public and private utility work as needed.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this expense is available within the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund. This ordinance subsequently authorizes the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, to expend $235,000.00 for the purpose of funding these right of way acquisition expenses.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
The roadway improvements contemplated by this project are essential to the safety of those individuals living and traveling within this area. Failure to complete right-of-way acquisition for this project in a timely manner will delay the current construction schedule. Emergency action is requested to allow right-of-way acquisition for this project to remain on schedule.
Title
To authorize the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, to contract for professional services relative to the acquisition of fee simple title and lesser interests needed for the Arterial Street Rehabilitation - James Road project; to authorize the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, to hire professional services and negotiate with property owners to acquire the additional rights-of-way necessary to complete this project; to authorize the expenditure of $235,000.00 from the Streets and Highways General Obligations Bond Fund, or so much thereof as may be necessary, to acquire the rights-of-way needed for this project; and to declare an emergency. ($235,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, Department of Public Service, Division of Design and Construction, is engaged in the Arterial Street Rehabilitation - James Road project; and
WHEREAS, this project will construct five lanes, turn lanes, new pavement, curbs, sidewalks, street lighting, storm sewers, traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings; and
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to make right-of-way purchases to complete the project; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, will hire professional services, negotiate with property owners, and acquire such parcels as they are identified in order to provide the right-of-way's needed for the project; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service, Division of Design and Construction, in that right-of-way acquisition must be completed in a timely manner to prevent delay of this Arterial Street Rehabilitation project, 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 City Attorney's Office, Real Estate Division, be and is hereby authorized to acquire fee simple title and lesser interests in and to property needed for the Arterial Street Rehabilitation - James Road project, in the amount of up to $235,000.00.
SECTION 2. That the City Attorney be and is hereby authorized to expend $235,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary from Fund 704, the Streets and Highways G.O. Bond Fund for the Division of Design and Construction, Dept-Div 59-12, as follows:
Fund / Project / Project Name / O.L. 01-03 Codes / OCA / Amount
704 / 530103-100014 / Arterial Street Rehabilitation - James Road (Voted 2008 Debt SIT Supported) / 06-6601 / 710314 / $235,000.00
SECTION 3. 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 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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.