Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to modify an existing contract with Environmental Design Group, LLC (EDG) for professional engineering services for the Trail Connections 2019 Project. The modification amount being authorized by this ordinance is $8,866.84. This project is funded by the Urban Infrastructure Recovery Fund (UIRF) Program.
This project involves engineering services for improvements to the Olentangy Trail at Dodridge Street and the Alum Creek Trail at Frebis Avenue and Integrity Drive. This modification focuses on the connection to the Olentangy Trail near the Dodridge Street Bridge. Public access to the Olentangy Trail near the Dodridge Street Bridge is limited for over a mile between the Tuttle Park area north to Clinton Como Park at Weber Road. A proposed connection to the Olentangy Trail at Dodridge Street will allow much needed direct access to the Olentangy Trail from the northern portion of the University District.
The purpose of this contract modification is a result of Recreation and Parks’ decision to change the design and construction drawings from pre-fabricated metal stairs to natural stone steps. This decision was required as the existing geotechnical conditions of the site do not permit the construction of the initial intended design. This change in material and application will require the Department and EDG to revisit geotechnical conditions and to design natural stone into the slope instead of drilling piers for foundations. There will also be additional design work related to grading, stormwater management, and construction cost estimating services with the scope change. By modifying this contract, EDG will redesign the connection from the Olentangy Trail to the Dodridge Street Bridge into a more constructible, cost effective trail connection. To date, EDG has completed the survey and carried the design and construction plans through Stage 2 design. It is more cost effective for the Department to modify EDG’s contract rather than work through another procurement process. Their fee was determined by using existing hourly rates already established in their contract with the Department multiplied by estimated hours which were negotiated with EDG.
Principal Parties:
Environmental Design Group, LLC
88 East Broad St., Suite 880
Columbus, OH 43215
Jeff Kerr, 1-800-835-1390
Contract Compliance Number, Tax ID: 003292, 27-4062134
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: August 10, 2023
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so that Recreation and Parks can complete the design contract and begin construction as soon as possible in 2022.
Benefits to the Public: Cycling, walking, running, and active trail uses provide highly recognized year-round benefits to urban lifestyles. Access to trails and to key destinations is one of the top rated priorities noted by residents.
Community Input/Issues: Both locations are UIRF funded projects, have previously been presented to the respective communities, and accepted by the community members as important projects.
Area(s) Affected: Olentangy West (38), University District (44) - All Columbus and regional trail users will benefit from these improvements
Master Plan Relation: This project supports the department’s Master Plan by improving access to trails and greenways corridors. It provide safe east/west connections for nearby neighborhoods to the regional trail network.
Fiscal Impact: The expenditure of 108,312.94 was legislated for the Trail Connections 2019 Project by Ordinance 1261-2019. This ordinance will provide funding that will modify the previously authorized amount by $8,866.84. $8,866.84 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 to meet the financial obligations of this contract modification. The aggregate total amount authorized, including this modification, is $117,179.78
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to modify an existing contract with Environmental Design Group, LLC for the Trail Connections 2019 Project; to authorize the expenditure of $8,866.84 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($8,866.84)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to modify an existing contract with Environmental Design Group, LLC for the Trail Connections 2019 Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $8,866.84 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to modify this contract so that Recreation and Parks can complete the design contract and begin construction as soon as possible in 2022, all for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare and, 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 modify an existing contract with Environmental Design Group, LLC for the Trail Connections 2019 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. For the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $8,866.84 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
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.