Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Public Service Director to enter into a contract for the Linden Area Traffic Management Plan (LATMP) with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) in the amount of $250,000.00 for the Transportation Division. These services will include producing the LATMP which will be used to develop traffic calming strategies and approaches as well as the engineering of traffic calming devices. The study area is bounded by the North and South Linden Area Commissions (Cooke Road and Ferris Road to the north, Bonham Avenue to the south, Conrail right-of-way east of Cleveland Avenue to the east, and Interstate 71 to the west). The LATMP will also be used in the design and construction of neighborhood mobility projects such as sidewalks, shared use paths (SUPs), crosswalks, signal upgrades, and intersection modifications. A professional services contract is needed to assure timely completion of the plan development.
The selection process for this professional services contract was completed in accordance with provisions of Chapter 329.14 of the Columbus City Code 1959. Four firms submitted proposals: E. P. Ferris & Associates, Inc., Evans, Mechwart, Hambleton & Tilton (EMH&T), Inc., ms consultants, inc. and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The evaluation committee, consisting of both community representatives and City staff, determined that MORPC, cc# (N/A), submitted the best overall proposal for the work. The Public Service Director concurs with the recommendation of the evaluation committee to select MORPC to develop the LATMP.
Emergency legislation is requested in order to process payment to MORPC to begin the data collection at the opportune time (summer months), public outreach, contracting, and design associated with the development of the LATMP. The City's timely participation is vital to the success of this project and future neighborhood traffic management plans.
Fiscal Impact: The sum of $250,000 is budgeted and available within the 1995, 1999 Voted Streets and Highways Fund for this work.
Title
To authorize the Public Service Director to enter into a contract with Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission for professional services associated with the development of the Linden Area Traffic Management Plan for the Transportation Division; to authorize the expenditure of $250,000.00 from the 1995, 1999 Voted Streets and Highways Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($250,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, a goal of the Columbus Covenant is to engage and promote strong, distinct and vibrant neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, the area bounded by the North and South Area Commissions contains a good street network that serves both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and
WHEREAS, there is a need to develop a comprehensive Linden Area Transportation Management Plan using professional services in support of the traffic calming and neighborhood mobility programs to enhance pedestrian safety, and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Division received and evaluated proposals in accordance with the Columbus City Codes, 1959, and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the daily operation of the Public Service, Transportation Division, in that it is immediately necessary to authorize a contract for this purpose and its resulting expenditure, 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 and hereby is authorized to enter into a contract for the Transportation Division with MORPC, 285 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215-5272 in an amount not to exceed $250,000.00 for professional services associated with development of the Linden Area Traffic Management Plan.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $250,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, be and hereby is authorized from the 1995, 1999 Voted Streets and Highways Fund, Fund 704, Department No. 59-09, Transportation Division, Object Level One Code 06, Object Level Three Code 6682, OCA Code 644377, Project 590105.
SECTION 3. 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.