Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with E.L. Robinson Engineering for design safety improvements to the Olentangy Trail - Henderson Road Ramp.
Background: The Olentangy Trail is considered to be the busiest trail in Ohio. Recent trail counts show that the trail had over 1,000,000 uses in 2014. Several segments of the trail receive over 1,000 users per day. The Henderson Road Bridge was widened in 2005 to accommodate a new trail deck. However, the steep turning radius ramp from the bridge to the underpass beneath was not improved. This original ramp does not meet Recreation and Parks design standards, or federal AASHTO Trail standards. Several trail collisions, some serious, have occurred on this ramp, and it is regarded as one of the most unsafe segments of the entire trail. This project will construct a new ramp configuration which reduces the steep grade, widens the turning radius, and significantly increases sight distance for walkers and cyclists.
The costs for this project will be $58,565.17.
Proposals were requested in June 2016 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on June 15, 2016. Proposals were received from the following companies:
Company
EL Robinson Engineering (MAJ)
Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson, Inc. (MAJ)
After reviewing the proposals that were submitted, it was determined that EL Robinson Engineering was the most qualified company.
The department is requesting the waiver of the formal bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes to enter into a contract with EL Robinson Engineering as the project estimate was to be less than $50,000; however the lowest quote received was for $58,565.17. The high priority nature of making safety corrections to this portion of the trail deem it necessary to move forward as quickly as possible.
Principal Parties:
E.L. Robinson Engineering, Inc.
1801 Watermark Drive
Columbus, OH 43230
Brent Downing 614-586-0642
CC# 31-1725058
Exp. 2/19/18
Emergency Justification: An emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to enter into said contract in order to meet the deadlines of the project funding and plan development process, and construction season.
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.
Area(s) Affected: All Columbus trail users, Clintonville community
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving access to trails and greenways corridors. Provide safe connections for nearby neighborhoods to the regional trail network.
Fiscal Impact: $58,565.17 is budgeted and available in the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 to meet the financial obligations of this contract.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with E.L. Robinson Engineering for design safety improvements to the Olentangy Trail - Henderson Road Ramp; to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes; to authorize the expenditure of $58,565.17 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702and to declare an emergency. ($58,565.17)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize and direct the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with E.L. Robinson Engineering for design safety improvements to the Olentangy Trail - Henderson Road Ramp; and
WHEREAS, since the lowest bid amount was over the estimate, it is in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the formal bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code Cahpter 329 to enter into contract with E.L. Robinson Engineering for the immediate design of safety improvements; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Recreation and Parks in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with E.L. Robinson Engineering in order to meet the deadlines of the project funding and plan development process, and construction season; 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 E.L. Robinson Engineering for design safety improvements to the Olentangy Trail - Henderson Road Ramp.
SECTION 2. That this Council finds it in the best interest of the City of Columbus to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Code Chapter 329 in order to enter into said contract.
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. For the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $58,565.17 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund 7702 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachment.
SECTION 7. That for 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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.