Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) accepts applications twice a year to fund projects using Highway Safety Program funds. The Safety Program Committee is accepting a second round of applications until September 30, 2017. These grants require a 10% local match.
Applications will be submitted for safety improvements at two intersections: (1) Refugee Road at Winchester Pike, and (2) Morse Road at Sunbury Road. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission ranked the intersection of Refugee Road and Winchester Pike at Number 16 on its Top 100 High Crash Intersections. MORPC ranked the intersection of Morse Road and Sunbury Road at Number 41 on its Top 100 High Crash Intersections.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications and to execute project agreements for approved projects, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting is performed. Matching funds will be in the form of design contracts, right of way acquisition, and/ or construction contracts that will be submitted for Council's approval.
2. EXPECTED PROJECTS
The Department of Public Service plans to submit applications for the following projects:
Intersection Improvements - Refugee Road at Winchester Pike: This intersection is Number 16 on the MORPC High Crash Locations List. Proposed countermeasures at the intersection would include the following improvements: (1) modify the clearance intervals and optimize signal timings; (2) change Refugee Road left-turn phases to protected only; (3) improve signal head visibility by constructing mast arms and installing backplates; (4) Narrow the northwestbound approach to two lanes just south of the Burger King driveway; (5) provide pedestrian accommodations at the intersection; and (6) improve pavement marking visibility by restriping existing pavement markings. Total project costs are currently estimated at $814,431.34.
Intersection Improvements - Morse Road at Sunbury Pike: This intersection is Number 41 on the MORPC High Crash Locations List. Proposed countermeasures at the intersection would include the following improvements: (1) modify the clearance intervals and optimize signal timings; (2) change Morse Road left-turn phases to protected only; (3) construct exclusive eastbound right turn lane; (4) reconstruct the pavement at the intersection (not safety funded); and (5) remove “CONTINUOUS RIGHT TURN WITH CAUTION” sign on the eastbound right-turn approach. Total project costs are currently estimated at $678,425.18.
3. FISCAL IMPACT
No financial participation is required at this time. City funds will be approved in the form of design contracts, right of way acquisition, and/or construction contracts that will be submitted for Council's approval.
4. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to provide necessary funding for necessary design and construction services and prevent unnecessary delays in the Department of Public Service’s Capital Improvement Program.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service, on behalf of the City of Columbus, to execute Highway Safety Program grant agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting for approved projects; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Transportation is accepting applications for Highway Safety Program funds; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications, execute grant agreements, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting for approved projects; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to submit applications and execute grant agreements so that funding can be made available for necessary design and construction services for capital improvement projects, 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 Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to submit applications, execute grant agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation, on behalf of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Service, for the Highway Safety Program and to accept and expend the funds for the projects.
SECTION 2. At the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
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.