Explanation
This ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to sign the LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct improvements to the Olentangy Trail, from Antrim Park to Bethel Road. The project includes widening the trail and a connection to Bethel Road and Anheuser Busch Park. The LPA Agreement details the responsibilities of Recreation and Parks (LPA) to bid, award, and administer the project. ODOT Project ID 99743.
Background: In 2014, the Department was awarded funding for construction funds to improve safety and access to the Olentangy Trail, from Antrim Park to Bethel Road. The work will include widening the trail from 9’ to 12’, constructing a ramp from the trail to Bethel Road community, and constructing a path along Bethel Road to Anheuser Busch Park on Olentangy River Road. The Olentangy Trail is the busiest trail in Ohio, and several segments of the trail receive over 1,000 users per day. Over 20,000 residents live along the Bethel Road corridor, yet have no access to the trail. As well, the stretch of trail between Antrim Park and Bethel Road is the narrowest, most congested section of the 14 mile trail.
The construction phase of the project will begin in 2019.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Transportation
Mitch Blackford, Deputy Director
District 6
400 East William Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested in that it is immediately necessary to enter into this LPA Agreement to proceed with bidding and awarding the contract. The Agreement needs to be executed and submitted to ODOT by January 15, 2019.
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: The department conducted extensive public involvement during plan development with the Northwest Civic Association, public open house, letters of support from the community, and social media outreach to trail users around the region.
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 a safer trail through a congested segment.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. Future legislation will encumber funding for this project once bids are received.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to sign the LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct improvements to the Olentangy Trail, from Antrim Park to Bethel Road; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Recreation and parks to enter into the LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct improvements to the Olentangy Trail, from Antrim Park to Bethel Road; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department grants consent and agrees to cooperate with ODOT in accordance with the planning, design, and construction of this project; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to enter into this LPA Agreement to proceed with bidding and awarding the contract; the agreement needs to be executed and submitted to ODOT by January 15, 2019; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department be and is hereby authorized to enter into the LPA Federal Local-Let Project Agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to construct improvements to the Olentangy Trail, from Antrim Park to Bethel Road.
SECTION 2. The City hereby agrees to cooperate with the Ohio Department of Transportation in the planning, design, and construction of the identified improvement project.
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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.