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 an extension to the Olentangy Trail, from Worthington Hills Park to Olentangy River Road at Clubhouse Drive. The project includes building a 10’ wide path from the park along the Olentangy River to the intersection of Olentangy River Road and Clubhouse Drive. The LPA Agreement details the responsibilities of Recreation and Parks (LPA) to bid, award, and administer the project. ODOT Project ID 99533.
Background: This ordinance authorizes 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 an extension to the Olentangy Trail and provide trailhead improvements for the public at Worthington Hills Park. ODOT Project ID 99533.
In 2015, the Department received funding assistance from ODOT to extend the Olentangy Trail 0.25 miles from its current northern end at Worthington Hills Park, to the intersection of Olentangy River Road/315 and Clubhouse Drive. The funding assistance was provided as environmental mitigation due to the closure of the Olentangy Trail for 2 years as part of the I-270 State route 315 interchange reconstruction project.
This is one of the region’s busiest trail access points, with an average of over 150,000 uses per year. The extension will directly connect to a redeveloping retail center and provide improved access to Columbus residents, visitors, local employers, and the Worthington Hills surrounding community.
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 by May of 2019. The Agreement needs to be executed and submitted to ODOT by March 5, 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 local community groups, public open house, environmental organizations, 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 an extension to the Olentangy Trail, from Worthington Hills Park to Olentangy River Road at Clubhouse Drive; 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 an extension to the Olentangy Trail, from Worthington Hills Park to Olentangy River Road at Clubhouse Drive; 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 March 5, 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 an extension to the Olentangy Trail, from Worthington Hills Park to Olentangy River Road at Clubhouse Drive.
SECTION 2. That 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.