Explanation
This ordinance is to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Environmental Design Group, LLC (EDG) for professional services for improvements to the Olentangy Trail at Dodridge St and Alum Creek Trail at Frebis Ave and Integrity Drives.
Background: This project will involve engineering services and the preparation of contract documents for two important neighborhood connections to two Central Ohio Greenway regional trails.
Public access to the Olentangy Trail near the Dodridge St Bridge is limited for over a mile between the Tuttle Park area north to Clinton Como Park at Weber Rd. A proposed connection to the Olentangy Trail at Dodridge St will allow much needed direct access to the Olentangy Trail from the northern portion of the University District.
The Alum Creek connection at Frebis Ave/Integrity Dr. is a key tie-in of a regional trail to the South Side community of Columbus. Complementing the recent sidewalk and crossing improvements along Frebis Ave across Alum Creek Dr. to Integrity Dr., this project will complete an asphalt paved trail connection from Integrity Dr. directly to the Alum Creek Trail.
Vendors were Prequalified in accordance with City Code Section 329.26(b). Three of the Prequalified Vendors were selected to submit technical proposals, in accordance with City Code Section 329.28.
Bids were advertised to our prequalified vendors, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on January 14, 2019 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on February 12, 2019. Request for proposals were sent to the following companies:
Company Status
OHM Advisors (MAJ)
Environmental Design Group (MAJ)
Arcadis (MAJ)
After reviewing the proposal that were submitted, it was determined that Environmental Design Group was the most qualified firm to provide the services required for this project.
Environmental Design Group, LLC and all proposed subconsultants have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Environmental Design Group, LLC
88 East Broad St, Suite 880
Jeff Kerr, 800-835-1390
Contract Compliance Number: 003292
August 29, 2019
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested in order to enter into contract so that Recreation and Parks can begin construction within the 2019 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.
Community Input/Issues: Both projects are UIRF funded projects and have been presented to the respective communities and accepted by the community members as important projects.
Area(s) Affected: South Side 63 & University District 44 & Olentangy West 38
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving access to trails and greenways corridors. It will provide safe east/west connections for nearby neighborhoods to the regional trail network.
Fiscal Impact: $108,312.94 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 Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Environmental Design Group, LLC (EDG) for professional services for improvements to the Olentangy Trail at Dodridge St and Alum Creek Trail at Frebis Ave and Integrity Drives; to authorize the expenditure of $108,312.94 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($108,312.94)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Environmental Design Group, LLC (EDG) for professional services for improvements to the Olentangy Trail at Dodridge St and Alum Creek Trail at Frebis Ave and Integrity Drives; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $108,312.94 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into said contract so Recreation and Parks can begin construction within the 2019 construction season for the preservation of public health, peace, property and safety; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Environmental Design Group, LLC (EDG) for professional services for improvements to the Olentangy Trail at Dodridge St and Alum Creek Trail at Frebis Ave and Integrity Drives.
SECTION 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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 5. For the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $108,312.94 or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. 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.