Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc. for the Downtown Connector Trail - Phase 1 Project. The contract amount is $332,797.80, with a contingency of $33,000.00, for a total of $365,797.80. An additional $31,000.00 is being authorized for interdepartmental inspections and fees for a total of $396,797.80 being authorized by this ordinance.
The Downtown Connector Trail (DCT) is a vital connection link and active transportation corridor for the City of Columbus. Totaling approximately 4.1 miles in length, the Downtown Connector Trail is a combination of greenway trail, bicycle boulevards, and shared use paths. It links the Alum Creek Trail and east side neighborhoods to Downtown Columbus and the Scioto Trail. Scaling out further, the Downtown Connector Trail is part of the state spanning Ohio to Erie Trail, which connects Columbus to Cleveland and Cincinnati. In addition to the Shepard, Mt. Vernon, and Woodland Park neighborhoods that are in reach to the trail, several important organizations and education centers are along the Downtown Connector Trail. Beatty Park Elementary School, Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, Columbus State Community College, and OSU Outpatient Care East are among the many important destinations along the trail. The general goals with improving the Downtown Connector Trail is to enhance the trail to create a safe, accessible, and enjoyable greenway experience for the community. The significance of the trail is self-evident, and the Recreation and Parks Department recognizes the urgency to improve trail conditions for the nationally recognized trail.
This contract is for construction of Phase 1 of the Downtown Connector Trail improvements project. Phase 1 consists of approximately 1 mile of trail widening and repair from the Alum Creek Trail intersection to Leonard Avenue. The trail will be enhanced to greenway status by widening the trail, increasing the safety of trail crossings, and improving trail amenities. All work that requires the full closure of the trail shall be substantially complete within 21 days and an alternative route will be provided. All other work and punch list items are scheduled to be complete by before the end of 2021.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions (ODI designation status):
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on March 5, 2021 and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on March 26, 2021. This project was also picked up by various local and regional plan rooms and distributed to their membership. Bids were received from the following companies:
Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc. (MAJ): $332,797.80
Strawser Paving Company (MAJ): $387,443.20
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc. was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc. and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc.
Technology Drive, Gahanna, OH, 43230
David Power, 614-759-9800
Contract Compliance Number, Tax ID: 004394, 31-0857095
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: November 4, 2021
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested so that construction can begin in May of 2021 and be substantially complete prior to the end of 2021 to meet the desires of the public.
Benefits to the Public: Cycling, walking, running, and other active trail uses provide highly recognized year round benefits to urban lifestyles. This trail acts as a major regional connector, directly connecting the Alum Creek trail to Downtown Columbus, spanning 24 miles from Westerville to South Columbus. This trail segment is also an integral part of the Ohio to Erie trail, which trail users all around the State enjoy.
Community Input/Issues: The community has been asking for improvements to the Downtown Connector Trail through 311 requests and through requests from Central Ohio Greenway members within the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The trail currently does not meet the City’s standards for a safe greenway.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project supports the department’s Master Plan by improving the safety and enjoyment of the trail. Trails are a significant component of the City’s health and wellness, diversity, social equity, and conservation initiatives.
Fiscal Impact: $396,797.80 is budgeted and available from within 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 Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc. for the Downtown Connector Trail - Phase 1 Project; to authorize the transfer of $396,797.80 within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund, to authorize the amendment of the 2020 Capital Improvements Budget; to authorize the expenditure of $396,797.80 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($396,797.80)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc. for the Downtown Connector Trail - Phase 1 Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $396,797.80 within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the amendment of the 2020 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 2521-2020 in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this and future projects; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $396,797.80 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc. so that construction can begin in May of 2021 and be substantially complete prior to the end of 2021, all for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare and, 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 Columbus Asphalt Paving, Inc. for the Downtown Connector Trail - Phase 1 Project.
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. That the transfer of $396,797.80 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects within the Recreation and Parks Bond Fund 7702 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the 2020 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 2521-2020 is hereby amended as follows in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this ordinance and future projects.
Fund / Project / Project Name / Current / Change / Amended
Fund 7702; P512000-100000; New Development - Misc. (SIT Supported) / $5,027,200 / ($396,798) / $4,630,402
Fund 7702; P512014-100000; Downtown Connector Trail Improvements (SIT Supported) / $0 / $396,798 / $396,798
SECTION 7. For the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $396,797.80 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 8. 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.