Agenda Date: 04/02/2024
Subject:
Title
Resolution 44-2024: Amending a contract with David Evans and Associates, Inc. for design services on the County Line Road Shared Use Path Connections Project
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Deputy Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Brent Thompson, City Engineer |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
Does city council support amending a contract with David Evans and Associates, Inc. for design services on the County Line Road Shared Use Path Connections Project?
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community; High Quality Governance
DISCUSSION:
The County Line Road Shared Use Path Connections Project includes pedestrian and bicyclist safety and accessibility elements to connect the existing bike lanes along Southpark Lane to the High Line Canal Trail and C470 Trail, as well as provide missing bicycle and pedestrian facilities along County Line Road.
City staff solicited the services of David Evans and Associates (DEA) for design of this multimodal project in 2023. DEA assisted the city with development of the grant application for this project in 2022 and as such had significant familiarity with the multimodal transportation challenges and opportunities in the vicinity. This project familiarity will result in cost savings and efficiencies in completing the design of the multimodal project. DEA is also a reputable firm with talented and competent staff, having completed many multimodal and safety projects throughout the region.
In consultation with CDOT, City staff worked with DEA to develop a detailed scope of services for the project. A contract was executed for the first phase of the project, conceptual design, in May 2023. The contract was intentionally phased to ensure that the final design scope and fee accurately reflected the anticipated design workload, which would be determined by the preliminary design. Projects of this nature, particularly with federal funds involved, often take 18-24 months to design. Phasing the design of this project is fiscally responsible by not encumbering funds that would not otherwise be used until a subsequent fiscal year, thereby freeing up those funds to be used on current-year projects.
The preliminary design is now complete, which included early engagement with South Suburban Parks and Recreation Department, Denver Water, High Line Canal Conservancy, and Highlands Ranch Metro District. DEA refined the design scope and fee for final design and a contract amendment is needed to proceed with those services. If council approves this resolution, staff will continue with design preparation and conduct public engagement in 2024-2025. Construction of the project is anticipated in 2025-2026.
BACKGROUND:
Littleton is fortunate to have many regional trails running through the city; however, some areas are lacking good connections to those facilities. This project will improve connectivity at the southern end of the city by filling some existing gaps along County Line Road and Southpark Lane, and improving access between the High Line Canal Trail, the C-470 Regional Trail, and an existing trailhead parking lot.
The C-470 Regional Trail is an incredible amenity over 30 miles long, which provides connections from Golden to Parker, including access to such destinations as Lookout Mountain, North Dinosaur Park, Chatfield State Park, and Cherry Creek State Park, and connections to many other regional trails, including Bear Creek Trail, Mary Carter Greenway, and Cheery Creek Trail. This project places focus and provides an important connection in Littleton via north-south routes.
There is currently no clear bike connection between where the bike lane ends at the Southpark Lane and County Line Road intersection to the High Line Canal Trailhead southwest of that intersection. This trailhead provides access to the High Line Canal Trail and the C-470 Trail. Additionally, enhanced multimodal improvements are planned for Southpark Lane (protected bike lane) and Broadway (shared use path), but there is a need for a defined and safe facility along County Line Road between the two roadways and to provide a connection to the High Line Canal Trailhead for multimodal users. The proposed expanded multimodal facility along County Line Road will also support multimodal access to planned recreational facilities (pickleball courts) on adjacent properties owned by the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District. The existing intersection of the High Line Canal Trail and the C-470 Trail is in need of safety improvements. Trail conditions have deteriorated, users must navigate challenging horizontal and vertical trail geometrics, and speed differentials exist for bicyclists traveling in varying directions.
The County Line Road Shared Use Path Project is funded through DRCOG’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) which is a program to fund regionally significant projects, especially those aimed at improving multimodal facilities and operations. The TIP grant provides $3,300,000 in funding, with 80% federal and state funding ($2,700,000) and 20% local agency match ($630,000).
Prior Actions or Discussions
An IGA with CDOT for design and construction of the County Line Road Shared Use Path Connections Project was approved by city council as Resolution 88-2023 on August 15, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The original contract with David Evans and Associates was split into phases. The first phase for preliminary design was $361,219. The fee for the proposed Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for final design services is $246,700. In aggregate, the total contract value will be $607,919. Pursuant to the City’s new Procurement Policy, all contracts exceeding $500,000 must be approved by City Council. This contract amendment will be funded from Multimodal Impact Fees.
Design of this project is being funded by city funds. The grant funding is being reserved for construction.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Professional Services Agreement Amendment.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this contract amendment is not approved, design on the County Line Road Shared Use Path Connections Project will not proceed. In accordance with the intergovernmental agreement executed with CDOT for this project, the project must be advertised for construction by September 2025. Design of similar projects has taken 18 months to complete. Therefore, any delay of design could place project grant funding at risk.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 44-2024 amending a Contract with David Evans and Associates, Inc. for design services on the County Line Road Shared Use Path Connections Project.