CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM

Department:	Public Works		Commission Meeting Date:  May 1, 2018
Staff Contact:	Dave Cronin
Recommendations/Options/Action Requested:
Authorize staff to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design services for 19^th Street – Harper to O’Connell (CIP# PW17E3).
Executive Summary:		The E. 19^th Street – Harper to O’Connell Road Reconstruction project is included in the 2019 CIP with a planned budget of $3.625M ($2.875M city and $750k county).  19^th Street east of Harper was originally constructed in 1959 as a chip and seal county road and has not been improved to city standards.  The PCI is 24.8 and the waterline is in failing condition with four (4) waterline breaks in 2017.  In 2012 the City Commission approved the final plat for Venture Park and the city invested $7.5M in infrastructure to accommodate the business park.  O’Connell Drive was constructed from VenturePark Drive to 19^th Street at a cost of $1.2M and the city began planning and budgeting for the reconstruction of 19^th Street from Harper to O’Connell.  City staff presented the project and proposed design scope to the Transportation Commission on March 29, 2018 to receive feedback.  The Transportation Commission asked staff to provide different options for street width, review school bus stop locations, and the need for a shared-use path on the south side of 19^th Street.  Staff has added these items to the project scope. Public comment was received at the meeting. The majority of public comment was not in favor of a connection that allowed vehicular access to O’Connell, rather a gate that could be used only for transit buses and emergency responders.  Representatives of the Lawrence Antique Auto Club spoke to the need for the connection to allow vendors and attendees alternative access to the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  The Chamber of Commerce presented views from businesses at East Hills Business park in favor of the connection. Staff recommends proceeding with issuing the attached RFQ to solicit design services for E. 19^th Street.  The project will improve infrastructure and provide new multimodal transportation options, provide safe/efficient access for residents working in VenturePark/East Hills and provide adequate response time for emergency service.  Staff does not recommend making the connection that includes a gate.  Prohibiting motorists on a public street does not meet the complete streets policy.  Installing a gate would not provide reliable service for emergency/transit vehicles.  A gate would cause confusion with motorists and be difficult to maintain.  Staff recommends the design consultant review traffic calming measures to be included in the project on 19^th Street between Haskell and O’Connell.
Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor		Effective Governance/Professional Administration Safe, Healthy, and Welcoming Neighborhoods Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management Core Services Sound Fiscal Stewardship Economic Growth and Security
Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source):		The fiscal impact on the City from the project will be $2.875M.  This item is included in the 2019 CIP with $1.775M General Obligation debt funding, $1.10M Utility waterline replacement funds, and $750k in funding from Douglas County.
Attachments:		Request for Qualifications

Reviewed By: (for CMO use only)

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