TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution for a professional services contract with Halff Associates, Inc. for the design of the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Trail Segment 3.
SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH HALFF ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR THE DESIGN OF THE KILLEEN-FORT HOOD REGIONAL TRAIL SEGMENT 3
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC WORKS - TRANSPORTATION DIVISION
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On September 14, 2012, the Texas Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, issued a call for project nominations for the statewide Transportation Enhancement Program (TE). Under the program, 80% of an eligible projects costs can be reimbursed with the nominating entity (sponsor) providing at least 20% of the projects allowable costs. Cost-reimbursement programs require sponsors to pay for a projects costs and then the funding agency provides reimbursement for costs throughout various stages of the project. Projects are funded through a statewide competitive process with funds limited to those authorized in the Enhancement Program. On November 13, 2012, the City Council authorized the City Manager to submit a TE application to TxDOT for the Andy K. Wells Hike and Bike Trail Extension project (see attachment - CCM/R 12-091R).
On July 26, 2013, the City received notification that it had been selected to receive $1,455,498 on their submitted project. The City of Killeen's proposed project ranked 4th out of 81 prospective projects that were submitted to TxDOT (see attachment - Transportation Enhancement Program Project Selection).
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
The proposed Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Trail project, in its entirety, calls for 9.2 miles of multi-use trail connecting the Andy K. Wells Hike and Bike Trail in northeast Killeen (downtown) with the Texas A&M University - Central Texas campus in south Killeen via Fort Hood Road.
Segment 3 of the regional trail, a 1.35 mile section from Watercrest Road to West Elms Road running along the South Nolan Creek residential section, is the portion included in this project proposal. Components of the trail include: trail constructed of concrete, low water crossings and neighborhood connections with ramps, signage, striping and street crossings. Trail amenities will include: trailhead, bicycle racks, pet waste stations, trash receptacles, gateway signage, seating areas, and trail lighting. Drainage improvements will allow runoff from the street to outfall to the creek via a drainage system that addresses issues affecting neighborhoods on each side of the creek between Watercrest Road and West Elms Road.
TxDOT gives priority consideration to projects that request federal funds for construction associated costs only. The project budget estimates a total project cost of $2,256,664, with $1,940,664 being construction project costs. The City would provide approximately $485,166 (25% of estimated construction related costs) and will be reimbursed up to $1,455,498 (approximately 75% of estimated construction project costs). On March 25, 2014, City Council authorized entering into an Advance Funding Agreement with TxDOT for the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Trail Segment 3 (see CCM/R 14-035R).
On February 25, 2014, a Reimbursement Resolution was submitted to City Council requesting reimbursement for cost related to various projects, including city trails, whereby funds will be advanced from the General Fund and be repaid from the proceeds from the sale of the General Obligation Bonds once they are received (see CCM/R 14-023R).
The proposed engineering contract submitted by Halff Associates, Inc., provides engineering services for the surveying, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, and final design of the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Trail Segment 3 (see attachment - Killeen-Ft. Hood Regional Trail Map).
FISCAL IMPACT
The total fiscal impact associated with this action is $2,256,664, of which $1,455,498 is Federally funded as an award, which will be reimbursed from the Texas Department of Transportation. The City's total contribution will be $801,166, of which $316,000 will be funded for design and $485,166 is to be funded for construction. A proposed future General Obligation Bond issuance reflected in the Reimbursement Resolution considered by City Council on February 25, 2014 (see CCM/R 14-023R) will reimburse the General Fund and track expenditures in the Reimbursement Resolution Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Trail Segment 3 account #010-9501-492.50-68 when proceeds from the sale of the General Obligation Bonds are received. At this time, $270,000 is needed for the design portion of the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Trail Segment 3. Funding is available in the amount of $270,000 in the General Fund in the Reimb Res KFH Reg Trail account (010-9501-492.50-68).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Halff Associates, Inc., for a professional engineering services agreement for the design of Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Trail Segment 3, in the amount of $270,000, and that the City Manager be authorized to execute any and all change orders within the amounts set by state and local law.