Council Communication Office of the City Manager	Date	November 5, 2007
	Agenda Item No. 6 Roll Call No. 07- Communication No. 07-658 Submitted by: Jeb E. Brewer, P.E. City Engineer

AGENDA HEADING:

Approving and authorizing the execution of Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) Agreement for “Safe Routes to Schools” (SRTS) - Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized Intersections.

SYNOPSIS:

Approval of Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) Agreement No. 06-SRTS-008 for “Safe Routes to Schools” (SRTS) - Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized Intersections. IDOT funds in the amount of $125,748 are available for the project costs. $112,798 of these funds will be used for improvements at 10 pedestrian crosswalks near schools. The remaining $12,950 of these funds will be used by the Des Moines Independent Community School District for an educational program targeting bicycle safety.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Amount: $135,748

Funding Source: Iowa Department of Transportation – (SRTS) - $125,748 (100% of project costs)

Design and Construction Administration costs, estimated at $10,000, will be funded from the 2007-2008 CIP, Traffic Control Improvements- 5, City-wide Signals, Channelization, and School Crossing Protection Program.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

On September 25, 2006, by Roll Call No. 06-1883 City Council authorized that an application be submitted to the IDOT for SRTS funding for “Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized Intersections”. The SRTS funding program is eligible for 100% of project costs. The original application requested $250,000 toward this project. The IDOT has approved $125,748, and city staff subsequently reduced the number of locations to be improved to match the awarded amount. The remaining locations were submitted for the next round of STRS funding, which has not yet been allocated.

The project is divided into two components. The “Infrastructure” component will upgrade 10 signalized intersections where adult guards are present near elementary schools. The locations to be improved are: E. 15^th and Grand; 2^nd and Hull; Merle Hay and Hickman; 19^th and Clark; M.L. King and Clark; 19^th and Forest; Pennsylvania and Fillmore; S.W. 14^th and Army Post; S.W. 9^th and Park; and Hubbell and Easton. Improvements will consist of installation of new pedestrian signal indications with “count-down” timers, along with durable pavement markings identifying a “continental-style” (ladder-style markings) crosswalk and stop line. $112,798 of the SRTS funds are designated for this portion. The “Non-Infrastructure” component will be administered by the Des Moines Independent Community School District, and will provide school children with educational opportunities to make walking and bicycling to school a safer alternative. It will consist of bicycle “rodeos”, free bike helmets, posters demonstrating safe behaviors, bookmarks highlighting safety tips, and brochures for parents. $12,950 of the STRS funds are designated for this portion of the project.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION(S):

Date: September 25, 2006

Roll Call Number: 06-1883

Action: “SAFE ROUTE TO SCHOOL” (SRTS) Fund Applications to the Iowa Department of Transportation to be used for Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized Intersections, estimated amount of $250,000.  (Council Communication No.  06-613) Moved by Vlassis to adopt.  Motion Carried 6-0.

BOARD/COMMISSION ACTION(S): NONE

ANTICIPATED ACTIONS AND FUTURE COMMITMENTS:

Normal actions for award of the construction contract for the work.