Council
Communication

Office of the City Manager

 
 

Date

June 23, 2008

 

Agenda Item No.       6C

Roll Call No.              08-

Communication No.  08-375

Submitted by:  Jeb E. Brewer, P.E.

                          City Engineer

 

 

AGENDA HEADING:

 

Ordering construction of the following:  2008 Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized Intersections (SRTS) - Receiving bids, (7-15-08), and Setting date of hearing, (8-11-08).  (Construction Estimate -$112,152).

 

 

SYNOPSIS:

 

Recommend the City Council proceed with construction of the improvement and set dates to receive bids and hold a public hearing, as required by Iowa Code, utilizing the method of financing referenced below. The improvement includes the upgrade of ten signalized intersections where adult guards are present near elementary schools being:  E. 15th and Grand; 2nd and Hull; Merle Hay and Hickman; 19th and Clark; M.L. King and Clark; 19th and Forest; Pennsylvania and Fillmore; S.W. 14th and Army Post; S.W. 9th and Park; and Hubbell and Easton.  The improvement includes 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.

 

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

 

Amount:  $112,152 City Engineer's Estimate

 

Funding Source:  2008-2009 CIP, Page Traffic Control-5, City-wide Signals, Channelization, and School Crossing Protection Program, TFC091, Being:  100% of construction costs to a maximum of $112,798 in Iowa DOT Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) - Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized Intersections program funds with remaining costs in G. O. Bonds.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

On September 25, 2006, by Roll Call No. 06-1883, the City Council authorized that an application be submitted to the Iowa Department of Transportation (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 listed above.  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.

 

The Engineering Department has prepared plans, specifications, form of contract documents, and City Engineer’s estimate for the construction of the 2008 Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized Intersections (SRTS), 04-2008-004.  The improvements consist of upgrading existing traffic signals and pavement markings at various locations.  All upgrades in accordance with the contract documents including Plan File Nos. 489-105/108, at the locations listed above.

 

The proposed plans, specifications, and form of contract documents are available for public inspection in the City Engineer's Office.

 

 

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION(S): 

 

Date:  November 5, 2007

 

Roll Call Number:  07-2112

 

Action:  Approving and authorizing the execution of Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) Agreement for “Safe Routes To School” (SRTS)-Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized Intersections.  (Council Communication No. 07-658)  Moved by Kiernan to adopt.  Motion Carried 7-0.

 

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:

 

Anticipated actions include public hearing, receive and file bids, designate lowest bidder, and approve contract and bond; also partial payments to the contractor and final acceptance of work.

 

 

 

 

For more information on this and other agenda items, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 515-283-4209 or visit the Clerk’s Office on the second floor of City Hall, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive.  Council agendas are available to the public at the City Clerk’s Office on Thursday afternoon preceding Monday’s Council meeting.  Citizens can also request to receive meeting notices and agendas by email by calling the Clerk’s Office or sending their request via email to cityclerk@dmgov.org.