Agenda - Council - 01/24/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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property on the interchange design, but remains in its current alignment on the Sunwood project. The interchange project was designed to avoid total takings of the properties along the west side of Armstrong, and therefore the roadway is proposed to move slightly east onto vacant HRA land in an effort to keep acquisition costs down. The Sunwood project proposes holding the existing Armstrong alignment, which is consistent with HRA direction to investigate purchasing properties on the west side of Armstrong in an attempt to solve right -of -way acquisition issues for both projects. If we are able to successfully acquire these parcels Armstrong would be able to remain in its current alignment, thereby resulting in improved roadway geometrics and reduced interchange costs. 3 Staff was approached by Mid America, the property owner of Northstar Marketplace, requesting a right -in condition be included in the interchange project for better access to their site. Council expressed some concerns related to the proposed sketch but decided to delay an official response until Mid America could provide additional detailed information as to the feasibility of such an access. It was discussed that Mid America should perform the necessary investigations and analysis to determine whether this access could be accommodated, not only by the City but also the other jurisdictions involved (Anoka County and MnDOT), before a decision could be made on who would be responsible to pay for and maintain such an improvement. 4. One final item of discussion on both projects was related to turf establishment. Council direction was to install the City's required topsoil and sod within all City right -of -way, but seed could be substituted in place of sod in the County right -of -way. It was proposed (and accepted) this way because portions of the Armstrong work will only be temporary until the interchange is constructed. The boulevard landscaping in these temporary areas can be included with development review, to ensure site landscaping accounts for these areas when develop occurs, and what isn't resolved through development can be incorporated into the interchange design. As opposed to re- designing the interchange project (and all associated approvals and documents that go with it) at this late date, it was decided to continue with the plans as designed and referenced in all public meetings to date. If the Sunwood realignment project moves forward revisions to the interchange design can be accommodated prior to final design. The idea being that the Sunwood realignment would reduce the total project costs associated with the interchange, as the City would be preconstructing improvements that were originally attributed to the interchange while not adversely affect the overall design. Recommendation: Staff recommends accepting the feasibility studies, and moving forward with the Sunwood realignment project by ordering the preparation of plans and specifications. -and- Staff is recommending award of design contracts for this project in an amount not to exceed $220,012 (Landform - $79,800, and WSB - $140,212). One final item of note is that construction administration (surveying, staking, inspections, etc.) has not been included in any of the consultant proposals to date. Staff is currently awaiting proposals from both Landform and WSB, and will also be reviewing current workload to determine how best to accomplish this task. We may be in a position to make a recommendation at the Council meeting with regard to construction administration, or it may have to be brought forward at a subsequent meeting. Funding Source: A few funding scenarios to finance the project are attached for consideration, and staff is looking for direction on which option is preferred by the City Council. Once a final financing package is determined the feasibility studies can be finalized, consistent with that direction, and preparation of construction documents can commence. A discussion to consider deviating from the existing policy on distribution of land sale proceeds is contemplated in this funding analysis. There are also a couple of grant opportunities, that staff is currently preparing applications for, which are included in the analysis. If we are successful in securing those grant dollars they could be included in the funding package in place of other options being considered.