Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/13/2014

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City of 1 RAMSEY Our Mission: To work together to responsibly grow our community, and to provie quality, cost-effective, an efficient government services Park and Recreation Commission 5. 1. Meeting Date: 02/13/2014 By: Mark Riverblood, Engineering/Public Works Information Title: Recommendation to begin the Public Engagement and Alternative Analysis for the Mississippi Skyway Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case, is to consider a Park and Recreation Commission recommendation to the City Council in regard to the Public Engagement and Alternative Analysis process; as part of the Request for Proposals for permitting, geotechnical engineering and final design services for the Mississippi Skyway In 2012, the City was successful in receiving two Transit Orientated Development (TOD) grants from Metropolitan Council, one of which was for the Mississippi Skyway. The pedestrian bridge, when funded, will connect residents and regional facilities on both sides of U.S. Hwy's #10 & #169 from the existing trail at Mississippi West Regional Park directly to the Northstar Station. Certainly the skyway will be the nexus of the regional trail and recreation systems - but it also provides connectivity for residents on the south side of the highway directly into the COR's existing and future retail and commercial destinations, and as such, promotes economic development and jobs, and thus a substantial part of the justification for the TOD investment. Additionally, using the established formula for determining the ridership ' travel -shed' the Mississippi Skyway will add more than 8 resident commuters for the Northstar train from the south side of the highway. Ramsey is unique in having the most renown river in North America as its southern border - and this corridor along the river is also a very unique National Park in the United States known as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The City continues to work with the Park Service and other public agencies in developing recreational amenities that serve all residents, like trails to and along the river as well as parks. Presently, the National Park Service's focus is building a network of 'Alternative Transportation' system for accessing parks; which includes trail networks, Nice Ride bikes, water access and water trails, electric vehicle charging stations and of course the Metropolitan Transit system which includes busses and the Northstar commuter rail. As the proposed Mississippi Skyway literally connects, or will connecUl these systems and amenities, it has 'risen to the top' of all the proposed Alternative Transportation projects within the 72 -mile National Mississippi River and Recreation Area. As Congress regularly appropriates funds for National Parks (specifically for parks, and not available to be used for streets, roads and highways), the TOD grant's deliverables will position the City of Ramsey, Anoka County and Metropolitan Council to partner with the National Park Service to access this funding - as a project that is truly shovel -ready. Observations/Alternatives: At the same time as the proposed Mississippi Skyway demonstrates all the connections, access, safety benefits, and choices for mobility in the center of Ramsey and The COR; it is also apparent that this project requires a great degree of planning and coordination to be ultimately constructed efficiently, at the best cost, and with the greatest utility - such that the pedestrian overpass adds value toall the transportation systems with which it interfaces. So as to meet the goals of the Transit Orientated Development grant and deliver the myriad of permitting, soil condition information and all the engineering and design required, staff has developed the attached Request for Proposal. The RFP is approximately 95% complete, with additional review required from various City Staff members and also subject to review and approval by Metropolitan Council's staff as well. The other purpose of this case is for the Commission to review the scope of work the 25 -page RFP outlines, such that Staff may complete the document, forward it to City Council for approval; and issue it for consultant and engineering firm consideration. Key deliverables of the RFP (summarized) are: • Engage the Public in design as well as a Alternatives Analysis • Design Coordination • Geotechnical Engineering • Structural Design (Structural design will include an Independent Design, Detail, and Quantity Check per MnDOT Bridge Design) • Civil Engineering (Roadway and Drainage) • Site Development / Urban Design • Traffic Engineering • Right -of -Way analysis • Utilities mapping • Electrical Engineering • Project and Structure Phasing • Final Proposed Plans (not Bid docs), Specifications and Cost Estimate • Final Design Review Meeting with affected agency representatives • Written authorization from MnDOT and BNSF Railway for future construction based upon Final Design; (and document that the final design ensures the skyway will work upon construction without amendments, with BOTH theexisting highway footprint and that of future upgrades to freeway status)