Agenda - Council - 05/12/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session 7. 2. Meeting Date: 05/12/2020 By: Bruce Westby, Engineering/Public Works Information Title: Adopt Resolution #20-089 Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisements for Bids for Improvement Project #20-01, Variolite Street Reconstruction Purpose/Background: Purpose: The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #20-089 approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisements for bids for Improvement Project #20-01, Variolite Street Reconstruction. Background: City Improvement Project 20-01 proposes to reconstruct Variolite Street between Alpine Drive and 173rd Avenue. The street totals approximately 12,000 linear feet (2.28 miles) in length. A figure showing the location and scope of the proposed improvements is included on the cover sheet of the attached plans. On September 10, 2019, the City Council authorized Staff to execute proposals from Hakanson Anderson and Associates for required topographic survey in the amount of $12,800, and from Northern Technologies Inc. for required geotechnical work in the amount of $29,750. This work was necessary to allow the project to be completed in 2020, and the work needed to be completed before winter weather set in. On December 10, 2019, the City Council ordered the City Engineer to prepare a feasibility report to explore the necessity, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the proposed improvements by examining the existing conditions, scope of the proposed improvements, design alternatives, estimated costs and available funding sources, and determining whether the improvements should be completed as proposed or in connection with other improvements. During discussions with the Public Works Committee in 2019 and 2020, Staff was directed to explore options for reducing speeds and improving pedestrian accommodations along Variolite Street based on input received by the Committee from area residents. According to the residents, excessive vehicle speeds have been observed along Variolite Street, and pedestrians do not feel safe trying to cross Variolite Street at 161st Avenue. These pedestrians live in the Sweetbay Ridge and Woodlands residential neighborhoods and cross Variolite Street to go to Central Park or the regional trail along Armstrong Boulevard. During preparation of the Feasibility Report, Staff explored options for traffic calming along Variolite Street and pedestrian crosswalk improvements at 161 st Avenue. Based on the analysis completed, Staff recommended reconstructing Variolite Street "as is" north of 163rd Lane, but reducing the overall pavement width from 40-feet to 34-feet south of 163rd Lane, allowing for a posted speed limit reduction from 50 mph to 40 mph. Staff also recommended constructing an 8-foot wide raised concrete pedestrian refuge island in the center of Variolite Street, north of 161 st Avenue. This improves pedestrian safety by allowing pedestrians to focus on one lane of travel at a time, and by decreasing the overall distance a pedestrian needs to cross at one time. The reduced speed also improves safety. On April 14, 2020, the City Council accepted the Feasibility Report, including Staff's recommendations, and ordered the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the reconstruction of Variolite Street. A copy of the draft unsigned plans is attached for reference.