CC MEETING: October 18, 2016
DATE: October 3, 2016
TO: Leonard Martin, City Manager
FROM: Cesar J. Molina, Jr., P.E., Director of Engineering
Title
Consider Authorizing The City Manager To Approve A Professional Services Contract With Transystems Corporation For Engineering Design Services For The Furneaux Creek Hike And Bike Trail Extension From Old Denton Road To The Trinity Mills Station In An Amount Not To Exceed $156,704.00.
Body
BACKGROUND:
In June 2006, City Council adopted the Carrollton Trails Master Plan. It focused on the implementation of a hike and bike trail system along the Hutton Branch, Furneaux Creek, and Dudley Branch corridors. To date, approximately ten (10) miles of trails have been constructed along Hutton Branch and Furneaux Creek. Also, a federal funding agreement for the development of an additional 2.1-mile hike and bike trail along the Dudley Branch corridor should be executed by the end of this year.
In the November 2013 bond referendum, Carrollton citizens approved local funding to continue with the implementation of the Trail Master Plan. The Furneaux Creek hike and bike trail, from Trinity Mills Station to Old Denton Road, was one of the identified projects in the 2013 bond program. This portion of the trail represents the last piece of the Furneaux Creek trail needed to create a continuous and contiguous route between north Carrollton neighborhoods and the Trinity Mills Station. Additionally, the City committed to NCTCOG that local funds would be used on this project in exchange for Transportation Development Credits which will be applied to trails and sidewalks in Downtown Carrollton.
In December 2014, the Engineering Department advertised and solicited Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from area consulting firms that could provide transportation-related professional services. Staff evaluated the SOQs and chose and prequalified five (5) firms to provide on-call services. TranSystems Corporation was one of the firms chosen that demonstrated knowledge and competence in the design of hike and bike trails. In recent years, TranSystems has successfully completed engineering design plans for a portion of the Hutton Branch trail and for a portion of the Downtown trail.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
TranSystems Corporation has submitted a proposal to the City to perform all survey, geotechnical and engineering design services for the trail extension in an amount not to exceed $156,704.00. This includes all professional consulting fees and reimbursables. This proposal is considered fair and reasonable for the effort involved. The necessary funds for the engineering design effort are available in the Parks Consolidated Fund. The preliminary cost estimate for trail construction is $1,034,000.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY:
Continued development and expansion of the hike and bike trail system will help support the active lifestyles of Carrollton residents by promoting a healthy, pleasant alternative to motorized travel. It will provide a safe and continuous connection between neighborhoods in north Carrollton and the Trinity Mills Station.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION/ACTION DESIRED:
Staff recommends City Council authorize the City Manager to approve a professional services agreement with TranSystems Corporation for the design and plan preparation of the Furneaux Creek Hike and Bike Trail extension from Old Denton Road to the Trinity Mills Station in an amount not to exceed $156,704.00.