Title
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH GAI CONSULTANTS INC. FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE SR 91/TEREX ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (PID 116929); AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Brief Description: This legislation would retain GAI Consultants Inc. for the design completion of the SR 91 /Terex Road Improvement Project (PID 116929).
Body
Legislative History
22-97 - Enter into LPA Agreement; 8/16/2022
Purpose & Explanation
In 2021, the City performed an evaluation of the Darrow Road (SR 91) / Terex Road intersection, focusing on the eastbound and westbound left turn lanes along Terex Road and overall signal timing to mitigate congestion.
The study recommended signal timing changes at the intersection, which were implemented in 2022.
The study also identified that the intersection's eastbound and westbound left turn lanes are currently offset due to the Terex Road median. When a driver is in the east or westbound turn lane, opposing left-turning vehicles may obstruct their view of other vehicles approaching via the adjacent through lane.
While not an issue during the left turn phase when turning arrows are provided, it could create a safety hazard for vehicles making permissive left turns on solid green during the subsequent through phase. A sketch and photo of this site constraint can be seen on the attached Exhibit - Site Constraint Diagram.
In 2022, the City applied for and was awarded a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation in the amount of $400,142 to help fund the turn lane improvements.
The project will also include lengthening of the eastbound, Terex Road left turn lane to accommodate more school bus storage, which contributes to congestion at the intersection.
Lastly, the project will include a new left turn lane along westbound Terex Road into the Jo Ann Fabrics parking lot.
See Exhibit of the SR 91 and Terex Road improvements attached.
The estimated total cost of the construction of the project is estimated at $750,000.
In-house staff commenced with the survey and design of the project and anticipated completing the design in 2024.Due to the departure of design staff, the Engineering Department is now requesting consultant assistance to finalize the design of the project ahead of ODOT's required bidding deadline in April 2025.
A Request for Proposal for the design of the signal improvement was sent out to five (5) ODOT pre-qualified engineering firms. Three (3) firms submitted a proposal for the intersection improvement design. The firms were GAI Consultants, LJB Engineering and GPD Engineering. Based on the review of the proposals, staff identified the best consultant is GAI Consultants at a design fee of $88,159.64. This fee includes the remaining detailed design, utility coordination, and bid/construction support services.
Construction of the intersection improvements is estimated to be the fall/winter of 2025.
Other Consultant Fees:
GAI = $88,159.64
LJB Inc = $102,556.07
GPD = $120,793.19
AECOM = Did Not Submit
Arcadis = Did Not Submit
As with other professional services contracts staff is requesting a 10% contingency to handle any minor changes in the scope of services that may occur during the course of the design. The 10% amount would be $8,815.96 for a total contract cost of $96,975.60. For considerations in excess to this amount, staff will return to the City Council.
City staff is also requesting an emergency clause in order to begin the final design of the safety improvement project this winter in order to meet the ODOT required design completion and bid dates and to commence with construction in 2025.
Legal Authority for Proposed Legislation
Pursuant to Charter Section 6.04:
Competitively bid and advertised for two consecutive weeks
Joint or Cooperative Purchase Program
X Professional Services
Other
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
X Supplemental Appropriation Required (2024 rollover - 430 fund - $96,975.60)
Appropriation Not Required
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
X Yes
No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends City Council approve this Resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a professional services contract with GAI Consultants Inc. for the design of the SR 91/Terex Road Intersection Improvement Project. An Emergency Clause is being requested for the safety of the traveling public at this intersection, to expediate the remaining design work of the safety improvements this winter and to meet the Ohio Department of Transportation's required bid date of the project and construct the project in 2025.
Submitted by,
Thomas Sheridan, City Manager
Brian Griffith, Assistant City Manager
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer