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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIdentification of City Projects to be funded with HB645 Stimulus Funds Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Chuck Winn, Assistant City Manager Anna Rosenberry, Finance Director SUBJECT: Identification of City projects to be funded with HB645 Stimulus Dollars - $129,000 remaining unallocated dollars. MEETING DATE: September 21, 2009 AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action RECOMMENDATION: Identify projects to be funded with the City's HB645 allocation; $129,000 remaining unallocated. Direct staff to make the necessary applications to carryout construction of these projects. BACKGROUND: The legislature's approval of HB645 includes an allocation of State General Fund money (freed up by federal stimulus dollars) to the City of Bozeman for $621,000. The money must be spent by September 30, 2010 or it reverts back to the State General Fund. Due to this short timeframe, and the spirit of getting stimulus money "on the street" quickly, we need to determine which projects the city will fund. On August 31, 2009, the Commission designated the following projects and amounts, leaving $129,000 unallocated: Projects Allocated Funding Amount City Vehicle Maintenance Shop $277,000 ADA Pedestrian Ramp Improvements $90,000 Bogert Park Tennis/Basketball Courts $90,000 Bogert Park Sidewalk Replacement $35,000 Total Allocated to Date: $492,000 Total Un-Allocated to Date: $129,000 That night, the Commission directed staff to: · Contact our local Tax Increment Districts for their input on spending the final $129,000, and · Bring back additional information on spending the final $129,000 on a park restroom facility or other park improvement on the northwest side of town. The TIF”s were notified the following day and quickly turned around project ideas. Their proposed projects are: 203 District/Department Description Amount Requested 1. Downtown TIF Bridger Park Garage Connectivity Project $129,000 2. Downtown TIF Bozeman Creek Downtown Park Project $129,000 3. Northeast Urban Renewal TIF Depot Park Improvements – Remainder of Phase 2 $18,600 4. North 7th Urban Renewal TIF Sidewalk Improvements · N 7th Sidewalk Infill · N 7th ADA Ramps · Oak St./N 7th Intersection · Oak St. Intersection sidewalk connection · Contingency Total: $127,100 $66,400 $16,000 $32,500 $7,100 $5,200 5. City Parks Department Rose Park Parking Lot Installation $102,500 Total Requests $506,200 Full descriptions of each of these projects are attached. Most of the TIF projects include other sources of funding, mostly TIF dollars, to supplement what would be provided by the HB645 money they are requesting. The exception is the Downtown Bozeman Creek Project, which is conceptual at this point; a budget would be created this winter. All of the projects appear to meet the requirements of the HB 645 Local Grant Program. FISCAL EFFECTS: Identification of these projects will result in staff aggressively working towards their completion, due to the September 2010 deadline. We will begin incurring costs and contracting for any necessary design/planning work immediately. Receipt and spending of this full allocation was included in the FY10 City Manager's Recommended Budget. ALTERNATIVES: There are many alternatives for use of this allocation. We originally based our recommendations on projects that had been included in the Adopted Capital Improvements Plan for FY10-FY14 in the General Fund, and/or had posed recent funding concerns. After the August 31 hearing, we cast the net wider by requesting project ideas from our local Tax Increment District boards and further information from our Parks Department. Attachments: Downtown TIF Bridger Park Garage Project Request Downtown TIF Bozeman Creek Project Request NEURB Depot Park Project Request N 7th TIF Sidewalk Improvements Request City Parks Department Rose Park Parking Lot Request Report compiled on: September 14, 2009 204 205 Bridger Park Garage Connectivity Project Enhancing the Streetscapes Connecting the Bridger Park to Main Street Downtown Tax Increment Finance District 224 East Main Street Bozeman MT 59715 Contact: Chris Naumann chris@downtownbozeman.org 406-586-4008 206 Summary The Downtown Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Board is requesting $130,000.00 of funding from the City of Bozeman federal stimulus monies for the infrastructure project described here within. The Bridger Park Garage Connectivity Project would integrate the intermodal transportation facility with downtown’s historic Main Street. By implementing the streetscape improvements stipulated by the Downtown Streetscape Project and prioritized by the draft Downtown Improvement Plan, safe and aesthetic pedestrian connectivity would be accomplished. To fully realize the function and utility of the parking garage, the streetscapes along Tracy and Black Avenue between Mendenhall and Main Street need to be improved. Proposal Context The City of Bozeman’s Bridger Park Garage represents the single largest public infrastructure project to be completed in downtown. The intent of constructing this multi-modal transportation facility was to provide downtown with the infrastructure necessary to accommodate customers, employees, residents and visitors with ample parking facilities and public transportation options. The garage is strategically located just a block north of Main Street in the center of the downtown district. The facility functions very well by providing flexible parking options and convenient access to the Streamline Bus system. The commercial spaces flanking the building are currently home to a variety of tenants that add critical vitality to the facility. The Downtown TIF Board has completed the preliminary engineering of the Downtown Streetscape Project. This public right-of-way project prescribes streetscape improvements along the side streets leading to and from Main Street between Mendenhall and Babcock Streets. The prescribed improvements emulate those implemented along Main Street in 2002 and include: new patterned sidewalks, historic street lamps, street trees, pedestrian benches, bike racks and trash receptacles. A primary objective of the draft Downtown Improvement Plan is implementing the Downtown Streetscape Project. These improvements will provide critical connectivity north and south throughout the downtown district. Having consistent, safe pedestrian corridors leading to and from Main Street will promote infill and redevelopment along Mendenhall and Babcock Streets. Existing Problems The primary problem with the Bridger Park Garage is the pedestrian corridors along Tracy and Black Avenue connecting the facility to Main Street. While the streetscapes adjacent to the garage match those prescribed for the downtown district by the Downtown Streetscape Project, the remaining sections of the streetscapes leading to and from Main Street are in need of improvement. In addition to broken and crumbling sidewalk concrete, the unimproved sections lack pedestrian amenities such as sidewalk lighting, street trees, benches, bike racks and trash receptacles. Opportunities The Bridger Park Garage Connectivity Project is a win-win situation for the City of Bozeman and downtown. If awarded, the City of Bozeman stimulus funding will be leveraged with Downtown TIF monies in excess of the requested $130,000.00. This project would improve a section of 207 public right-of-way adjacent to the City of Bozeman public parking lot on Black Avenue. The project would create safe, aesthetic pedestrian corridors and initiate the Downtown Streetscape Project. The funding and subsequent completion of this project would commence a primary objective of the Downtown Improvement Plan. Timeline If awarded the requested funding, the Downtown TIF Board would immediately initiate the project on the following schedule: October-November 2009 Complete final engineering and design December 2009 Release an RFP for construction bids January 2010 Award Construction contract June-August 2010 Construction September 2010 Project Completed Budget For the purpose of the proposal, costs have been estimated. Actual 2010 construction costs may vary. The TIF Board would be responsible for paying all costs above and beyond the requested City of Bozeman funding of $130,000.00. Funding City of Bozeman Stimulus Funds $ 130,000.00 Downtown TIF Funds and Property Owner Contributions $ 172,100.00 Total Funding $ 302,100.00 Costs Engineering: design, RFP and construction services $ 20,100.00 Construction: materials, labor and $ 282,000.00 Total Costs $ 302,100.00 Appendices 1. Project Map 2. Downtown Improvement Plan References 3. TIF Downtown Streetscape Project Overview 4. Preliminary Streetscape Engineering 208 Bridger Park Garage Connectivity Project Appendix No. 1 Project Area Map 209 Bridger Park Garage Connectivity Project Appendix No. 2 Downtown Improvement Plan References ISSUES Lack of Vitality on Key Streets Currently, Main Street defines downtown’s identity because of its continuous block pattern lined with a mix of active street level shops, cafes and restaurants. Other key thoroughfares, furniture varies throughout downtown. Some areas are appealing, while many others do not encourage and support getting around on foot. The lack of a coordinated level of street design compromises the ability to establish a cohesive district identity. Connections and Wayfinding Parts of downtown feel disconnected from one another. For example, downtown houses a variety of arts and cultural facilities that is not evident on the street to a visitor. Connections need to be strengthened so that the parts can add up to a stronger and more accessible whole. [page 10, Draft Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan] OPPORTUNITIES Complete Streets Most streets downtown are in need of improvements. Design streets to make it safe, easy and enjoyable to get around on foot and bicycle. “Complete Streets” is a transportation and planning concept that provides for all modes of use. [page 11, Draft Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan] GUIDING PRINCIPLES All streets and sidewalks in downtown should be designed to make the experience of pedestrians and bicyclists safe, comfortable and visually appealing. [page 12, Draft Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan] COMPLETE SIDE STREET ENHANCEMENTS Completing the side street enhancements that have already been developed for downtown, The Downtown Streetscape Project, will help to strengthen the connection between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, by making those streets more pleasant places to be, the businesses along those side streets will benefit from increased foot traffic as people are drawn onto the auxiliary streets along Main Street. [page 27, Draft Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan] 210 Bridger Park Garage Connectivity Project Appendix No. 3 TIF Downtown Streetscape Project Overview DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT An Infrastructure Project to Enhance Pedestrian Access and Safety in Bozeman Montana’s Historic Downtown Commercial District prepared by Chris Naumann, Executive Director Downtown Bozeman Partnership SUMMARY The Downtown Streetscape Project would implement pedestrian improvements along 31 block faces in Bozeman, Montana’s historic downtown district. The proposed streetscape improvements included: new patterned sidewalks and curbs; new historic street lamps, trash receptacles, pedestrian benches and bike racks; plus the addition of dozens of trees. The project would emulate the pedestrian standards established by the “Complete Streets” design concept. The Downtown Streetscape Project improvements would greatly increase pedestrian access and safety as residents, employees and visitors walk to and from the neighborhoods, parks, schools and public parking facilities north and south of Main Street. Street design that is inclusive of all modes of transportation, where appropriate, not only improves conditions for existing businesses, but also is a proven method for revitalizing an area and attracting new development. The Downtown Tax Increment Finance Board has funded the completion of the preliminary engineering for the Downtown Streetscape Project. Final design, construction and implementation costs are estimated to exceed $5 million. The TIF district, City of Bozeman and downtown property owners will need funding assistance to begin and complete this comprehensive public infrastructure project. 211 PROJECT DESCRIPTION By definition, downtowns are compact, mixed-use, walkable communities. In many regards, a downtown is truly defined by its transportation system. A balanced transportation system that includes complete streets can bolster economic growth and stability by providing accessible and efficient connections between residences, schools, parks, public transportation, offices, and retail destinations. The 1998 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan recognized that the district is fortunate that it is central within the community, its shape and size are conducive to strolling, it has good access streets, and it is within walking and cycling distance of a sizeable population. However, it does have shortcomings, particularly with respect to easy pedestrian access. As acknowledged by the 1998 Improvement Plan, the sidewalks along Main Street and its side streets are old, many from the 1930s, and are in fair to poor condition lacking any special surface treatments or amenities. In 2002 the Main Street Streetscape project was completed between Grand and Rouse Avenues. The improvements made along Main Street’s sidewalks included: new patterned sidewalks and curbs; new historic street lamps, trash receptacles, pedestrian benches and bike racks; plus the addition of dozens of trees. The result was a beautiful streetscape that not only improved pedestrian access but encouraged bicycle use while complementing downtown’s historic urban design. The proposed Downtown Streetscape Project prescribes the extension of the Main Street streetscape further east along Main Street and along its side streets. The project would implement the following improvements: new patterned sidewalks and curbs; new historic street lamps, trash receptacles, pedestrian benches and bike racks; plus the addition of dozens of trees. Once completed, the project would improve both sides of Main Street from Rouse to Wallace Avenues in addition to the north side of Main Street from 3rd Avenue to Grand. Improvements would also be made on the following side streets between Mendenhall and Babcock Streets: Grand, Willson, Tracy, Black, Bozeman, Rouse, and Church. This is an ambitious project triple the scale and scope of the original 2002 Main Street project. The primary purpose of the Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project would be to improve pedestrian access throughout Bozeman’s historic downtown district. Emphasis would be placed on providing safe, well-lit sidewalks with to provide pedestrians a variety of amenities. The Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project incorporates aspects of a “complete streets” network. Creating infrastructure for non-motorized transportation can improve economic conditions for both business owners and residents. A network of complete streets is more safe and appealing to residents and visitors, which is also good for retail and commercial development. Street design that is inclusive of all modes of transportation, where appropriate, not only improves conditions for existing businesses, but also is a proven method for revitalizing an area and attracting new development. Complete streets also bolster the economy by increasing property values. A note as of the 1st of June 2009: Due to the recession and all of the recent construction activity downtown, the TIF is not pursuing implementation of this project. For the time being, the TIF is looking to facilitate the implementation of these streetscape improvements by work with property owners that are undertaking site improvements. Therefore, the TIF anticipates certain block faces will be 212 improved as individual projects are completed. At some point in the coming years, a larger implementation effort could be initiated to improve the remaining block faces, but the TIF does not foresee such a large scale project occurring for several years. Assistance Currently Available The TIF can provide logistical and limited financial assistance to property owners making streetscape improvements. 1. The TIF will provide all of the engineering work done to date to any property owner within the project area. 2. The TIF has compiled a library of technical specifications regarding the streetlamp and other street hardware components. 3. The TIF is developing a Streetlamp Assistance Program that will provide up to 15% matching funds for streetlamp purchase and installation as part of a complete streetscape improvement project within the downtown area. 4. The TIF will purchase and place trash receptacles, benches, and bike racks upon the completion of any streetscape improvements. PROJECT COSTS Street Hardware Costs $1,562,000 lamp posts, trash receptacles, benches, bike racks includes purchase, shipping and installation Construction Costs $1,925,000 installation of sidewalk and curbs, reset all parking and traffic signage, install electrical service, traffic control Management Costs $ 210,000 final engineering design and construction management services Estimated Project Costs (2008) $3,697,000 Estimated Project Costs (2010) $4,806,000 Project Contact: Chris Naumann Downtown Bozeman Partnership 224 East Main Street Bozeman MT 59715 phone: 406-586-4008 e-mail: chris@downtownbozeman.org 213 Bridger Park Garage Connectivity Project Appendix No. 4 Preliminary Streetscape Engineering 214 215 . 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 North Seventh Avenue Sidewalk Improvements A. Project Background: The North Seventh Urban Renewal Board (The Board) is proposing to use funds allocated by House Bill 645 to make significant improvements to pedestrian safety and connectivity along N 7th Avenue. Prior to the availability of this funding, the Board retained engineering services to help with implementation of the North Seventh Design and Connectivity Plan that is the basis for the creation of the North Seventh TIF district. The engineering consultant preformed an initial site assessment of the N 7th corridor and worked with the Board to establish priorities based on the primary goal of improving pedestrian safety and connectivity. The top priority for the corridor is the completion of the sidewalk network along N 7th Avenue. There are vital areas where the sidewalk is completely missing. It is the priority of the Board to fill in these missing pieces and provide a complete and safe pedestrian connection from Main Street to the Interstate. A major impediment to the completion of this goal is the lack of Right of Way that exists along N 7th Ave. In many cases, the right of way does not exist to complete the sidewalk network with out easement from the property owners. The N 7th Board views their work along the corridor and with in the TIF District as a cooperative effort with the property owners and residents. The Board is therefore working with the property owners to obtain easements for this needed work. The Board feels strongly that the connectivity and safety issues that will be addressed with their proposed work are a high priority with in the city. Recent developments regarding accessibility ramps and curbs with in the city seems to demonstrate a consensus regarding the importance of these issues with all city residents. The Bozeman Bicycles and Pedestrian committee has recently spent significant time discussing how a sidewalk program could be re-instituted in Bozeman. Additionally the recently updated Bozeman Area Transportation Plan contains and entire section devoted to pedestrian and other non motorized transportation methods. Many community members have recently organized a group to promote the idea of connection all the communities in Gallatin County via paths allowing for multiple methods of non-motorize travel. Again and again the residents of the Bozeman community have placed a high priority on pedestrian connectivity. 223 North Seventh Avenue Sidewalk Improvements B. Project Need: North 7th Avenue is home to many businesses including a large hospitality district and numerous restaurants that serve many out of town guests. The N 7th corridor is a vital commercial corridor in the City of Bozeman. In addition, the N 7th corridor is bordered by many residential neighborhoods. Current pedestrian connectivity, safety and permeability of the corridor are severely limited by the lack of a complete network of sidewalks. In addition to significant areas of missing sidewalk, there are many accessibility issues at the intersections with ramps either missing or not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The N 7th corridor is an area where Bozeman residents go for work as well as for entertainment and shopping. Many residents like or need to visit the businesses of N 7th with out the use of a car. Under the current conditions, this is a dangerous proposition, especially in the winter months. The Streamline bus system has improved the accessibility to the corridor for those with out access to a car, but provides limited accessibility along the corridor. There is a critical need to provide a complete and safe pedestrian network along N 7th Avenue. C. Project Benefits: The most obvious benefit of this project is the improved pedestrian safety provided by completion of the sidewalk network. There are also potential immediate and long-term economic benefits. Many visitors to Bozeman may overlook the opportunities along N 7th if they are forced into their car at the hotel. Improving pedestrian connectivity has been shown to significantly improve patronage of adjacent businesses. A complete and safe pedestrian network along N 7th will provide residents and guests with an opportunity to safely explore all that N 7th has to offer. This increased patronage will have significant economic affects in the long term. This project therefore fits ideally with the goals of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) as it provides investment in our transportation infrastructure, it will immediately provide jobs for local designers, contractors and suppliers and it will act to stimulate long term economic growth along the N 7th corridor and encourage private sector investment. 224 North Seventh Avenue Sidewalk Improvements D. Project Participation: Another significant benefit of the proposed project is the opportunity to leverage several different funding sources and to encourage community investment. The North Seventh Urban Renewal District is committed to the long term viability and economic growth of the N 7th corridor and the entire TIF District. The Board has already applied for funding through the Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant program to install a Streamline Bus shelter on N 7th Avenue. They will be investing Big Box Funds and TIF funds along the corridor and applying for CTEP funding to ensure that the needed pedestrian safety and connectivity improvements are completed. The opportunity to utilize this broad spectrum of funding mechanisms is a good fit with the intent of the HB 645 funding. As with all ARRA funding, it is viewed as beneficial when this federal money can be combined with state and local funding to increase the impacts. Additionally this project will involve the individual property owners by asking them to participate by giving the easements that are required to allow the installation of the missing sidewalk sections. The proposed project joins federal, state, private, and local funds to bring increased impact. It provides an opportunity for many to benefit from community cooperation. E. Project Costs: The Board is aware of the variety of needs and proposals for projects around the city that are eligible for the HB 645 funding and is therefore proposing an approach that would allow for funding portions of the improvements or the entirety of these critical improvements. While it is critical that all the proposed improvements be made in order to provide a complete sidewalk from Main Street to the Interstate, the Board has envisioned it in several pieces that could be funded through alternate means if the City Commission sees other priorities that need to share the HB 645 funding. The following is a list of possible pieces which this project could be broken into. Budget numbers for each alternate is provided in the following section. 1. North 7th Avenue Sidewalk Infill – East Side. This is the basis of this project and would at the bare minimum provide a completed sidewalk from Main Street to the Interstate along the east side of N 7th. This would include the construction of sidewalk in the locations where sidewalk is currently completely missing. This base project would not address existing ADA ramp compliance issues except at locations of new sidewalk. Cost: $78,107.50 2. North 7th Avenue ADA Compliance – East Side. Funding of this portion of the project would provide for upgrading of all ADA ramps between Durston Road and the Interstate so they would be fully compliant with current ADA Guidelines. Cost: $18,750.00 225 North Seventh Avenue Sidewalk Improvements 3. North 7th and Oak Street- N 7th right of way. Funding of this portion of the project is dedicated to making improvements within the right of way of N 7th Ave at the northwest corner of the intersection with Oak Street. (Scrubby’s) This includes construction of the sidewalk from the intersection north to match in with existing sidewalk to the north as well as construction of the ADA ramps at the intersection. Cost: $38,255.00 4. North 7th and Oak Street- Oak St. Funding this portion of the project provides for the connection of the improvements at the intersection with the shared use path that extends to the east beginning in front of the Days Inn. Cost: $8,360.00 226 North Seventh Avenue Sidewalk Improvements F. Proposed Budget: ACTIVITY COSTS: HB 645 Grant Big Box Funds CTEP* Total Project Cost Equipment Cost $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 Construction Cost 1. Base Project 2. East Side Ramps 3. Oak St Inter. – N 7th ROW 4. Oak St Inter. - Oak St $ 121, 951.62 $ 66,391.37 $ 15,937.50 $ 32,516.75 $ 7,106.00 $ 21, 520.88 $ 11,716.13 $ 2,812.50 $ 5,738.25 $ 1,254.00 $ 0 $ 143, 472.50 $ 78,107.50 $ 18,750.00 $ 38, 255.00 $ 8,360.00 A/E Design $ 0 $ 28,694.50 $ 0 $ 28, 694.50 Contingency $ 5,216.70 $ 12,000.00 $ 0 $ 17, 216.70 TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ 127,168.32 $ 62,215.38 $ 0 $ 189, 383.70 *While no current CTEP funds are committed for these improvements, it is the intention of the Board to apply for CTEP funding to continue the needed improvements to pedestrian safety and connectivity along the N 7th corridor. G. Implementation Schedule: Each recipient must submit an implementation schedule that describes the overall schedule for project completion. Regarding the implementation schedule please be aware that HB 645 provides states: A recipient of funds under this section must expend the funds by September 30, 2010. Unexpended funds must revert to the state and be deposited in the state general fund. The North Seventh Urban Renewal Board recognizes and acknowledges the schedule required by HB 645 and commits to an implementation schedule that will ensure expenditure of these funds by September 30, 2010. 227 121 N. Rouse Avenue www.bozeman.net PO Box 1230 406-582-2300 (phone) Bozeman, MT 59771 406-582-2344 (fax)          City of Bozeman, Montana      Rose Park Parking Lot Installation Project  City Parks Department  HB645 Local Infrastructure Project Request    Project Summary:  This project proposes to improve the City’s Rose Park by constructing an  asphalt parking lot at the park’s north end, off of Tschache Lane.  Rose Park has been developed  into a Disc Golf park and is very popular with a wide range of users at all times of the day and  week.  Project Cost:  $102,500   Rose Park Parking Lot Installation Qty Unit Unit Price Total     Asphalt 17,300.00 /sq ft $            1.70    $     29,410.00    Incl prep (3‐4 inches crushed rock and compaction.)  Curb and Gutter 600 /ln ft $          22.00    $     13,200.00  Irrigation Well, Heads, Valves, Controllers, Vegitation  $     20,000.00    incl pulling power for irrigation and future restroom.  Site work and Striping  $     12,500.00  Lighting  $     18,000.00    incl poles, fixtures, and installation   Contingency 10%  $       9,311.00  Project Total  $   102,421.00    Current Conditions:  To date the Park has undergone terrain modifications, a well installation  with power, a limited irrigation system, trees, construction of a trail through the park with  bridges, and a Disc Golf course, complete with baskets and concrete tee pads.  There is an area  off of Tschache Lane that is being used for parking.  This area is dirt and gravel with no  delineation or drainage.   228 2      Benefits of Funding this Project:  The City of Bozeman’s 2007 PROST (Parks, Recreation, Open  Space and Trails) Plan recognizes that many of the parks in the northwest area of town,  particularly north of W. Babcock, are not yet developed. In fact, PROST listed completion of  Rose Park as one of the top 10 capital facility recommendations. It also reports that Bozeman  was not providing any Disc Golf opportunities at the time of the report and noted a high  demand for that type of service.  The Bozeman UDO requires parking lots and that they be  developed to the level we are proposing.  The project includes required paving, curb and gutter, detention drainage area, irrigation and  well, power for the well, landscaping and lighting.  By developing a parking lot with entrances  and curbing we will dramatically improve the safety for those using the park and more  effectively utilize the area available.    Attachments:   Site Map     Parking Lot Plan  Rose Park Current Parking Lot Facility – September 2009  229 230 231