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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin and City Council
FROM: Tim Weidner, P.E., Engineering Coordinator
DATE: November 14, 2024
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering Supplement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $82,127.00 and the appropriation of $85,000.00 of MFT Funds for the Farnsworth Ave Traffic Signal Modernization Project.
PURPOSE:
This is a Resolution to approve the above referenced Engineering Services Supplement and to appropriate MFT funds by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Resolution.
BACKGROUND:
The project applied for federal funding in the 2022 STP-L call for projects. The project was awarded federal funding to cover up to 80% of Construction and Construction Engineering costs up to $2,500,000.
The project involves corridor improvements and traffic signal modernization along Farnsworth Avenue between Sheffer Rd and I-88. The improvements include replacement of all aging signal equipment, intermittent resurfacing, multi-use path construction, ADA ramp upgrades, and associated work. The intersections will be upgraded to 4-head flashing yellow left turn arrow operation - a proven safety enhancement being implemented on other projects throughout the City. Additional general information and exhibits can be found on the project website (https://www.aurora-il.org/2642/Farnsworth-Avenue-Project).
The City is continuing work with their selected engineering consultant, Stanley Consultants, Inc., on a project development report (PDR) under a previous City agreement. The PDR is substantially complete, and a draft will be submitted to IDOT shortly. The project is likely targeting a late 2026 IDOT letting, pending design engineering and land acquisition.
The original agreement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. was in the amount of $371,334.00 (R23-050).
DISCUSSION:
During preliminary engineering, Stanley Consultants, Inc. and their consultants completed several work items not identified in the original Phase 1 agreement and requested by IDOT. Of particular note, items have been added relating to intersection widening at Molitor Road including additional topographic survey, drainage studies and design work. Additional items requested by IDOT include additional bicycle coordination, various environmental studies and potentially an additional coordination meeting. Additional hours have also been added to help the City with additional funding applications.
The original consultant selection followed the Request for Qualifications process and is not subject to the local preference policy. The funding source, MFT Funds, is not subject to the local preference policy.
IDOT requires a Resolution to appropriate the MFT Funds prior to their expenditure for approved projects. The Resolution for Improvement - BLR 09110 (Exhibit ‘B’) appropriating MFT Funds in the amount of $85,000.00 is attached. This amount covers the supplement and includes a small contingency.
Funding for this project is available in account 203-4020-418.76-39 (GC088, Farns. Signal - Bilter to Sheffer).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
No impact.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Please forward this to Finance Committee for approval.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the execution of a Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering Supplement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of $82,127.00 and the appropriation of $85,000.00 of MFT Funds for the Farnsworth Ave Traffic Signal Modernization Project.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City seeks to improve the Farnsworth Avenue corridor from Sheffer Road to I-88; and
WHEREAS, the City published a Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for the Phase 1 Engineering services on October 27, 2022, with an option to utilize the same firm for Phase 2 Engineering. Eight (8) firms submitted their qualifications and experiences; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for an engineering supplement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. 8501 W. Higgins Rd, Suite 730, Chicago IL, 60631, to complete the Phase 1 Engineering services for a total cost not to exceed $82,127.00, a copy of which agreement is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 'A', and
WHEREAS, there is a need to appropriate MFT funds for this agreement for Section 23-00359-00-TL in the amount of $85,000.00, a copy of which resolution is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 'B', and
WHEREAS, the 2024 City Budget provides money for this item in 203-4020-418.76-39 (GC088, Farns. Signal - Bilter to Sheffer) with any additional funds to be budgeted in future years, if needed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Engineering Supplement with Stanley Consultants, Inc. attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 'A' in the not to exceed amount of eighty-two thousand one hundred twenty-seven dollars ($82,127.00) shall be and hereby is approved; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that eighty-five thousand dollars ($85,000.00) of available MFT Funds, Motor Fuel Tax Section Number 23-00359-00-TL shall be and hereby is appropriated for the purposes set forth in this resolution; and further
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Director of Purchasing and the Clerk respectively, shall be and hereby are directed to execute all the aforementioned documents on behalf of the City and any other documents required to carry the purposes of this resolution into execution, including, but not limited to the document entitled “Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code, Form (BLR 09110)” attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 'B'.