cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alex Minnella, Planner
DATE: November 1, 2018
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Approving a Professional Phase I Design Engineering Services Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD Related to Improvements of the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) East Parking Lot in an Amount not to exceed $29,612.00 ( - 18-0991 / AU22/5-17.236-AG/P - AM - Ward )
PURPOSE:
The attached professional services agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD (CBBEL), in the amount not to exceed $29,612.00, is for preliminary design engineering (Phase I) work associated with the redesign of the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) East Parking Lot to improve pedestrian and vehicular access to the station, to accommodate enhanced drop-off Kiss and Ride facilities, and support the use of the existing transit system.
BACKGROUND:
The proposal is for work to be done in collaboration with the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) Regional Facilities Enhancement Project.
In August, staff applied for the Access to Transit grant made available through the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The program leverages RTA and local funds with federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funding to help implement recommendations from planning studies completed through the RTA’s Community Planning program and CMAP’S Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program.
Investing in pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure around transit provides a number of benefits for both local communities and the RTA system, such as:
- Increased transit ridership, which helps reduce congestion and vehicle emissions
- Better first and last mile connections that make it safer and easier for riders to get to and from
transit service
- Lower demand for commuter parking
- Pedestrian friendly neighborhoods that promote public health through active transportation
- Support for transit-oriented development by fostering active, walkable places.
The project has direct relevance to public transit. The proposed improvements will implement recommendations from the RTA Access to Transit Implementation Plan (April 2016) regarding how to improve visibility and access for pedestrians and bicyclists to the train station, recommendations which would improve vehicular and drop off access as well. These improvements include signage, improved platform access, bicycle infrastructure, and a devoted kiss and ride drop off area on the east side of the tracks. It will “increase the pedestrian experience for those who walk or bike to the station, as well as those who arrive by auto or connecting transit", (RTA April 2016 Plan).
The proposed ATC East Platform parking lot is located east of the railroad track and north of Spring Street and west of Lincoln Ave Parking Lot. The proposed project limit includes the East Platform parking lot, entrance modification at Spring Street.
The goal of the City is that the project and the costs associated with it, achieve local & regional benefits, improve safety, and increase ridership through the enhancement of the commuter station that appeals to all commuters.
The proposed ATC East Platform Enhancement project improvement will consist of the following scopes:
1. Entrance modification at the intersection of Spring Street. The entrance will be relocated slightly towards east to achieve the road alignment to make it a direct access to the east parking lot and train station. Vehicles exiting the east platform will have better visibility of the traffic on Spring Street. A new sidewalk, high visibility crosswalk, and way-finding signage will be installed.
2. Installation of real time message board (2) on the platform to indicate train departure/arrival time and track location. Message Board will indicate the right train track the passenger will need to be on. Currently there are no message boards that tells what track the train will be arriving or departing from. Discussion with Metra are ongoing to the use to real time message board signage.
3. It is proposed to reconfigure the parking drive isle along the north side of the parking lot and create a designated drop off and pick up area (kiss and ride area). Existing ADA parking stalls will be relocated to the west to improve accessibility to the platforms. The sidewalk across the ADA parking will be upgraded and detectable warning signs will be installed.
4. Installation of bike shelters on the east side of the R.R and at the existing bike racks located along the west side of the platform. Currently there are no bike shelter(s) at the east platform parking lot. As a cost effective option, the City may also look at re-using the existing Pace bus shelter as the new bike shelter.
5. Installation of decorative monuments signs at entrance off of Spring Street and at the main entrance off of Broadway Avenue. Wayfinding signs for pedestrian and vehicle will be added to access the parking lot and to help identify train tracks.
6. Installation of bike lane (s) along Spring Street, running east west.
7. Installation of commuter transit shelter (4 locations) along with space heaters is planned. Currently there are no commuter shelter at the ATC station.
The RTA selected Aurora’s Access to Transit grant application via a competitive process. If approved for CMAQ funding, the project sponsorship is transferred from the RTA to the applicant.
The maximum federal share of project costs under the Access to Transit program is 80 percent, whereas the 20 percent local match, required by the CMAQ program, will be equally shared between the RTA and the applicant, with each contributing 10% of the total project budget.
Phase I engineering, which is 100% City at no sharing of cost with others, allows the city of Aurora to start the process and possibly obtain the grant.
Based upon memoranda of understanding in place with Rocky Pintozzi (Holiday Inn Express & Suites), and Jason Ebel (Two Brothers), the City can then discuss with the parties previously mentioned the cost sharing for the local cost (federal 80/local 20) on this project. The City can then also approach Metra and BNSF about the proposed improvements.
The goal is for the construction process for the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) Regional Facilities Enhancement Project to commence in mid-late 2020, provided the CMAQ grant is approved.
DISCUSSION:
This engineering design contract will enable the City to develop Phase I engineered drawings for the enhanced access and use of the ATC facility. The account(s) from which the project is to be thereafter funded are 236-1830-465-73.99 and 353-4433-437.73-20. Respectively, the 2019 budget will fund $10,000.00 from 236-1830-465-73.99 and $20,000.00 from 353-4433-437.73-20.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Staff would anticipate that completion of the expansion project will increase the City’s overall tax base and viability by facilitating investment and development which will offset maintenance costs and any incidental Department or staffing impacts of coordinating the project.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff would recommend APPROVAL of the Resolution Approving a Professional Phase I Design Engineering Services Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD Related to Improvements of the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) East Parking Lot in an Amount not to exceed $29,612.00.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A" Professional Service Agreement
Concept Plan
Aurora Access to Transit Improvement Plan
Access to Transit Notice Letter
Memorandum of Understanding - Two Brothers
Memorandum of Understanding - Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Development Agreement with Midwest Management, Inc. (Comfort Suites Hotel)
Ownership Information
Legistar Number: 18-0991
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Approving a Professional Phase I Design Engineering Services Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD Related to Improvements of the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) East Parking Lot in an Amount not to exceed $29,612.00.
body
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 of Aurora seeks to engage a professional consulting services firm to perform design engineering work related to improvements of the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) East Parking Lot; and
WHEREAS, Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD (CBBEL) has submitted a proposal in the amount of twenty-nine thousand, six hundred and twelve dollars ($29,612.00) for said services, included herein as Exhibit "A"; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, does hereby authorize the execution of the professional services agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering LTD (CBBEL) attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in the amount of twenty-nine thousand, six hundred and twelve dollars ($29,612.00) for said services from Account(s) Number(s) 236-1830-465-73.99 and 353-4433-437.73-20.