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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Trevor Dick, Director of Development Strategy and Facilitation
DATE: October 26, 2020
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Entering into an Agreement for a Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum for Orchard Road and Bushwood Drive Property Access with Iteris, Inc.
PURPOSE:
To complete a Traffic Impact Analysis that will provide justification, documentation, and data as requested by Kane County Department of Transportation to support the City’s desire for improved access for a long vacant key redevelopment site at Orchard Road and Bushwood Drive to support economic development.
BACKGROUND:
Late last year the City of Aurora entered into a professional services agreement with Iteris, Inc of St. Charles, IL to conduct a Traffic Impact Analysis to support the City’s vision for improving vehicular access at Orchard Road and Bushwood Drive. Currently that intersection is only a right-in/right-out on the Southbound lane of Orchard Road. (see Attachment 1) It’s important to note that Orchard Road is under Kane County’s jurisdiction and any projects within that right-of-way need to be approved by the County Board.
Over the years the existing businesses on the west side of Orchard Road at that access point have approached the City requesting improved access - which to those businesses means a full intersection with a traffic signal. At this location, east of Orchard Road, is a 30-acre vacant parcel owned by Toyota. Last year, Toyota met with City staff to discuss potential development. According to City staff and real estate brokers, improved vehicular access off of Orchard Road to the property would increase the likelihood of future development.
The City’s vision for the property would be to be a mixed-use development including a combination of restaurants, retail, office, and entertainment uses. The result would be a key redevelopment site at an important entrance to the west end of the City providing new employment, shopping and dining opportunities and additional tax revenue.
DISCUSSION:
Kane County Department of Transportation Staff informed City of Aurora Staff that any improvements to Orchard Road would require a Traffic Impact Analysis. After seeking three quotes, City Staff selected Iteris, Inc. of St. Charles for a not to exceed cost of $24,800.
At the end of 2019, staff had issued a request for proposal (RFP) to find the most suited vendor to provide the requested service. Four staff evaluators ranked the results; if the category had a weight of thirty (30) points, then thirty (30) points times four (4) evaluators would yield one hundred (120) total, possible points for that particular category.
Cost was not part of the ranking evaluation but was negotiated later with the number 1 ranked firm.
In the evaluation process, staff believed that Itineris, Inc. held a better position since it is a qualified vendor for Kane County Department of Transportation (KDOT), and it has access to KDOT files.
Their draft report identifies that for a number of reasons a new fully signalized intersection will not work at this location until Orchard Road is widened. The report does recommend that the intersection could be improved as a ¾ intersection (see Attachment 2 for an example). Discussions with real estate brokers confirm that a ¾ intersection would indeed support economic development in the area, especially on the east side of Orchard Road.
After Iteris completed their analysis and submitted a Draft Report to the County for comments, KDOT staff asked for additional data and analysis. To amend the existing agreement to add the additional work, Iteris has provided staff with a proposal for another $17,500. (see Attachment 3) The study addendum will include an access analysis at the subject intersection configured as a Right-In/Right-Out (RIRO) access and a Right-In/Right-Out/Left-In (3/4) access. In addition, existing traffic will be forecast 10 years and 20 years based on growth rates provided by CMAP for both scenarios. Any significant impacts forecast to be caused by the project will be highlighted, together with possible project design features and/or mitigation measures.
After the amendment to the report is completed, Iteris and City Staff will be working with KDOT staff to move the request for improved access through the County approval process. Funding for the Traffic Impact Analysis Amendment will come from the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Consultant budget, account #101.1830.465.32-80.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This study is necessary to begin the process of seeking Kane County Board approval for improved access/egress at this location from Orchard Road. City staff believes that improved access will support economic development adding jobs, increased tax revenue, improved image and identity, and additional dining, shopping, and office uses on the City’s West Side. Not approving this agreement this will stop the process before proceeding to Kane County.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution entering into an Agreement for a Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum for Orchard Road and Bushwood Drive Property Access with Iteris, Inc.
cc: Finance Committee
Alderman Robert O’Connor, Chairperson
Alderman Edward J. Bugg, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Carl Franco
Alderwoman Scheketa Hart-Burns
Alderman Emmanuel Llamas
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Entering into an Agreement for a Traffic Impact Analysis Addendum for Orchard Road and Bushwood Drive Property Access with Iteris, Inc.
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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 sent out a Request for Qualifications in September 2019 where Iteris, Inc was the highest ranking firm; and
WHEREAS, The City of Aurora finds it desirable to continue to work with Iteris, Inc. to perform an amendment to a Traffic Impact Analayis for Orchard Road and Bushwood Drive to include data and analysis asked by Kane County Department of Transportation staff; and
WHEREAS, 2020 budget funds for the addendum amount of $17,500 are available in account 101-1830-465.32-80 (Professional Fees/Consulting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Resolution authorizing the Director of Purchasing to enter into an agreement to award a Traffic Impact Analysis Amendment at Orchard Road and Bushwood Drive for the City of Aurora to Iteris, Inc. of St. Charles, IL.