Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2019-188 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Project Specific Agreement to the Master Agreement governing Major Capital Transportation Improvement Projects with Dallas County for design and construction of portions of the Westside Art Trail between the Farmers Branch DART Station and the Campion Trail in Irving; and take appropriate action
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City desires to construct a trail from the Farmers Branch DART station on Denton Drive to the Campion Trail in Irving. This trail will provide a multi-modal connection between the two cities. The project is a 3.3 mile 10’-12’ wide trail. The project will traverse the west side of Farmers Branch running through the Mercer Crossing Development. This connection has been planned at both the local and regional level by way of City of Farmers Branch Trail Master Plan and the Regional Veloweb. The current cost estimate for the entirety of the trail is $10,445,725.
At November 13, 2019 City Council meeting, City Council approved a Local Project Advanced Funding Agreement with Texas Department of Transportation in the amount of $4,545,725.00. Although significant, the amount is not enough to cover the cost of the entirety of the trail. In an effort to continue to find funding for the completion of the design and future construction of the Westside Art Trail, staff submitted a request to Dallas County Public Works department seeking partial funding for design and construction of the trail. The City and Dallas County entered into a Master Agreement Governing Transportation Major Capital Improvement Projects on July 5, 2011 by Commissioners Court Order 2011-1203, which is scheduled for renewal in the Fall of 2020. Master Agreements must be signed by any city in Dallas County seeking funding from the County. The Master Agreement includes the general parameters and conditions of the partnership between the city and county and creates a solid foundation for the agencies’ cooperation. After the Master Agreement is signed, a Project Specific Agreement is drafted, which details the specifics of each project.
DISCUSSION:
After reviewing the City’s request, Dallas County believes the project is beneficial to both the City and the County and will facilitate the improvement of public transportation. Some important points the Project Specific Agreement incorporates or defines are:
1. Master Agreement authorized by County Commissioners Court Order 2011-1203 dated July 5, 2011,
2. Funding Agreement authorized by County Commissioners Court Order 2016-0769 dated June 21, 2016,
3. Project Scoping Sheets, Current Cost Estimates and Funding Sources,
4. Project Location Map with Project limits - the Farmers Branch DART Station to the Campion Trail,
5. LPAFA between the City and Texas Department of Transportation,
6. City will be the lead agency for the Project and provide project management from commencement of planning to completion of construction,
7. City shall coordinate any necessary City-owned utility adjustments for construction of the Project. Utility Betterments or relocations will be the sole cost of the City,
8. City will maintain the trail, striping, signage, and related improvements after the Project is completed,
9. Any property acquisition required for the Project is the responsibility of the City,
10. City shall enter into a LPAFA with TxDOT for funding participation in the amount of $4,545,725.00 for the construction of the Westside Trail Project.
The Project Specific Agreement specifies that the County agrees to fund $4,400,000, which includes the County’s share of in-house project delivery costs. The City is obligated to provide $1,500,000.00, which is budgeted in the non-bond CIP fund. Attachment C of the Project Specific Agreement delineates the portion of the trail the Dallas County-City funding will address.
FISCAL IMPACT:
3. Unbudgeted Impact - funding from Dallas County will be used to reimburse the City for expenses as defined in the agreement.
RECOMMENDATION:
City Administration recommends approving Resolution No. 2019-188 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Project Specific Agreement with Dallas County for funding for the design and construction of Westside Art Trail, and amend the budget accordingly.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2019-188 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Project Specific Agreement with Dallas County for funding for the design and construction of Westside Art Trail, and amend the budget accordingly.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2019-188 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Project Specific Agreement with Dallas County for funding for the design and construction of Westside Art Trail, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2019-188
2. Project Specific Agreement