Title
Discuss and consider approving a professional services agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. in the amount of $120,028.00 for professional engineering services associated with the Old Austin-Hutto Road project.
Summary
This Professional Services Agreement would serve to reimburse the increased project scope and city funds would be directed for anticipated increased construction costs to include a roundabout that will serve to enhance economic development and provide pedestrian connectivity East-to-West along Old Austin-Hutto Road (OAHR).
City staff has investigated an opportunity for establishing an access connection for a future development just northeast near the terminus of the Old Austin-Hutto Road (OAHR) project with FM 685. A request and coordination with the property owner to consider a roundabout to the proposed Old Austin-Hutto Road (OAHR) design at the northern end of the project would increase the marketability and/or development potential of one or more properties. The project may support an economic development goal and objective or other relevant City-adopted planning goals (trails connectivity and a continuous roadway connection for North-South movements parallel to FM 685).
City staff has received concurrence from the property owner for the “Addition of a Roundabout” and the impacts to the current Old Austin-Hutto Road (OAHR) Bond Project would include:
• Need for Additional ROW (28,710 SF)
• Increased design (scope and fee; 3 Months/$120,028)
• Increase Construction (Cost & schedule of completion; $505,000/3-4 Months)
• Modification of the Pedestrian Trail currently at the northern portion of the project, beginning at the current low-water crossing (increased safety with tunnel feature)
• Allows connection of pedestrians to cross from Park side to sites along west side of OAHR, while still maintaining pedestrian access along east side under FM 685
• Would provide for future continuation of Shared Use path along both sides of Roundabout northward
• Require additional public involvement
• Allows separation sufficient for increased driveway throat at Existing Site driveway at west side of roundabout
Prior City Council Action
A professional services supplemental agreement (No. 4) with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for engineering services associated with the Old Austin-Hutto Road was approved at the February 26, 2019 City Council Meeting.
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested on June 25, 2019.
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure _X_ N/A __
Budgeted Item: Yes _X_ No __ N/A __
Amount: $120,028.00_____
1295 Form Required? Yes _X_ No __
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required _X_ Date Completed: ___________
Supporting documents attached:
Professional Services Agreement
Project Map
Proposed Roundabout Conceptual Layout
Recommended Action
Approve a professional services agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. in the amount of $120,028.00 for professional engineering services associated with the Old Austin-Hutto Road project.