AGENDA # 4k

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT:            Supplemental Agreement for State Funding of N.C.54 Sidewalk Construction

DATE:             August 28, 2000

Adoption of the attached resolution would authorize the Town Manager to execute a Supplemental Sidewalk Agreement for State funding of sidewalk improvements along N.C.54 (Raleigh Road).  A copy of the agreement is attached for reference.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

In late 1999, the Town Council received a report and endorsed improvement recommendations from the N.C.54/Hamilton Road Citizens Workgroup.  The following lists the improvement recommendations and the current status of each:

1.                  Create textured and colored crosswalks.  (Town responsibility).  Town is working through our Transportation Advisory Committee to secure Surface Transportation Program – Direct allocation funds for this improvement.  We expect funding to be available in federal fiscal year 2001, which begins in October 2000.

2.                  Landscape the N.C.54 median from US 15-501 to Burning Tree Drive.  (Town responsibility).  Please see comment after #1.

3.                  Place rumble strips in all lanes of both N.C.54 approaches in advance of the N.C.54/Hamilton Road intersection.  (Town responsibility).  Please see comment after #1.

4.                  Construct sidewalks and planting strips along N.C.54 from US 15-501 to Burning Tree Drive.  (Please see the following discussion).

5.                  Re-evaluate signing along N.C.54 near and at the intersection.  (Town/State responsibility).  Sign clutter and ambiguity in this area has been reduced to the extent possible.

6.                  Designate the segment of N.C.54 at the intersection as a School Zone.  (State responsibility).  This recommendation has been implemented, including all appropriate signs and markings.

7.                  Provide pedestrian signal heads at all four corners.  (State responsibility).  This recommendation has been implemented.

8.                  Provide uniform clothing and equipment to clearly designate school crossing guards, and make every reasonable effort to assure that backups are available in case of crossing guard absences.  (Town responsibility).  This recommendation has been implemented.

9.                  Submit a letter on behalf of the Town Council to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board requesting that consideration be given to developing a pedestrian education program in the schools.  (Town responsibility).  This recommendation has been implemented.  Please see attached letters.

10.              Provide consistent traffic enforcement efforts at and in the vicinity of the N.C.54/Hamilton Road intersection to the maximum extent possible with available resources.  (Town responsibility).  This recommendation has been implemented.

Item #4 on he preceding list involves the construction of sidewalks on both sides of N.C.54 (Raleigh Road) between US 15-501 (Fordham Boulevard) and Burning Tree Drive.  The Council recently contracted for sidewalk improvements on N.C. 54 and Cameron Avenue, including the segment between US 15-501 and Burning Tree Drive.  We expect construction to begin in September.

The State has agreed to pay for construction of the portion of sidewalk improvements (noted in item #4) between US 15-501 and Burning Tree Drive and has prepared a Supplemental Sidewalk Agreement to reimburse the Town for related construction costs we incur under our contract.  We have reviewed the agreement and believe it is acceptable.

MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION

That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Town Manager to execute a Supplemental Sidewalk Agreement for State funding of sidewalk construction costs along N.C.54 between US 15-501 and Burning Tree Drive in Chapel Hill.

ATTACHMENTS

1.         N.C.54 Supplemental Sidewalk Agreement (p. 4).

2.         Letters to/from School Board dated December 17, 1999 and January 30, 2000 (p. 7).


A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE A SUPPLEMENTAL SIDEWALK AGREEMENT FOR STATE FUNDING OF SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION ALONG N.C. 54 (RALEIGH ROAD) BETWEEN US 15-501 (FORDHAM BOULEVARD) AND BURNING TREE DRIVE IN CHAPEL HILL.  (2000-08-28/R-9)

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (Department) and the Town of Chapel Hill (Municipality) propose to enter into an agreement for the construction of sidewalks on N.C.54 (Raleigh Road) from US 15-501 (Fordham Boulevard) to Burning Tree Drive in Chapel Hill; and

WHEREAS, the Municipality agrees to design the project plans and specifications and administer the construction contract; and

WHEREAS, the Department agrees to participate in the actual construction costs for the referenced sidewalks, not to exceed $75,000.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Town Manager to execute a Supplemental Sidewalk Agreement for State funding of sidewalk construction along N.C. 54 between US 15-501 and Burning Tree Drive in Chapel Hill.

This is the 28th day of August, 2000.