AGENDA #4c
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Municipal Agreement for Funding of Improvements in the Vicinity of NC 54 and Hamilton Road
DATE: June 25, 2001
The following resolution would authorize the Town Manager to enter into a Municipal Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for sharing the costs of improvements on NC 54 in the vicinity of Hamilton Road. The Manager recommends adoption of the resolution.
In late 1998, the Council established a citizen work group, led by the Transportation Board, to identify and evaluate options for improving pedestrian access to and through the NC 54/ Hamilton Road intersection.
The work group met during 1999 and developed a list of recommended roadway improvements, as follows:
1. Install continuous sidewalks on both sides of NC 54 from Fordham Boulevard to Burning Tree Drive.
2. Install pedestrian signals on all approaches at the NC 54/ Hamilton Road intersection.
3. Provide school zone pavement markings, signs, and flashers on NC 54 east and west of Hamilton Road.
4. Install textured and colored crosswalks at the NC 54/Hamilton Road intersection.
5. Install rumble strips on NC 54 at its approaches to Hamilton Road.
6. Install median and landscaping improvements on NC 54 between Fordham Boulevard and Burning Tree Drive.
The proposed improvements were reviewed and approved by the State for implementation. The State agreed to pay for items #1, #2, and #3 listed above, and those improvements have been completed. The Town agreed to solicit Direct Allocation funds through our Metropolitan Planning Organization for items #4, #5, and #6 listed above.
We estimate that the cost of these improvements would total approximately $170,000. Direct Allocation funds would pay for 80% ($136,000) of the project costs with Town matching share required for the remaining 20% ($34,000) of the costs. Funding for the Town matching share is available in Fund Balance, and is included in the year-end budget amendment included on tonight’s agenda.
A Municipal Agreement has been prepared by the State outlining the responsibilities of the Town and State regarding implementation of the proposed improvements covered by the Agreement. The attached resolution would authorize the Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the Town.
NEXT STEPS – If the Council authorizes us to proceed with the Agreement, we will finalize construction plans for the improvements and submit the plans to the State for approval. Once approved, we will solicit quotes for the work and proceed with construction in the fall. We would expect to have all of the work completed by the end of this calendar year.
That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the Manager to execute a Municipal Agreement with the State regarding proposed improvements on NC 54 in the vicinity of Hamilton Road.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE A MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REGARDING PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS ON NC 54 IN THE VICINITY OF HAMILTON ROAD (2001-06-25/R-3)
Whereas, the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill established a citizen work group to identify and evaluate options for improving pedestrian access to and through the NC 54/Hamilton Road intersection; and
WHEREAS, the Council received and approved the work group’s recommendations for improvements on NC 54 in the vicinity of Hamilton Road; and
WHEREAS, the Town and the State agreed to participate in funding and implementing the proposed improvements;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Manager is authorized to execute on behalf of the Town a Municipal Agreement outlining the responsibilities of the Town and the State regarding implementation of the proposed improvements.
This the 25th day of June, 2001.