CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approve the amended 2023-2025 Annual New Sidewalk Program redistributing the approved locations across three years and adding Loomis Street, Book Road, and Douglas Avenue locations
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: William Novack, Director/City Engineer
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
On June 1, 2023, the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) recommended approval of the amended 2023-2025 Annual New Sidewalk program (Approved 5-1).
BACKGROUND:
The Annual New Sidewalk Program was established in 2004 following the adoption of the Comprehensive Sidewalk Policy and annually installs new public sidewalk in locations that have gaps along the roadway.
On October 18, 2022, the City Council approved the 2023-2024 Annual New Sidewalk Program. The proposed program was created based on the historical budget for the program as well as an estimated cost based on 2021 bid prices. Due to several disruptions to the concrete industry, however, concrete prices have risen significantly since 2021 and will need to be factored into the program.
Staff has also received two resident requests to add segments of sidewalk to the program - along Loomis Street between Highland Avenue and Porter Avenue and along Book Road to connect the existing sidewalks between Enclave Court and Engle Road.
Accordingly, staff proposed changing the 2023-2024 program to a three-year program (2023-2025) to redistribute the approved locations and add the two requested locations.
On June 20, 2023, the City Council directed staff to add the sidewalk gap on Douglas Avenue between Wilson Avenue and West Street. During the Westside neighborhood traffic study, this gap was recommended to be filled.
DISCUSSION:
Per Council direction, staff has programmed Douglas Avenue, between Wilson Avenue and West Street, for 2024 to provide time for the survey and design of the sidewalk. The cost of this sidewalk gap is estimated at $118,714. A table detailing the modified program is attached.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Annual New Sidewalk Program has traditionally been programmed at $300,000 per year. Consistent with past funding levels, the proposed Calendar Year 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Program includes $300,000 CY23, CY24, and CY25. Staff request necessary budget increases to accommodate the larger programs during the upcoming budget season.