TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Greg Ruddy, Director of Public Works
SUBJECT:
title
Award of Professional Services Agreement for Land Acquisition Services for South End Neighborhood Shared Use Path to Santacruz Land Acquisitions in an Amount not to exceed $70,500.00
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BACKGROUND:
In 2022, the City signed a letter of intent with IDOT to accept $400,000.00 in funding for the development of a Community Plan specifically targeting the areas affected by the reconstruction of the Interstate 80 Bridge over the Des Plaines River. IDOT has also committed $3.5 million towards the implementation of recommended improvements identified in the forthcoming Community Plan. The plan explores concepts that build upon ideas expressed by community partners during the 2020-2022 engagement process, including:
• Identifying community vision, needs and priorities
• A new walking and biking trail along the Des Plaines River between Varnado Park and new open areas created by the demolition of the existing I-80 bridge
• Enhanced lighting for safety and aesthetics
• A historic plaque for Reverend Varnado Park
• Traffic calming measures along Water Street
On November 19, 2024, the City awarded a professional services agreement to CDM Smith to execute the I-80 Des Plaines River Bridge Community Plan project. The project is over half-way complete, and the project team has led two (2) community meetings and four (4) steering committee meetings during which details of the above noted concepts were further refined.
The proposed alignment of the multi-use path requires the acquisition of easements from or the purchase of eight (8) parcels as well as continued coordination with the Joliet Park District and the Illinois Department of Transportation. All of the parcels under consideration for acquisition are currently vacant.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Santacruz Land Acquisitions has provided a proposal to assist the City with acquiring the easements required for a shared use path along McDonough Street and then through the west side of the South End neighborhood (Exhibit B). The Land Acquisition Services Agreement for the project, for an amount not to exceed $70,500.00, represents the cost of completing appraisals, owner negotiations, and clearing title for the eight (8) parcels needed for the South End Shared Use Path Project.
Section 2-438 of the City of Joliet Code of Ordinance states that purchases over $25,000.00 may be awarded without written specifications under certain circumstances. Two (2) of these circumstances apply:
(f) Purchases when authorized by a concurring vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Mayor and City Council;
(g) Purchases of professional services.
Funds will be charged to the following: Org 22020240, Object 523300, Project Code CMP26, $70,500.00. The City will be reimbursed in full from the State for these services through the $3.5 million grant.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, the Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement for Land Acquisition Services for South End Neighborhood Shared Use Path to Santacruz Land Acquisitions in an amount not to exceed $70,500.00.
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