Title
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DICK & FRITSCHE DESIGN GROUP, INC. FOR THE FINAL DESIGN OF A TRANSIT CENTER AT ARROWHEAD TOWNE CENTER
Staff Contact: Jack Friedline, Director, Public Works
end
Purpose and Recommended Action
Recommendation
This is a request for City Council to authorize the City Manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Dick & Fritsche Design Group, Inc. (DFDG) in an amount not to exceed $368,784 for final design of a transit center at Arrowhead Towne Center.
Background
As part of the regional transit system, Glendale and various regional transportation plans have identified the need for a dedicated transit center in north Glendale.
A 2007 study confirmed the need for a transit center in north Glendale due to the convergence of multiple transit routes in the area of Loop 101 and Bell Road, as well as the lack of adequate infrastructure to support existing transit service. Currently, three local and two express bus routes serve the north Glendale area.
On December 7, 2011, the city requested qualifications for professional planning and design services for the North Glendale Park-and-Ride/Transit Center project. A review panel comprised of representatives from Transportation, Engineering and Planning, along with regional transit professionals from the City of Phoenix and the RPTA, reviewed six proposals. Three firms were interviewed. The panel selected DFDG to study and design the facility to the 30 percent level. The terms of the agreement with DFDG included, at the city's discretion, an option for DFDG to complete the design of the project.
The project is currently at the 30 percent design stage for the transit center, and this agreement will allow for the completion of the design phase. A separate agreement will be brought forward for Council's consideration at a later date for the park-and-ride portion of the project.
Analysis
DFDG identified several transit center sites for consideration in north Glendale. After an evaluation of these sites, along with several public meetings and outreach opportunities during the study, it was determined that the preferred transit center site would be located at Arrowhead Towne Center. The existing transit center is currently located at the mall; however, it has minimal amenities for passengers.
Currently, no formal agreement exists between the city and the owner of Arrowhead Towne Center, Macerich, to operate transit service at the mall. In conjunction with upgrading the amenities at the mall, the city will enter into a long-term license agreement with Macerich, thereby ensuring continued and uninterrupted transit service at the mall for many years to come.
Previous Related Council Action
On December 16, 2014, staff updated Council on the progress of the project at a Workshop session, which included preliminary conceptual renderings of the transit center, as well as the proposed park-and-ride facility.
At its April 15, 2014 Workshop session, Council was given an update on the progress of the project.
On August 14, 2012, Council approved the Professional Services Agreement with DFDG, not to exceed $722,735 for the planning and preliminary design services for the North Glendale Park-and-Ride/Transit Center project.
On June 14, 2011, Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into five intergovernmental agreements with the City of Phoenix for acceptance of pass-through Federal Transit Administration grants, which included federal funding for this project.
Community Benefit/Public Involvement
Construction of the transit center will encourage transit use by the public at Arrowhead Towne Center. Over 75,000 boardings occur each year at the mall. These boardings are a combination of transit users going to the mall to work and passengers utilizing the retail opportunities that Arrowhead Towne Center provides. A dedicated transit center at the mall will ensure that transit users have a safe and convenient location to access the mall for shopping and employment.
Budget and Financial Impacts
A total of $1,686,354 has been secured for the pre-design and design phases for the North Glendale Park-and-Ride/Transit Center project. Of that amount, $1,476,262 is Federal grant funds, and $210,092 is regional funds allocated to the preconstruction phase of this project. No local funds are required for this phase of the project.
Council previously authorized the expenditure of $722,735 with their approval of the initial professional services agreement with DFDG on August 14, 2012. It is estimated that the cost to complete this final design phase for the transit center facility will not exceed $368,784. The remainder of the preconstruction monies allocated to this project will be used to complete the design phase of the park-and-ride facility.
Cost |
Fund-Department-Account |
$300,000 |
1650-67538-551200, FTA 0203 Design Arrowhead TC |
$68,784 |
1650-67537-551200, FTA X006 Predesign Arrowhead TC |
Capital Expense? Yes
Budgeted? Yes
Requesting Budget or Appropriation Transfer? No
If yes, where will the transfer be taken from?