Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Christopher J. Looney, AICP, Planning and Development Services Director
Contact Info
(830) 221-4055 - CLooney@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of modification to professional services contract with Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc. to complete Phase 2 of the City’s Accessibility ADA Transition Plan.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
In May of 2019, the City identified a need to hire an experienced professional consultant to assist in preparing an Accessibility Transition Plan, in conjunction with City personnel by conducting self-evaluation inspections with regard to Title II compliance and applicable federal and state regulations for City policies, infrastructure and facilities. The Plan covers three areas: public rights-of-way (r-o-w), parks and buildings, and was to be handled in multiple phases.
On June 19, 2019 City Council approved Pape-Dawson to work on an introductory Phase 1 of the project not to exceed $50,000. Originally, Pape-Dawson was to prepare a self-evaluation and data collection strategy at a cost of $11,000 last fiscal year; however, the pandemic delayed that portion of the work. As advised on June 19, 2019, any phase exceeding $25,000 would be brought back to City Council for approval, as identified in policy.
The City and Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc., along with their sub-consultant Cole & Associates, are ready to proceed with Phase 2 of this project. Phase 2 will include Policy and Procedures Updates, Field Collections for r-o-w and Building and Park Facilities, public community input, and drafting the preliminary ADA Accessibility Transition Plan. The cost for this Phase will be $160,000, bringing the total multi-year cost for Phase 1 and 2 to $210,000. After completion, the developed Accessibility Transition Plan will then be presented to the Mayor and City Council for approval, and submittal to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
As this project progresses, any phase exceeding $25,000 will be brought back for City Council approval, as identified in policy. Moreover, any purchases that warrant individual consideration and approval will be brought to City Council in that manner.
This contract will become effective upon approval of City Council and execution of contract.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
|
City Plan/Council Priority: Strategic Priorities Envision New Braunfels Comprehensive Plan |
Infrastructure: Use a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs. Action 1.2: Create plans for neighborhoods and transitional areas to maintain quality of life. Action 1.4: Ensure ideas are derived through on-going dialogue with residents of all ages including youth as needs may change over time. Action 1.12: Collaborate with internal and with external partners and stakeholders to identify and connect sidewalk and bicycle lanes to trails to improve access and connectivity to key hubs and desirable destinations, i.e. downtown, dining and shopping areas, rivers, parks, Wurstfest, Gruene, Headwaters at the Comal, Das Rec, etc. Action 2.1: Sustain community livability for all ages and economic backgrounds. Aging in Place Action 3: Public realm spaces and services that support both young and elderly populations. Action 4.12: Make all parks and services welcoming and accessible to adults, children, seniors, and all-abilities through clean restrooms, seating or benches, water fountains or water stations, and park features usable for all abilities (ADA). Action 5.7: Ensure appropriate accommodations for inclement weather and drainage when making streets/connections walkable. Action 6.9: Establish regular/routine maintenance of landscaping and green spaces to enhance aesthetics and access. Action 7.1: Implement a sidewalk improvement program to install and replace sidewalks or walking trails where they do not exist or have gaps, particularly near and to/from schools. Action 7.3: Prioritize connecting sidewalk gaps through development requirements or public investment. Action 7.7: Ensure that local development codes which require sidewalks, trails, lanes or paths include healthy living, safety, and vehicular congestion relief as an intent. Action 7.12: Correct drainage problems that inhibit walking/accessibility. Action 7.21: Ensure there is connected multi-modal access to all public facilities and from all parts of town. Action 7.26: Improve mobility through regular maintenance of infrastructure. Action 7.39: Add handicapped parking requirements to the New Braunfels parking ordinances. Action 7.42: Develop the landscaping and green spaces, particularly those along or adjacent to highways, with walkable infrastructure to provide safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists with no back-end parking. Action 7.56: Identify missing linkages across town that create barriers to efficient mobility; implement a plan to construct. Action 8.20: Provide active multi-modal transportation networks that create “physical connections” particularly between or through historic/cultural destinations, Wurstfest grounds, and trails. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project is provided through the FY 20221 Adopted Budget within the Planning and Development Services Department. Therefore, sufficient funds are available for this project as described above.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approval.