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EASEMENT E-2021-41: CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF A PERMANENT SIDEWALK EASEMENT DONATED BY HAMMONS PROPERTIES, L.L.C. FOR THE BROOKS STREET SIDEWALK PROJECT INCLUDED IN THE FYE 2021 SIDEWALK PROJECT.
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BACKGROUND: The FYE 2021 Sidewalk Program for Schools and Arterials included two (2) concrete sidewalk projects in existing neighborhoods on Cruce Street from Pickard Avenue to Flood Avenue and Berry Road from Boyd Street to Brooks Street. These locations have been requested by citizens and Councilmembers to improve access to pedestrians and persons with disabilities. Also the sidewalks on the north side of Main Street from Berry Road to Park Avenue were identified in the City’s ADA Transition Plan Update as a high priority. Finally, there has been funding budgeted in previous years to complete the sidewalk gaps on Brooks Street between Jenkins Avenue and Classen Avenue. All of the projects were similar in nature and more competitive bids have historically been obtained by bidding like projects together. Therefore, staff combined these sidewalks projects into one bid entitled the FYE 2021 Capital Improvement Project Sidewalks. These four (4) projects and one (1) add alternate bid on Brooks Street. This item is for the Brooks Street sidewalk projects and it is described in detail below. A map of the project is attached.
Project # 4. Brooks Street from Monnett Avenue to Classen Avenue. This project will consist of a base bid to construct approximately 180 feet of new sidewalk on the north side of Brooks Street from the east right of way of the railroad to Classen Avenue including curb ramps at the northwest corner of the intersection at Classen Avenue. All efforts will be taken to avoid tree removal throughout the corridor. An add alternate bid was also included to construct approximately 315 feet of new sidewalk on the north side of Brooks Street from Monnett Avenue to Trout Avenue including driveway crossings as necessary and curb ramps at intersections. The “add alternate” was used for the second Brooks Street Project due to concerns over the project budget. Staff is still negotiating the crossing of the BNSF Railroad right of way. Staff will complete the negotiations with BNSF and have all the sidewalk construction complete within the timeline of this contract.
On November 10, 2020 City Council approved Contract K-2021-30 with Nash Construction Company for the construction of FYE 2021 CIP sidewalk projects.
DISCUSSION: To complete the Brooks Street Sidewalk project the City was required to acquire one (1) pedestrian easement to provide for the construction of two (2) pedestrian ramps at Northwest corner of the Brooks Street and Classen Boulevard intersection. On November 6, 2020 City of Norman Engineering staff obtained a grant of easement at no cost to the City of Norman from the property owner to complete the sidewalk improvements.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the above described easement be accepted, and the filing be directed thereof.