Memorandum 10-34 Beluga Slough Trail Improvements

MEMORANDUM 10-34

TO: Walt Wrede, City Manager
FROM: Carey Meyer, Public Works Director
DATE: February 2, 2010
RE: Beluga Slough Trail Improvements Authorization to Complete Design
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The City has over the last several years been attempting to obtain funding to improve the Beluga Slough Trail. The portion of the trail from the Islands and Oceans Visitors Center down into the slough area was constructed as part of the visitor center facility. The remaining portion along the slough (especially that portion across City owned property) over to the Bishop’s Beach parking area has deteriorated. A section of “floating” trail was removed last summer.

Public Works believes that if the remaining portions of the trail were designed and ready for construction, our chances of obtaining construction funding would be greatly improved. The Council, in 2008, authorized a budget of $25,000 for the design that allowed us to promise the availability of matching funds in our previous grant applications.

Public Works has recently completed a site visit with Mr. Nelson and has received a proposal to complete the design. Based on the level of effort required and the anticipated construction costs (+$400,000), the proposed design fee is reasonable. The proposed lump sum design cost is $30,000.

The City has a term contract with Wm. J. Nelson and Associates, specifically established for this type of design work. With Council approval, Public Works proposes to proceed with the design (utilizing the term contract) of the remaining portion of the trail to allow the City to better compete for the grant funding that we expect to become available later this year. Public input and necessary environmental permits will be obtained as design of this improvement is completed. $254,000 is currently available in the HART account to fund trail design and construction.

Recommendations: The City Council pass an ordinance authorizing an additional $5,000 for the design of the Beluga Slough Trail (for a total of $30,000) to complete the design of the remaining portion of the Beluga Slough Trail.

Public Works will at the second reading of this ordinance request a resolution approving a contract with Wm. J. Nelson & Associates of Kenai, Alaska in the amount of $30,000.

Fiscal Note: HART Trail Reserves, 165-375