Resolution 13-007 Transfer of Responsibility Agreement & Funds Between the City and ADOT/PF for Intersection Improvements at Main Street and

CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA
                                                                                                                                     City Manager
RESOLUTION 13-007

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING A TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT (TORA) AND A TRANSFER OF FUNDS BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES (ADOT/PF) REGARDING INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS AND TRAFFIC CONTROL AT MAIN STREET AND THE STERLING HIGHWAY.

WHEREAS, The City has received a Legislative Grant in the amount of $2 Million to construct improvements at the intersection of Main Street and the Sterling Highway; the intersection of two State roads; and

WHEREAS, The project has been delayed for several years by a combination of factors including changing cost estimates, the need for additional funds, and the complexities associated with attempting to use a municipal grant for improvements on a State highway; and

WHEREAS, The Legislative Grant expires on June 30, 2012 and it is important that decisions are made quickly regarding its ultimate use; and

WHEREAS, ADOT/PF has been approved for  Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds in the amount of $2.8 Million to make intersection improvements at that location and the approval includes authorization to construct either a traffic signal or a roundabout; and

WHEREAS, Whether a roundabout or a traffic signal is constructed will be based upon engineering, design, permitting, land acquisition, cost estimating, and budget considerations that will become clearer as the project proceeds through the preconstruction phase; and

WHEREAS, DOT/PF has indicated to the City that it would be very willing to accept a transfer of the legislative grant funds but only to insure that it has enough money to build the intersection improvements to the safest standards possible; and

WHEREAS, ADOT/PF has indicated further that regardless of whether a roundabout or a traffic signal is constructed, extensive ROW work, land acquisition, site preparation, approach lanes, turning lanes, and utility work will be required and the extra money will insure that unanticipated costs can be addressed, additional delays can be avoided, and that the best and safest intersection can be constructed; and

WHEREAS, This intersection has been identified by ADOT/PF, the Homer Police Department, and the community at large as the most dangerous intersection in town; and

WHEREAS, It is in the public interest to construct the best traffic control improvements at this intersection possible in the shortest amount of time.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Homer City Council hereby finds that it is in the best interest of the City to transfer the Legislative Grant Funds to ADOT/PF so that the best possible intersection improvements can be constructed in the shortest amount of time.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Homer City Council authorizes the City Manager to apply for a grant extension and to enter into a TORA agreement with ADOT/PF.
     
  PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 28th day of January, 2013.

       CITY OF HOMER

       _____________________________
       MARY E. WYTHE, MAYOR
ATTEST:

______________________________
JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: $2M Legislative Grant for improvements at the intersection of Main Street and the Sterling Highway.