TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Adam Lindsay, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Sheila Thomas-Ambat, Public Services Director
DATE: September 23, 2024
RE:
Title
Approval of a $102,740 Preliminary Engineering Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc. for the Russell & Person Street Bridge and Stream Improvement Project
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
2
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Safe and Secure Community
Goal 3: High Quality Built Environment
Goal 4: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Executive Summary:
Council is asked to authorize the execution of a Preliminary Engineering Agreement (PEA) with CSX Transportation, Inc. The PEA is needed to facilitate coordination with CSX to help support the City’s Russell & Person Street Bridge and Stream Improvement Project.
Background:
The Russell Person Blounts Bridges and Stream Improvement Project was identified in the Blounts Creek Watershed Study and was presented to Council at the June 2022 Work Session where it was recommended by staff to move forward as a stormwater capital improvement project.
For the full flood mitigation benefits of the project to be realized, the CSX rail bridge situated between the two Russell Street bridges needs to be replaced. As part of the City’s project, the City will be developing engineering plans for the bridge replacement. As outlined in the PEA, CSX will be participating in the preparation or review and approval of preliminary and final engineering and design plans, specifications, etc.
Issues/Analysis:
As part of the City’s project, CSX’s existing bridge will be replaced and upgraded to maximize the flood mitigation goals of the City’s overall project.
For CSX to participate in the project, the PEA needs to be executed. PEA only outlines preliminary and final engineering and design plans, specifications, etc. A separate PEA will be needed for construction at a later date.
The cost associated with this PEA is estimated to be $102,740. The City will pay CSX the lump sum amount up front and receive a refund of unused funds once completed.
Budget Impact:
There is no impact to the General Fund. Budget for the PEA was included in the project for Council’s adopted FY23 budget utilizing Stormwater Enterprise Funds.
Options:
1. Authorize the execution of a Preliminary Engineering Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc. for the Russell & Person Street Bridge and Stream Improvement Project.
2. Do not authorize the execution of the Preliminary Engineering Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc. and provide further direction to staff.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends Council to authorize the execution of a Preliminary Engineering Agreement with CSX Transportation, Inc. for the Russell & Person Street Bridge and Stream Improvement Project.
Attachments:
CSX Transportation - Preliminary Engineering Agreement