Carefree Truth
Issue #780, October 14, 2019
Issue #780, October 14, 2019
Gary Neiss explained that the Town has received a number of complaints from pedestrians using the 4 crosswalks adjacent to the Town Center regarding the noncompliance of vehicles to yield to to pedestrians and speeding. The Town wants to create a more holistic plan using the best engineering practices to address these safety concerns.
In June, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was prepared, defining the scope of work. In July, the RFQ was advertised. In August, Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from 8 firms were submitted and reviewed by a committee comprised of Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer, Planning & Zoning Vice Chair Tom Cross, Mr. Neiss, Planning Director Stacey Bridge-Denzak, and Town Clerk Kandace Contreras. In September, the 3 finalists were interviewed and a consultant was chosen. In October, the Council was asked to authorize a contract for professional services.
The committee recommended Rick Engineering Company. They specialize in small communities throughout Arizona, and they specialize in crosswalk solutions. Dale Miller, the project manager, lives in the area and is very familiar with the crosswalks.
In June, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was prepared, defining the scope of work. In July, the RFQ was advertised. In August, Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from 8 firms were submitted and reviewed by a committee comprised of Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer, Planning & Zoning Vice Chair Tom Cross, Mr. Neiss, Planning Director Stacey Bridge-Denzak, and Town Clerk Kandace Contreras. In September, the 3 finalists were interviewed and a consultant was chosen. In October, the Council was asked to authorize a contract for professional services.
The committee recommended Rick Engineering Company. They specialize in small communities throughout Arizona, and they specialize in crosswalk solutions. Dale Miller, the project manager, lives in the area and is very familiar with the crosswalks.
Dale Miller
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
They thoroughly investigated the crosswalks, even flying a drone over them to provide aerial shots in their presentation, and understand the concerns associated with each crosswalk.
During a 4 month time frame, Rick Engineering would conduct a survey, create base maps, understand the right of way, create alternatives and a technical memo based on engineering principles. They will then share this information at a public meeting and receive input from those who use the crosswalks. They will refine the preliminary designs and present them to the Council for input, after which they will finalize the plans into a 60% construction document to be put out for bids.
Rick Engineering will deliver a traffic engineer's assessment of each crosswalk, an appropriate design solution and cost estimate for each, and a 60% construction document to position the project for regional Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) funding. The MAG closeout funds would probably be a year out, but this is money that is 95% publicly funded. A 60% construction document indicates that a project is considered "shovel ready", and must be presented so MAG can see the details of the prospective project. Rick Engineering has been part of that process with MAG in the past and will assist in creating a competitive grant.
Councilman Gene Orrico asked if Rick Engineering could provide more insurance coverage. Mr. Miller said he would check with their insurance company. Mr. Neiss explained that this is a boilerplate contract for professional services, with insurance requirements based on MAG standards, used by most jurisdictions. Mr. Miller noted that the Certificate of Insurance being supplied by Rick Engineering exceeded MAG standards.
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio asked what safety precautions would be taken to prevent accidents. Would the Town provide limited access and warning signs? Mr. Neiss replied that the proposal is for a design of each crosswalk that would meet engineering standards. There is a menu of options based on the traffic volume for the road and the street's geometric design. It is the contractor's responsibility to build it per the engineer's design. The engineer seals the design and the contractor builds it per the plan. In the case of litigation, the juries and judges look to see if the requirements are met per the universal standards. Compliance with the standards reduces the Town's liability.
Mr. D'Aliesio clarified that his question concerned the construction period. Mr. Neiss replied that the contractor is required to place the barriers during construction and the liability is on the contractor.
Vice Mayor John Crane asked if the construction could take place and be reimbursed by MAG afterward. Mr. Neiss explained that funds cannot be rebated after the construction. It is a competitive process, so they must first qualify for the funds.
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer asked if anything could be done before a year's time. Mr. Neiss said they could prioritize the crosswalks and do them incrementally. Perhaps some internal improvements could be made to make it safer right now. Ms. Kroyer noted that the crosswalks are "an accident waiting to happen" and thought there was a lot of liability now.
Mr. Miller said they will submit plans to MAG for closeout funds, but there are also some other funds. There is a new program for which he felt this would likely be eligible, so between the two, he was hopeful of qualifying for some funding. Part of the process is to identify various funds and when the applications are due. They could submit applications based on preliminary sets of plans to accelerate the timeline, which he thought MAG would accept.
Councilman Mike Krahe asked when construction would begin. Mr. Neiss speculated that it would begin mid to late 2020. Mr. Miller said MAG funding typically becomes available in July. The construction would take 60 days at most. Mr. Neiss said it is a competitive process and the funds are not guaranteed. He will do his best to secure them.
Mayor Les Peterson asked Mr. Miller to discuss Rick Engineering's training and qualifications. Mr. Miller said that in addition to doing pedestrian projects with ADA compliant sidewalks and ramps and crosswalks, they have a great deal of experience working statewide with regional transportation safety plans. They have worked on both signalized and non signalized intersections with crosswalks.
Mr. Miller said there is a direct correlation between speed and injuries. There is a 23% chance of serious injury to a pedestrian from a vehicle traveling at only 25 mph and a 10% chance of a fatality. At 40 mph, there is a 75% chance of serious injury and a 50% chance of a fatality. Along with safety improvements, the real goal is to influence drivers to slow down and to yield to pedestrians. This can be done effectively in a way that is pleasing in appearance.
The Council unanimously approved the contract with Rick Engineering Company.
https://vimeo.com/364210240
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
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