TITLE: Title
Authorization for Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements along High and West Main Streets
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Town Council to approve public stormwater infrastructure improvements along High and West Main Streets.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works, Finance
CONTACT INFORMATION: Randy Dodd, Stormwater Utility Manager 919-918-7341; Joe Guckavan, Public Works Director, 919 918-7427; Cary McNallan, Budget Analyst 919-918-7301; Arche McAdoo, Finance Director, 919-918-7439
INFORMATION: In 2019, the Council directed staff to study the High St., Dillard St., Goldston Ave, and W. Main St. drainage system and identify potential improvements. Sungate Design Group completed a study (7/2020, attached) which identifies two alternatives. The first redirects some of the runoff from High Street, all of which currently flows down along Goldston Drive, to West Main Street, thereby reducing the impacts along and downstream of Goldston Drive. The second alternative pursues further improvements along and downstream of Goldston Drive, with a good deal of required improvements entirely on private property. Staff would like to move forward with Alternative 1 at this time since a) this project has a clear public purpose and benefit; b) this alternative is substantially less expensive and Enterprise funds are immediately available; and b) the improvements are relatively straightforward and do not require much more extensive and complex coordination with private property owners, and associated uncertainty. Alternative 1 will likely require temporary and permanent easements for roadside ditches for two residential properties at 119 High Street and 814 West Main Street. Staff have reviewed the study with NCDOT since the improvements would direct more water to the West Main Street underground stormwater infrastructure, and determined that the West Main system is adequately sized and in suitable condition to accept the additional drainage. If approved, engineering work is planned for this summer and construction work would be bid and pursued in the fall. The procurement policy for involving Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) for construction projects (2020) will be followed. Staff intend to also pursue additional outreach to neighborhood residents and further study Alternative 2 to determine the feasibility and potential costs and benefits in the coming months.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: It is estimated that up to $35k is needed for the preliminary engineering work and an additional $100k for construction. Staff time for project coordination with contractors and residents in the neighborhood will also be needed. Staff have pursued some neighborhood outreach, and plan to do more before and during construction.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Council adopt the resolution (Attachment A) authorizing infrastructure improvements along High and West Main Streets with funding from the Stormwater Enterprise Fund and authorizing the Town Manager to enter into an engineering services contract with Sungate Design Group, and a construction contract once the engineering services and an informal construction bid process are complete