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Memo Wilson/Infrastructure ImprovementsDate: June 17, 2997 To: Clarence Krepps, City Manager From: John Wilson, Assistant City Engineer Re: Buffalo Commons Infrastructure Improvements This memo is in response to the issues and questions raised in Northwest Healthcare's letter of June 12, 1997 regarding the Buffalo Commons infrastructure improvements. Mr. Laux expresses concerns about the improvement of Sunnyview Lane, the traffic signal at Highway 93 and our requirements for street striping and thermoplastic crosswalk markings. Improvements to Sunnyview Lane In our original budget request we identified the reconstruction of Sunnyview Lane from Highway 93 to Glacier View Drive as an unfunded project with an estimated cost of $150,000. Although we felt this project was important to keep at the forefront for discussion, we recommended instead to fund chipsealing for 61 blocks and overlays for 38 blocks of deteriorated streets throughout the community. Our original estimate for Sunnyview Lane included only street reconstruction. Upon further reflection we see potential for additional costs related to drainage, sidewalks and intersection improvements. Additional engineering will be necessary to identify all costs if this project is to be included in the budget. New Traffic Signal at Highway 93 and Northridge Drive The approved planned unit development includes the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection at Highway 93 and Northridge Drive at the developer's expense. Although the PUD documents do not accurately predict MDT's schedule requirements, we believe it is still appropriate for the developer to absorb the expense. MDT is firm in their requirement for the signal to be installed with the construction of Northridge Drive and the Public Works Department agrees with their decision. Although the existing Northridge Drive will benefit from a traffic signal, Buffalo Commons clearly drives the requirement for the new signal and it is consistent with City policy that they should bear the cost. We received a request from Northwest Healthcare's engineer, Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA), to provide inspection services for the signal installation. We discussed the matter with our Traffic, Signs and Signals foreman and choose to decline that request. However, we did recommend a retired MDT inspector, living in Columbia Falls, who is highly qualified and may help them avoid the expense of bringing someone in from another area (see the attached letter of May 21st.) Our foreman is well qualified for his particular job, and perhaps many others. But with respect for professional construction inspection, Jerry believes he is not qualified in training or background to provide this service. Our decision was also influenced by the department's work load and a limited summer season to complete numerous tasks. RPA also asked if we would be willing to pay approximately $5000 for street widening and pavement markings on Northridge Drive west of Highway 93, as required by MDT. We discussed the matter with you and informed RPA, by our attached letter of May 21st, that we will pay those costs. Street Striping and Thermoplastic Crosswalks Discussion of this issue goes back to the initial plan review and to David Greer's later request for narrower streets. RDA's original plans showed pedestrian crosswalks at 11 locations with a total of 25 crossings. Given our experience of having to repaint most crosswalks every year, we decided thermoplastic markings should be required to reduce the City's annual maintenance cost. This was consistent with our effort to install thermoplastic crosswalks at several locations last year and this year's budget request for thermoplastic applicator equipment. We also considered the fact we have few crosswalks outside the downtown business district and finally gave RPA the choice of specifying thermoplastic material for the crosswalks or eliminating them from the design. RPA chose to delete the crosswalks. A few months later David Greer made a request for narrower streets than those which had been approved. We discussed the matter in Site Review and within the Public Works Department and agreed to accept a width reduction from 42 to 40 feet. This resulted in a significant reduction in asphalt quantities and a savings to the project. As we reconsidered the street design with the benefit of Jim's input, we determined the anticipated level of use for Northridge Drive warranted centerline striping. We also reconsidered the question of pedestrian crosswalks and agreed the commercial and professional office aspects of the development create conditions in which crosswalks benefit pedestrian safety and should be required. We informed RPA and David Greer of these decisions in our attached letter of May 21 st. David and I sat down the following day and found a reasonable compromise whereby we acknowledged the demand for pedestrian safety facilities will come with future development. We informed RPA by our attched letter of May 22nd that thermoplastic crosswalks will not be required with the initial infrastructure construction, but will be required with the development of each individual "pod" of the PUD. Closing Notes From our perspective, the engineering design process for Buffalo Commons has been a very professional effort. We have enjoyed a constructive dialog with RPA and they have produced an excellent set of construction documents. Our door has always been open to David Greer and he has represented his client well in his attempts to control project costs. As can be expect with such a large project, there have been differences of opinion and occasions for negotiation. Our judgments and decisions have been made in a spirit of fairness and consistency, with the City's best interest in mind. We recognize the developer's need to build the project at a reasonable cost and have gone so far as to offer unsolicited advice on ways to save money. Our attached letter of May 22nd is a case in point, where we informed the engineer of an opportunity to relax the pressure specification for water pipe. They accepted our suggestion and realized a savings of $15,000 to $20,000. Incorporated 1892 Telephone (406) 758-7700 FAX (406) 758-7758 Post Office Box 1997 Kalispell, Montana Zip 59903-1997 May 21, 1997 Phil Porrini, P.E. Robert Peccia & Associates P.O. Box 5653 Helena, MT 59604 Re: Buffalo Commons PUD Dear Phil: This letter is to confirm the City of Kalispell's willingness to participate in improvements at the intersection of Northridge Drive and Highway 93. We will pay the cost of pavement markings and pavement widening for Northridge Drive west of the highway, as described in your letter of May 12. We will review the successful Contractor's bid unit prices at a later date to decide how to perform the work. We have also considered your request for the City's signal technician to serve as inspector for the traffic light construction. Our staff is very busy during the summer months and will not be available for such work. We suggest you contact Dan Tombrink, who is a retired MDT inspector living in Columbia Falls. Our signal technician indicates Dan is very knowledgeable and effective in this type of work. Thank you for the copy of the letter from Maxim Technologies regarding the designed pavement sections for Buffalo Commons. Based on the professional opinion offered in Mr. Dombrowski's letter, we accept the pavement sections identified on sheet C2-11 of the construction plans as sections A and B and further described in the Pavement Section Thickness Table. David Greer has asked to reduce the width of the 42 foot road section to provide space for 5 foot wide boulevards. We can accept a 40 foot road section with 11 foot driving lanes, but centerline striping will be required for Northridge Drive from Heritage Way to Grandview Drive. Also the pedestrian crossings and crosswalk signage must be included as shown on the original sheet C2-15. All pedestrian crosswalks and stop bars will be thermoplastic, installed to MDT standards, and centerline striping will be painted. A copy of this letter will serve to notify David Greer of our decision. Douglas Rauthe Mayor Clarence W. Krepps City Manager City Council Members: Gary W. Nystul Ward 1 Cliff Collins Ward I Norbert F. Donahue Ward 11 Dale Haarr Ward 11 Jim Atkinson Ward III Lauren Granmo Ward III Pamela B. Kennedy Ward IV M. Duane Larson Ward IV May 21, 1997 Buffalo Commons PUD Page 2 Feel free to call if you have any questions. Sincerely, C XltC. Wilson, P.E. Assistant City Engineer cc: Montana Planning Consultants Site Review Committee Chariman FRDO CI1 O �jlI�j Incorporated 1892 Telephone (406) 758-7700 Douglas Rauthe FAX (406) 758-7758 Mayor Post Office Box 1997 Kalispell, Montana Clarence W. Krepps Zip 59903-1997 City Manager May 22, 1997 City Members:ctl Gary W. Nystul Ward I Phil Porrini, P.E. Robert Peccia & Associates Cliff Collins Ward I P.O. Box 5653 Helena, MT 59604 Norbert F. Donahue Ward II Re: Buffalo Commons PUD Dale Haarr Ward II Jim Atkinson Ward III Dear Phil: Lauren Granmo Ward III This is to follow up on yesterday's letter in which we indicated a requirement for all crosswalks to be installed as 1� art of the initial infrastructure at Buffalo Commons. Pamela B. Kennedy Ward IV After speaking with David Greer, we have decided to address this requirement on a site by site basis as the individual pods are subdivided. All parties should be aware M. Ward IV Duane Larson that thermoplastic crosswalks and stop bars will be required as the multi -family, professional and commercial sections of the PUD are developed. Feel free to call if you have any questions. Sincerely, C. Wilson, P.E. Assistant City Engineer cc: Montana Planning Consultants Site Review Committee Chariman FRDO C-133-97 N C11 �11 0 �dll� Incorporated 1892 Telephone (406) 758-7700 FAX (406) 758-7758 Post Office Box 1997 Kalispell, Montana Zip 59903-1997 May 22, 1997 Phil Ponini, P.E. Robert Peccia & Associates P.O. Box 5653 Helena, MT 59604 Re: Buffalo Commons PUD Dear Phil: As we discussed, the construction documents for the Buffalo Commons project specify DR14, Class 200 PVC for water main materials. The City of Kalispell's standard is DR18, Class 150 PVC. This letter is to document our consent to a modified specification for DR18, Class 150 PVC water main pipe. Feel free to call if you have any questions. Sincerely, o C. Wilson, P.E. Assistant City Engineer cc: Montana Planning Consultants Douglas Rauthe Mayor Clarence W. Krepps City Manager City Council Members: Gary W. Nystul Ward I Cliff Collins Ward I Norbert F. Donahue Ward II Dale Haarr Ward 11 Jim Atkinson Ward III Lauren Granmo Ward III Pamela B. Kennedy Ward IV M. Duane Larson Ward IV