Full Text
Program Category: 08 Project # 09 Project # 10 Project # Street Improvements S-08 S-22 S-02 Yes No NA X Funding Source Accounting Code FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 Pending a New Funding Source 75,000 75,000 - - - 75,000 75,000 - Budgeted Funds Accounting Code FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 A. Land Cost B. Construction Cost 60,000 60,000 C. Contingencies (10% of B) - - - 6,000 6,000 D. Design & Engineering (15% of B) - - - 9,000 9,000 E. Percent for Art of B) F. Equipment Costs G. Other - - - 75,000 75,000 - Expense Object Accounting Code FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 Personnel Supplies Purchased Services Fixed Charges Capital Outlay Debt Service - - - - - - Responsible Person: Responsible Department: Preparer's Initials Total Score Phil Smith Public Works CJK - Is this equipment prioritized on an equipment replacement schedule? Are there any site requirements: How is this project going to be funded: Does this project have any additional impact on the operating budget: How is this project going to be spent: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM City of Missoula CIP Project Request Form FY 2010-2014 Description and justification of project and funding sources: We frequently receive requests to "fix" the crossings of streets at railroad tracks. Some of these are specific to motor vehicle movement; some are particular to bicycle or pedestrian movement. In FY08 we were able to fix the crossing of Madison/Grenough at Spruce, thanks to participation by the MT Dept of Transportation for all of the materials costs (approx $30,000) and by Montana Rail Link for all of the labor (approx $30,000). There are similar conditions at the crossings on Spruce and on S. 3rd West. We cannot expect such participation by the MT Dept of Transportation on other crossings, although we can expect similar MRL participation. This CIP item is to establish an annual amount to upgrade crossings of railroad tracks, of which we have many including the Bitterroot Branch line crossing at Spruce, Pine, 1st, 2nd , 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and so on out to the city limits. Broken up crossings are a hazard to bicyclists and pedestrians; this risk is exacerbated by motorists who swerve out of the driving lane to avoid the poor road surfaces. Spent in Prior Years OPERATING BUDGET COSTS Spent in Prior Years Funded in Prior Years REVENUE EXPENSE Project Title: Improve Railroad Crossings Date Submitted to Finance 02/23/2009 Today's Date and Time 06/03/2009 13:26 Description of additional operating budget impact: This project would be coordinated by city project staff in the Engineering Division; no additional funds are budgeted for this. There is a potential reduction in operating budget costs with reduced maintenance of these crossings if (when) they are properly upgraded. These projects are dependent upon finding a new funding source. ---PAGE BREAK--- Program Category: 10 Project # Street Improvements S-02 Yes No 1. Is the project necessary to meet federal, state, or local legal requirements? This cri- terion includes projects mandated by Court Order to meet requirements of law or other X requirements. Of special concern is that the project be accessible to the handicapped. 2. Is the project necessary to fulfill a con- tractual requirement? This criterion includes Federal or State grants which require local X participation. Indicate the Grant name and number in the comment column. 3. Is this project urgently required? Will de- lay result in curtailment of an essential ser- vice? This statement should be checked "Yes" only if an emergency is clearly indi- X cated; otherwise, answer "No". If "Yes", be sure to give full justification. 4. Does the project provide for and/or im- prove public health and/or public safety? This criterion should be answered "No" un- less public health and/or safety can be X shown to be an urgent or critical factor. Raw Score Total Range Weight Score (0-3) 5. Does the project result in maximum benefit to the community from the 3 - - investment dollar? (0-3) 6. Does the project require speedy implementation in order to assure its 3 - - maximum effectiveness? (0-3) 7. Does the project conserve energy, cultural or natural resources, or reduce 1 - - pollution? (0-2) 8. Does the project improve or expand upon essential City services where such 2 - - services are recognized and accepted as being necessary and effective? (0-3) 9. Does the project specifically relate to the City's strategic planning priorities or other 3 - - plans? Total Score - In many locations, the conditions are poor enough that they must be tended to very soon. Making the bike and ped crossings will encourage more bike and ped travel. Improving the crossings will reduce braking and acceleration by motor vehicles, resulting in less pollution. Safe streets are generally regarded as essential City services. When a street crosses a railroad tracks, it should be similarly safe. Past strategic plans specifically refer to implementing bike and pedestrian projects. The Non- Motorized Plan emphasizes maintenance of bicycle facilities which would include crossing of railroad tracks. Quantitative Analysis Comments These are very expensive items, unfortunately. With MRL being willing to do all the labor if the City buys the materials, we have leveraged a value of at least 50% of the project cost born by MRL (the remainder by the City gas tax). This is a "good deal" for the City; whether we could expect such a matching benefit in the future is uncertain. However, the benefit is also avoiding the safety and potential liability problems with substandard crossings. We will take on the most severely damaged crossings first. Further, there may be exposure to liability once we know of deficient crossings and fail to remedy them. In addition, the railroad's offer is "on the table" now; whether it will be in the future is unknown. This is decidedly a public safety issue. Bicyclists crossing the tracks in regular motor vehicle lanes are at risk of crashing; when followed by a motor vehicle are at risk of being run over. Safe surfaces for crossing are critical. Not legally required, although we have some obligation to maintain streets in a safely passable condition. Railroad crossings tend to get "beat up"; when bicyclists or folks in wheel chairs pass over these deteriorated conditions, there is both a safety and potential liability issue for the City. Maybe. If we improve a crossing, we may be required to provide ADA accessible crossings. In the saome crossings, there are no sidewalks. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (See C.I.P. Instructions For Explanation of Criteria) Qualitative Analysis Comments Project Rating Project Title: Improve Railroad Crossings