Title
143rd Street Metra Station Stairs - Design Engineering Amendment - Proposal
History
The pedestrian platform located at the 143rd Street Metra station provides ADA compliant access for commuters from several directions. However, many pedestrians entering at the north end of the Metra station have continued to access the platform across a steep sloped grassy area between the pedestrian path and the platform. Staff has received calls from resident commuters requesting the construction of stairs across this area to provide more convenient and safer access.
In June of 2015, staff contacted Metra and arranged an on-site meeting to discuss the concept of constructing stairs at this location and the various nuances of the project. In October of 2015, in response to Metra’s feedback, the Village engaged Baxter and Woodman, Inc. of Mokena Illinois to deliver engineering and design services at a cost not to exceed $13,840.00. A plan was prepared and submitted to Metra for review and permitting. Upon Metra’s review of the submitted documents, additional revisions were requested. One of the requested revisions would involve the construction of an ADA compliant ramp adjacent to the proposed stairs. This requirement would raise the cost of construction to an impractical amount for the Village. In addition to the increased construction cost of this ramp and the associated retaining walls, introducing ramps into the proposed improvement resulted in the need for additional design and engineering.
Following several months of negotiation, Metra has recently agreed to construct the stairs and ramp, at their expense, contingent on the Village providing complete and approved engineering plans. To facilitate this contingency, staff requested an amended proposal from Baxter and Woodman for revised engineering documents including the adjacent pedestrian ramp and retaining walls.
An amended proposal was received from Baxter & Woodman, Inc. of Mokena, Illinois in the amount of $23,500.00 for additional design and engineering. After reviewing the proposal, staff has determined that Baxter & Woodman would provide thorough and professional service along with continued valuable experience working with Metra on this project. As such, staff recommends approving the proposal from Baxter & Woodman for an amended amount not to exceed $37,340.00 ($13,840.00 plus $23,500.00).
On January 3, 2017, this item was reviewed by the Public Works Committee and recommended for approval and referred to the Village Board of Trustees for consideration.
Financial Impact
Funds for this engineering and design work are available in the Capital Fund 282-0000-471250.
..Recommended Action/Motion
I move to approve accepting the proposal from Baxter & Woodman, Inc. of Mokena, Illinois for the 143rd Street Metra Station Stairs - Design Engineering Amendment, in an amended amount not to exceed $37,340.00.