STAFF REPORT

Operations Committee, January 3, 2008

NCDOT Municipal Agreement for Cary High School Pedestrian Improvements (EN08-061)
Consideration of funding for payment to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for work completed through a municipal agreement
Speaker:  Ms. Laura Cove

From:  Tim Bailey, PE, Director of Engineering
Prepared by:  Laura Cove, PE, Traffic Engineering Manager
Approved by:  William B. Coleman, Jr., Town Manager
Approved by:  Benjamin T. Shivar, Assistant Town Manager

In March 2004 the Town entered into a municipal agreement with NCDOT for pedestrian safety enhancement on SR1313 (Walnut Street) and SR1415 (Maynard Road) at and around Cary High School.  Specifically, the project entailed a fence upgrade and any minor fence items, landscaping and lights.  NCDOT estimated that the Town’s share of the costs would be approximately $70,000 which would be reimbursed to NCDOT upon completion of the work.  The agreement was executed on April 23, 2004.

An invoice was received from NCDOT in August 2007 requesting payment of the reimbursements in the amount of $53,200.70.  Funding was provided in the FY05 capital budget for project ST1126 (Cary HS Pedestrian Improvements) to meet the Town’s financial obligation for this agreement.  This project was closed out in June 2006 after two years without correspondence from NCDOT.  Funding will need to be re-allocated to pay this invoice.  Staff does not anticipate any further invoices related to this project.

Fiscal Impact: 

Operating:  There are no additional recurring operating costs associated with the issue detailed within this staff report. 

Funding: Staff requests the appropriation of $53,201 from general capital reserve unrestricted fund balance into a new transportation capital project entitled Cary High School Pedestrian Improvements – NCDOT Agreement.  The funds should be budgeted within that project’s construction account for expenditure.

Staff Recommendation:  Staff recommends that Council appropriate $53,201 from general capital reserve unrestricted fund balance to a newly created Cary High School Pedestrian Improvements – NCDOT Agreement project in order to address an invoice from NCDOT in the amount of $53,200.70.