Notes of the M&C 5th Monday Work Session
August 29, 2016
Page 1 of 4
NOTES OF THE
MAYOR AND COUNCIL WORK SESSION
CITY OF DULUTH, GA
AUGUST 29, 2016
PRESENT:Mayor Harris, Council members Bomar, Dugan, Jones, Kelkenberg and Whitlock, City Manager, Department Directors, City Attorney
5:30 - PM CALL TO ORDER
- PUBLIC COMMENTS
No comments received.
- PRESENTATIONS/UPDATES
1.PLEASANT HILL @ BUFORD HWY INTERCHANGE –LANDSCAPE DESIGNS {A}
In October of 2015, the City contracted with Pond to develop construction plans for landscaping and interchange improvements at Buford Highway and Pleasant Hill Road (City project CD-65). Project goals include improvements to landscaping, lighting, and safety/operations. The project was assigned budget from a GDOT settlement over billboards, and has $1.2M dedicated in an 80/20 split ($960k Federal / $240k Local).
Pond has completed database collection, environmental research, traffic studies, and concepts based on info collected, and feedback from Council and partner agencies such as Gwinnett Co DOT and Georgia DOT.
Engineering consultant Margie Pozin came forward to introduce Pond representatives Andrea Greco and Mark Edwards. Ms. Greco reviewed the site and noted that there are design challenges due to the grade separation, overhead utilities, and drainage structures. They discussed the recommended lighting options, noting that the drivers’ decision point intersections are the most critical. Depending on budget, other portions will be studied, but for safety reasons, the lighting placement must give drivers’ eyes a chance to adjust.
Mr. Edwards noted that the traffic analysis showed the intersection was working fairly well. However, a primary recommendation was to change the traffic striping changing the ramp from Buford Highway to Pleasant Hill eastbound. Gwinnett DOT said that has already been studied and they are not in favor of changing it.
As for signage and marking, there are many already there, but they would recommend some striping changes closer to the interchange, and changes to overhead signage and pavement markings for delineation of lanes.
Ms. Greco outlined three proposed landscape options and detailed each of them: the Radial, Forest Orchard, or Braided landscape concepts. She explained the main theme for each option and showed “fly-throughs” for illustration of general layout and scale from driver traffic.
The first “Radial” concept shows landscaping blocked out in a large over-story, pattern of seasonal color, with the trees in front smaller, flowering trees. This plan shows an elevated location for potential artwork. Other areas have a naturalized, less formal layout. Council noted that the layout of trees needs to consider the lighting so that tree growth would not blocking the lighting in the future.
The second “Forest/Orchard” is more of a grid pattern, again with different species and bloom cycles. It incorporates block patterns for native grasses and ground covers, and produces a rhythm when passing by. For this model, it was noted that sculpture areas should not be blocked
The third concept is “Braided” pattern, linear but intertwined. The plan showed a denser, more complex pattern.
Ms. Greco noted that Pond hasset the project up with "subtract alternates" that can remove from the base bid in the event the construction costoverruns the final estimate. Staff understands Council's position to keep this project within budget, and will continue to work with the designer to make that happen.
The project schedule was discussed; the next item is public meeting open house with consideration according to what GDOT timeframe is. The current plan schedule is project let in January 2018. As the optimal time to plant is October through March, the preference is to expedite the proposed schedule as much as possible, otherwise it may be another 6 months before planting could occur.
For modeling purposes, the contingency is covered by using a high estimate for each planting. Once the final design is chosen, that gives the ability to scale back based on dollars approved; less material can be spaced differently to achieve the same effect.
After review, most favored the look of the third concept, but the Mayor asked Public Works Director Audrey Turner what she felt would be the easiest to maintain. She liked the second option but wanted more combination of flowering options for less uniformity.
Questions were asked about whether all three plans had the same type of mixture of trees for transition of color, and Ms. Greco confirmed. Council also wanted to ensure the integrity of the soil where the projected artwork might be to ensure stability. They also wanted to account for the possibility that no art would be included, or that it could be a while off due to fundraising. Ms. Greco said there could be a“temporary” planting or build up further with stone, etc. to take up the space.
Councilmember Whitlock was also concerned that all the proposals addressed one side of Buford Hwy and nothing on the other side. Ms. Greco responded that there are more issues with setbacks on the western side, limited setbacks and right of way restrictions, but she will review this area again for other options. Questions were also asked about placement of plantings to limit weeks. Ms. Greco said that mulching under the trees is better vs. mowing, and planting denser groupings offers better weed control.
Mayor Harris asked everyone present to give an opinion. A majority of Council and Staff recommended pursuing the forest/orchard placement for ease of maintenance.
- HOSPITAL CONNECTOR / GEORGE ROGERS AVENUE - BID UPDATE
Engineer Margie Pozin came forward to recap this project. Bids for the construction of Hospital Connector were received on July 29, 2016. Three were received as follows:
CW Matthews $1,771,988.39
Ohmshiv Construction $1,791,677.29
ER Snell $1,980,207.58
She noted that it is only about ¼ mile and therefore should take less than the 12 months planned. The grant appropriation was based on the Engineer's estimate of $1,480,000 with an 80% Federal share of $1,184,000 and a 20% local share of $296,000. The apparent low bid is approximately $292k higher than the grant appropriation. Staff also received final estimates for Construction, Engineering and Inspection (CE&I)that are higher than anticipated (estimated at $150k and actual $212k). These costs along with a 10% contingency result in the need for an additional $401k to complete the project. A lengthy discussion was held on a signal for the intersection, if it was necessary, and if so, who should have the primary responsibility for study, design, and construction.
Due to the timing of this project, Council approval is required to account for the additional costs, and to confirm reporting the apparent low bidder and sending the bid packages to GDOT for their confirmation to comply with the mandatory 60 day window from July 29th. Notice must be sent to GDOT on August 30th confirming the City agrees with the apparent low bid, and GDOT will try to get the award done by September 27th.
Council authorized Staff to convey support for this projectto GDOT and allocate fundingon the September 12th agenda to cover the difference between the engineer's estimate/grant appropriation and the actual low bid. There is no consideration for a signal at this point in time.
- CIP UPDATES{B}
The Community Development Division presented an update on the status of our transportation capital projects. Staff discussed Western Gwinnett Bikeway, SR120 Sidewalk improvements, Buford Hwy medians, Davenport Rd, SR 120 realignment, SR 120/Hill Street, Main St -Phase II, and Rogers Bridge. Staff was pleased to report that several of the projects are currently under projected budget. Presentation attached for reference.
Mayor Harris questioned the status of the Chattahoochee Drive renaming. Mr. Riker said that all approvals have been received except for one. It is complicated for Dasan; as a firearms manufacturer, they have very complicated permitting processes and federal authorizations.
- VIRTUAL PATROL CAMERA (VIP) CAMERA UPDATE{C}
Duluth Police Captain Wilson gave a presentation on the development and planning of the Virtual Patrol Camera program contemplated under the 2017 SPLOST. He discussed the types of cameras available, the best uses for each type, and the methods staff would be using to evaluate which ones they would recommend purchasing.
Council supported the initiative and intends to allocate some SPLOST funding for this purpose.
- DISCUSSION ITEMS
- COUNTY REZONING 3200 BLOCK OF SUGARLOAF PARKWAY{D}
Sr. Planner Bill Aiken came forward to present. Gwinnett County has provided information regarding the proposed rezoning of a 6.05 acre lot from R-75 to R-TH to allow a 36 unit townhome development at a density of 5.95 units per acre (Exhibit A). A similar layout was submitted to the City of Duluth as part of a previous annexation application, which was denied by the Duluth City Council. The denied application consisted of a 38 unit townhome development at 6.28 units per acre. The County application layout is similar with the exception that these units are designed with rear loaded garages and the unit amount has decreased from 38 to 36 units.
Staff notes that Gwinnett County is recommending denial of the project based upon the surrounding the adopted County Comprehensive Plan (2030 Unified Plan) which this property is designated for existing/emerging suburban character area which supports single family homes. The City’s Community Agenda identifies this area as a community activity center which allows for residential on a case-by-case basis provided that it complements an existing residential or supports an existing or proposed commercial center. The nearest commercial center is Sugarloaf Marketplace. The County has tabled this item until the September 2, 2016 meeting.
As proposed, staff concurs with the denial based on the lack of appropriate design considerations. If the application were to be approved, Duluth staff strongly encourages the following recommendations (attached) to be included as conditions of approval.
Council authorized Staff to forward the City’s comments to Gwinnett County.
- ADJOURNMENT
1