5/19/2010 6:02:00 AM CV council OKs design work for Highway 89 sidewalk, landscaping
By Jerry Herrmann Special to Review
The Chino Valley Town Council May 13 authorized staff to contract with an engineering firm and landscape architect to design the sidewalk and landscaping improvements along Highway 89 in Chino Valley between Center Street and Outer Loop. Town staff also is to begin negotiations with the Arizona Department of Transportation for an intergovernmental agreement for the project.
Ron Grittman, town engineer and Public Works director, told the council ADOT has $1 million in Transportation Enhancement money to build the sidewalks and $500,000 in Transportation Enhancement money to do the landscaping.
The town must pay for the project's design work, which Grittman estimates will cost about $100,000.
Alvin Stump, Interim Prescott District Engineer, said when ADOT widened Highway 89 pads were constructed for the sidewalks along each side of the highway. "I was disappointed we didn't have the money ($1.5 million) to do it (sidewalks and landscaping) at that time. Now we have Transportation Enhancement money that has to be spent by the end of August," he said.
He added, "This project is attractive because it can be ready to go to bid by the end of August."
Since there is only a 3 ½ month window, Stump asked the council to allow town staff to move forward with the design work while the town and ADOT are going through the IGA process.
Grittman said that while ADOT has gone over and beyond to help solve Chino Valley's traffic problems, his concern is if the town continues on this project without an IGA the town could have $100,000 invested with no sidewalks or landscaping.
Stump said that the Arizona Transportation Board has already approved the project at its April 16 meeting.
Councilman Joel Baker said he couldn't vote to proceed unless Stump could assure the council he could get a letter from ADOT assuring the town the $1.5 million Transportation Enhancement money will be spent to build the sidewalks and landscape the approximately two miles of Highway 89 in Chino Valley.
"This is a really nice project. It would be nice to have sidewalks," Councilman Carl Tenney said.
Mayor Jim Bunker added, "Sidewalks and landscaping gives the project a more finished look. It helps attract businesses and people to town."
"It is important that we have an attractive entrance. I'm concerned about the safety of people walking along that route. I'd like to see it go forward if we can get the IGA and assurance the funds are set aside," Councilwoman Gloria Moore said via telephone.
Resident Harvey Jones said he'd like to see bicycle lanes on both sides of the highway. Stump said the outside lanes are 16 feet wide so there is room for bicycles.
The council, on a 5-2 vote, then authorized the staff to proceed with the design work and IGA negotiations at the same time. Councilman Baker and Councilwoman Linda Hatch voted against the motion.
In other action, the council:
• Adopted Resolution 10-935 supporting the Department of Commerce grant application for the $100,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant for additional solar panel arrays at the town's wastewater treatment plant.
• Approved the $152,635.19 contract with Ace Asphalt to pulverize the millings and road surface of five miles of Chino Valley roads the town will chip-seal this year. Grittman said Ace Asphalt will start pulverizing the millings the first week in June. The project should take 1½ weeks, he said. The roads will be chip-sealed the third week of June.
• Approved an agreement between the town and the American Association of Retired Professionals Foundation to participate in the Senior Community Service Employment Program as a host agency trainer. Jason Kelly, Parks, Recreation and Senior Services director, said AARP will provide one person for the town staff to train to be able to get a job.
• Approved Arben Beshku's request for a new Series 12 (restaurant) liquor license for Auroma Pizza at 850 S. Highway 89.
• Authorized Town Manager Michael Scannell to proceed with refinancing the debt on the Ron Cameron property and execute any documents associated with it.
• Approved the IGA with Yavapai County for emergency management services for $3,290.
• Authorized the Community Services Department to issue a request for proposals for concessions services at the Chino Valley Aquatic Center starting June 1.
• Approved Robert Lambert's request for a liquor license extension on his premises/patio permit for the American Legion Post 40, at 650 Road 3 South.
• Authorized the Chino Valley Police Department to spend up to $25,000 from a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations disbursement to buy two Polaris Rangers and associated equipment. Police Chief Pat Huntsman said the department needs the two Polaris Rangers to help at the schools and in off-road searches.
• Approved amendments to the town council's rules and procedures.
• Authorized the transfer of $962 from the General Fund Contingency line item to Human Resources Recruitment line item to cover the advertising for a town manager.
