SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Approving an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., for the Coal Creek Trail Airport Taxiway Crossing Project
Body
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
Department
PRESENTER(S): Luke Bolinger, Director of Parks & Recreation
First Name Last Name, Title
FISCAL SUMMARY:
Cost as Recommended: $89,800 (original agreement was for $32,500, amendment will change total compensation to $122,300)
Balance Available: $3,279,107
Budget Line Item Number: 210-50-810-605000-100273
New Appropriation Required: No
POLICY ISSUES:
A budgeted expenditure for design services needed to complete improvements to the Coal Creek Trail with minimal policy implications.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve the resolution to approve the amendment to the professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
In 2017, the Town constructed the underpass near the Airport and adjacent to Coal Creek as part of elevating the taxiway out of Coal Creek, which had previously been a low water crossing. The taxiway provides access to Erie Airport for a small number of businesses and private aircraft from the west side of Coal Creek.
In 2023, staff engaged Kimley-Horn to investigate the feasibility of improving the Coal Creek Trail underpass at the taxiway near Erie Airport. Open Space & Trails Division staff monitor the underpass when rainfall exceeds 0.5 inches in a 24-hour period. When flooding occurs, a 1-mile section of Coal Creek Trail, which serves as a regional connection to Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, and Superior, is closed until the underpass is cleared. Depending on the severity of the flooding, the trail may be closed for three to seven days, requiring staff to dedicate additional resources to clean up any sediment left by receding waters to ensure the trail is accessible. Since silt is a contaminant, staff haul it away and dispose of it, rather than dumping it back into the creek.
After consulting with staff, consultants, adjacent owners, Engineering, and Airport representatives, the team is moving toward a design that will elevate the trail out of the underpass and create an at-grade crossing across the taxiway. This design will alleviate the risk of trail flooding, closures, and the associated cleanup each time Coal Creek floods. To maximize the safety of both trail and airport users, the design will include a combination of signage and trail features to inform and slow trail users before crossing the taxiway. Additionally, Town staff are coordinating with Airport staff to implement operational changes along the taxiway, designating it as a "tow only" area for the private aircraft that use it.
The proposed amendment to the professional services agreement will advance the conceptual at-grade crossing design and take the project to full construction documents. Staff will continue collaborating with adjacent owners, Airport staff, and Engineering on the final design.
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Effective Governance
ü Environmentally Sustainable
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution
2. First Amendment to Agreement for Professional Services
3. Original Agreement for Professional Services