2003-02-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Mr. O'Connell noted that the letter sent to VDOT from City Council in December of 2000 did not refer to any specific alternatives, and noting that no traffic analyses have been d one on the Rieley options. Mr. Cox said he would like language added to the RFP to make it clear the level of public scrutiny that is expected and that there will be an appointed steering committee. Mr. Cox said he would also like to guarantee that peri odic presentations are made to Council so that Council can get a good sense of where the consultants are going. Ms. Richards said she does not know if she agrees with the steering committee idea, and said she feels we need to proceed and not get bogged d own in the process. Ms. Richard said she would be satisfied with staff oversight. Mr. Lynch said he would like to make sure there is continuous reporting to Council, and if that can be done, he does not see the need for a steering committee. Mr. Carav ati agreed with Mr. Lynch, noting that Council will act as the steering committee through regular reporting. Mr. O'Connell suggested that Council work sessions be built into the process. Mr. Schilling said he appreciates the information provided, and f eels it is good to make reference to specific design options, but also feels it is important not to limit the consultant to the Rieley options. Mr. Schilling said he would be open to other options. Mr. Cox asked if the cost of this study will come out o f the $500,000 allocated by VDOT for the total Meadowcreek Parkway design, and Ms. Judy Mueller, Director of Public Works, said it will. Mr. Cox asked if the City will be controlling the process for the intersection, and Mr. Tolbert said yes. On motion by Ms. Richards, seconded by Mr. Lynch, the scope of work for the Meadowcreek Parkway intersection, as amended by Councilors, was approved by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. Noes: None. Mr. O' Connell said that the study is planned to be done in the next 12 months. Ms. Mueller said there have been a number of negotiations with VDOT regarding the Meadowcreek Parkway design and said the tenor of VDOT is very different than it has been in the pas t. She said VDOT staff is working with City staff and has been accommodating. Ms. Mueller said the schedule calls for right of way acquisition in the County in 18 months, with a January 2005 bid time frame. Mr. Jack Kelsey, Chief of Engineering for Al bemarle County, explained that the County hired a consultant (Jones and Jones) to look at the alignment for their portion of the Parkway. Mr. Kelsey said this information has been given to VDOT who will hold a design public hearing on March 20th. Mr. Sc hilling asked about the extent to which the Jones and Jones referenced the work done by Rieley and Associates to assure a solidified process, and Mr. Kelsey said the same criteria were referenced and Mr. Rieley helped with the scope of work for Jones and J ones. Mr. Cox said he has questions about the exact process and criteria for right of way acquisition in the County, noting that VDOT usually does not purchase land for parks. Mr. Kelsey said the issue is a concern, and the County is waiting to see wha t land VDOT will acquire before the Board of Supervisors can determine what additional land will have to be acquired. Mr. Kelsey noted that a lot of the land is in the 100 year flood plain.