DATE: January 14, 2020
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Vernon Gerth, Assistant City Administrator
Paul Holzen, Director of Engineering
Jeff Willoughby, Stormwater Coordinator
SUBJECT:
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Discussion Concerning The Jordan Branch Stream Restoration Project Located In The Cool Springs East Subdivision. (WS 1/28/20; CIC 2/27/20)
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Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information to the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) concerning the Jordan Branch Stream Restoration Project and obtain direction on how to proceed with the project.
Background
For many years, the City of Franklin has received complaints from residents about the erosion of Jordan Branch, which flows behind several houses in the Cool Springs East Subdivision. The stream originates near the city limits between Brentwood and Franklin, directly adjacent to the Nashville Golf & Athletic Club. The recent history of this project is as follows:
January 10, 2014 - BOMA approved a PSA to initiate a feasibility study.
December 16, 2014 - Feasibility Study & recommendations completed.
May 26, 2015 - BOMA approved a PSA for the design of the project.
July 25, 2016 - 1st public meeting held with HOA.
Fall 2016 - Property owner questionnaire was sent to residents to obtain feedback on the project.
January 10, 2017 - Additional survey contract was approved by the Board.
March 16, 2017 - 2nd public meeting held with the HOA.
June 2018 - First bid notice issued. No bids received by City staff.
July 2018 - Second bid notice issued. No bids received by City staff.
February 2019 - Third bid notice issued (Tree Removal Only). No bids received by City staff.
May 14, 2019 - Staff met with HOA to discuss bid problems.
July 1, 2019 - The new stormwater budget was approved, and capital funding associated with stormwater projects was moved into the CIP and BOMA’s prioritization process.
August 13, 2019 - BOMA’s FY2019-2028 CIP and Jordan Branch Stream Bank was not included.
October 17, 2019 - Staff reviewed the HOA’s tree removal quote of $547,875.
As part of the CIP prioritization process, the Board voted on priority capital projects. Staff looked at the weighted and non-weighted rankings for all projects. Jordan Branch (Cool Springs E) Stream Restoration Project was ranked 24 (49 out of 225 points) as part of the weighted ranking and was ranked 29 (4 votes out of 9) for the non-weighted ranking. As a result, this project was not funded for construction and staff has not proceeded with this project.
Financial Impact
As of 1/14/2020 the City of Franklin has expended $193,153.22 on environmental and archeological report, drainage reports/studies and final construction plans. At this point staff is seeking direction on how to proceed with the project. Below are options for BOMA consideration.
Option 1: HOA waits on the City of Franklin to prioritize this project at an estimated cost of $1,300,000 and try to re-bid the project a fourth time.
Option 2: HOA funds the project at an estimated cost of $1,300,000.
Option 3: HOA removes the trees ($547,875) and the City restores the ditch/stream bank (approximately $650,000). This would require an agreement and BOMA Funding.
Option 4: HOA removes the trees and the City reimburses the HOA ($547,875). The City then restores the ditch/stream bank. This would require an agreement and BOMA Funding (~$1,300,000).
Option 5: HOA continues to remove trees that are problematic and the ditch/stream bank continues to deteriorate.
Given existing funding commitments, funding for this project is not available from the Stormwater Fund. As a result, the City would likely need to fund this project through the general capital program.
Recommendation
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Staff is providing information and an update to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen regarding this project.