Report Prepared by: Frank Quintero, Deputy City Manager and Director of Economic Development
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of Reimbursement Agreement with the California High Speed Rail Authority for Technical Review in an Amount of $300,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving proposed Reimbursement Agreement with the California High Speed Rail Authority to Reimburse the City of Merced for staff costs associated with reviewing plans and specifications, providing information on utilities, and technical documents as necessary as part of the Merced segment and Downtown Station.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2024-06, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving a reimbursement agreement with the California High Speed Rail Authority for reimbursement of costs related to the review of technical studies, legal documents, and design plan for the high speed rail project; and,
B. Authorizing the City of Merced to enter into a Reimbursement Agreement with the California High Speed Rail Authority for Technical Review not to exceed $300,000; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by Staff; or
2. Approve, subject to conditions as specified by the City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by the City Council; or
4. Defer action until a specific date; or
5. Deny the request.
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the City of Merced, Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Adopted Budget, Economic Development, Objective 3, “Coordinate High Speed Rail, ACE Train, and other projects that may serve as economic engines in Downtown Merced.”
DISCUSSION
The California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and operation of California’s high speed rail system. CHRSA is preparing detailed engineering design and improvement plans to accommodate the High Speed Rail track lines and the Downtown Merced Station. As designs and plans are prepared, City staff may be asked for technical, legal, and planning assistance by CHSRA. A Reimbursement Agreement has been prepared and provides a mechanism to compensate the City of Merced for participation in the design responsibilities for the facilities to be constructed, modified, or relocated as part of the project (Attachment 1.)
The Reimbursement Agreement would allow the City to be reimbursed for staff or consultant costs associated with review of technical studies, legal documents, and design plans necessary to construct the Merced segment of the High Speed Rail track and station. CHRSA is negotiating similar agreement with other High Speed Rail communities.
Under the proposed agreement, the City would be reimbursed for actual, direct, and necessary expenses for technical reviews associated with the planning and design of the project. Should a consultant be hired by the City to assist with work, the City would be reimbursed for the cost of the consultant. General tasks include verification of existing rights-of-ways, review of proposed designs for conformance to City Standards and Specifications, analysis of utility-HSR conflicts, analysis and verification of utility easements, pre-plan check activities along the HSR corridor, and preparation of reports, supporting material, research, and legal review.
The proposed Reimbursement Grant for technical review services is independent and separate from the Downtown Station Land Use and Visioning Plan Agreement.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOUCES
No appropriation of funds is needed at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2024-06 and CHSRA Reimbursement Agreement