Report Prepared by: Frank Quintero, Director of Economic Development
Title
SUBJECT: Reimbursement Agreement with California High Speed Rail Authority for Technical Review
REPORT IN BRIEF
Proposed Reimbursement Agreement with the California High Speed Rail Authority to reimburse the City for staff costs associated with reviewing plans necessary to construct the Merced segment and Downtown Station. Amount of the Agreement shall not exceed $55,000.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2017-09, 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 plans 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 $55,000; 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 the Economic Development Advisory Committee and staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modification (identify specific amendments in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion.)
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter, Section 200
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2016-17 Adopted Budget, Economic Development, Objective 5) “Continue Working on High Speed Rail 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. CHSRA is preparing detailed engineering design and improvement plans to accommodate High Speed Rail track lines and the Downtown 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 reimburse the City of Merced for participation in the design responsibilities for 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 costs associated with the review of technical studies, legal documents, and design plans necessary to construct Merced segment of the High Speed Rail track and station. CHRSA is negotiating similar agreements with other High Speed Rail communities.
Under the proposed agreement, the City would be reimbursed for actual, direct, and necessary expenses for technical and legal reviews associated with the planning and design of the project. General tasks include verification of existing rights-of-way, 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 materials, and legal review.
The proposed Reimbursement Agreement is independent and separate from the Downtown Planning Grant, although studies from the respective activities may be shared. The Reimbursement Agreement is slated to expire on December 31, 2017.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. CHSRA Reimbursement Agreement
2. Resolution 2017-09