Agenda - 04-07-2009 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

discussed a ' nd added in 2005. Other trails shown in the master plan are approximate in location and subject to change as park planning proceeds in the next decade. 2. Amend the existing contract with Coulter Jewell Thames (approved in 2007) for .engineering, design, construction drawings and bid documents for Phase I of Twin Creeks Park to reflect the Linear Park as the new Phase I for Twin Creeks (Moniese Nomp). Should the current contract amount not be sufficient to cover the cost of design of the new linear park, additional approval would be sought from the Board. The scope of work would be adjusted accordingly the consultant re-tasked to design a paved trail with benches, etc. Staff also recommends that the Board exempt the project from a new selection process, as provided by the NC General Statues, in order to utilize the existing consultant, who is already very familiar with the site and has conducted some site planning work to date on the park. 3. Authorize the County Attorney and staff to meet with counterparts from the Town of Carrboro to develop an interlocal/annexation agreement. As the Board may recall, the concept of an interlocal agreement with the Town regarding this site had been previously discussed and was in the preliminary stages of drafting. This agreement would address any permit approvals needed for the linear park/greenway trail construction, and develop the process for the Town to annex the trail corridor so that Town services may be provided (and a linkage made in the Town limits between Morris Grove Elementary School and the MI Homes property to the south. This draft agreement would be focused on the new Phase I of the park and would be brought back for County and Town Board review and consideration. These actions will enable planning for the new Phase I of the park to proceed. It should be noted that the proposed linear park/greenway trail would be, for the short-term, a finite trail segment that does not connect to Town greenways to the south. Access to the trail would come only from Morris Grove Elementary School (and discussions will be 'needed with representatives from the school to formalize this access and address parking). The Town of Carrboro currently has a consultant looking at ways to link this proposed trail to the existing greenway network in Lake Hogan Farms or a road connection along a new section of la'ke Hogan Farm Road. Substantial signage at the trailhead (presumed to be the school), along the route and heavily at the southern terminus on the County property would note that this is a 34 mile trail that terminates at the end of the County property, and that private property is located beyond the terminus. The property boundaries would be clearly and heavily marked and trail users advised to return up the trail until such time as a permanent connection to the south is made. The unbuilt portion of the Twin Creeks site is currently managed by the County's Lands Legacy Program as a land-banked future park site. Staff from ERCD and Parks and Recreation would be needed to continue to monitor the site, secure the farmstead buildings, and operate and maintain 'the trail, until such time as it may be taken over by the Town of Carrboro as a greenway. Discussions with Carrboro about the pedestrian bridge will drive the potential project timetable. If the project is approved, staff will return at a future date with a timeframe for trail construction, based on discussions* with the consultant and the Town. FINANCIAL IMPACT: A general estimate of the construction cost for the linear park/greenway trail is $850,000. More detailed estimates would be prepared as construction drawings and