R2021-18 Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Decatur and Decatur Public School District #61 for Johns Hill Neighborhood Sidewalk Improvements

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February 11, 2021 TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe & Members of the Decatur City Council FROM: Scot Wrighton, City Manager RE: Johns Hill Sidewalks Agreement Following District 61's acquisition of the south half of Johns Hill Park from the Decatur Park District (such that the school district now owns all of the open-space land between John, Maffit, Whitmer and Jasper Streets), the school district and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation have worked together to make substantial improvements to those sections of the park that are not part of the new school building construction project. The Buffett Foundation generously funded ballfield improvements, new tennis courts, a pavilion and other improvements. The Buffett Foundation's improvements, however, did not include new or repaired sidewalks around the outside of the park and school property, or installation of connecting walkways from the perimeter sidewalks on city right-of-ways to some of the new park and recreation improvements. So the city and the school district have tentatively agreed to jointly fund a sidewalk improvement and installation project. Detailed plans for the sidewalk improvements are included in the council packet back-up documentation. The school board approved the terms of an intergovernmental agreement at their last meeting, on February 9. The language of the intergovernmental agreement approved by the school board was drafted by the city, and an executed copy is also in the council packet. The project cost estimates were also prepared by the city. The Agreement provides that the city will perform all of the work using its own employees (i.e., the project will not be contracted out); the city will keep careful records of all expenses including labor; and the city will submit an invoice to the school district at the end of the project for one-half of the total project costs (up to a maximum cost of$140,000, or$70,000 to be paid by each local government).The city's portion of this joint project was anticipated in the preparation of the Public Works Department's 2021 budget. Using city forces to complete this cooperative project will likely give the city and other contractors working in the Johns Hill neighborhood later this year greater flexibility to avoid construction conflicts. Contractors working in the Johns Hill area this year will include: the Buffett Foundation's contractor for infrastructure improvements throughout the neighborhood (including work on the streets adjoining the school's park properties); the current contractor will continue building the new school; the city will contract for improvements on South Jasper; and a broadband contractor will be selected to install fiber to the new school and to other parts of the neighborhood. Separately,the school district has budgeted funds for the demolition and removal of the old Johns Hill School building once the new school is completed. It is recommended that the sidewalk Agreement be approved.