Scot Wrighton, City Manager

Matt Newell, P.E., Public Works Director

It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign, and the City Clerk to attest, to a professional services agreement between the City of Decatur and Massie Massie and Associates to develop concept improvement plans for Rt. 51 between Eldorado Street and Pershing Road, for a fee not to exceed $25,500. 

City Council Priorities:

The improvement of the Rt. 51 corridor between Pershing and Eldorado assists in addressing City Council Priority Goal #1: Neighborhood Revitalization.  The project will improve the street environment to reduce negative impacts on the neighborhood and improve the aesthetics and access along the corridor for those who use it.

Rt. 51 Improvements

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) intends to resurface this portion of Old Route 51 within the next 2-3 years.  In accordance with the desire to improve the neighborhood environment along this corridor, including the inclusion of a bike trail to improve access, City staff approached IDOT with a recommendation to look more broadly toward improvements that would enhance the whole corridor rather than being limited to pavement improvements.  To begin a more expansive review of the corridor, IDOT requires a concept improvement plan.

Professional Services Agreement

Massie Massie and Associates was instrumental in preparing the concept plans for the Eldorado Street and downtown streetscape improvements.  City staff approached them to expand the downtown concept northward along the Rt. 51 corridor to improve the Main Street and Water Street environment between Eldorado and Pershing.  Massie will review the corridor with consideration to projected traffic volumes, on-street parking, sidewalks, general property access, lighting, additional green space (where possible) signage and vegetation.  Their scope of services will include:

1. Working with City staff and IDOT to create a base map of the corridor,

2. Review and evaluate the corridor and identify conditions or areas of concern,

3. Develop preliminary concept improvement plans for review with City staff and the public,

4. Meet with the community to review the concepts and gather input,

5. Provide revisions for further community and City Council input,

6. Provide concept plans for submittal to IDOT.

The fee for services is proposed to be $25,500.

There has been no past Council action on this item.

Massie Massie and Associates

LEGAL REVIEW:  The proposed Agreement was approved by the Legal Department.

Budget Impact:  The proposed professional services agreement with Massie Massie and Associates is for a cost of $25,500.      

Staffing Impact:  Staff time is allocated to manage this project.

SCHEDULE:  The concept design will begin upon approval by the City Council with an intended completion in May.