Title
Approval of a Right-of-Way Donation Dedication Deed from Mr. Jay Kobza for the Boulevard Road and Morse-Merryman Road Roundabout Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Kobza donation dedication deed necessary to complete the Boulevard Road and Morse-Merryman Road project, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary closing documents.
Report
Issue:
Whether to accept a right-of-way donation deed for the Boulevard Road and Morse-Merryman Road Roundabout Project.
Staff Contact:
Ladd F. Cluff, PLS, City Surveyor, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8389
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Olympia City Council adopted the Boulevard Road Corridor Study on April 18, 2006. The Study made several recommendations to improve safety along the Corridor. The roundabout at Boulevard Road and Morse-Merryman Road is one of those safety improvements. The City is on schedule to build the roundabout starting in 2017. Before construction can start, the right-of-way and utility easement acquisitions need to be complete.
The original project limits did not include improvements along the property at 3437 Boulevard Road SE. In early discussions Mr. Kobza stated that he would be willing to donate the necessary right-of-way and easements if the City expanded the project to include his frontage. His motivation for making the donation of land was to ensure that there would not be a gap in the sidewalk. The option to expand the project limits became viable once Puget Sound Energy (PSE) made the decision to expand their project limits, at their cost, through Mr. Kobza’s property.
The design team evaluated the cost of frontage improvements across Mr. Kobza’s property. The team also considered what the benefit to the citizens of Olympia would be. They determined that the benefit exceeds the cost. Expanding the project limits will provide a continuous sidewalk on the north side of Boulevard Road from the Log Cabin Roundabout to Washington Middle School. The design team, Transportation Director, and the City Engineer support this option.
The design team contacted Mr. Kobza to confirm that the City is willing to accept the donation and expand the project limits to include the additional frontage improvements. Mr. Kobza has agreed, and has signed all necessary documents.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Boulevard Road Study reflects the community’s expectations for this major north-south corridor. Property acquisition consistent with this study is an important step in carrying out the project as planned to meet vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian needs.
Options:
1. Approve the Kobza donation dedication deed necessary to complete the Boulevard Road and Morse-Merryman Road project, and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary closing documents.
a. Will allow the project to move forward as planned.
b. Is consistent with the project that has been discussed with the neighborhood.
c. Implements the Boulevard Road Corridor Study recommendations.
d. Provides continuous sidewalk on the north side of Boulevard Road to Washington Middle School.
2. Do not approve the donation of property.
a. Would require the project to be redesigned.
b. Would eliminate continuous sidewalk from Log Cabin roundabout to Washington Middle School and forcing pedestrians to cross Boulevard Road several times.
Financial Impact:
There is no cost to City to accept the right of way. This Roundabout project is funded by City funds and a grant from the Federal Highway Administration.
Attachments:
Dedication Deed
Vicinity Map