Fiscal Note
This resolution authorizes Metro Transit to apply for a TIGER grant and appropriates $30,000 from the Transit Utility's reserves to fund a contract to help develop the grant application. Metro has reserves of $4.7 million (6.7% of operating and capital expenditures), which are sufficient to meet this one-time appropriation.
Title
Authorizing Metro Transit to apply to USDOT for a 2015 TIGER grant; amending a contract with RNL Design to provide grant writing services; and, authorizing a $30,000 expenditure from Metro Transit's Contingent Reserve to pay for these services.
Body
WHEREAS, the USDOT is expected to release its 2015 TIGER grant application early in April, with a due date approximately 4-weeks later; and,
WHEREAS, it would be advantageous for the City to receive TIGER grant funding to support the costs of constructing a satellite garage for Metro buses; and,
WHEREAS, the TIGER grant program is extremely competitive and the grant application, including a benefit-cost analysis, demanding; and,
WHEREAS, RNL Design is nationally recognized for excellence in design of bus facilities and has extensive grant-writing experience, including TIGER applications; and,
WHEREAS, in 2014 the Council approved a contract No. 7146 with RNL Design to prepare a master plan for a satellite garage for Metro buses located at the Nakoosa Trail site. RNL Design has designed a 56 bus garage, which would house 36 60-foot articulated buses and 20 40-foot buses or 70 40-foot buses; and,
WHEREAS, it is economical to the City on the basis of time and money to engage RNL Design to write the City's TIGER application for funds to support construction of a satellite bus facility;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes Metro Transit to apply to USDOT's 2015 TIGER grant competition; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby authorizes the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute a contract amendment, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, to contract No. 7146 between the City of Madison and RNL Design for the provision of grant writing services; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that Metro Transit is authorized to spend up to $30,000 from its Contingent Reserve to pay RNL Design for grant writing services.