Title
Engineering Services Update - 2020 Programs and Initiatives
Proposed Motion
That the Engineering Services Update - 2020 Programs and Initiatives be received for information, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To provide an update on the status of the 2020 Infrastructure Program and associated activities within Engineering Services to the end of Q3 2020.
Summary
Engineering Services has completed many the planned activities within the 2020-2024 Infrastructure Program. All major initiatives will be substantially complete by the end of 2020. A few highlights are as follows:
The road construction program, which includes the Subdivision Preservation Program, Asphalt Overlay program and Graded Aggregate Chip Seal program were fully completed with no significant carry forwards. All projects were completed within Council approved budgets.
The Gravel Road Reconstruction Program, needed to be reduced in overall project scope to stay within budget. This work transitioned into contract tender work in 2020 as Parkland County no longer retains an internal roadway construction crew and the costs to complete the intended work activities in 2020 were higher than anticipated. For this program, 5 of 8 planned projects were completed. In future years, Engineering Services will endeavor to improve processes in an attempt to reduce costs. There were some additional costs incurred during the transition from internally managed work to externally managed work.
The subdivision preservation program will come in close to $750,000 under budget as a result of strong performance by the team, favourable construction weather in 2020, lower asphalt pricing and fewer subsurface repair requirements than originally anticipated. This program was completed ahead of schedule and under anticipated budget.
The largest project, based on single budget line allocation, is the Acheson Zone 4 Reservoir. This project was initially approved in 2018 as a three-year project. Substantial completion will be met in 2020 with a very small amount of work, approximately 1% of total budget, carried into 2021 as seasonal landscaping deficiency. The reservoir is anticipated to be fully operational in 2020 and will provide 20+ years of water storage capacity.
Fallis drainage improvements are continuing to move forward. Design has been completed and partial construction is anticipated in late fall 2020 with remainder of work being completed in 2021. Roadway Maintenance and Drainage Services have been working with Engineering to develop a long-term solution and public engagement with area landowners has continued throughout the project.
Traffic counts were completed in the Chickakoo area in 2020 and were compared to volumes counted in 2019. There has been a notable increase from 2019 into 2020 and additional work is required. Engineering Services will conduct additional counts over winter months as well as in spring/summer 2021 to verify the pattern of traffic growth and confirm we did not have a deviation from typical years. There is speculation that the growth is related to "stay at home" efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic and Chickakoo became a bit of a local attraction; driving traffic volumes higher than they typically would be. Engineering will work with area developers as well to determine total impact of existing traffic plus anticipated development traffic to develop a strategy for the area in the near term. For 2021, funding within existing programs will be directed to site specific repairs to ensure quality access to the area for both residents and visitors.
Detailed comments on all the 2020 projects are provided in the attached document on a program by program basis.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Guiding Principle 1.2: We are a region of connected communities, through infrastructure, transit, recreation facilities, trails and technology
Guiding Principle 2.3: We effectively pursue and manage new opportunities to stimulate economic growth, increase investment, and diversify our long-term economic bases
Guiding Principle 3.2: We responsibly manage our growth to protect our region's biodiversity and the natural environment, while supporting a balance of land uses and strategic development
Guiding Principle 4.3: We ensure streamlined and modernized municipal operations and services, with a focus on services
Financial Impact:
Cost: $0.00
Source of Funding: n/a