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A Resolution Creating a Steering Committee for the Bridging the Ike Planning and Environmental Linkage Study and Confirming the Appointment of Inaugural Members of the Steering Committee
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Introduction
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The Village is currently working with AECOM on the planning and environmental linkage (PEL) study for expanded bridge decking over I-290. This resolution establishes a steering committee comprised of partner agencies, members from various commissions, and stakeholders in the project area along with staff which will review and give input on the best locations for expanded bridge decks (caps) over I-290 within the constraints identified by IDOT during their I-290 preliminary design work and the best uses for any expanded bridge decks. The steering committee will make recommendations to the Village Board for the purpose and need for these potential caps. Staff has prepared a resolution to establish the Steering Committee and appoint members whose membership are recommended by the Village President for approval by the Board of Trustees. Several members will consist of current members of stakeholder Citizen Commissions, and some will be appointed members of the community or partner agencies.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior actions:
• On November 21, 2022 the Village Board approved a Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for a Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Study of Expanded Bridge Decking over the I-290 Expressway, in an amount not to exceed $1,858,803 (RES 22-276)
• On September 19, 2022 the Village Board had a presentation and discussion related to the status of the I-290 Reconstruction Project Including the Cap the Ike Study
• On July 19, 2021 the Village Board approved an Amendment to Extend the Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation to Conduct Further Study of the Cap the Ike Project
• On June 15, 2020 the Village Board approved a Second Amendment to the Local Public Agency Agreement for Federal Participation for a Feasibility Study of Expanded Bridge Decking over I-290
• On December 11, 2017 the Village Board approved a Resolution Approving a Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for a Feasibility Study of Expanded Bridge Decking over the I-290 Expressway, in an amount not to exceed $1,314,946 (not approved by IDOT/FHWA)
• On July 17, 2017 the Village Board Approved an Assignment and Consent Agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. for the Cap the Ike Study (Bridge Decking)
• On August 1, 2016 the Village Board approved a Letter of Intent (LOI) with IDOT for the I-290 Reconstruction Project
• On May 18, 2009 the Village Board approved a Local Agency Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement with URS Corporation for Federal Participation Related to Cap Concept Analysis for I-290 Cap-the-Ike Project
• On April 3, 2006 the Village Board approved an agreement with the State for the current Cap the Ike study
• On August 4, 2003 the Village Board approved an agreement with URS Corporation for a conceptual study of capping the Ike
Background
As part of the Cap the Ike Planning and Environmental Linkage Study, the Village’s consultant, AECOM, is beginning the portion of the study where they will begin developing alternatives for expanded bridge decking (“Caps”) and working with stakeholders and the community to identify preferred alternatives. This portion of the study is mainly focused on the bridges over I-290 at Oak Park Ave, East Ave, and possibly Lombard Ave. The expanded bridge decks could yield opportunities for new development, public plazas, and park spaces over the expressway. The study will examine community needs, including safety, roadway improvements, mobility, and connectivity.
Staff and AECOM have rebranded the name of the study from “Cap the Ike” to “Bridging the Ike”. “Cap the Ike” was the name of the study completed in 2005, which identified three potential cap concepts and possible uses for these caps. Concept 1 was a large cap from Home Ave. to Euclid, East Avenue to Gunderson Avenue, and at Lombard Ave. to Taylor Ave. Option 2 was even larger caps extending from Home Avenue to Gunderson and again from Lombard to Taylor. Option 3 was a full cap over I-290 for the entire length of the Village. These old Cap the Ike concepts were evaluated during IDOT’s preliminary design of the I-290 reconstruction project and determined not to be possible primarily due to drainage and railroad impacts. Smaller potential cap opportunities were developed, which identified where caps could be constructed in conjunction with the future I-290 project. This new “Bridging the Ike” name was chosen to help distinguish this study from the older Cap the Ike Study, since this new work will be focusing on evaluating the best opportunities and uses for potential caps as identified in IDOT’s preliminary design of I-290 and the Village’s Letter of Intent with IDOT. The name “Bridging the Ike” brings familiarity from the original study, while acknowledging the progress made and the current focus on specific expanded bridge decks.
Staff is recommending a formal Board-approved steering committee for the review of expanded bridge decking alternatives and best uses. The steering committee will be engaged between the first and second public meetings and between the second and third public meetings. In the first steering committee meeting, AECOM will review public feedback, present preliminary alternatives, and gain feedback from the committee on best potential opportunities for caps and what the best potential uses for these caps could be. In the second steering committee meeting, AECOM will present the final alternatives, build consensus among the members, and obtain feedback for final tweaks to the alternatives. Please see attached for the full outline of the Public Involvement Plan. The steering committee will ultimately make a final recommendation for the proposed locations for potential caps and what their proposed uses may be, and these recommendations along with other alternatives will be presented to the Village Board following the completion of the public engagement process.
Staff is recommending establishing an eleven-member steering committee comprised of representatives of commissions, partner agencies, and stakeholders outlined below.
1. Representative from the Plan Commission (and Chair) -Mike Sturino
2. One (1) Current Member Representative from the Plan Commission
3. Representative from the Transportation Commission -Jack Eskin
4. One (1) Current Member Representative of the Environment & Energy Commission
5. One (1) Current Member Representative from the Aging in Communities Commission
6. One (1) Current Member Representative from the Historic Preservation Commission
7. Representative from the Park District of Oak Park - Executive Director Jan Arnold or her designee
8. Representative from Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) -Sonserese Hatch or their designee
9. Representative from the Southtown Business District - Arthur Paris (Carnival Grocery)
10. One (1) Representative from the Southtown Business District - VACANT
11. One (1) Representative from South Oak Park or SEOPCO - VACANT
Timing Considerations
Adoption at this time will allow for the steering committee to be established and a full quorum of the Committee to be present prior to the first public meeting which is tentatively scheduled for April 7th. The public engagement process is scheduled to be completed in the late summer of this year with recommendations scheduled to be presented to the Village Board likely in September.
Financial Impact
There is no direct budget impact associated with this establishing a steering committee. Costs for obtaining public engagement as part of the PEL study are included in the existing contract scope and fee with AECOM.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
Input from marginalized populations will be sought out during the public engagement for this project.
Community Input
The Bridging the Ike Planning and Environmental Linkage Study will solicit public input to help shape this study and include community input through the Village website, steering committee, public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and citizen commission involvement. The draft Public Involvement Plan is attached for more information.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution to establish the steering committee.
Advantages:
• A steering committee allows for obtaining feedback in an efficient way with various representatives from commissions, partner agencies, and key stakeholders to help shape this project.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can table the item for additional information or discussion.
Advantages:
• The Village Board would be provided with the requested information.
Disadvantages:
• The timing of the eventual Board action could impact the desired implementation schedule.
Alternative 2:
The Board can vote down the item.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this action.
Disadvantages:
• Additional cost to obtain input at multiple points from various commissions and stakeholders individually.
• No collective recommendation to be presented to the Village Board.
Anticipated Future Actions
The steering committee will make a recommendation to the Village Board regarding the purpose and need for potential caps over I-290 at an upcoming meeting for the Village Board to consider.
Prepared By: Bill McKenna, Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Rob Sproule, Public Works Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Public Involvement Plan
3. Old Cap Concepts - 2005 Cap the Ike Plan
4. Cap Opportunities - IDOT-VOP Letter of Intent