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ITEM 9.c. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 6/16/2026 Meeting Type: Town Council Regular Meeting Submitting Department: Public Works Prepared by: Justin Weldy, Public Works Director Staff Contact Information: Phone: 480-816-5133 Email: jweldy@fountainhillsaz.gov Request to Town Council Regular Meeting (Agenda Language) CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Regarding a budget authority transfer for additional design costs for the Downtown Streetscape Capital Improvement Project Staff Summary (background) Recommended Action Staff recommends that the Town Council authorize the use of $133,605 from the previously approved FY 2027 Downtown Streetscape Improvements construction budget to complete additional drainage design services for the Parkview Avenue portion of the project. Summary The Downtown Streetscape Improvements Project is currently in the design phase and includes planned pedestrian safety, accessibility, lighting, landscaping, and streetscape improvements along Verde River Drive and Parkview Avenue. During the 30 percent design review for Parkview Avenue, the project engineer identified drainage issues that were not known during the original grant application or concept development phase. The analysis determined that stormwater runoff could negatively affect the proposed improvements by trapping water within parking areas and restricting stormwater flows from areas west of La Montana Drive. To address these issues, a new storm drain system must be designed along Parkview Avenue between La Montana Drive and Saguaro Boulevard. The additional drainage design services total $133,605. No new appropriation is being requested. Staff is requesting authorization to use a portion of the already-approved FY 2027 Downtown Streetscape Improvements construction budget so the design work can continue without interruption. Background In October 2024, Town Council approved staff’s submission of an application to the Maricopa Association of Governments for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Closeout Funds through the Design Assistance Program. The project, titled Downtown Sidewalk Gap Elimination and Lighting Improvements, was developed to evaluate and address missing sidewalk segments and insufficient pedestrian-scale lighting in the Downtown area, with a focus on the Verde River Drive and Parkview Avenue corridors. The Town was successful in securing the grant award and received $100,000 in federal funding. To maintain project momentum while the design concept phase was underway, the Town released a Request for Qualifications on May 8, 2025, for final design services. One proposal was received, and Kimley-Horn and Associates was selected to complete the design. The project scope includes: • Construction of ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps; • Installation of pedestrian-scale street lighting; • Trees and landscape buffers; • Street furniture, including benches, waste receptacles, and bicycle racks; • Pedestrian wayfinding signage; and • Crosswalk enhancements. Drainage Design Need As part of the final design process, a drainage analysis was completed for the Parkview Avenue corridor. At the 30 percent design milestone, the analysis identified stormwater conditions that must be addressed before the Parkview Avenue improvements can advance. Specifically, the analysis found that stormwater runoff would negatively affect the proposed improvements by trapping water within parking areas and limiting stormwater flows originating west of La Montana Drive. To correct these conditions and ensure the long-term functionality of the streetscape improvements, a new storm drain system is needed along Parkview Avenue between La Montana Drive and Saguaro Boulevard. This drainage infrastructure was not identified during the initial grant application or concept development phases. It was discovered through the more detailed engineering analysis completed as part of final design. Project Schedule The Verde River Drive design portion of the project remains on schedule for completion by June 30. Construction for Verde River Drive is currently included in the FY 2027 Budget in the amount of $2,003,000. The Parkview Avenue design will extend into FY 2027 due to the additional drainage design requirements. Authorizing the additional design services now will allow the design team to continue work without interruption and help avoid delays that could affect future construction timing and costs. Financial Impact The additional drainage design services total $133,605. Staff is requesting authorization to use a portion of the approved FY 2027 Downtown Streetscape Improvements construction budget for this work. These funds were originally planned for Verde River Drive construction. No additional budget appropriation is being requested at this time. Staff will seek bids for the next phase of Verde River Drive construction before requesting any additional budget authority. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the request to authorize $133,605 in existing FY 2027 budget authority for additional drainage design services. Approval will allow the Town to complete the Parkview Avenue design, maintain project momentum, reduce the risk of schedule delays, and help minimize potential cost increases associated with delaying the work. Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle • Downtown Sidewalk Gap Elimination and Lighting Improvements Project • FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) • Town Strategic Plan – Transportation and Infrastructure • MAG Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Design Assistance Program • Council Goal of maintaining and improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and multimodal connectivity within the Downtown area Risk Analysis If the requested funding authorization is not approved, completion of the Parkview Avenue drainage design will be delayed. This delay will impact the overall project schedule, postpone construction activities, and increase project costs due to inflation and changing market conditions. In addition, delaying the drainage design may require redesign or re-evaluation of completed project elements, resulting in inefficiencies and potential schedule impacts. Approval of this request allows staff to maintain project momentum, complete the necessary engineering analysis, and advance the project toward construction without interruption. Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) N/A Staff Recommendation(s) Staff recommends that the Town Council authorize the use of $133,605 from the approved FY 2027 Downtown Streetscape Improvements construction budget to complete additional design services associated with the Parkview Avenue drainage improvements. Suggested Motion MOVE TO APPROVE the transfer of $133,605 budget authority from the FY 2027 Downtown Streetscape Improvements construction budget for additional drainage design services on Parkview Avenue and authorize staff to proceed with the work. FISCAL IMPACT Fiscal Impact: $133,605 Budget Reference: FY 27 Budget Funding Source: Capital Improvement Fund ATTACHMENTS None