2022, the City received letters of interest for the engineering services for this project. Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, L.L. P. (RK&K) was selected by a review committee as the top firm to complete the work. On June 8, 2023, City Council approved the first phase of the contract with RK&K for work which includes roadway design, traffic analysis, NEPA permitting, natural resources & permitting, and location surveys. NCDOT and City of Concord staff have since agreed to a design concept that best mitigates current traffic volumes and aligns with future growth.

Staff are requesting authorization to proceed through the next phase through the final design and right of way with RK&K based on the current design concept. The lump sum cost is $1,392,432.15 with 80% provided through the STBG-DA federally awarded funds and 20% ($278,486.43) provided by the budgeted Transportation Project Fund Account.

Recommendation: Motion to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, L.L.P. for engineering services related to intersection improvements at Poplar Tent Road and Harris Road contingent on NCDOT approval.

6. Consider entering into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in order to construct sidewalk along TIP Project No. U-5956, realignment of Union Cemetery Road.

It is requested that City Council enter into an Agreement with the NCDOT to as outlined. This agreement details the funding responsibility of constructing sidewalks along: south side of Union Cemetery Road from US 29 (Concord Parkway) to Sunderland Road; north side of Union Cemetery Road from US 29 (Concord Parkway) to existing Union Cemetery Road; and west side of existing Union Cemetery Road from Union Cemetery Road to the end of the project.

The estimated total cost of the sidewalk is $375,283.50 with the City being responsible for 50% of the actual cost currently estimated at $187,641.75. Funds will come from the Transportation Project Fund. Payment will be due upon completion of the project. The project is currently scheduled to begin construction in January 2026.

Recommendation: Motion to enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in order to construct sidewalk along TIP Project No. U-5956, realignment of Union Cemetery Road.

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Consider authorizing the Fire Department to seek funding for a Scorpion Attenuator for the Domestic Preparedness Region 7.

Each year, the Domestic Preparedness Region (DPR) 7 collectively determines equipment that needs to be kept in the region. Agencies are able to volunteer to be the purchasing host of selected equipment and then be reimbursed by North Carolina Emergency Management. The purchased equipment is then stored and maintained by the purchasing agency, maintaining a state of readiness in the event that it is requested by participating agencies in the region or by North Carolina Emergency Management. The estimated cost of this purchase is approximately $40,000 and will be reimbursed by North Carolina Emergency Management.

Recommendation: Motion to authorize the Fire Department to seek funding for a Scorpion Attenuator for the Domestic Preparedness Region 7.

B. Consider approving a License to Attach Banners to City of Concord Property to Conder Flag Company for the placement of temporary race banners on Bruton Smith Blvd. and Hwy 29.

Conder Flag Company has requested to place 96 banners on City light poles on Bruton Smith Blvd. between I-85 and Hwy. 29 (Exit 49 area between Mecklenburg County and the Rocky River) to promote