TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John Titkanich, Jr.; County Administrator
Christopher Balter; Planning & Development Services Director
FROM: Brian Freeman, AICP; MPO Staff Director
DATE: March 24, 2025
SUBJECT: Work Order with MBV Engineering, Inc., for Design of 43rd Avenue Sidewalks
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BACKGROUND
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has awarded Indian River County a grant, through the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), to construct new 6’ wide sidewalks along both sides of 43rd Avenue between 45th Street and 49th Street in Gifford. The project will replace an existing narrower sidewalk along one side of 43rd Avenue while installing a new sidewalk on the other side of the street. The project also includes installation of pedestrian crossing improvements, drainage improvements, earthwork, maintenance of traffic, erosion control and pavement markings.
In 2023, the 43rd Avenue sidewalk project was added to the MPO’s Transportation Alternatives Priority List, and it is ranked as the MPO’s #2 TAP Priority. The MPO’s Transportation Alternatives Program consists of sidewalk and shared use path projects that are part of the overall transportation network.
ANALYSIS
In coordination with the Public Works Department, MPO staff has prepared a work order with MBV Engineering, Inc. for civil design services for the 43rd Avenue sidewalk project. The Board approved the Continuing Consulting Engineering Services Agreement for Professional Services with MBV Engineering, Inc. on May 2, 2023. In accordance with that agreement, MBV Engineering will provide professional services to prepare engineering design plans and specifications.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Optional Sales Tax revenues in the amount of $67,000 will be used to pay for the design of the sidewalks and related improvements. Sufficient funds are available in Optional Sales Tax/Road & Bridge/Construction In Progress/43rd Avenue Sidewalks - 45th to 49th, Account # 31521441-066510-25031 to cover the expenses associated with project design.
Construction of the sidewalk will be mostly paid for by a $1,527,182 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). FDOT has programmed that grant for FY 2026/27, and it is included in the MPO’s five-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
At its May 2, 2023 meeting, the Board authorized staff to submit a grant application to FDOT for funds to construct the sidewalk.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
At future meetings, the Board will need to approve the FDOT Local Agency Program Agreement to receive $1,527,182 in grant funds and also award the contract to construct the sidewalk improvements.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Quality of Life
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
The 43rd Avenue sidewalk project is programmed for construction during FY 2026/27 in the MPO’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the County’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Board approve the work order with MBV Engineering, Inc. for design of the 43rd Avenue sidewalks and related improvements and authorize the Chairman to execute the work order.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Work Order No. 7 with MBV Engineering, Inc., for design of the 43rd Avenue Sidewalk Improvements