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08-88 Resolution No. 08-88 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FILING OF NATIONAL STREET S I ATION AREA PROJECT APPLICATION FOR A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE G' ' NT FROM THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHO'I TY WHEREAS, the Regional Transportation Authority (she "Authority"), is authorized to study public transportation problems and developments; an. to conduct, in cooperation with other public and private agencies, such studies; and WHEREAS, the Authority has the power to expend I nds for use in connection with these studies; and WHEREAS, the Authority has the power to make . d execute all contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its pow:i s; and WHEREAS, approval for said funds will impose a 20% match obligation upon the recipient. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS: 1. That the Mayor is authorized to execute and fil: applications on behalf of the City of Elgin with the Regional Transportation Authority for a ethnical assistance grant for the National Street Station Area Project. 2. That the Mayor is authorized to furnish such dditional information, assurances, certifications and amendments as the Regional Transpo ation Authority may require in connection with this technical assistance grant application. 3. That the Mayor is authorized and directed .n behalf of the City of Elgin to execute and deliver grant agreements and all subsequent amen.ments thereto between the City of Elgin and the Regional Transportation Authority for the subj ct technical assistance grants, and the City Clerk of the City of Elgin is authorized and directe41 on behalf of the City of Elgin to attest said agreements and all subsequent amendments thereto. 4. That the Mayor is authorized and directed to ake such action as is necessary or appropriate to implement, administer and enforce said agreements and all subsequent amendments thereto on behalf of the City of Elgin. s/Ed Schock Ed Sc ock, Mayor , Presented: March 26, 2008 Adopted: March 26, 2008 Vote: Yeas: 4 Nays: 0 Attest: s/Diane Robertson Diane Robertson, City Clerk Regi 1 nal Tran -portation Auth 1 city REGIONAL TECH ICAL ASSISTANCE PRO c RAM (RTAP) CITY OF ELGI ' NATIONAL STREET STATIO AREA PLAN APPLICATION Revised 5/05 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Project Principles and Project Eligibility The RTA's Regional Transportion Assistance Program (RTAP) provides technical and/or financial support to selected municipalities or governmental agencies for transit planning projects that that enhance transit. RTA support may be provided as funding for comprehensive transit planning and market research studies, innovative approaches to improve access to local transit facilities, and new institutional arrangements to address emerging transportation needs within non-traditional markets. Land acquisition, design engineering, construction or other capital-related projects are not eligible for RTAP funds. Costs or obligations incurred prior to funding approval are ineligible for reimbursement. For RTAP projects, a local funding share is recommended. The RTA targets a twenty-percent local matching contribution for applicants. SECTION 2: APPLICATION PROCESSING PROCEDURES The RTA considers this Application as representing the applicant's intent to undertake the proposed study project. Please work with your assigned RTA Project Manager to complete this Application. Completed applications should be sent to the Project Manager assigned to your project: Heather Tabbert RTA Project Manager Regional Transportation Authority 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1550 Chicago, IL 60604 SECTION 3: APPLICANT INFORMATION Date of Application 1 / 2 / 2008 Project Title National Street Station Area Plan Legal City of Elgin City of Elgin Address 150 Dexter Court City, State, Zip Code Elgin, IL 60118 Contact Person Jan Ward Title Senior Planner Phone Number 847 931 5911 Authorized Official Ed Schock Title Mayor The City of Elgin hereby applies to the Region. Transportation Authority for a Technical Assistance funding grant. Req ired resolutions and other documents in support of this request are attache s and are considered a part of this application. By signing this application, the applicant is co mitted to and responsible for securing all local matching funding sources. If multiple organizations are providing sources of local funding, the applicant i- responsible for securing these funds and notifying the RTA in writing that local nding has been secured. For the application to be considered complete, the app icant must demonstrate to the RTA that there is a binding agreement among t - local funding organization(s) that local matching funds will be available for the ;iroject. In support of this application, I offer the above .ata and attached supporting documents as required. I certify that the s iatements herein and in the supporting documents are correct and complete. Ed Schock Name of Authorized Official Att st Signature \ e ignature Titl- — O 8 © `_\ o�\ meg Date Dat- Page 3 SECTION 4: DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT The National Street Station Area Project will result in a aster plan that is built on Elgin's existing urban fabric, transit amenities, infrastructure an ii resources. A plan for a transit village with high density mixed-use structures that ac'ommodate residential, business, recreational and entertainment land uses, parking, and e ployment opportunities will be created. The plan will identify complementary land uses and densities that support a multimodal environment that integrates into the existing community. Attractive, accessible pedestrian connections that link the mixed us- development and transit facility to the surrounding communities and land uses will be designed. The products that will result from this study are: • 2 Public Workshops: Visioning Session and Concept Plan Review Session • Existing Conditions Assessment Report • Real Estate Market Assessment Report • Draft Concept Plans (2) • Preferred Concept Plan • Building and Design Guidelines Report • Implementation Strategies Report • National Street Station Area Plan: Final Report • Preferred Concept Plan Presentation to the Elgin City Council The area surrounding the National Street Metra Station has not been developed to its fullest potential. The vacant site adjacent to the transit station and the nearby Clock Tower Shopping Center(an underperforming retail center) are prime locations for redevelopment. These sites can accommodate more growth and concentrated development that would benefit from and support the existing public transportation system. A mixed use development in this study area—one that is integrated into the existing community structure--will provide the critical link needed to interconnect neighborhoods split by the Fox River. The appropriate mix of land uses can provide a variety of goods and services to transit users, employees and adjacent neighborhoods while establishing a central gathering place. The study area has the potential to become an active, transit oriented community, linking neighborhoods, natural resources, and recreational land uses. By creating a transit node with convenient transfers from Metra to Pace, needed connections to outlying Elgin communities and major activity centers also are created, further increasing transit use, extending hours of activity, reducing traffic, and saving energy. The project's core study area (see Exhibit A) lies adjacent to the Fox River and extends from National and Standish Streets (on the north) to Illinois Route 20 (on the south). Redevelopment sites that link adjacent neighborhoods to the National Street Station on the east and west are included in this project, resulting in the formation of a "T" shaped study area. Due to the irregular shape of the study area, only the main boundary streets that define the study area are identified below. Page 4 • West Boundary Ely Street and Hendee Street • North Boundary Standish Street and National Street • East Boundary Villa Street and Wellington Avenue • South Boundary Illinois Route 20 The study also will influence neighborhoods adjacent to the core area. The area of influence encompasses a half-mile radius around the National Street Metra Station and includes traditional neighborhoods, small businesses at the National Street/State Street intersection and in the Clock Tower Shopping Center, co munity attractions including the Grand Victoria Casino and Festival Park, and vacant 1:nd. Neighborhood associations (Downtown Neighborhood Association, Southwest Ar-a Neighbors, Near West Area Neighbors, and Neighbors of Southeast Elgin) are acti e in this locale. Policies and initiatives that improve access and circulation and pro i ote pedestrian amenities will be defined for this area in order to develop the need-d interconnection between the communities and the transportation node. A consultant (technical team comprised of land use, d:sign, transportation, engineering, and environmental professionals) and steering committ:e (comprised of City staff, local elected officials, the RTA and service boards) will be as.embled to create the master plan that transforms the area surrounding the National Street Metra Station into a vital transit village—a transit hub and mixed-use neighborhood tha creates a unique place for daily commuters and neighborhood residents. Citizen groups, business representatives, and other interested parties will provide direction and feedback throughout the plan development process. The consultant and City staff wll work together throughout the process to ensure that public input is obtained at each critical juncture. The consultant will evaluate existing conditions in the tudy area.. Land uses, buildings, streets, access points, circulation patterns for various travel modes, parking facilities, infrastructure, and environmental considerations will b: inventoried. Real estate market conditions will be assessed and demographic data an.lyzed to determine development potential and land use mix. Based on these findings and input from community wor'shops, the consultant will prepare a station area plan that incorporates transit oriented site .nd building design elements, land uses, access and circulation improvements, and streets•ape components. Implementation strategies will be outlined to assist Elgin in phasi g improvements and ultimately accomplishing the station area plan through private and public partnerships. Page 5 SECTION 5: PROJECT SCOPE OF SERVICES Task 1: Public Involvement Description: City Staff will organize a Steering Committee consisting of local residents, business leaders, City staff (City Manager, Economic Development, Community Development, Public Works/Engineering, Parks, Finance, City Councilman Gilliam, Mayor), RTA, Metra and Pace liaisons, IDOT, and other appropriate individuals and agencies to provide guidance and direction to the con ultants and examine, refine and select a preferred concept plan. Consultant will facilitat. Steering Committee meetings to be held as needed. This will include a kick-off meeting a the onset of the study to confirm the study area boundary, discuss the issues and needs o the study area, coordinate data collection, and discuss project schedule and mileston-s. Consultant will conduct a minimum of two (2) Public Workshops to solicit corn ents from residents, commuters, business owners and other interested parties. Conduct a visioning session at the onset of the project to establish principles to guide the character o development and redevelopment of the study area. Conduct a concept plan review session for public review and comment. Deliverables: Meeting agendas, minutes, press releases .nd other materials for the public meetings. Estimated Time Frame: Concurrent with all Task.. Estimated Task Budget: $ 10,000 Task 2: Inventory and Existing Conditions Assess ent Description: Inventory and evaluate existing conditio s in the study area including land uses and buildings; streets; pedestrian, bicycle and publi• transportation facilities; signage; landscaping; environmental considerations; and natural eatures. Compile data pertaining to all modes of travel within and through the station/stu•y area. Assess the capacity and use of the rail and bus transit routes serving the study are:. Assess current parking capacity and utilization in the station area. Assess existing pa I ing lot agreements and parking space requirements to determine potential for ;property redevelopment and/or reconfiguration. Evaluate the condition of all public i frastructure (i.e. good condition, needs repair or needs replacement). Review the City's Honing Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, regional land-use plans and relevant transportation plans and programs. The consultant will analyze present codes and plans in rega d to the promotion of mixed use development. This report will be used as input into the d:velopment of the concept plans in Task#4. Deliverables: A draft report representing the data t ough a combination of outlines, tables and charts that accurately describe the existing conditions in the area. On a base map of the study area, existing conditions, parcel/lot linos and transportation infrastructure will be presented. The draft report will be provided to t e Steering Committee for review. Estimated Time Frame: 1 Month Estimated Task Budget: $10,000 Page 6 Task 3: Real Estate Market Assessment Description: Prepare a real estate market assessment t at evaluates the current housing, retail and office uses in the study area and existing d mographic data. Identify land availability, vacancy rates, land prices, rents and price p ints. Interview local real estate brokers and potential developers to evaluate potential future real estate mixes within the study area. Identify transit oriented development opportunities that benefit from proximity to a Metra station and Pace services/facilities. The Real state Market Assessment Report will (1) accurately describe the existing land uses, de ographic data, and real estate market, (2) present a real estate market scenario with pot-ntial land use mixes for a transit oriented environment, and (3) assess the impact on the existing real estate market and future opportunities. Deliverables: A potential real estate market scen.rio will be prepared and will be utilized by the consultant in Task #4 as input into the d-velopment of the concept plans. The market scenario will be provided to members of the Steering Committee for review. Based on feedback from the Steering Committee member., the report will be revised. Estimated Time Frame: 2 Months Estimated Task Budget: $15,000 Task 4: Concept Plan Development Description: Prepare two (2) Draft Concept Plans ghat establish a vision for a new mixed use center in the study area. Plans will be bas:d on findings from the existing conditions analysis, real estate market evaluation and co munity workshop. Identify and describe: 1. Key development and redevelopment sites. 2. Building massing and configuration. 3. Overall land use mix. 4. Linkages to surrounding communities, eg., side alk continuity, crosswalks, direct routing, mini plazas. 5. Streetscape improvements, eg., lighting, walkway textures, benches, guidance/information kiosks, landscaping/art ork, fencing, security/safety measures. 6. Access and circulation improvements for vehi ular (including bus and taxis), bicycle and pedestrian access. 7. Facilities to support bus and rail routes, eg. pass-nger shelters, convenience retail uses, parking lots, passenger drop-off areas. 8. Infrastructure improvements, eg., streets, utilities. Present draft concept plans to the Steering Committe-. Based on the review by the Steering Committee, revise the concept plans. Revis:. plans will be presented to the public at a workshop for review and comment. The Steering Committee, considering public feedback, will select a Preferred Concept Plan Refine preferred concept plan Page 7 based on public comment. The Preferred Concept Plan will include plan view drawings of the new development depicting layout, elevations and esign features, and a base map depicting the future land uses in the study area. I Deliverables: The deliverables will include the two prel'minary, draft concept plans that will be graphically shown in this report, as well as a di cussion of the relative merits of each scenario. Also, a preferred, detailed Concept Devel pment Plan that demonstrates a vision for future development and land preservation for the potential station. The preferred Concept Development Plan will include a revised base ap depicting the future land uses within the study area. A discussion of the reasons why this final Concept Development Plan was considered the most viable for the station rea should be included in this deliverable. Estimated Time Frame: 3 Months Estimated Task Budget: $15,000 Task 5: Access and Circulation Plan Component of she Preferred Concept Plan Description: As a component of the Preferred Concept Plan, the consultant will develop a circulation and access plan for the study area. This Ilan will address circulation and access for all modes of travel, including vehicular, tran.it, pedestrian and bicycle. This plan will also address future parking for both Metra co imuters and other uses, based on existing parking facilities and current utilization and projections for future parking demand. Deliverables: A circulation and access plan with text d graphics that overlays onto the Preferred Concept Plan will be developed and provide+ to the Steering Committee for review. Estimated Time Frame: 2 Months Estimated Task Budget: $10,000 Task 6: Design Guidelines Description: Prepare design guidelines that comple ent the Preferred Concept Plan and convey the City's expectations regarding develop 1 ent quality. Develop illustrated guidelines for new and rehabilitated residential and com ercial development in the station area. Address building design and massing, street and landscape elements, parking lots and structures (appropriate paving, fencing, etc.), signag=, lighting and buildings (setbacks, orientation,height, massing,bulk, materials and common facades, etc.). Deliverables: Submit Building and Design Guidelines 'eport to the Steering Committee in electronic formats for review. Estimated Time Frame: 1 Month Estimated Task Budget: $10,000 Page 8 Task 7: Implementation Strategies Description: Develop a detailed set of implementatioii strategies to assist the City in accomplishing the Preferred Concept Plan. Describe an4 illustrate the strategies starting from existing conditions through the phased build-o t. Address site control and acquisition, remediation and demolition, suggested pla implementation phasing, cost estimates and application of appropriate funding techn ques for each phase. Prepare recommendations for revisions to the Zoning Ordinances o help enable implementation of the plan. Identify incentives and funding sources for developers including tax increment financing, state and federal financing and grants. Deliverables: Submit Fiscal Analysis and Implemen ation Strategies Report to the Steering Committee in electronic formats for review. Estimated Time Frame: 1 Month Estimated Task Budget: $15,000 Task 8: Final Report Description: Prepare a full-color National Street Stan•n Area Plan: Final Report that incorporates the deliverables from the above tasks, desig guidelines and implementation strategies. The final report will include drawings, maps, photographs and other materials necessary to convey the recommendations of the plan. Pr-sent the Preferred Concept Plan to the Elgin City Council at a selected Committee of the ' ole meeting. Deliverables: Provide 25 hard copies and two electron c versions of the final report. All graphics,maps and illustrations will be provided to the Ci y as separate files. Estimated Time Frame: 1 Month Estimated Task Budget: $15,000 TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME FRAME: 12 onths TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT BUDGET: $101 000 SECTION 6: PROJECT MANAGEMENT The Project Management Section shall provide all eertinent information for project implementation. This includes a Project Management Plan, Project Team Table, and funding information as required. A. Project Management Plan: Please see attached Project Management Plan. Page 9 B. Project Team Table: Project Team Member Primary Responsibility Jan Ward Project Coordinator City staff: City Manager, Community Development, Public Works/Engineering, Parks, Finance, &Economic Dev. City Council: Mayor Schock & Steering Committe City Council Member Transit Agencies: RTA, Metra, & Pace Roads: IDOT Planning Consultant Research, analysis, plan development Community Group, Local Plan direction and consulting Business Representatives C. Project Team Member Agreements (if appl cable): Please specify if additional agreements will b required between the various members of the Project Team. Note the typ of agreement needed. These agreements will typically involve the pplicant requesting another organization (other than the selected consult nt) to complete a portion of the Scope of Services. Do not list the agree ent that will be entered into between the RTA and the applicant in this sction. If not applicable, check the box below. Project Team Member Agreement X N t Applicable Between Project Team Members: Recommended type of Agreement: Brief Description of Agreement: Page 10 SECTION 7: PROJECT FUNDING A. Funding Source Information (if applicable) The applicant is committed to securing all local funding sources. If multiple entities are providing sources of local funding, the appliOant is responsible for securing these funds. A local funding source agreement is c binding agreement between the applicant and other local funding entities which the applicant provides to the RTA demonstrating that the applicant is responsible „`'or providing the local matching funds for this project. Any local funding source agreements should be attached to this Formal Application. Proposed Applicant Funding Amount: $ 20,000 Applicant Local Funding Source: City of Elgin Local Funding Source Expiration Date: 1 / 1 / 2010 Local Funding Agreement Attached: [1 Yes 0 No V N/A Funding Source Amount % of Total Task #(s) Covered RTA $80,000 80% Applicant $20,000 20% TOTAL $100,000 100% SECTION 8: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Additional Project Notes or Comments: SECTION 9: GOVERNING BOARD RESOLUTION A resolution must be passed by the applicant's governing board authorizing the filing of the application and execution of the required technical assistance agreement. A sample Governing Board Resolution is provided on the followingage. The Board Resolution language is dependent on the plicant's board procedures and structure. Prior to revising the language in the sample G verning Board Resolution, contact your assigned RTA Project Manager for guidance. Please include the designated "Authorized Official"and "Title" (as listed on page 3 of tib application)in the Resolution. Page 11 CITY OF ELGIN NATIONAL STREET STATION AREA PLAN Project Management Plan February 8, 2008 Table of Contents Page 1.0 Introduction 2 2.0 Study Background 2 3.0 Study Goals and Objectives . 4 4.0 Study Framework 4 City of Elgin,National Street Station Area Plan February 8, 2008 Project Management Plan Page 2 1.0 Introduction The Project Management Plan (PMP) describes the study process for the National Street Station Area Plan. Included in this PMP is the decision making structure for the project, the roles and responsibilities of each participant, the plan objective, a summary of the Scope of Work, and procedures to implement the study recommendations. The overall project management for the RTAP process will be the responsibility of the City of Elgin. Project Justification The proposed National Street Station Area Project will focus on the redevelopment of the area surrounding the Metra commuter rail station as a transit village. This station area can accommodate more growth and concentrated development that would benefit from and support the existing public transportation system. The target site has the potential to become an active, transit oriented community, linking neighborhoods, natural resources, and recreational land uses. The appropriate mix of land uses can provide a variety of goods and services to transit users, employees and adjacent neighborhoods while establishing a central gathering place. In an effort to promote revitalization efforts, the area has been incorporated into a Tax Increment Financing District. Recently, a new Metra station, parking lots, and river bank improvements were constructed to enhance pedestrian and vehicular access, provide passenger amenities, and stabilize the riverbank. Adjacent to the study area on the northeast, new residential dwellings and Festival Park have been constructed and a mixed use development is under construction. The goal of the study is to develop a financially, viable Master Plan for a transit village at the National Street station area and unify this activity center with the downtown Center City district and surrounding neighborhoods. This plan will build upon the City's Comprehensive Plan and Riverfront Plan by: • Identifying land uses and densities that support and complement a multimodal environment and blend with the surrounding communities. • Establish strategies for the interconnectivity between Metra and Pace. • Evaluate the demand for retail and residential development adjacent to this transit amenity. • Provide land use tools, including zoning and comprehensive plan amendments, to support mixed use urban development. 2.0 Study Background Study Area Boundaries The project's core study area lies adjacent to the Fox River and extends from National and Standish Streets (on the north) to Illinois Route 20 (on the south). City of Elgin,National Street Station Area Plan February 8, 2008 Project Management Plan Page 3 Redevelopment sites that link adjacent neighborhoods to the National Street Station on the east and west are included in this project, resulting in the formation of a "T" shaped study area. Due to the irregular shape of the study area, only the main boundary streets that define the study area are identified below. • West Boundary Ely Street and Hendee Street • North Boundary Standish Street and National Street • East Boundary Villa Street and Wellington Avenue • South Boundary Illinois Route 20 The study also will influence neighborhoods adjacent to the core area. The study area encompasses a half-mile radius around the Metra Station and extends southeast along the Fox River to Illinois Route 20. This area is comprised of traditional neighborhoods, small businesses at the National Street/State Street intersection, the Clock Tower Shopping Center, community attractions including the Grand Victoria Casino, and vacant land. Three Pace bus routes provide service nearby the Metra station on Grove Avenue and on Illinois Route 31 (State Street). Current or Previous Studies and Development Projects • City of Elgin Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines, 2005. The Plan provides land use, growth, and transportation plans, natural resource conservation standards, and design guidelines. The National Street Station Area Plan will incorporate land use and development considerations for transit services, multimodal connectivity, infill development standards, water resource protection principles, and design guidelines for mixed use commercial centers. • City of Elgin Riverfront/Center City Master Plan, 2000. The Plan provides a vision and implementation strategy for the physical and economic revitalization of the riverfront and the downtown. The National Street Station Area Plan will incorporate the redevelopment recommendations and implementation strategies for the Fox River improvements, transportation network, and streetscape system, with particular attention to the Prairie Street to National Street, Area 3 plan. • TIF Districts. The station area lies within both the Central Area and South Grove TIF Districts. The Districts promote redevelopment by investing enhanced property tax dollars into projects within the Districts. The National Street Station Area Plan will incorporate this incentive into the implementation strategy. • Current Center City Development. The Station Area Plan will take in account current residential and mixed use development and redevelopment efforts in the downtown. • City of Elgin,National Street Station Area Plan February 8, 2008 Project Management Plan Page 4 3.0 Study Goals and Objectives The City of Elgin's main goal is to implement a plan within the study area that can be supported by the current and future markets. Study Objectives 1. Produce an economically viable National Street Station Area Plan. 2. Improve connectivity between Metra and Pace service. 3. Support a mixed use development with a transit hub to anchor the redevelopment of the southeast area, strengthen links to the surrounding neighborhoods, and unify the Center City. 4. Stimulate residential, retail and commercial development and employment opportunities as a means of increasing ridership on Metra and Pace. 5. Strengthen the link between transit, neighborhoods, natural resources, and recreational land uses. 6. Provide implementation strategies and identify potential funding sources. 4.0 Study Framework Project Scope of Work A planning consultant will be contracted to develop the National Street Station Area Plan. The final plan, consistent with the City's goals and objectives, will include concepts for mixed use developments to serve residents and commuters and encourage use of the rail and bus services and facilities. Key tasks include: • Community Input and Public Participation • Existing conditions analysis and data collection • Real estate market assessment • Concept Plan Development: Draft plans and preferred plan • Access and circulation plan • Design guidelines • Implementation strategies including funding source identification • National Street Station Area Plan: Final Report Project Management Structure Jerry Deering, Community Development Group Director, will provide overall project administration. A consultant will perform the Scope of Work. The City Manager's office will perform community outreach and participation (in cooperation with the consultant) and will be responsible for press releases and coordinating public involvement meetings related to the National Street Station Area Project. • City of Elgin,National Street Station Area Plan February 8,2008 Project Management Plan Page 5 As Project Manager, Jan Ward, Senior Planner, will provide the day to day management of the project and consultant. The Project Manager's responsibilities include: • Coordinating the consultant hiring process • Organizing the Steering Committee and coordinating advisory functions • Managing the consultant team • Coordinating Steering Committee and Consultant issues related to the project Scope of Work. • Maintaining the project budget and timeline • Functioning as liaison with the RTA • Ensuring consistency with grant requirements • Preparing project status reports Project Team Members—Roles and Responsibilities A Steering Committee, consisting of selected members from the City of Elgin, City Council, Pace, Metra, IDOT, and community will be established to provide direction and input into the planning process throughout the study. The Steering Committee will review and comment on draft materials from each of the tasks detailed in the scope of work. Steering Committee members are identified below in italics. Members will provide status reports to their respective agencies/committees/departments on the development of the preferred Concept Development Plan. Elgin City Council Members—Provide overall guidance on the plan's development and review/approve the final documents. City of Elgin Staff—Provide technical guidance and resources on the plan's development review/approve the final documents. Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)—Provide technical assistance to the City of Elgin on project management and coordinate service board participation. Metra—Provide technical expertise on operations and existing conditions of the area. Pace—Provide technical expertise on operations and existing conditions in the area. Local businesses, employers, and residents and other members of the public— Provide direction and input into the planning process throughout the study. Additionally, members of the public will take part in 1) two public workshops to discuss issues and needs related to redevelopment within the study area and 2) a concept plan review session. Consultant—Develop the station area plan components based on the work scope and with guidance and input from all Steering Committee Members. City of Elgin,National Street Station Area Plan February 8, 2008 Project Management Plan Page 6 Formal Adoption of the Plan Upon completion of the study, the final National Street Station Area Plan will be presented to the City Council for consideration and adoption as an addendum to the City of Elgin Comprehensive Plan. 9114 March 21, 2008 ti fr TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Olufemi Folarin, City Manager Janice Ward, Senior Planner SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for a Regional Technical Assistance Program (RTAP) Grant and Execution of a Grant Agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and members of City Council with information to authorize the filing of an application for a RTAP grant and the execution of a grant agreement with the RTA. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council authorize the resolution to file an application for a RTAP grant and the execution of a grant agreement with the RTA. BACKGROUND The RTA has awarded the City of Elgin an $80,000 RTAP grant for the National Street Station Area Plan Project. RTAP funds are provided for comprehensive transit planning and market research studies and for the development of innovative approaches to improving access to local transit facilities. Elgin's planning project will result in a transit-oriented redevelopment plan for areas adjacent to the National Street Metra station (see attached planning area). The plan will accommodate land uses and densities that support a multimodal environment and integrate into the existing community. In order to secure the RTAP grant, the City of Elgin must commit a twenty-percent (20%) local share contribution ($20,000) based on the total project cost ($100,000). In addition, the City must file an application package and execute a grant agreement with the RTA. COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED None • • RTAP Application and Grant Agreement March 21, 2008 Page 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT The RTA has agreed to fund 80% ($80,000) of the total cost of the National Street Station Area Plan Project. A 20% ($20,000) local share is to be paid by the City of Elgin. The Riverboat Fund, account number 275-0000-791.30-99, project number 030161, has sufficient funds budgeted ($20,000) and available ($20,000) for this expenditure. LEGAL IMPACT None ALTERNATIVES 1. The Council may choose to authorize the resolution to file an application for RTAP funding and the execution of a grant agreement with the RTA. 2. The Council may choose not to file an application for RTAP funding. Respectfully submitted for Council consideration. JAW Attachments