Title
Resolution Approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County Regarding Improvements to and Future Annexation of the Park Vista South Area
Presenter:
Gayle Sturdivant, P.E., City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director
Rich Mulledy, P.E., Stormwater Enterprise Manager
Travis Easton, P.E., Director of Public Works
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs will take ownership of, and annex, the remaining right-of-way (ROW) and parcels currently owned by El Paso County in the Park Vista South Area. The City will receive $5.5 million from El Paso County for stormwater and surface drainage improvements within the Park Vista South Area, with the specific intent to address Templeton Gap Channel Improvements at the current Siferd Blvd. and Date St. intersection. The total anticipated cost of the improvements is $11 million.
Background:
The Park Vista South Area, shown in Exhibit A, is currently an enclave within the City. This enclave consists of El Paso County ROW, County-owned parcels, City-owned parcels, and other lots located in either the City or County jurisdiction boundaries. The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City and El Paso County would transfer ownership and prepare for annexation of the El Paso County ROW, County-owned parcels, and the City-owned parcels. Other parcels could annex into the City over time but are not included as part of this IGA.
There has been a longstanding request from El Paso County to have the City annex the Park Vista South Area. However, there is a well-known drainage issue at the intersection of Siferd Blvd. and Date St. which results in dangerous flood conditions. The City has previously requested that this drainage issue be resolved prior to annexing the infrastructure into the City.
Per the IGA, El Paso County would provide $5.5 million for the Templeton Gap Channel Improvements at the current Siferd Blvd. and Date St. intersection. The total anticipated cost to improve the infrastructure in the area is $11 million. The City recognizes the need to improve the safety and infrastructure conditions in the enclave and has planned companion funding to complete the needed improvements.
Colorado Spring Utilities has water, wastewater, electric, and gas transmission lines in the Park Vista South Area already, and residents in the area can receive these services. Residents may choose to annex their properties into the City in the future.
Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) has dealt with significant, historical safety concerns at the Siferd Blvd. and Date St. intersection. In 2019, CSFD worked with the Public Works Department to install gates that are closed in advance of precipitation events to prevent travelers from falling victim to flooding in the intersection. The gates have been effective, but still require CSFD resources during rain events. A permanent solution to remove the potential hazards to our residents and firefighters, and alleviate a firefighter resource need, is supported by the CSFD.
The following link is a video of flooding and a rescue at the intersection: https://coloradosprings.gov/video/siferd-flooding.
The following link is a report from KKTV about the gate installation: https://www.kktv.com/content/news/Safety-gates-being-installed-at-Colorado-Springs-intersection-notorious-for-flooding-560001431.html
Improving drainage and channel improvements at the Siferd Blvd. and Date St. intersection will also fulfill a commitment in the City’s Stormwater IGA with Pueblo County. Improvements at this location were on the initial IGA project list in 2016, but the location was not within the city limits. Stormwater funding is only used for locations within the city. Therefore, this project was removed in 2017. With the proposed annexation included in the subject IGA with El Paso County, the location will now be within the city limits, stormwater funding can be applied, El Paso County will contribute funds toward the solution, and the City can meet three criteria (sediment reduction, water quality, and flow attenuation) of the Stormwater IGA with Pueblo County.
The proposed improvements at the Siferd Blvd. and Date St. intersection also provide an opportunity to protect downstream infrastructure which crosses under Academy Blvd.
Conceptual improvements have been engineered, and engagement with residences in proximity to the project location is pending. Staff anticipate that the Siferd Blvd. and Date St. intersection will be permanently closed, and cul-de-sacs constructed on the three legs leading to the existing intersection.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
City would receive $5.5 million from El Paso County, with the total cost of improvements estimated at $11 million.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
Do not proceed with the IGA with El Paso County. The result would stop the transfer of right-of-way and El Paso County parcels to the City, funding would not be provided by El Paso County and City Stormwater Enterprise funds would not be available to address the longstanding flooding issue, CSFD would need to actively operate the gates during rain events, and the City would not get credit towards completing a stormwater project.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Recommend Approval of the Resolution Approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Colorado Springs and El Paso County Regarding Improvements to and Future Annexation of The Park Vista South Area as presented.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A