REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: August 20, 2018 Report No. EPW-18-028
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
SUBJECT:
Title
Council Resolution for Funding Request to Federation of Canadian Municipalities - Municipal Asset Management Program
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council resolves to support submission of a funding application to the Municipal Asset Management Program, through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, for a Road Corridor Management Program with a value of $67,000, and that the Township confirm that it will commit up to $17,000 towards the cost of this Project.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Not Applicable
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Well Managed and Well Maintained Infrastructure
BACKGROUND:
Infrastructure Canada has established the Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP), which is administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). It is a five year, $50 million program to assist municipalities to make informed infrastructure investment decisions. Under this program, municipalities can obtain 80% of the project funding with the maximum MAMP funding contribution, which are capped at $50,000. The Project has to be completed 11 months from the date of FCM Project approval.
The program has five eligible activities. Engineering and Public Works has identified a project that would be eligible under the Data Collection and Reporting stream. The project would review the condition of streets, line markings, curbs/gutters, sidewalks, signage and street lighting levels. The data collected is then used to generate a customized road corridor prioritization list. This information will then be combined with the information (primarily underground condition assessment) being gathered from the Road Corridor Program. Based on the two sets of information, maintenance and renewal programs/projects will be established and under taken.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
It is staff’s recommendation that Council approve a resolution of support in order for staff to apply for the grant funding opportunity from FCM.
If funding is granted, this project would provide the Township with a condition assessment of the various components of infrastructure listed. This type of assessment is also one that could be repeated over recurring years, in order to monitor the various infrastructure components. The periodic data collection/condition assessment would then be utilized to establish programs for maintenance, renewal or upgrade of the various components. By establishing these programs, the Township will be demonstrating its understanding of the importance of asset management to funding agencies, which will increase the possibility of future funding to be received from various agencies.
2. Organizational Implications
Staff will complete and submit the application. The Program accepts applications every two months and it has been assumed that approval would occur approximately after one month after intake. Once funding has been approved by FCM, the project will be undertaken. Staff will be able to adjust their work plans in order to carry out this project within the time restrictions set out by the Program.
3. Financial Implications
The budget for the project is estimated to be $67,000; the breakdown of costs is:
• FCM $50,000
• Township $17,000
This breakdown is based on the assumption that the Township would receive the full FCM contribution. If the FCM contribution is in the range of $35,000, the scope of work of the project would be modified or additional funding found from sources within the Township. Program funding from Gas Tax or other government funding can be utilized to cover any remaining costs.
Engineering and Public Works have held discussions with Finance about the availability of funding for the Township’s portion of the project. This level of funding would be achievable in the 2018 budget or a subsequent budget cycle.
There will be an impact on the operational budget once the project was completed, with a funding request occurring either every three or five years to update the information collected and monitored. This cost will range between $50,000 to $60,000.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
This Project advances the asset management plans to support a number of infrastructure components. Increased maintenance activities would occur by way of monies being utilized in locations that will extend the life of the asset and reduce the risk of the asset failure. In turn, this will drastically reduce the need for renewals or upgrades.
5. Communication & Engagement
The Township will provide information to residents regarding the nature of the project, timelines, etc. This information would be posted on the Township’s website and other social media as well as in the newsletter, providing updates as the project moves forward.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council support the submission of a funding application to the Municipal Asset Management Program, through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, for a Road Corridor Management Program with a value of $67,000, and that the Township confirm it will commit up to $17,000 towards the cost of this project.
2. That Council directs staff not to submit a funding application to the Municipal Asset Management Program, through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, for a Road Corridor Management Program, and that the Township does not make any funding commitment towards the cost of this project.