Title
An Ordinance authorizing the execution of a consent letter with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for the Amtrak ADA Station Program Improvements at 220 SE Main Street, Lee's Summit, Missouri.
(Note: First read by Council on October 24, 2024. Passed by unanimous vote.)
Body
Issue/Request:
This is an ordinance which will approve a maintenance agreement between the City and Amtrak for the maintenance and upkeep of the train station and surrounding grounds in the downtown area, following the construction of improvements by Amtrak.
Key Issues:
Approval of a letter agreement to initiate the improvements by Amtrak and maintenance by the City. The City is already obligated to maintain the improvements as they exist today.
Proposed City Council Motion:
I move for second reading of An Ordinance authorizing the execution of a consent letter with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation for the Amtrak ADA Station Program Improvements at 220 SE Main Street, Lee's Summit, Missouri.
Background:
On August 5, 1981, the City executed an “Agreement Relating to Joint Station Rehabilitation Program with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (“Amtrak”) relating to the joint station rehabilitation program under the Rail Passenger Services Act, for the rehabilitation of the train station in downtown Lee’s Summit. That agreement recites that Amtrak leases the site from the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, which owns the railroad right-of-way. The Agreement establishes these rights, duties and obligations of the parties:
- The City provides all work to construct the rail passenger station, with prior approval of plans by Amtrak.
- Amtrak was to reimburse the City for 50% of the total cost.
- Amtrak has the primary maintenance obligation for the completed structures.
- The station and all structures “shall be the property of Amtrak and the City equally.”
- The City is responsible for trash collection, light fixture replacement, snow clearing, and lawn care.
Impact/Analysis:
This Agreement creates these obligations for the City:
(i) consent to the making of the improvements to the City’s property substantially in accordance with the Plans;
(ii) agree to provide Amtrak and its contractors access to the City’s property at the time the improvements are to be made;
(iii) confirm that the City will assume the ongoing responsibility for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the improvements to the city’s property;
(iv) timely sign any related documentation that may be required for Amtrak and its contractors to complete the project;
(v) the City cannot remove the improvements for as long as Amtrak uses or intends to use the improvements in providing rail will provide Amtrak with continued access to the improvements while Amtrak operates the station.
This Agreement will allow for improvements to the station according to the plans which are attached to the Agreement, and Amtrak will be funding the improvements. This Agreement allows for approval of the plans, and the City will have primary maintenance obligations.
Timeline:
The letter indicates that the improvements will happen promptly after City approval.
Presenter
David Bushek, Chief Counsel of Economic Development and Planning