For City Council Meeting [November 12, 2024]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: G. Michael Milhiser, Interim City Manager
AUTHOR: Tim Sullivan, Director of Public Works
Title
Request City Council to Authorize the Release of Bids for the Bemis Elementary Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Improvements Project, City Project No. 240805.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Authorize the release of bids for the Bemis Elementary Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Improvements Project, City Project No. 240805.
BACKGROUND:
On July 13, 2021, the City Council authorized staff to submit applications to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) for funding from the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Call for Projects. This was in reference to the City’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan, which identifies issues and opportunities for suggested walking and bicycling routes. According to the SRTS Plan, Bemis Elementary School was identified as one of the highest-priority locations.
On October 13, 2023, the SBCTA Board of Directors approved the projects submitted for the TDA Article 3 Call for Projects, including the Bemis Elementary School Safe Routes to School Project, which received funding of $716,745.
On February 27, 2024, the City Council authorized a purchase order for $196,000 to Proactive Engineering for the design of the Bemis Elementary SRTS Improvements Project, with the City Project No. 240805.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
The proposed project will consist of installing sidewalk, American with Disability Act (ADA) curb ramps, and school signage as identified in the SRTS Plan. A project map is included as Attachment 1.
The tentative timeline for the project is as follows:
Anticipate Release of Bids to be Issued November 2024
Anticipate Award by City Council January 2025
Anticipate the Start of Construction March 2025
Anticipate Construction Completion June 2025
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
Section 21084 of the California Public Resources Code requires that the guidelines for implementation of the California Environmental Quality (CEQA) include a list of classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and which shall, therefore, be exempt from the provisions of CEQA. In response to that mandate, the Secretary for Resources identified classes of projects that do not have a significant effect on the environment and are declared categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents. In accordance with 14 CCR Section 15301 “Existing Facilities,” Class 1 projects consist of the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures and facilities; therefore, the Bemis Elementary SRTS Improvements Project is considered categorically exempt from CEQA. Staff will prepare and file a Notice of Exemption for the project with the San Bernardino County Clerk.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
This action is consistent with Guiding Principle 3A in the General Plan:
The City of Rialto has also outlined key Goals and Objectives through which the City looks to minimize congestion on the local road network, create opportunities and incentives for people to avoid the use of their cars for short trips, and maintain a circulation system that supports local businesses’ needs. These efforts will contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to State mandates.
Goal 4-4: Protect school children and others from traffic hazards around schools.
Goal 4-8: Establish and maintain a comprehensive system of pedestrian trails and bicycle routes that provide viable connections throughout the City.
Goal 4-9: Promote walking.
Policy 4-9.1: Install sidewalks where they are missing and make improvements to existing sidewalks for accessibility purposes. Priority should be given to needed sidewalk improvement near schools and activity centers. Provide wider sidewalks in areas with higher pedestrian volumes.
Policy 4-9.3: Provide pedestrian-friendly and safety improvements, such as crosswalks and pedestrian signals, in all pedestrian activity areas.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Operating Budget Impact:
The proposed action will not affect the Operating Budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact:
The project is funded by the TDA Article 3 grant in the TDA Article 3 Grant Fund, Account No. 22047326-53001-240805, in the amount of $716,745. A local match of $385,905 has been allocated through the Measure I Fund, Account No. 22014310-53001-240805, for a total project budget of $1,102,650. The project currently has a remaining budget of $905,323 available for construction costs, with an engineer’s estimate of $700,000.
Licensing
A business license or payment of applicable fees is not required for this action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council Authorize the release of bids for the Bemis Elementary Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Improvements Project, City Project No. 240805.