For City Council Meeting [June 24, 2025]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Tanya Williams, City Manager
FROM: Tim Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Title
Request City Council to Authorize the Release of Bids for the Frisbie Middle School Safe Routes to School Improvements Project, City Project No. 240804.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the release of bids for the Frisbie Middle School Safe Routes to School Improvements Project, City Project No. 240804.
BACKGROUND:
On May 3, 2023, the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Board authorized the release of the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Call for Projects for Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities projects and Transit Access Improvement Projects.
On June 13, 2023, the City Council authorized Staff to submit applications through the TDA Article 3 Call for Projects with reference to the City’s School Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan, which identifies issues and opportunities related to suggested routes for walking and bicycling. Using the SRTS Plan, staff recommended pursuing improvements at Frisbie Middle School and Bemis Elementary, as these locations are designated among the high-priority segments in the SRTS plan.
On November 14, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 8170, accepting the TDA Article 3 grant funding of $1,095,090.75, with a local match of $589,664.25 for the Frisbie Middle SRTS Improvements Project.
On June 11, 2024, the City Council authorized a purchase order to Michael Baker International in the amount of $340,975 for the design of the project.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
The proposed project will consist of installing sidewalks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps, and school and motorist signage as identified in the SRTS Plan. A conceptual map of the improvements is included as Attachment 1.
The tentative timeline for the award is as follows:
Anticipate Release of Bids to be Issued July/August 2025
Anticipate Award by City Council September/October 2025
Anticipate the Start of Construction November 2025
Anticipate Construction Completion June 2026
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 Frisbie Middle School Safe Routes to School (SRTS) 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:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
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:
Financial Impact
On November 14, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 8170 for the Frisbie Middle School Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Improvements Project, accepting the TDA Article 3 grant funding of $1,095,090.75, with a local match of $589,664.25, establishing a total project budget of $1,684,755.
The current remaining project budget is $1,297,136.
Licensing
A business license or payment of applicable fees is not required for this action.