For City Council Meeting June 25, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: G. Michael Milhiser, Interim City Manager
FROM: Tim Sullivan, Director of Maintenance and Facilities
Title
Request City Council to Authorize the Release of Bids for the Merrill Avenue Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Improvements Project, City Project No. 220801.
Body
BACKGROUND:
On July 13, 2021, the City Council authorized Staff to submit applications through the San Bernardo County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) from the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Call for Projects with reference to the City’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan which identifies issues and opportunities related to suggested routes for walking and bicycling. Using the SRTS Plan, the two (2) highest-ranked priority locations, Sycamore Avenue Safe Routes to School Improvements near Boyd Elementary School and Merrill Avenue Safe Routes to School Improvements near Morgan Elementary School, were selected.
On November 3, 2021, the SBCTA Board of Directors approved projects submitted for TDA Article 3 Call for Projects, which included the Sycamore Avenue (SRTS) Improvements Project in the amount of $639,404.61.
On February 8, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 7832, accepting TDA Article 3 funding in the amount of $639,404.61 and appropriated Measure I funds in the amount of $815,564.61 for a total project budget of $1,454,969.22.
On February 28, 2023, the City Council authorized a purchase order to Psomas in the amount of $239,120 for the design of the Merrill Avenue SRTS Improvements Project, City Project No. 220801.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
The proposed project involves installing sidewalks, American with Disability Act (ADA) curb ramps, and school 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 2024
Anticipate Award by City Council September 2024
Anticipate the Start of Construction November 2024
Anticipate Construction Completion March 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 Merrill Avenue 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:
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:
On February 8, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 7832, accepting TDA Article 3 funding the amount of $639,404.61, Account No. 22047326-53001-220801. Additionally, Measure I funds in the amount of $815,564.61 were appropriated to the project, Account No. 22014310-53001-220801.
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 Merrill Avenue Safe Routes to School Improvements Project, City Project No. 220801.