For City Council Meeting [January 9, 2018]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Robb R. Steel, Interim City Administrator
FROM: Robert G. Eisenbeisz, P.E. Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Request City Council to Adopt Resolution No. 7272 Accepting the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Division of Transportation Planning FY2017-2018 Sustainable Communities Grant in the Amount of $200,000 with Local Matching Funds in the Amount of $25,912 under the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1) for an Active Transportation Plan, and Authorize the Release of Request for Proposals for Professional Services to Develop the Active Transportation Plan.
(ACTION)
Body
BACKGROUND:
The California Legislature recently passed, and Governor Edmond G. Brown Jr. signed into law, Senate Bill 1 (SB1) - The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, a transportation funding bill that will provide a reliable source of funds to maintain and integrate the State’s multi-modal transportation system. As a result of this new transportation funding, approximately $25 million in additional Sustainable Communities Grant funding is available for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-2018 grant cycle.
On September 14, 2017, Caltrans released the guidelines and call for applications for the Sustainable Communities grant program, including formula funding for MPO’s and a competitive track open to municipal organizations. The grant is intended to fund local and regional multimodal transportation and land use projects that further regional sustainable transportation goals, contribute to state greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, and fulfill overarching Caltrans mission objectives. A total of $12.38 million is available, and there is a minimum request of $100,000 as well as a minimum 11.47% local match contribution.
Applications were due to Caltrans in digital format on October 20, 2017 at 5:00 PM. Staff submitted a grant application to develop an Active Transportation Plan for the City of Rialto.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
On December 15, 2017, Caltrans notified staff that Rialto was awarded a grant of $200,000. Table 1 lists the major milestones for acceptance and execution of the grant:
Table 1 - Grant Acceptance & Execution Schedule
|
Description |
Deadline |
|
Conditions for Award |
January 12, 2018 |
|
Final Award Product |
February 28, 2020 |
|
Final Request for Reimbursement |
April 28, 2020 |
The project will create an Active Transportation Plan (ATP) that provides a clear and comprehensive framework for safer, more convenient non-motorized transportation options throughout the City. The plan will identify non-motorized routes and associated improvements for bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and safety, expanding bicycle networks; improving pedestrian circulation; reducing vehicle trips; creating complete streets; prioritizing access to transit; creating a first and last mile transit plans; and building a healthy and livable community.
Staff will rely on the assistance of a Consultant to complete the scope of work. The proper procurement procedures will be followed through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to ensure compliance to city procurement policies, and adopted Caltrans Local Assistance procedures.
The overall project objectives are:
• Increase active transportation network connectivity throughout the City of Rialto
• Facilitate mobility throughout the City
• Provide safer, more comfortable walking and bicycling facilities to access work, schools, and recreation opportunities
• Promote physical activity to improve health
• Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases related to transportation
The project scope will include the following tasks:
1. Project Coordination
2. Outreach and Engagement Plan, includes formation of Advisory Committee, presentation to Council, and Commission Meetings; holding Community Outreach Events and establishing a virtual engagement platform.
3. Inventory and Analysis includes review of relevant plans and studies; performing active transportation user counts; and an existing conditions report
4. Issue Needs Assessment Report
5. Recommend, Prioritize and Prepare Implementation of an Active Transportation Network and Programs Plan
6. Active Transportation Plan: Draft, Final and Adoption
7. Fiscal Management of grant, include invoicing and quarterly reports
Staff will request proposals to hire a consultant once Caltrans issues a fully executed contract and formally notifies the City to begin work, which is expected to be by May 2018.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The proposed request is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
Approval of this action complies with the following City of Rialto General Plan Goals and Policies:
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.
Approval of this action complies with the City of Rialto General Plan Goals and Policy:
Goal 4-9: Promote walking. 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 has reviewed and approved the staff report and Resolution.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Staff recommends an increase in estimated revenues in Grant Project Fund Account Number 223-400-4427-7536-180809-22 and appropriation of expenditures with the acceptance of the grant in Grant Project Fund Account Number 223-500-4427-2011-180809-01. The grant is in the amount of $200,000 with a required 11.47% match in the amount of $25,912 for a total project cost of $225,912. The match will appropriate Measure I Funds, Account Number 201-500-4310-2011-180809-04 in the amount of $26,000.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council
• Adopt the Resolution accepting the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Division of Transportation Planning FY2017-2018 Sustainable Communities Grant under the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1) for an Active Transportation Plan;
• Authorize the Release of Request for Proposals for engineering/planning services required to develop the Active Transportation Plan.