Item No. 7
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: JUNE 19, 2024
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION REQUESTING ALLOCATION OF
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3
FUNDING FROM THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
COMMITTEE FOR THE UPDATE OF THE TOWN’S BICYCLE
AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council adopt the attached Resolution requesting that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) allocate Transportation Development Act Article 3 funds for the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update.
BACKGROUND
The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) released its 2023 Transportation Development Act – Article 3 (TDA) Call for Projects on September 18, 2023, with applications due November 13, 2023. C/CAG advised that $2.59 million was available for eligible projects, with approximately $2.29 million towards capital improvement projects, and $300,000 for planning projects. The goal of the TDA Program is to fund specific projects that encourage and improve bicycling and walking conditions in San Mateo County. Bicycling and walking are sustainable forms of transportation contributing to commute corridor congestion reduction, making regional connections, enhancing safety, and addressing local mobility needs. Though local applications are reviewed and recommended by local Congestion Management Authorities, C/CAG in San Mateo County, full application and administration is through the MTC.
ANALYSIS
In reviewing the grant funding goals and criteria, and the identified needs and priorities of the Town associated with cycling and walking, it was determined that the update of the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan would be eligible for funding through the TDA Planning Grant. The Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was adopted in 2015. Much has changed since the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was developed, including the establishment of new climate goals that call for increased biking and walking.
Resolution to MTC for Bike/Ped Master Plan Grant
JUNE 19, 2024
Staff identified the need for an update of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in the FY 2023/24-27/28 Capital Improvement Program outlook. The San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury released a report in July 2023 titled “Bike Safety in San Mateo County - Making Bicycling Safer in the County.” The report included a recommendation that by June 3, 2024, each city, town, and unincorporated SMC should update or generate a new Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (or Active Transportation Plan) if their current plan is older than five years; consistent with the 2021 C/CAG San Mateo County Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Pursuant to guidance from the Council, the Master Plan update is included in the FY 2024/25 Capital Improvement Program.
The Town submitted an application seeking $100,000 to support the update of its Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The Town’s application included a local match of $140,000, for a total project cost of $240,000. C/CAG received 11 applications for funding, totaling $2.36 million, including $2.26 million for capital improvement projects and $300,000 for planning projects. Staff presented the project to the C/CAG Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee (Committee) at its January 25, 2024 meeting. The Committee reviewed and discussed project application scoring and acted to recommended project awards to the C/CAG Board on March 28, 2024, including an allocation of $100,000 for the update of the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The C/CAG Board approved the funding recommendations at their May 9, 2024, meeting.
As indicated above, though initial applications are submitted through the local Congestion Management Authorities, final applications are accepted and administered by MTC. MTC requires a resolution requesting allocation of TDA funds. The resolution includes information on the project scope, schedule, and budget.
FISCAL IMPACT
The grant provides $100,000 towards for the update of the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area A – Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
• Goal Area D – Manage Circulation and Improve Safety
• Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned
POLICY FOCUS
The Council policy focus should be on updating the Town’s Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan utilizing available grant opportunities. Implementing the Bike Pedestrian Master Plan is a key program in the Town’s 2016 Climate Action Plan, accounting for 233 metric tons of greenhouse gas emission reductions, the fourth most effective means of achieving its sustainability objectives.
Resolution to MTC for Bike/Ped Master Plan Grant
JUNE 19, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Resolution: Request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the allocation Transportation Development Act Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle project funding