Item No. 10
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: JULY 17, 2024
SUBJECT: BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN UPDATE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review, provide feedback and authorize release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the update of the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
BACKGROUND
The Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (Plan) was adopted in 2014. The development of the plan included an extensive public outreach process and outlined existing conditions, recommended policies and programs, and made recommendations regarding the Town’s bicycle and pedestrian network. The project recommendations included project estimates and priorities.
Since the plan was adopted, the Town completed various projects including:
• Townwide Class III Bike Route Improvements
• Peninsula Bikeway Improvements
• Middlefield Road / Oak Grove Avenue Complete Streets Enhancements • Middlefield Road Class II Bicycle Lane Improvements
The Town is also working on a cooperative project with the City of Menlo Park to improve the Valparaiso Avenue Class II bike lanes concurrent with the slurry seal of the street, has awarded a construction contract for the Fair Oaks Lane / Lloyden Drive Intersection Improvements project, and has initiated design of Class II bike lanes on Selby Lane.
Additionally, the Town, with the support of a grant from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) has initiated the El Camino Real Complete Streets Gap Closure Planning Study. The Town has also initiated the Alameda de ls Pulgas Traffic and Safety Improvements project, partially funded by a Community Project Funding Grant supported by Congresswoman Eshoo’s office.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
JULY 17, 2024
An update of the Plan is needed to recognize efforts and accomplishments to date and to identify and outline current needs and priorities. Best practices and the findings of the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury recommend that jurisdictions update their bicycle and pedestrian plans every five years. Funding for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update was included in the FY 2024- 25 Capital Improvement Program Budget.
Following identification of the need to refresh the Plan, several ongoing projects highlighted the need to reengage the community in evaluation of priorities and development of conceptual designs that are supported by the community. The Town also recently received a grant through San Mateo City/County Association of Government (C/CAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority MTC) to assist in updating the Plan through the Transportation Development Act – Article 3 (TDA) program.
ANALYSIS
The draft RFP seeks a qualified transportation planning consultant or team specializing in multimodal mobility and pedestrian/bicycle planning to provide professional and technical planning services to update the Town of Atherton’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (Plan). The bicycle and pedestrian master plan update should recognize accomplishments, assess and understand current needs, update plan priorities and cost estimates, as well as develop conceptual designs for major projects in a collaborative manner with the public. Objectives include:
• Update data sets including traffic and bicycle counts along major routes and collector streets.
• Engage the community in defining needs and priorities. • Develop conceptual designs for major routes with input from residents and community stakeholders, including incorporation of green infrastructure and stormwater treatment measures.
• Update and amend current goals, policies and programs regarding bicycle and pedestrian access and safety. This may include recommendations on a right-of-way improvement requirement for certain development projects.
• Identify areas with high levels of pedestrian and bicycle activity where improvements can be cost-effective and beneficial.
• Develop a description of all proposed facilities, including cross-sections, right-of-way width needed, estimated cost, agency coordination needed, ownership, proposed street crossings, etc.
• Prioritize proposed projects into short-term and long-term timeframes with high, medium, and low priorities.
• Identify funding sources and strategies for implementation of the proposed projects including local, regional and federal funding programs. • Develop geographic information diagrams for the recommended bicycle, trail, and pedestrian improvements in a form that can continue to be modified and presented to the public.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
JULY 17, 2024
• Attend Town of Atherton’s Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee meetings and incorporate their input into the plan update. • Follow best practices and guidance from C/CAG, MTC, SMCTA, Caltrans, and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (MACTO) and others as appropriate.
• Meet the requirements of the current TDA funding grant.
The following evaluation criteria are proposed for the RFP:
• Team’s Qualifications – 10%
• Project Manager’s Technical Experience and Approach - 25% • Understanding of Project Issues – 20%
• Quality of Proposed Work Plan and Schedule – 35%
• Quality of References – 10%
The timeline for the RFP is proposed as follows:
July 31, 2024 RFP available on Town of Atherton website August 16, 2024 Submission deadline for written questions August 23, 2024 Responses to written questions available on Town website September 10, 2024, 2pm Technical and Cost Proposals due September 23, 2024 (week of) Interviews with highest ranked proposers (if necessary) October 16, 2024 Recommendation to City Council
FISCAL IMPACT
The costs related to preparation and distribution of an RFP are limited.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area B – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life • Goal Area D – Manage Circulation and Improve Safety
• Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned
POLICY FOCUS
Policy focus should be on need to update the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
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 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update
JULY 17, 2024
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 Request for Proposals for the Town of Atherton Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update.