Item No. 8
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: JANUARY 15, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH ALTA PLANNING + DESIGN, INC. FOR THE TOWN OF
ATHERTON BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN
UPDATE, AND DEFERRAL OF THE SELBY LANE BICYCLE
LANES PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council authorize the City Attorney to prepare and City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Alta Planning + Design, Inc. for the Town of Atherton Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update in the total amount not to exceed $250,000, including contingency. It is further recommended that the City Council defer implementation of the Selby Lane Bicycle Lanes project.
BACKGROUND
California’s Active Transportation Plan program increases walking and biking options in and through jurisdictions, to enable more trips that do not require a car. It was enabled by SB 99 (2013), with the goals of increasing biking and walking trips, increasing safety and mobility options, achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals, and enhancing public health. In November 2014, Atherton adopted its first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. As bicycle and pedestrian Master Plans are living documents, it is recommended that they be updated regularly to recognize accomplishments, update recommended improvements, confirm priorities and update potential costs. In July 2023, the San Mateo County Grand Jury issued a report titled “Bike Safety in San Mateo County: Making Bicycling Safer in the County.” In the report, the Grand Jury recommended that each city, town, and unincorporated SMC 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.
The update of the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan was included in the Town’s FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program. The Town secured a Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant, in the amount of $100,000 to assist in development and has engaged M-Group to Atherton BPMP Update and Selby Lane Bicycle Lanes Project JANUARY 15, 2025
assist in project management
The Town’s Capital Improvement Program also includes the design and construction of Class II bicycle lanes along Selby Lane from El Camino Real to West Selby Lane. The project has been under design. Public outreach for the project has indicated a lack of community support for the project as envisioned – widening the roadway on each side by approximately 4 feet to provide 5- foot bike lanes and installation of associated stormwater treatment measures (bio-treatment areas and infiltration trenches) within existing Town-owned right-of-way.
ANALYSIS
On July 31, 2024, the Town posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update. As written in the RFP, “the updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan will build off the findings and recommendations from the 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, engage the community in reassessing needs and priorities, develop recommendations short- and long-term projects to maximize the safety and mobility of cyclists and pedestrians throughout the community while maintaining the semi-rural character of the Town.” The Town received one proposal, from Alta Planning + Design, Inc. (Alta) for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan update. The Town and its project management consultant reviewed Alta’s proposal and experience in developing Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans and related materials and is satisfied that they are well qualified to assist the Town in updating its master plan. Alta assisted the Town in developing Atherton’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2014.
Following review of the proposal, staff discussed a refined scope and budget with Alta, resulting in the attached proposal and budget that are part of this packet.
Key components of the update include recognition of accomplishments to date, integration of current efforts such as the El Camino Real Complete Streets Study, updating and identifying primary bicycle and pedestrian routes and proposed facility types, confirming project implementation priorities and costs, and development of policy recommendations to affect implementation of desired improvements.
Public outreach is a key component of the master plan update and is essential in identifying/confirming needs, Alta will develop a Public Engagement Plan that will outline strategies and provide a schedule of activities, deliverables, and actions. The public engagement plan is expected to include:
• Two meetings with the Transportation, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Safety Committee • Two neighborhood meetings (in-person)
• Two community workshops (online/virtual)
• Two stakeholder meetings (online/virtual)
• Online outreach, including a mobile-friendly interactive map • One meeting with City Council for consideration and adoption Atherton BPMP Update and Selby Lane Bicycle Lanes Project JANUARY 15, 2025
There are several routes that have been identified for further evaluation, including development of conceptual cross sections and prototypical improvement configurations, including but not limited to Atherton Avenue and Watkins Avenue.
The update is envisioned to take 18 months, to be completed in Summer 2026. A contingency is requested to allow for additional public engagement if needed.
Following public outreach efforts and refinement of the conceptual layout of the Selby Lane Bicycle Lanes project, the Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee, at their December 10, 2024, meeting, recommended deferral of the Selby Lane Bicycle Lanes project, pending the outcome of the master plan update. If the project is deferred, the development of the Master Plan will include additional outreach to further gauge bicycle and pedestrian needs along Selby Lane and develop consensus on active transportation improvements.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Pedestrian and bicycle plans and facilities are exempt from full environmental review by Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21080.20(a)(1). The plan is developed by a local jurisdiction (Town of Atherton) that promotes and encourages residents to choose walking or bicycling through the creation of safe, comfortable, connected, and accessible pedestrian and bicycling networks.
Specific project implementation may require environmental review depending on the scope of the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
The overall base agreement for the master plan update is $225,094. Staff is requesting an additional contingency in the amount of $24,906 in the event additional outreach meetings or scope adjustments are needed. The task order with M-Group was issued in the amount of $40,000. The Town’s FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program included an allocation of $250,000 and these funds will be supplemented by a Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in the amount of $100,000 to support the project.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area A – Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
• Goal Area B – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life • Goal Area D – Manage Circulation and Improve Safety
• Goal Area E – Strengthen Community Engagement and Transparency • Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned
POLICY FOCUS
Atherton BPMP Update and Selby Lane Bicycle Lanes Project JANUARY 15, 2025
The Councils policy focus should be on the need to update the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, outlining accomplishments since the adoption of the Town’s initial Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted in 2014; conducting public outreach, and identifying and prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian network needs throughout the Town.
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
Transportation Committee (meets every other month)
ATTACHMENTS
1. Alta Planning + Design BPMP Updated Scope Proposal – January 7, 2025
2. Alta Planning + Design BPMP Updated Fee Proposal – January 7, 2025