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March 1, 2022
ITEM TITLE
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Approve an MOU with SANDAG Regarding the Next Operating System (Next OS) to Enhance a Safe and Efficient Transportation Network
Report Number: 22-0040
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Engineering
Environmental Notice : The Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities), Section 15303 class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and Section 15306 Class 6 (Information Collection).
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) regarding cooperative work to advance the development of Phase 1 of the Next Operating System (Next OS).
SUMMARY
In January 2021, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) was awarded a federal grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Program (ATCMTD) to plan, develop, and deploy the Next Operating System (Next OS) concept in the San Diego Region. SANDAG will work closely with its local partners, including the City of Chula Vista (“City”), on this project and now wishes to memorialize their agreement in this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the parties to ensure the successful implementation of this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 1530 6 Class 6 (Information Collection), Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities), and Section 15303 class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) because the proposed project would not result in a significant effect on the environment, create a cumulative impact, P a g e | 2
damage a scenic highway, or cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.
Thus, no further environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable
DISCUSSION
Over the past several years the City of Chula Vista has pursued its goals and strategic planning to deploy smart technologies to support City staff in it s continued pursuit of the enhancement of the safety and efficiency of its transportation network. These enhancements are with the primary goal of providing a better quality of life for people who live, work, and/or play in Chula Vista.
Similarly, SANDAG, has continued to pursue different grant opportunities, plans, and projects to improve safety, efficiency, and mobility choices for everyone in the region. As a result, in January 2021, SANDAG was awarded a federal grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment Program (AT CMTD) to plan, develop, and deploy the Next OS concept in the San Diego Region. The project grant scope was developed with input and coordination with City staff to help advance the Next OS.
The Next OS is a digital platform that will compile information from various sources such as passenger vehicles, delivery trucks, e-bikes, and e-scooters into a centralized data hub. This data will be analyzed and used to help improve how the transportation system is planned, operated, and experienced by its users. The aspiration of the Next OS is to provide a safer and more efficient network with well -connected mobility choices.
Next OS is a key part of SANDAG’s 5 Big Moves and it will include the development of several smart system platforms to align with current regional priorities including:
Smart Borders – Developing a comprehensive regional border management system along State Route 11 and the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry which should improve cross-border transportation choices and economic opportunities; and
Smart Mobility – Deploying complementary Mobility Hub amenities and Flexible Fleet technologies into a single trip-planning application; and
Smart Infrastructure – Developing a regional smart intersection system to improve safety and efficiency for different road users including freight, emergency vehicles, and people who walk, bike and ride transit. Smart intersections with connected vehicle technologies are planned in the City of Chula Vista as part of this project in the vicinity of major trolley stations located at E Street and H Street.
Next OS technology is intended to make daily trips quicker and easier by providing better information and more compelling options. The partnership and collaborative effort described in the MOU between SANDAG and the City will lead to the necessary work to advance the development of the Next OS and set the stage for future phases of the project which will include project deployment, and management and operations of the new systems.
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DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
This effort involves only nominal staff time and effort to coordinate and oversee the development of the Phase One project concept, system requirements, and design plans. The costs of such efforts will be funded from existing projects that are part of the FY 2022/23 Capital Improvement Program budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The ongoing effort will involve nominal staff time and effort toward operation and collaborative data sharing with SANDAG. The costs of such effort s will be funded by relevant ongoing programmatic Capital Improvement Program projects.
ATTACHMENTS
MOU between SANDAG and the City of Chula Vista
Staff Contact: Eddie Flores, City Traffic Engineer, Engineering & Capital Projects William S. Valle, City Engineer/Director of Engineering & Capital Projects