Staff Report – Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Page 1 of 4
STAFF REPORT
T
O: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Brad Donohue, Public Works Director
Abdulkader Hashem, Senior Project Manager
VIA: Daniel Barros, City Manager
MEETING DATE: August 28, 2024
SUBJECT: Submittal of Application for Cycle 7 FY 2025-26 Pedestrian and Bicycle Funding Program for the Design of Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II) from Serramonte Boulevard to Lawndale Boulevard
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the following:
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DESIGN OF HILLSIDE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT (PHASE II) AND SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION TO THE SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR CYCLE 7 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PROGRAM FUNDING PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE 15306
E
XECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council is being asked by Town staff to submit a grant application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) for Cycle 7 FY 2025-26 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding, commit any necessary matching funds, and provide assurances to the TA as necessary regarding the status and completion of the design project.
T
he Town has proposed a potential project for Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding for the design of Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project -Phase II (the “ Project”) from Serramonte Boulevard to Lawndale Boulevard.
T
he proposed resolution supports the Project and grant application for [$1,246,000 ] in TA Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funds. If the Town is awarded the requested funds, the resolution also commits the Town to the completion of the Design Project, including the commitment of matching funds in the amount of [$154,000].
ITEM #4
Staff Report – Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Page 2 of 4
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost of Engineering Design, including Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) for the improvements to Hillside Boulevard Project (Phase II) is estimated to be in the range of $1,400,000. If the Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program is accepted and funded, the Town’s estimated funding plan for the design of Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II) will be as follows:
• Cycle 7 Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program $ 1,246,000 • CIP Reserves (Local Match) $ 154,000
Estimated Project Total $ 1,400,000
If TA awards the Town of Colma $1,246,000 for the Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II), the Town’s required local match will be $154,000 (11% of the Project). Total engineering design (PS&E) cost is estimated to be $1,400,000.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The City Council’s action in adopting the resolution is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15306 as information collection. With the funding request, Town staff will use the funds to gather data and design a project for bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Hillside Boulevard. Any construction improvements are not part of this action and the City Council will only consider the future construction project after CEQA review has been conducted.
BACKGROUND
Hillside Boulevard is a principal north-south arterial road stretching from Daly City and unincorporated San Mateo County, through Colma, and into South San Francisco before intersecting with Highway 101. It serves as a vital transportation corridor connecting these diverse communities, local businesses, transit hubs and various schools. It also provides a connection link between Highway 280 and Highway 101.
The grant application would request funding to allow the Town to design and addresses a portion of Hillside Boulevard between Serramonte Boulevard to the North, traveling approximately 1.2 miles to Lawndale Boulevard to the south. This portion of Hillside Boulevard is absent of sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps, protected bike lanes, high visibility mid-block crosswalks, traffic calming features, proper street lighting and green street infrastructure.
Originally the Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project was divided into two phases due to budget constraints. Phase I, which is the northern section from Serramonte Boulevard north to Hoffman Street (Daly City/Unincorporated County Border) constructed back in 2014. The First Phase incorporated a road diet (4 lanes down to two lanes), complete street features, alternative transportation features, pedestrian safety features such as High Visibility crosswalks new street lighting and stormwater treatment measures (rain gardens and drought resistant landscaping).
Staff Report – Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Page 3 of 4 Hillside Boulevard Phase II would be designed to mirror the same improvements from Serramonte Boulevard going South to Lawndale Boulevard, creating a unified and enhanced corridor if the project is ultimately constructed contingent on CEQA review.
The proposed Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project would promote micromobility transportation options, it will also center on enhanced safety improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. The planned design includes adding a continuous sidewalk on both sides of the roadway, designated Class IV bike lanes on both sides, ADA-compliant ramps and walkways, high visibility crosswalks with rectangular rapid flashing beacons, street lighting, signage, utility improvements and green streets infrastructure, (stormwater treatment and landscaping features).
ANALYSIS
On June 10, 2024, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) announced a Call for Projects (CFP) for the Cycle 7 FY 2025-26 Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program.
The goal of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program is to fund projects that improve bicycling and walking accessibility and safety within San Mateo County. Projects funded through this CFP must meet the following goals of the funding program:
• Help reduce traffic congestion by safely connecting communities and neighborhoods with schools, transit, and employment destinations.
• Fill gaps and cross barriers in the existing bicycle/pedestrian network, and safely cross barriers such as major roads, rail corridors, and highways. • Improve existing facilities to make them safer and more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Make walking and bicycling safer and more convenient for a wide range of ages and abilities.
A total of up to approximately $19 million in Measure A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funds may be made available for projects that meet the program evaluation criteria. The anticipated breakdown of project funding is allocated as follows by project category:
• Capital Projects:
o Large Capital Projects - $12 million (Max request up to $2 million) o Small Capital/Quick Build Projects - $6 million (Max request less than $1 million) • Planning and Promotions - $475,000 (Max request up to $100,000) • Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) - $475,000
The Town will submit a funding application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority on August 30, 2024, seeking $1,246,000 for the engineering design (PS&E) of Hillside Boulevard (Phase II) between Serramonte Boulevard and Lawndale Boulevard. This project qualifies for the Large Capital Projects category of the Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program and requires an approximately $1,400,000 total budget, with an 11% local match of $154,000.
To complete the funding application for the Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II), a City Council adopted a resolution supporting the engineering design (PS&E) of Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II) and authorizing the submittal of an application Cycle 7 FY 2025-26 Pedestrian and Bicycle program funding is required.
Staff Report – Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Page 4 of 4 Council Adopted Values
The Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II) from Serramonte Boulevard to Lawndale Boulevard is visionary , because it involves designing improvements for a potential construction project that can provide safe, attractive, and sustainable paths of travel for those who walk, bike, or use public transportation to and from work along Hillside Boulevard.
Sustainability Impact
The resolution in support of the design of the Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II) Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding Application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority is consistent with the Town’s sustainability goals and Complete Streets Program goals if ultimately constructed.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could choose not to adopt the resolution. Doing so is not recommended as the application for design would allow for potential funding from the TA so the Town can design much-needed improvements on Hillside Boulevard.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution No. 24-XX, Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II)
Reso 2024-__, Design of Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II) Page 1 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-__
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF COLMA
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DESIGN OF HILLSIDE BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT (PHASE II) AND SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION TO THE SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR CYCLE 7 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PROGRAM FUNDING PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINE 15306
The City Council of the Town of Colma does resolve as follows:
1. Background
(a) Hillside Boulevard is a major north -south arterial road stretching from Daly City, unincorporated San Mateo County, Colma, and into South San Francisco before intersecting with Highway 101. Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project was divided into two phases due to the budget constraints. Phase I, encompassing the stretch between Hoffman Street at the Daly City border and Serramonte Boulevard, completed in 2015 , incorporated complete street elements and green infrastructure. Phase II will extend these improvements from Serramonte Boulevard to Lawndale Boulevard, creating a unified and enhanced corridor.
(b) The Town (Sponsor) has developed Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project – Phase II (Project) to provide an element of safety and mobility for Pedestrian , Bicyclists, and micromobility users to travel along Hillside Boulevard. (c) The Project includes Design new sidewalks, curb ramps, Class IV bike lanes, high visible mid-block crosswalks with rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), street lighting, signage, utility improvements, and green stormwater infrastructure. It will cost $1,400,000 to implement the Design (Plans, Specifications and Estimates) of the Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II).
(d) The Town seeks [$1,246,000] in funding for the Project. (e) The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) issued a Call for Projects for the Cycle 7 Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program on June 10, 2024, and (f) The TA requires the Sponsor’s governing body to adopt a resolution:
(i) Supporting the Project and application for [$1,246,000] in TA Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funds for Project; and
(ii) Committing the Sponsor to the completion of the Design Project, including the commitment of matching funds in the amount of [$154,000]; and (iii) Certifying that any funds awarded by the TA will be used to supplement existing funds for program activities, and will not replace existing funds or resources; and (iv) If funds are awarded, authorizing the Sponsor's City Manager, or designee, to sign a funding agreement or memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the TA
ATTACHMENT A
Reso 2024-__, Design of Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II) Page 2 of 3 for TA Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funding for the Project and to take any other actions necessary to give effect to this resolution and execute applicable amendments.
2. Approval and Authorization
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Town of Colma that the Town:
(a) Directs staff to submit an application to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funds for $1,246,000 for the Design of Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II);
(b) Authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to execute a funding agreement or MOU with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority to encumber TA Measures A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program funds;
(c) Commits to the completing the Design Project, including contributing [$1 54,000] of matching funds if the requested TA funds are awarded;
(d) Certifies that any funds awarded by the TA will be used to supplement existing funds for the Project, and will not replace existing funds or resources. (e) Authorizes the City Manager or designee, to take any other actions necessary to give effect to this resolution and execute applicable amendments.
Reso 2024-__, Design of Hillside Boulevard Improvement Project (Phase II) Page 3 of 3
Certification of Adoption
I certify that the foregoing Resolution 2024--__ was duly adopted at a regular meeting of said City Council held on August 28, 2024 by the following vote:
Name Voting Present, Not Voting Absent
Aye No Abstain Not Participating
John Irish Goodwin, Mayor
Ken Gonzalez, Vice Mayor
Carrie Slaughter
Helen Fisicaro
Joanne F. del Rosario
Dated ______________________ ___________________________________ John Irish Goodwin, Mayor
Attest: ____________________________
Michelle Estabillo, City Clerk