EAST PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 7, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Melvin Gaines, City Manager
BY: Glen March, Senior Engineer
Humza Javed, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Mayor and the City Manager to enter into a Project Specific Maintenance Agreement (Agreement)) with the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the US 101 / University Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing and Interchange Improvements Project (Project).
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Mayor and the City Manager to enter into a Project Specific Maintenance Agreement (Agreement)) with the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the US 101 / University Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing and Interchange Improvements Project (Project).
Alignment with City Council Strategic Plan
This recommendation is primarily aligned with:
Priority No. 4: Improve Public Facilities and Infrastructure Priority No. 6: Create a Healthy and Safe Community
Background
On March 1, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 21-2022, approving the plans, specifications, and estimate (PS&E) of the Project and authorizing the City Manager to advertise the Project and solicit bids for construction of the Project. Since that time, City Staff has worked with Caltrans, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, and other regional partners to finalize the various funding agreements and project approvals to advertise the project.
The Project includes construction of the Pedestrian Overcrossing (POC) over US 101; a Class I Bicycle/Pedestrian Facility (bicycle/pedestrian path) that connects the POC to Woodland Avenue to the south, and Donohoe Street to the north. The project also includes improvements to the northbound and southbound off ramps from US 101 to University Avenue; and improvements to University Avenue to provide a safe crossing over US 101 for cyclists and pedestrians.
Analysis
The Project is currently in the bidding phase. It was advertised on January 14, 2023, and bids are due on March 2, 2023.
Prior to the start of construction, the City and Caltrans must execute a Maintenance Agreement to obtain an encroachment permit from Caltrans to work within the State right-ofway (ROW). The ROW extends along US 101, as well as along University Avenue from Donohoe Street to Woodland Avenue.
City staff collaborated with Caltrans staff on the Agreement (Attachment 2). The Agreement is substantially similar to the executed Project Specific Maintenance Agreement for the Clarke Avenue - Highway 101 Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing Project.
The Agreement addresses the City’s obligations and responsibilities for inspection and maintenance of certain improvements within the ROW, including inspection and maintenance of POC; and maintenance of bicycle/pedestrian path, the embankment, traffic signals, lighting, and rectangular rapid flashing beacons.
Fiscal Impact
The required inspection and continuous maintenance costs of the improvements is estimated to be approximately $40,000 annually. The estimated amount includes inspection and maintenance of POC; maintenance of traffic signals, lighting, fencing, striping, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, sweeping; and removal of graffiti. The inspection and maintenance costs will be included in the City’s annual maintenance budget and can be funded from gas tax funds, Measure A funds, or general funds.
Public Notice
The public was provided notice of this agenda item by posting the City Council agenda on the City's official bulletin board outside City Hal and making the agenda and report available at the City's website and at the San Mateo Co. Library located at 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Environmental
The proposed action is not a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378(b)(5), in that it is a organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment as it involves an administrative activity (signing an agreement) for a construction project that has already received environmental clearance.
Attachments
1. Resolution
2. Project Specific Maintenance Agreement for the US 101 / University Avenue Interchange Improvements Project