City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: August 21, 2023
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Encroachment Permit for Valdez Auto Sales
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an Encroachment Permit to allow Valdez Auto Sales to use a portion of Alta Street Right-of-Way to display additional vehicles for sale and determine the cost for the annual encroachment permit and the cost sharing for installation of the appropriate traffic control measures.
BACKGROUND
For the last several months, Jaime Valdez of Valdez Auto Sales and City staff have discussed a process to allow Valdez Auto Sales to use a portion of Alta Street to display their vehicles for sales. Having more space to display their inventory could potentially increase vehicle sales which would increase sales tax revenue to the City.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The portion of Alta Street in front of Valdez Auto Sales is the north-bound right turn lane onto First Street that is confusing to motorists and not needed. One of the City’s on-call consultants reviewed the street configuration and prepared the attached exhibit with the recommended traffic control measures to close the right turn lane. The estimated cost for buying and installing the traffic control is:
Item Cost
Procure five “water filled” barriers to close the lane $1,700 Procure two directional signs $300
Public Works staff time for installation (two staff for two hours at $50/hour) $200 AGENDA
ITEM
16 Total = $2,200
Jaime Valdez has offered to split the cost for installation of the traffic control measures and pay an annual encroachment permit fee of $135.84. Mr. Valdez has also offered to provide some landscaping and beautification along the raised concrete median along Alta Street. He would not be allowed to place any signage related to his business in the right-of-way.
Staff recommends executing an encroachment permit to allow Valdez Auto Sales to use the Alta Street right-of-way. The encroachment permit would be for a one-year term that would be renewable if both parties agree.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: Allowing Valdez Auto Sales to increase their display area may result in increased sales tax revenue to the City.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: This is a collaborative effort between the City and Valdez Auto Sales.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: See above Mission statement.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes No X N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
Explain: Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES
Some, but not all options for Council consideration are:
1. Authorize issuance of encroachment permit to Valdez Auto Sales with an annual fee of $135.84 with Valdez Auto Sales paying half the expected cost of $2,200 for installation of the traffic control measures.
2. Authorize issuance of encroachment permit to Valdez Auto Sales with an annual fee to be set by the City Council with Valdez Auto Sales paying all the expected cost of $2,200 for installation of the traffic control measures.
3. Not allow Valdez Auto Sales to use the portion of Alta Street in front of their property to display their vehicles for sale.
BUDGET IMPACT
As mentioned in the staff report, the cost estimate for installing the traffic control measures is estimated to be $2,200 and Jaime Valdez has offered to split the cost. Mr. Valdez will also pay an annual encroachment permit fee.
Any City costs would be paid with the City Street Funds.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an Encroachment Permit to allow Valdez Auto Sales to use a portion of Alta Street Right-of-Way to display additional vehicles for sale and determine the cost for the annual encroachment permit and the cost sharing for installation of the appropriate traffic control measures.
Attachments:
1. Traffic Control Exhibit