Please approve the project as currently presented.
Thank you,
Wendy Riggs
SR2S Coordinator, LGMS
lgsaferoutes.org
From: Ryan Rosenberg < >
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 9:26 AM
To: PublicComment <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #11
EXTERNAL SENDER
Dear Los Gatos Town Council,
I urge you to reject option 3 and re-consider option 1.
Option 3 implements a Winchester-style road on a neighborhood street. I feel that is the wrong direction for Shannon Road, and the wrong direction for our town. Let’s keep our neighborhood streets local.
This plan (as proposed) is opposed by all the residents (as far as I can tell). The overall project is not opposed; the idea of buffered bike lanes and wide sidewalks are.
Why? Because these extra wide bike lanes and wide sidewalks come at the cost of aesthetics. And they come at the cost of green space. How things look is core to our town and matters to all our town citizens no matter where they live. Aesthetics matter on every project.
Safety is essential, but option 3 goes beyond safety. There has been no evidence presented that our street needs this particular design. Indeed there are already many elements planned (adding speed bumps, removing parking, and adding a dedicated bike lane) that will improve safety.
Instead the stated goal is to encourage biking. While this is an important goal it must be balanced across the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and residents. In this particular case I feel balance is not being maintained.
This project may end up a bit of a “bridge to nowhere”. We are singling out a single block - but every connecting block has, and will likely remain, more neighborhood stye.
In summary: this plan sets a direction - turning our neighborhood streets into major thoroughfares - that I doubt many in town want to see.
Thank you for your consideration. And many thanks for your service to our town.
Best regards,
Ryan Rosenberg
From: Ryan Rosenberg < >
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 9:28 AM
To: PublicComment <[email protected]>
Subject: Comments on Item #11 from another resident
EXTERNAL SENDER
Dear Clerk,
A Shannon Road resident sent me this email. I believe he may have been confused about the process for submitting his comments. Is it possible for me to submit this for him? Best regards,
Ryan
Hi Ryan
It’s Glenn Lyles at Shannon and I’m without a computer and hope the following can somehow be included in the Shannon Road Project discussion at the Town Council Mtg.
1. The project is likely being pushed through due to deadlines of the Fed. grant and likely is under funded when you take into account driveways and extra curbs caused by the planter strips and dealing with drainage.
2. Speed bumps…when the last bump is placed in front of our house it will have a significant impact on reducing speeding vehicle trying to catch the Los Gatos Blvd green light and safety of student.
3. Bike lanes are way way over designed. Keep to existing white stripping and pavements markings.
4. Do away with planter strips and use additional space for street parking under existing hours and days.
5. Keep to 5 foot standards sidewalks.
Glenn Lyles
From: Danielle Ratliff < >
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2022 10:00 AM
To: Suyesh Shrestha <[email protected]>
Cc: WooJae Kim <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Shannon Road Pedestrian & Bikeway Improvements - Webpage Update
EXTERNAL SENDER
Thank you for sharing these revisions, I still think the bike lanes and buffers are a bit exaggerated and don’t need that much space and, DO NOT NEED the buffers. By doing this you are making the street less safe for EVERYONE. Also, parking is a major issue, there is already limited parking, we need to keep parking for residents as well as guests, what ado we do if guests come over? Where do they park? Deliveries? Etc.. Would you want this in your neighborhood? Also, our home Shannon Rd. has 2 units on the property. We use the regular driveway and part of our front yard as a sperate parking/driveway area. We NEED to keep additional parking space and additional driveway entrance at the front of our property. How will you make sure this is implemented? Please think of those who actually live here and the impact you are putting on the neighborhood and residents.
Thank you for your time,
Danielle Ratliff
Shannon Rd (front house)
(personal email)
PREPARED BY: Ying Smith
Transportation and Mobility Manager
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Parks and Public Works Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 3/1/2022
ITEM NO: 12
DATE: February 24, 2022
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Trailhead Connector Funding Plan (Project 832-4505):
a. Receive a One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) Grant and Commit Town Funds in an Amount up to $1,000,000 to Leverage Grants in Completing the Funding Plan for the Construction Phase of the Los Gatos Creek Trailhead Connector Project;
b. Authorize The Town Manager to Submit a Grant Application to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in The Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) Program; and
c. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing an Application in the Valley Water’s Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the following actions for the Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Trailhead Connector Funding Plan (Project 832-4505):
a. Receive a One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) grant and commit Town funds in an amount of up to $1,000,000 to leverage grants in completing the funding plan for the construction phase of the Los Gatos Creek Trailhead Connector project;
b. Authorize the Town Manager to Submit a grant application to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in the Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) program; and c. Adopt a resolution (Attachment 1) authorizing the application in the Valley Water’s Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.
BACKGROUND:
The Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Connector project has received long-standing support from the community, schools, and Town Council. The 2017 Los Gatos – Monte Sereno Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and the 2020 update identified this as a priority project.
PAGE 2 OF 5
SUBJECT: Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Trailhead Connector Funding Plan DATE: February 24, 2022
BACKGROUND (continued):
In 2017, the Town received $343,000 in OBAG formulaic funds for the design phase. The Town provided $370,280 in General Fund Appropriated Reserve (GFAR) dollars to match and supplement the OBAG funds. Town staff and the Town’s design consultant have made significant progress in design and environmental clearance. The final Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) and environmental studies are scheduled to be completed in April this year.
The construction cost is estimated at approximately $5.8 million, to be finalized upon the completion of PS&E. The project construction could begin as early as December, pending funding availability.
Town staff has applied for six grants in the past years and has not been successful in securing construction dollars. These past grant applications are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Past Grant Applications
Year Grant Program Requested
2014 Active Transportation Program $ 714,000
2018 Vehicle Emissions Reductions Based at Schools (VERBS) $ 1,000,000 2019 Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) $ 571,000 2020 Santa Clara County Measure B $ 2,986,697
2021 MTC Safe & Seamless $ 5,097,400
2021 TFCA County program $ 1,300,000
Among these past applications, the project’s score put it just below the 10-year funding available in the bicycle and pedestrian program within the Measure B. If the VTA Board authorizes additional funds in the 10-year program, this project could be eligible to receive Measure B grant funds. However, the timeline of authorizing the additional funds is uncertain.
The VTA has a policy in the Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) County program that only projects where all of the other funding is secured or committed will be considered for TFCA County program funding. In the 2021 TFCA program, the Town withdrew the application because it didn’t meet this funding commitment.
DISCUSSION:
There are three grant funding opportunities coming up this year:
One Bay Area Grant (OBAG): Staff from Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority informed Town staff that this project may be eligible to receive approximately $3M in OBAG grant funds, with the Town’s commitment to fully fund the construction and deliver it according to a tight
PAGE 3 OF 5
SUBJECT: Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Trailhead Connector Funding Plan DATE: February 24, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
schedule. The OBAG grant comes from a federal fund program so it has a prescriptive delivery schedule. The project’s current schedule aligns very well with the grant delivery schedule.
Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA): This is an annual program and the grant amount is calculated based on the project’s air pollution reduction benefits. Since the Town has had past success with this program, staff has a high level of confidence that the project will receive an estimate of $1,039,245 in TFCA funds.
Access to Trails & Open Space Grants: This project would compete well in most of the scoring criteria. This Valley Water program requires the Town to commit funds to allow for completing the funding plan for the construction phase.
Table 2 presents a funding plan and estimates of the grant amounts from each source. All three programs have requirements that the Town fully fund the entire construction cost, by leveraging either competitive grants or the Town’s local dollars.
Applying for multiple grants to make up the funding plan for a project is a difficult task as the grant timing and award amount can vary. The proposed funding plan in Table 2 reflects the staff estimate for each grant and the amount the Town would need to contribute to fully fund construction of the full project.
Table 2 – Proposed Funding Plan
Funding Opportunity
Source Low Estimate High Estimate
OBAG $ 3,000,000 $ 3,230,000
TFCA $ 1,039,245 $ 1,039,245
Valley Water $ 840,000 $ 1,120,000
Total Grant $ $ 4,879,245 $ 5,389,245
Town Funds Needed $ 928,687 $ 418,687
The Town Council will need to commit Town funds to complete the funding plan as shown on Table 2 in order for the Town to receive these funds. In all scenarios, the Town’s local dollars will be needed to complete the funding plan.
The OBAG grant is most certain and only requires the VTA Board’s approval. This project is eligible for additional OBAG grant funds because of the past applications to the Vehicle Emissions Reduction Based at Schools (VERBS) and Safe & Seamless programs. This program would contribute the largest amount so the OBAG grant is considered the “driver” in the funding plan. The TFCA grant is also reasonably certain. Staff believes the project is
PAGE 4 OF 5
SUBJECT: Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Trailhead Connector Funding Plan DATE: February 24, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
competitive in the Valley Water’s program; however, staff has less experience in this program.
All three programs require the Town’s financial commitment. If any of these grants do not come through, the Town will need to use Town funds to make up the difference to complete the project construction as required by the remaining grants.
These funding opportunities align with the project schedule and the project will compete strongly because it is shovel ready. In fact, the OBAG funds were identified specifically because of the status of this project and will likely come to the Town without a competitive process.
However, it is always a challenge to secure grant funds from multiple sources to complete the funding plan for a relatively high-cost project. This funding plan puts the risk on the Town to make it whole.
An alternative would be to allow the design to finish and seek one source for construction funding. The Town would retain a shovel ready project, but several disadvantages arise as follows:
Cost escalation: In the past five years, the construction cost for similar projects has increased at an average rate of five percent per year. It is anticipated that the construction cost would increase at a similar or higher rate in the near future. Additional Approval Requirements: If the project construction is delayed for more than a few years, the Town will be required by Caltrans to revise design, environmental, and right of way certification to be consistent with Caltrans standards current at the time. These requirements will require time in revising and resubmitting the documents for Caltrans review, and could also introduce additional design costs. Grant Funding Uncertainties: Although the overall funding opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian improvements are promising, the Town’s past experience with this project shows that there is no guarantee this project would be successful in obtaining grant dollars in the amount needed to fully fund the construction phase. Grant Schedule Alignment: Each grant program has its own timely use requirements. It is not always possible to align the grant schedules properly and to line up with the project construction schedule. For example, TFCA projects must commence within six months of approval by the VTA Board and expend funds within two years. The Measure B funds, if awarded, would not be available in time to match up with the OBAG fund.
CONCLUSION:
Staff is recommending the Town Council’s approval for the overall funding plan and individual actions in the three grant programs and associated financial commitments by the Town Council.
PAGE 5 OF 5
SUBJECT: Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Trailhead Connector Funding Plan DATE: February 24, 2022
CONCLUSION (continued):
The total financial commitment, assuming success with all three grants, is estimated at between $400,000 and $1,000,000 as noted in Table 2 above.
Should grant funding fall short of the anticipated amount such that sufficient funding is not available to construct the project, staff will review the project scope and return to the Town Council with alternatives.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated with VTA and Caltrans staff.
The Complete Streets and Transportation Commission reviewed this item at its February 10 meeting and voted in support of the staff recommendations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Town’s local match amount would depend on the outcomes of the grant applications. With this agenda item, the Council is being asked to commit a total of up to $1,000,000 in Town funds. Committing the funds confirms to the grantor that funds are available and earmarked for the project but stops short of a budget appropriation as the exact funding need is unknown.
Committing $1,000,000 for this project will have a direct impact on the available funding identified in the Capital Improvement Project discussion later in the same agenda, resulting in only $500,000 available for additional funding in the CIP for next fiscal year.
In addition, staff will continue to pursue other grant funding opportunities as they occur, such as the State’s Recreational Trails Program, if these grant programs align with the OBAG delivery schedule.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The funding action is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required. This project has completed environmental studies and CEQA clearance is expected in April 2022.
Attachment:
1. Resolution authorizing application for grant funds
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION 2022-
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
APPROVING TOWN OF LOS GATOS (APPLICANT) TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS
UNDER THE
SAFE, CLEAN WATER AND NATURAL FLOOD PROTECTION PROGRAM OF
THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Santa Clara Valley Water District has enacted the Fiscal Year 2022 Safe Clean Water Grant Program, which provides funds for Water Conservation Research Grants, Pollution Prevention Grants, Support Volunteer Cleanup Efforts and Education Grants, Wildlife Habitat Restoration Grants, and Access to Trails and Open Space Grants; and WHEREAS, the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Office of Civic Engagement has been delegated the responsibility for the administration of the grant program, and setting up necessary procedures; and
WHEREAS, said procedures established by the Santa Clara Valley Water District require Applicant’s Governing Body to certify by resolution the approval of Applicant to apply for and accept grant program funds; and
WHEREAS, Applicant will enter into a Grant Agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Water District.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Los Gatos Town Council hereby:
1. Approves the submission of an application for grant funds for the Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Trailhead Connector project from the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program;
2. Approves the acceptance of grant funds from the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, upon approval of grant funding for the Project by appropriate authorities;
3. Certifies that the Town of Los Gatos has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the Project(s);
4. Certifies that the Town of Los Gatos will review and agree to the Special Provisions, General Provisions, Financial Provisions and Insurance Requirements contained in the Agreement; and
5. Appoints the Town Manager as agent to conduct all negotiations, execute and submit all documents including, but not limited to applications, agreements, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the Project.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos, California, held on the 15th day of February 2022 by the following vote:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
ATTEST:
TOWN CLERK OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
DATE: __________________
PREPARED BY: Ying Smith
Transportation and Mobility Manager
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, Finance Director, and Director of Parks and Public Works
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 3/1/2021
ITEM NO: 12
ADDENDUM
DATE: February 28, 2022
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Los Gatos Creek Trail to Highway 9 Trailhead Connector Funding Plan (Project 832-4505):
a. Receive a One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) Grant and Commit Town Funds in an Amount up to $1,000,000 to Leverage Grants in Completing the Funding Plan for the Construction Phase of the Los Gatos Creek Trailhead Connector Project;
b. Authorize The Town Manager to Submit a Grant Application to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority in The Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) Program; and
c. Adopt A Resolution Authorizing an Application in the Valley Water’s Safe Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.
REMARKS:
This addendum reflects public comment received through 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 28, 2022.
Attachments Previously Received with Staff Report:
1. Resolution authorizing application for grant funds
Attachment received with this Addendum:
2. Public comment received through 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 28, 2022
From: Jean-Marc F. Blanchard
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2022 8:07 PM
To: PublicComment <[email protected]>
Subject: March 1 (2022)-Public comment #12 (LG Creek Trail-H9 trailhead connector)
EXTERNAL SENDER
Honorable Town Council members:
-I have been hoping to see this project realized for a long time. Funding has long been one of the reasons for the lack of progress.
-I believe the Town should consider selling advertising (tactful of course) on the pathway as a way to help pay for it. For instance, near the top of the connector on the walkway or the walls there could be a plague that says "this way to the Farmer's market" or "this way to Double D's). The more durable the advertising the greater the cost.
-The Town should make sure it applies for all possible ADA-related funding since this connector will enhance the accessibility of the LG trail.
-The Town should make sure it applies for all funding to promote bicycling and non-vehicle forms of transportation. The connector will help with such promotion. -Thanks for your time and consideration.
Jean-Marc F. Blanchard
ATTACHMENT 2
PREPARED BY: Matt Morley
Parks and Public Works Director
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 03/01/2022
ITEM NO: 13
DATE: February 23, 2022
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Review the Fiscal Year 2021/22 – 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program and Provide Input for Fiscal Year 2022/23 – 2026/27 Budget Planning RECOMMENDATION:
Review the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021/22 – 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and provide input for FY 2022/23 – 2025/27 budget planning.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This report builds on the update provided to the Town Council in August 2021 and identifies significant additional unfunded needs. The Town has had great success leveraging Town funds by obtaining grants. These grants allow the Town to stretch local dollars in implementing projects. However, grants have matching fund requirements and the Town has other important projects as identified below, with over $7 million in immediate needs and anticipated available funds of $2.5 million.
In addition to project needs, ongoing assessments of deferred infrastructure needs have identified $75 million in deferred expenditures and future funding needs across four categories.
Understanding that funding the full need is untenable, each category can be prioritized over five-year increments. This aligns with a five-year CIP budget with a five-year need of $25 million.
The goal of this report is to present the funding needs and to facilitate a discussion on priorities, which will provide staff with guidance leading into the annual CIP process.
PAGE 2 OF 6
SUBJECT: Review the Fiscal Year 2021/22 – 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program and Provide Input for Budget Planning
DATE: February 23, 2022
BACKGROUND:
On June 1, 2021, the Town Council approved the Fiscal Year 2021/22 – 2025-26 CIP. Since that time, several Council actions have appropriated CIP funds to additional projects:
Project Funds
Union Avenue Community Garden $35,000
Public Art Gateway Project $32,000
Lynne Avenue Pedestrian Path Design $75,000
Blossom Hill Road Traffic Calming $200,000
Downtown Parking Signage $400,000
Roadside Fire Fuel Reduction $575,000
Forbes Mill Pedestrian Bridge Artwork $30,000
Civic Center Security Enhancements $110,000
Corporation Yard Building Replacement $135,981
Adult Recreation Center HVAC $130,000
Additional Funding for 224 W Main $29,568
These adjustments in conjunction with previous budget actions have left a current balance in the General Fund Reserve of just over $500,000. Approaching the next budget process, staff expects an additional $1,500,000 plus anticipated FY 2021/22 Measure G proceeds of $500,000.
DISCUSSION:
The Town’s CIP includes capital improvements and capital maintenance. Capital improvements tend to garner a significant amount of the funding for a number of reasons, including the excitement of building new infrastructure and, in the case of Los Gatos recently, the availability of grant funding that allows for leveraging local dollars.
Ongoing CIP Projects
Staff has continued the effort of providing CIP project updates in a graphical format (Attachment 1). The intent of this format is to provide a consistent at a glance summary of each project, including its progress, funding, and any important factors that could influence the project delivery.
PAGE 3 OF 6
SUBJECT: Review the Fiscal Year 2021/22 – 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program and Provide Input for Budget Planning
DATE: February 23, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued) :
Project Funding Needs
Currently several projects are underway with anticipated additional funding needs, as identified in the table below. In some cases the additional need is match funding for grants that allow for the Town to leverage funds. This is illustrated with amounts in the far right column. In other cases, alternative (non-Town) funding is not available and the Town will need to contribute funds. This is illustrated with amounts in the center column.
The above list is complemented by a longer list (Attachment 2) of projects that have been identified as needs over time. Staff maintains the list as a working document and modifies it to add and remove projects as priorities change or as projects are completed.
This abbreviated list of over $7 million in needs provides challenges for advancing these projects in light of the limited capital funds available as identified in the background section of this report. For projects with grants, not meeting a match obligation would mean the funds would revert back to the grantor.
Deferred Capital Needs
Staff has been compiling capital improvement funding needs across a number of categories in order to help grow an understanding of overall deferred capital expenditures. These needs have grown out of focused studies and assessments that evaluate and quantify incremental costs which build to the category costs. For most infrastructure, the Town has historically employed a run to failure model. This approach to capital maintenance is ineffective by way of its reactionary nature and organizational disruption. The table below provides a summary of these amounts, with the following section of this report describing each.
Projects with Additional Funding Needs GFAR Funds
Need
Other Fund
Source Need
Hwy 17/9 Interchange & Capacity Improvements
(Design Phase Local Match) (GFAR)
$780,000
Corporation Yard Building Replacement (GFAR) $600,000
Shannon Road Ped & Bike Improvements (multiple
sources)
$1,200,000
Shannon Road Repair (GFAR) $4,500,000
Los Gatos Creek Trail Connector Project $928,687 $4,879,245 Blossom Hill Road Traffic Safety Project (construction) $100,000 $950,000 Kennedy Road Sidewalk and Bike Lane (construction) $400,000
PAGE 4 OF 6
SUBJECT: Review the Fiscal Year 2021/22 – 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program and Provide Input for Budget Planning
DATE: February 23, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
Category Funding Need
Facilities Capital Maintenance $20 M
Stormwater Infrastructure $15 M
Pavement Maintenance (PCI of 75) over 5 years $14 M
ADA Transition Plan (data collection ongoing) $26 M
Total $75 M
Facilities
With the Library recently reaching its ten-year anniversary, the Town no longer maintains buildings that can be considered new and older facilities have ever increasing capital needs.
This last year, a consultant working for the Town conducted a facility assessment that identified current needs as well as life cycle costs for each of the Town’s facilities. Facility by facility estimated costs are summarized in Attachment 3, with a total deferred maintenance (immediate need) of $2.5 million and a five-year capital need of $8.6 million.
Facility capital improvements have predominantly been funded through General Fund surplus allocations. Some small grants are available and utilized for projects through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. In Los Gatos, these projects are generally located at the Senior Center.
Future potential funding sources could include local tax measures.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assessment
Similar to the facility assessment, a consultant working for the Town is currently updating the Town’s ADA Transition Plan. This required plan identifies non-ADA compliant elements of Town infrastructure, identifies the required corrections, and assigns a cost. The work is in progress and funding needs will change as the consultant finishes their work; however, the current numbers provide a good estimate for what the ultimate need may be. The transition plan will establish a 25-year timeline for addressing the identified deficiencies. All of the costs identified through the ADA assessment are considered deferred. The Transition Plan allows for the Town to address the deferred needs over the timeline established. The total cost is $26 million or roughly $1 million per year. These estimated costs are also included in Attachment 3. Staff expects ADA compliance costs may increase by another 45% as the assessment is completed.
At the February 15, 2022 Council meeting, there was some discussion on conducting an ADA Parking Pilot project in the downtown. Staff has provided a review of that proposed project and the work that the Complete Streets and Transportation Commission conducted as
PAGE 5 OF 6
SUBJECT: Review the Fiscal Year 2021/22 – 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program and Provide Input for Budget Planning
DATE: February 23, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued) :
Attachment 4. Through the ADA Transition Plan, the costs for addressing deficiencies in parking lots are in excess of $375,000. Staff recommends addressing the core needs identified in the transition plan prior to embarking upon new efforts, especially where there is not a documented need.
As a distinct part of the ADA transition plan, sidewalk deficiencies have also been assessed.
This is the last remaining data collection effort that the consultant is working on. To date the work is approximately 70% complete with an identified $18 million in unfunded needs for sidewalks alone to date.
Future potential funding sources could include local roadway infrastructure taxes or fees.
Pavement Maintenance
The Town utilizes funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) to hire a consultant to conduct a regular assessment of pavement condition. A full condition assessment occurs every three years. This information is collected in a program called StreetSaver, which staff utilizes to prioritize pavement projects and to forecast ongoing condition ratings based on investment levels.
The current Pavement Condition Index (PCI) for the Town is at a 69, which is at the top of the “fair” rating. To maintain this level, the Town will need to continue its current investment. To increase the Town’s PCI to a 75 over the next five years, the Town would need to invest an additional $2.7 million per year.
Current funding for pavement maintenance is largely sourced from non-Town funds, including two local tax measures (2010 and 2016 Measure B), gas tax, garbage truck impact fees, and construction impact fees.
Future potential funding sources could include new local roadway infrastructure taxes or fees.
Stormwater
As reported in August of last year, the Town has an identified unfunded stormwater capital need of $15 million. The identified projects improve areas of Town where the current stormwater system has deficiencies that are known to create localized flooding on an irregular basis. The assessment was a snapshot in time and the needs continue to grow, especially as the Town annexes County parcels where infrastructure does not exist.
PAGE 6 OF 6
SUBJECT: Review the Fiscal Year 2021/22 – 2025/26 Capital Improvement Program and Provide Input for Budget Planning
DATE: February 23, 2022
DISCUSSION (continued):
The Town collects stormwater fees associated with development based on the size and type of development, with fees up to $5,286 per acre.
Stormwater capital needs overlap with the operational needs of the Clean Water Program. The latter is partially funded through property tax assessments that were set prior to Proposition 218 which passed in 1996. The fees have remained static since that time and no longer fully fund the program. This is compounded by increasing unfunded mandates by the State.
Additional potential funding sources could include:
Increased stormwater fees for developments, or
Balloted increases to the fees collected through the Clean Water Program, potentially including funding for capital needs. A strategic approach here could include the Clean Water Program advancing a funding initiative as a third party with Town support.
CONCLUSION:
The Town has significant capital expenditure needs competing for limited funds. Prioritization of projects and goals helps to ensure existing infrastructure is maintained in a cost-effective manner while new amenities are added at a balanced and reasonable rate.
The focus on leveraging Town funds to obtain grant money over the last several years has met with great success. Of significant concern today is the ability to meet the match funding commitments, especially in light of other capital maintenance needs.
Based on Town Council input from this item, staff will develop the proposed FY 2022/23 CIP Budget.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact from the discussion of this staff report.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. Graphical Presentation Fiscal Year 2021/22 Capital Improvement Program
2. CIP Unfunded Project List
3. Facility and ADA Needs Assessment Summary
4. Complete Streets and Transportation Commission Pilot Project Review
Data Highlights
Number of Projects that Address Some Element of: Project Funding Status # Projects Category Count Red 12
Safety 32 Yellow 5
Equity 31 Green 32
Quality of Life 34
Mandates 9
Capital Improvement 34
Capital Maintenance 19
Graphical Presentation
Fiscal Year 2021/22 Capital Improvement Program
The following pages provide an alternative look at the Town's Capital Improvement Program.
Some key highlights include:
• This document is meant to be used in conjunction with the published budget and may reflect additional information not contained in the budget document, such as future funding needs. • This is an evolving effort and input to make it more useful is always welcome.
Navigating the Worksheets:
This Project Addresses:
• Each project identifies a series of targets and measures the degree to which the project addresses those targets. This can be found in the upper left box on each page. • The ratings may be subjective and discussion on the ratings may be appropriate.
Project Challenges:
Many projects have challenges. These are addressed in this box.
Funding Sources:
An at a glance funding summary. Additional information is available in the published CIP.
Budget Estimate Summary:
High level look at the design, construction, and total cost of a project.
Funding Status:
Reflection on the funds in place to deliver the project. Red is low funding, green is high funding.
Schedule (chart):
Designates the percentage of the project costs for design and construction and a marker for the current status.
Schedule (table):
Provides target dates for the project.
Comments:
ATTACHMENT 1 Page 185
Rank Project Program GFAR Add Amount
Safety
EquityQuality of lIfe
MandateMaintenanceImprovement
1 Neighborhood Traffic Calming Streets $ 250,000 2 Blossom Hill Road Traffic Calming Streets $ 950,000 3 Shannon Road Repair Streets $ 4,500,000
3 Sports Park Snack Shack Roof Repair Parks $ 45,000
3 Heritage Grove AC Sidewalks Streets $ 150,000
3 Sidewalk Infill Across from Fisher Middle School Streets $ 250,000 3 CNG station decommission Facilities $ 100,000
3 Balzer Field Irrigation Replacement Parks $ 75,000
3 La Rinconada play structure Parks $ 200,000
3 Oak Meadow Air Force Plane Coating Parks $ 55,000 4 Lynne Ave Community Garden Parks $ 500,000
4 Townwide drinking fountain to hydration station Parks $ 50,000 4 Public Art Gateway #2 Arts Commission $ 28,000
4 Public Art ‐ Santa Cruz Ave @ Highway 9Arts Commission $ 21,000 4 Downtown Streetscape Streets $ 10,000,000
4 Highway 17 BPOC (local match funds) Streets $ 1,800,000 4 Oak Hill Play Lot and Hardscape Parks $ 200,000
4 Roberts Road West Trail Connector ‐ 30% Design Parks $ 100,000 4 Charter Oaks Trail Project Parks $ 750,000
4 Union Avenue Sidewalks Streets $ 1,500,000
4 Oak Meadow Fencing Replacement Parks $ 125,000
4 Lynne Ave Pedestrian Path Design Parks $ 75,000 4 Los Gatos Almaden Road Improvments Streets $ 6,000,000 4 Civic Center Irrigation System Replacement Parks $ 200,000 4 La Rinconada Park Turf Renovation Parks $ 200,000
4 Oak Meadow Restroom Expansion Parks $ 750,000
4 Live Oak Manor Park Turf Rehab Parks $ 200,000
4 Blossom Hill Park Turf Rehab Parks $ 200,000
4 North SC Sidewalk Repair north of Hwy 9 Streets $ 1,000,000 TOTALS $ 30,274,000
Fiscal Year 2021/22 CIP Unfunded Project List
Rank‐
1 ‐ Safety 2 ‐ Economic Vitality
3 ‐ Critical Cap Maintenance 4 ‐ Infrastructure Improvements ATTACHMENT 2
Facilities Assessment
Site Deferred Total 5 Year Total 15 Year
Adult Rec Center $ 851,500 $ 1,601,500 $ 2,051,500 Balzer Restroom $ 20,500 $ 27,000 $ 78,000 Belgatos Park Restroom $ 31,000 $ 39,500 $ 97,000 Blossom Hill Park Restroom $ 3,500 $ 22,000 $ 78,000 Civic Center $ 467,500 $ 3,405,500 $ 6,424,000 Corporation Yard Engineering Building $ 3,000 $ 21,000 $ 83,000 Corporation Yard Equipment Building $ 35,000 $ 41,000 $ 557,500 Corporation Yard White House $ 123,500 $ 263,500 $ 393,500 Creekside Sports Park Restroom $ 3,500 $ 3,500 $ 59,000 Forbes Mill $ 121,500 $ 162,000 $ 371,000 Library $ 37,000 $ 349,000 $ 1,620,000 Oak Meadow Restroom $ 22,000 $ 22,000 $ 81,500 Parking Garage $ 42,000 $ 68,000 $ 196,000 Police Operations $ 160,500 $ 381,500 $ 1,492,500 Tait Avenue $ 29,500 $ 116,500 $ 243,500 Theater $ 164,500 $ 1,630,000 $ 5,274,500 Venue $ 337,500 $ 337,500 $ 534,500 Youth Rec Center $ 55,500 $ 75,000 $ 322,500 Totals $ 2,509,000 $ 8,566,000 $ 19,957,500 ADA Assesment
Facility Summary Cost
On Street Parking $ 17,605.00
Parks and Facilities $ 5,833,808.59
Intersections $ 1,679,752.00
Sidewalk $ 18,043,360.60
Trails $ 17,588.00
Totals $ 25,592,114.19
ATTACHMENT 4
Evaluation of a Downtown ADA Parking Pilot Proposal February 18, 2022 In January 2021, representatives from the Northern California Spinal Cord Injury Foundation approached Town staff about their interest in a pilot program for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandated parking spaces. The purpose of the pilot would be to increase the availability of wheelchair accessible parking spaces under the assumption that “95% of occupants of Wheelchair Accessible Parking Spaces do not require additional space to access their vehicle”.
Background on ADA Parking Spaces
The ADA identifies two categories of accessible parking spaces: accessible and van accessible. A van accessible space has increased aisle space adjacent to the space to allow for vehicles with ramps or other devices to facilitate vehicle entry and exit. The ADA has specific requirements for the quantities and sizes of each category of accessible parking spaces in proportion to the overall number of parking spaces in a parking lot. The ADA is very prescriptive in its requirements and those requirements are minimum standards.
The Proposed Pilot
Although not fully developed, the concept as presented to Town staff would involve the following:
Identification of non-ADA parking spaces (those that are not painted blue) near to or adjacent to van accessible spaces.
Addition of signage requesting individuals with ADA placards to utilize the non-ADA spaces if they do not require the extra space.
Addition of signage identifying the adjacent non-ADA spaces as preferential (but not legal) spaces for those with ADA placards.
Implementation of an “intensive media campaign” for education of the public.
Evaluation of the Proposal
The Complete Streets and Transportation Commission (CSTC) heard the proposal in early 2021 and adopted the evaluation as a Commission priority for the year. The Commission’s work in evaluating the proposal would be a quantitative data collection and analysis effort, which combined with a staff evaluation of ADA compliance, would inform future direction.
The CSTC reviewed a data collection model and approved representative sampling for data collection.
The data collection included a review of all downtown public parking lots, identifying the number of spaces, occupancy counts, vans present, and vehicles without placards (illegally parked). Evaluation periods included morning, afternoon, and evening timeframes on weekdays and weekends.
The data collected from the site surveys by CSTC members identified broad availability of van accessible parking. The highest level of occupancy was noted as Tuesdays (42% occupancy) and afternoons (43% occupancy). Follow up data collection to add additional evening data collection presented similar results.
Staff also evaluated the technical elements of the proposal. Staff noted the following concerns:
ATTACHMENT 4
An “Intensive Media Campaign” would likely not be sufficient to education potential users due to the localized nature of the implementation and the ever-changing clientele in the downtown.
The outreach and education would need to be ongoing and consistent. Staff resources do not exist to meet this need in the short or long-term.
Non-standard signage stands a high chance of causing confusion for users. As noted above, the ADA is absolute in its requirements. Non-standard implementations face the potential for being deemed non-compliant with the ADA.
Many who have an ADA placard and do not use the space for wheelchair access still require the facilities that an ADA compliant space provides. This can include the level surface for standing and walking, the ramp that facilitates mounting the sidewalk, tactile elements that help the visually impaired, etc. It may be presumptuous to provide a system that brings focus to those with disabilities that do not require a wheelchair.
Signage on additional spaces would discourage non-ADA users from utilizing those spaces.
These could be critical spaces for the overall parking program as significant adjustments in the parking program are imminent.
The pilot was evaluated in comparison with opportunity costs for other ADA efforts. Town staff have been developing an ADA Transition Plan, a portion of which addresses deficiencies in Downtown parking spaces. Currently identified ADA related parking compliance needs exceed $375,000.
Costs and Conclusions
The CSTC reviewed and discussed the proposed pilot based on the utilization data collected and determined that no pilot project was warranted given the availability of ADA parking.
The cost to implement a pilot project as conceived here would largely involve time commitments from staff. Oversight and management would require an estimated 60 hours at startup and an ongoing 3-5 hours per week. Staffing to conduct the actual pilot, especially given the “intense media campaign” would require a minimum of 80 hours to startup the pilot and an ongoing 8-10 hours per week. Costs for signage, campaign information, and other hard costs are estimated at $15,000. Given the current workload, there is no existing capacity to take on such a work effort.
Given the additional technical evaluation and anticipate workload, Town staff concurs with the recommendation of the CSTC not to proceed with the pilot. If Council wishes to add the pilot, other capital projects would need to be removed/delayed.