Council
Agenda Report
№11/25
FROM: Andrea Renny, Public Works Director
Prepared By: Marissa Garcia, Engineering Assistant II
SUBJECT: Receive a Presentation on the Draft Local Road Safety Plan (Not a Project Under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and Under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive a Presentation from City
Staff on the draft Local Road Safety Plan.
VALUE DRIVERS:
Serve as stewards of the City’s financial resources
through sound economic vitality efforts, streamlining
operations, reasonable revenue enhancements,
visionary long-term planning, fiscal transparency, and
community partnerships.
Expand opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to bike and walk safely through active transportation,
accessibility, and safety initiatives.
In collaboration with our community partners, work to
improve the quality of life of all of our community
members by fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion;
championing equitable access to affordable housing;
and maintaining a safe environment.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
This action is consistent with City Council policies to enhance funding opportunities for transportation
projects, which support City Council’s Value Drivers and strategic priorities of fiscal stewardship, active mobility, and quality of life.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT (LEVINE
ACT) APPLIES: No.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This project was funded by a competitive Action Planning Grant from the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. The City was awarded $200,000 in grant funds with a requirement of $50,000 in local matching funds from Measure X. City Council authorized the Agenda Report Highlights
City Council will receive a
presentation on the draft Local
Road Safety Plan, funded by a
$200,000 SS4A grant with $50,000
in local matching funds.
The Local Road Safety Plan aims to
analyze collision trends, identify
countermeasures, and improve road
safety for all users.
Vision Zero Monterey's goal to
eliminate serious and fatal injuries is
supported by the Local Road Safety
Plan.
Adoption of the plan is essential for
eligibility in future SS4A and
Highway Safety Improvement
Program grants.
Community engagement efforts
include events, meetings, and
feedback collection to inform the
plan's development.
Date: 5/23/2025
Item No.: 1.
Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 1., Item Page 1, Packet Page 1 №10/24
contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates to support the City’s Local Road Safety Plan development in January 2024. The consultant and City Staff have diligently worked on the development of a Local Road Safety Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
The City of Monterey determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)(CCR, Title 14, Chapter 3 (“CEQA Guidelines), Article 20, Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or any reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council could choose not to receive the presentation, or to request additional information from City staff. This is not recommended as Staff will be returning to Council in July 2025 to present a Final Local Road Safety Plan. The Plan must be adopted before August 2025 in order to comply with the terms of the grant agreement and be eligible for any Highway Safety Improvement Program grants.
DISCUSSION:
Background
When the US Legislature adopted HR 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), it established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), a discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years. The SS4A program funds local initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.
City staff applied for, and the Federal Highway Administration awarded the City the amount of $200,000 in the first SS4A competitive funding cycle for an Action Planning Grant.
The SS4A Action Planning Grant supports the City’s development of a Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP). A Local Road Safety Plan is a plan that provides the framework for identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing roadway safety improvements on local roads.
The purpose of the Local Road Safety Plan is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Citywide collision patterns with considerations for all road users; identify data-driven countermeasures that are short, medium, and long-term, in addition to low-cost, systemic countermeasures; and use data-driven engagement with the public and stakeholders on the state of transportation safety. This community-led, data-driven approach will make findings and develop actionable implementation items to improve local road safety. Once developed, the Local Road Safety Plan will ultimately be presented to City Council for adoption as a strategic planning document.
Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 1., Item Page 2, Packet Page 2 №10/24
Vision Zero Monterey
In 2017, the City of Monterey established itself as a Vision Zero city and adopted its first Vision Zero Plan. In 2021, the City integrated the Vision Zero Plan into Chapter 8 of the Multimodal Plan. This was done to make Move Monterey, the City’s Multimodal Plan, a single comprehensive plan that has the City’s established guidance on project and infrastructure design elements for the public, City Staff, and developers when making improvements in the City Right-of-Way. The Multimodal Plan did not include a detailed analysis of collision trends or identify appropriate countermeasures based on an analysis of collision trends. The projects that will be identified in the Local Road Safety Plan will support the City’s Vision Zero goal to reduce serious and fatal injuries to zero.
Future Funding Opportunities
The creation and adoption of a Local Road Safety Plan will provide future grant funding opportunities from the SS4A Implementation Planning Grant Program and future cycles of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The HSIP program is a core federal-aid program for the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. Future cycles of HSIP funding will require that any project proposed be included in a Local Road Safety Plan or equivalent Plan. Without an adopted Local Road Safety Plan, the City would not be eligible for either grant program.
Local Road Safety Plan Efforts
The City and Kimley-Horn kicked off the project with a comprehensive review of the City’s Plans, Policies and documents which support the Local Road Safety Plan effort. This was followed by a statistical analysis of the City’s Collision trends to start building the background for the Plan. Additionally, City Staff and Kimley-Horn attended several community events setting up a booth to present information to the community and receive feedback on safety concerns Citywide. Engineering staff, supported by the consultant team, tabled at Park(ing) Day on September 20, 2024, Halloween Trunk or Treat October 22, 2024 and Downtown Farmer’s Market tentatively scheduled May 6, 2024, as of the writing of this agenda report. At these community events. Staff discussed safety concerns, traffic collision information and played Halloween Safety Trivia with Trick or Treaters. Staff also hosted two community meetings on November 14, 2024 and March 6, 2025.
Next Steps
Staff will present the background and current progress of the Local Road Safety Plan efforts at the May 20, 2025 City Council Meeting, and will return to City Council in July 2025 for the adoption of the Local Road Safety Plan.
AR/mg
Writings distributed for discussion or consideration on this matter within 72 hours prior to the meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.5, will be made available at the following link:
https://monterey.gov/Submitted-Comments
Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 1., Item Page 3, Packet Page 3 Council
Agenda Report
№11/25
FROM: Andrea Renny, P.E., PTOE, Public Works Director
Prepared By: Mark Ackermann, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing and Approving One or More Locations for Rainbow Crosswalks (Not a Project under CEQA per Article 20, Section 15378 and under General Rule Article 5, Section 15061)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council adopt a Resolution to authorize
and approve one or more location for the painting of a
rainbow crosswalk.
VALUE DRIVERS:
Foster a local government that is transparent and
collaborative; and solicits, welcomes and appreciates
input from all.
Preserve, promote, and maintain our City’s historic and cultural resources through responsible stewardship and
historic preservation that highlights the contributions and perspectives of all people who are a part of Monterey’s diverse history.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
A decorative crosswalk needs to be consistent with the
City’s Crosswalk Policy.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT (LEVINE
ACT) APPLIES: No.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The costs associated with installation of a decorative
crosswalk may range widely depending on the
treatment. Typical paint may not be used for crosswalks as it won’t hold up to traffic. Traffic paint, thermoplastic or Methal methacrylate are the appropriate treatments
for high traffic locations. Consideration is also given to traction for pedestrians. Costs can range between
$2,000 and $15,000 per crosswalk depending on the size and complexity of the design, and if work can be performed in-house or if it must be contracted out. Additionally, decorative crosswalks may require enhanced maintenance compared to a conventional crosswalk, their use and appropriate locations should be carefully considered.
Agenda Report Highlights
City Council is considering the
installation of one or more rainbow
crosswalks to symbolize inclusivity
and support for the LGBTQ+
community.
Costs for installation range from
$5,000 to $15,000 per crosswalk,
depending on design complexity
and materials, with funding currently
unallocated.
Four potential locations are
proposed, each with historical or
cultural significance to the LGBTQ+
community in Monterey.
Temporary installations can be
completed in June for Pride Month,
while permanent installations
require contracting and additional
maintenance funding.
Decorative crosswalks must align
with the City’s Crosswalk Policy to
ensure safety and compliance with
federal and state regulations.
Date: 5/23/2025
Item No.: 2.
Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 2., Item Page 1, Packet Page 4 №10/24
There are currently no funds appropriated for the installation and maintenance of a decorative crosswalk, and if the City Council directs staff to install a decorative crosswalk all costs will come from the General Fund unassigned balance.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
The City of Monterey determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CCR, Title 14, Chapter 3 (CEQA Guidelines), Article 20, Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or any reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council could choose not to approve any of these locations or not to install a decorative crosswalk. The Council could recommend a different location or request that staff provide additional locations to consider. Delaying a decision or requesting additional information from staff will extend the project timeline past a June installation date that coincides with Pride Month.
DISCUSSION:
Background
Rainbow crosswalks have been a symbol of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in cities across California since the first was established in West Hollywood in 2012. The City of Monterey is home to a diverse group of residents and visitors alike and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and all groups of people who have been impacted by hatred and bigotry.
The establishment of a rainbow crosswalk at a prominent location in the City signifies this support and furthers the City’s commitment to public art. In the spirit of Pride Month, the City Council may consider the approval of one location for a rainbow crosswalk in Monterey.
Creative or decorative crosswalks are a relatively new trend. Many other agencies across the county have begun implementing various types of new creative crosswalks. Creative crosswalks are a means to promote vibrant place-making, which can improve active pedestrian lifestyles in downtown districts or culturally significant neighborhoods. However, it is important to note that crosswalks are a regulatory traffic control device intended to promote safety. The Federal Highway Administration originally issued an Official Ruling in 2011 that crosswalk art — defined as any freeform design to draw attention to the crosswalk — would degrade the contrast of the white transverse lines against the composition of the pavement beneath it.
In 2013 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) refined its findings to clarify in the FHWA Interpretation Letter 3(09)-24(I) that: “The FHWA's position has always been, and continues to be that subdued-colored aesthetic treatments between the legally marked transverse crosswalk Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 2., Item Page 2, Packet Page 5 №10/24
lines are permissible provided that they are devoid of retroreflective properties and that they do not diminish the effectiveness of the legally required white transverse pavement markings used to establish the crosswalk.”
The City developed guidelines as part of the Crosswalk Policy to address where and under what conditions creative crosswalk treatments should be considered. The Crosswalk Policy serves as a guide to consistently and transparently determine the appropriateness of a creative crosswalk application. The guidelines contain a background of relevant state and federal regulations and feedback of creative crosswalk best practices. Industry best practices and guidance from FHWA and the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) were used to establish common guidance principals, sighting, project styles and applied design requirements in the development of the creative crosswalk policy. In order to recognize the safety reasons for the MUTCD statement and the FHWA Interpretation Letter, but to not completely exclude creative crosswalks, it is recommended that only white paint be used for the transverse crosswalk lines.
The application of white paint is recommended so that the transverse crosswalk markings remain clearly visible
The following is a list of three (3) location options based on their visibility and connection to the LGBTQ+ community.
Locations
Option 1: Lighthouse and Reeside Avenues
This intersection is recommended for its proximity to the former site of popular gay bar After Dark, currently Pearl Hour, located at 214 Lighthouse Avenue. This location is also near the former Lighthouse Bar and Grill at 281 Lighthouse Avenue where in 1997 a man was savagely beaten for responding affirmatively when asked if he was queer. The two perpetrators were arrested by the Monterey Police Department and charged by the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for hate crimes. A rainbow crosswalk at this location would further emphasize the City’s support of inclusion and acceptance, as well as serve the memory of well-known location where members of the LGBTQ+ community felt safe to enjoy.
Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 2., Item Page 3, Packet Page 6 №10/24
Option 2: Alvarado and Pearl Streets
This intersection marks the entryway to the City’s beloved Alvarado Street where Monterey Peninsula Pride hosts its annual parade in celebration of Pride Month. This location would provide the opportunity to bring additional public art and vibrancy to the City’s downtown corridor. Establishing the rainbow crosswalk across Alvarado Street creates a symbolic “starting line” to the rest of the downtown. The City Council could choose to decorate the two (2) additional crosswalks on Pearl Street to encompass the entire intersection. However, decorating additional crosswalks would increase the cost.
Option 3: Pacific and Madison Streets
The intersection at Pacific and Madison Streets lies at the heart of the local government between City Hall, Monterey Police Department, Fire Station 11, and the Monterey Public Library, and it is in view of the City’s annual Pride flag raising held in June. Like the Alvarado and Pearl Streets location, City Council could choose to paint just the crosswalk between the Library and the Police Department (across Pacific Street) or all four (4) crosswalks in the Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 2., Item Page 4, Packet Page 7 №10/24
intersection. It should be noted that choosing to paint all four (4) crosswalks will significantly increase cost.
Next Steps
If approved on May 23, City crews will be able to install the crosswalk in June, using temporary oil-based paint. The crosswalk markings will fade overtime and when scheduled to be refreshed the crosswalk could be converted back to the high-contrast standard white color. If Council desires a permanent rainbow crosswalk installation the markings could be installed with preformed thermoplastic. The permanent installation would need to be contracted out and would take a few months to implement. Increased maintenance funding would need to be identified for permanent installation.
Attachments: 1. Draft Resolution
AR/ma
cc: Monterey Peninsula Pride, [email protected]
Writings distributed for discussion or consideration on this matter within 72 hours prior to the meeting, pursuant to Government Code § 54957.5, will be made available at the following link:
https://monterey.gov/Submitted-Comments
Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 2., Item Page 5, Packet Page 8 RESOLUTION NO. __-___ C.S.
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY
AUTHORIZING RAINBOW CROSSWALKS AS THE CITY’S MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FOR THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY AND APPROVING ONE OR MORE LOCATIONS
FOR RAINBOW CROSSWALKS
WHEREAS, the City of Monterey adopted Resolution No. 23-066 to authorize the observation of Pride Month by displaying the Intersex-Inclusive Progressive Flag to honor the history of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement and to support the rights of all citizens to experience equality and freedom from discrimination. The Intersex-Inclusive Progressive Pride Flag is recognized as a symbol of pride, inclusion, and support for social movements that advocate for the LGBTQ+ people in society;
WHEREAS, the City passed Resolution No. 25-052 which adopted a crosswalk policy that allows decorative crosswalks;
WHEREAS, rainbow crosswalks have been a symbol of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in cities across California since the first was established in West Hollywood in 2012. The City of Monterey is home to a diverse group of residents and visitors alike and is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community and all groups of people who have been impacted by hatred and bigotry. The establishment of a rainbow crosswalk at a prominent location or locations in the City signifies this support and furthers the City’s commitment to public art; WHEREAS, with the adoption of this Resolution, the City authorizes rainbow crosswalks to be painted on City-owned streets to reflect the City’s message of support of the LGBTQ+ community;
WHEREAS, the City of Monterey Planning Office determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Article 20, Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Article 5, Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, this is not a project because it does not cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not subject to CEQA. Subsequent projects resulting from this funding will be reviewed for their CEQA status; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY that the City hereby declares that it does not use its crosswalks to sponsor the expression of third parties. The City declares its intent that the placement of rainbow crosswalks is its own message, and the painting of such rainbow crosswalks by the City shall not function as the designation of a traditional public forum.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City hereby authorizes rainbow crosswalks to be implemented by the City in locations and in manner that is consistent with the City’s crosswalk policy. Specifically, rainbow crosswalks may be installed at the following locations:
_________________________________________________________________________.
Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 2., Item Page 6, Packet Page 9 PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTEREY this _____ day of ______, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Mayor of said City
City Clerk thereof
Council Special Meeting, 5/23/2025, Item No. 2., Item Page 7, Packet Page 10