DATE: MARCH 21, 2023
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
FROM: DAVID JACOBS P.E., L.S., PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
ANDREW EASTERLING, TRAFFIC ENGINEER
TITLE: ALISAL SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROJECT CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to:
Approve the Plans and Specifications for the Alisal Safe Routes to School Project; Approve the Categorical Exemption for the Alisal Safe Routes to School Project; Authorize the Public Works Director to execute all agreements and any required paperwork with Caltrans for the Active Transportation Grant Program; and Authorize the establishment of a new CIP project, “Alisal Safe Routes to School Project,” with appropriations totaling $998,000, a transfer of $998,000 from the Special Const Assist – Fed & St Fund to the CIP Fund, and a corresponding revenue budget for the Alisal Safe Routes to School Project with no matching funds required.
BACKGROUND:
On December 14, 2021, City Council approved Resolution 22267 (Attachment 1) to appropriate $750,000 of anticipated funding from the American Rescue Plan Act towards improving the marked midblock crosswalk on Williams Road, and to direct staff to proceed with implementation to fully effectuate the intent of the Resolution. On March 18, 2022, the City published a request for proposals to provide design services for the Williams Road Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Project. Three firms submitted proposals and staff ranked Kimley Horn and Associates as the most qualified applicant. The City entered into an agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates effective May23, 2022 to prepare construction documents for the pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) at Williams Road.
On June 15, 2022, the City in partnership with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) submitted an application to the Active Transportation Grant Program to request funding for improvements identified in the Salinas Safe Routes to Schools Plan (Attachment 2), including the PHB system on Williams Road, plus funds to replace street trees and install radar feedback signage. In addition to funding for infrastructure improvements, the application included non-infrastructure funding for classroom bicycle/pedestrian education workshops, bike rodeos, and walk/bike to school encouragement days. The City was successful in its grant application and was selected to be awarded grant funds in the amount of $998,000. The project plans and specifications are now complete, and staff is recommending the approval of plans and specifications, and approval of the categorical exemption document.
Following the approval of the Plans and Specifications and the environmental document, staff may submit an allocation request to Caltrans for grant funds. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the Public Works Director to execute any necessary agreements and any required paperwork with Caltrans for the Active Transportation Grant Program. Staff also recommends that the City Council approve a Resolution to authorize the establishment of a new CIP Account “Alisal Safe Routes to School Project” appropriation totaling $998,000 and corresponding revenue budget for the Alisal Safe Routes to School Project with no matching funds required. The item will be brought back to Council to approve a professional service agreement with TAMC for the non-infrastructure components and also to award the construction contract following the advertisement of the project.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
The City of Salinas has determined that the project is categorical exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Section 15301, Class 1(c)) because the actions consist of operation and minor alteration of an existing City street. A notice of exemption has been prepared and will be filed with the County Clerk’s office.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This item supports the City Council’s goal of “public safety”.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Public Works Department and Finance Department manage the project accounting. The Public Works Department manages construction contract, inspection, and final acceptance of construction projects.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no impact to the General Fund. The grant amount is $998,000 and the City is not responsible for any matching funds. Staff recommends the establishment of a new CIP account “Alisal Safe Routes to School Project” with appropriations totaling $998,000, a transfer of $998,000 from the Special Const Assist – Fed & St Fund to the CIP Fund, and a corresponding revenue budget for the Alisal Safe Routes to School Project with no matching funds required.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Attachment 1: Resolution 22267
Attachment 2: Salinas Safe Routes to Schools Plan
Attachment 3: Alisal Safe Routes to School Project Categorical Exemption Page | 2
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