CITY OF SAN MATEO
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Agenda Report
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
Agenda Number: 14 Section Name: CONSENT CALENDAR Account Number: 10-4661 File ID: 26-12710 TO: City Council
FROM: Alex Khojikian, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Public Works Department
MEETING DATE: October 19, 2026
SUBJECT:
Train Horn Noise Quiet Zone Projects – Amendment
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve an Amendment to the Service Agreement with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for the Train Horn Noise Quiet Zone projects at Villa Terrace and East Bellevue Avenue in the amount of $16,800, for a new Agreement total of $76,240; and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the Amendment in substantially the form presented and approve amendments within the contingency amount.
BACKGROUND:
To meet City Council safety priorities, the City is proposing to permanently close Villa Terrace and E. Bellevue Avenue at the railroad crossing (Project). Project improvements in City right-of-way include, the construction of two cul-de-sacs, fencing on both sides of the tracks, new roadway pavement, signage and striping. The closure will prohibit pedestrians and bicycle and vehicular traffic from crossing the tracks, reducing the risk of rail-related collisions.
The project improvements occur adjacent to and within Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB) Right-of-Way and require PCJPB staff to review any proposed improvements affecting their rail operations.
On May 20, 2024, at the Regular City Council Meeting, City Council approved a Service Agreement with the PCJPB for the Train Horn Noise Quiet Zone railroad safety improvement projects at Villa Terrace and East Bellevue Avenue in the amount of $59,440 and established a contingency reserve in the amount of $9,000.
Originally, the project plans called for a closure at Villa Terrace and median modifications along E. Bellevue. Since then, additional funding opportunities have become available, and public feedback has supported a change in the project approach. As a result, the plans have shifted to closures at both Villa Terrace and E. Bellevue Avenue. Given this change in scope during project development, PCJPB has exhausted their initial funding of $59,440 and will require additional funding beyond the existing contingency to continue review of the project design plans.
The proposed Amendment (Attachment 1) is required for PCJPB review of the design of the 100 percent drawings for the proposed Project in accordance with PCJPB design and safety standards. PCJPB estimated an Amendment amount of $16,800. Any unused funds will be returned to the City, and PCJPB will not charge more than the new Agreement amount unless an Amendment to the proposed Service Agreement is approved. A future amendment for construction-related activities will also be required. The cost is currently unknown and will be negotiated with PCJPB as the project moves toward construction, which is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027.
For now, staff recommends approving the Amendment with PCJPB for $16,800 and reserving the existing $9,000 contingency for future coordination efforts.
CITY OF SAN MATEO
BUDGET IMPACT:
Sufficient funds are available in the Train Quiet Zone Project (462205) to fund this agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
Approval of a Service Agreement between the City and the PCJPB is not a project subject to CEQA, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the review of the Improvements design intended to minimize train horn noise may have a significant effect on the environment. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).)
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This staff report supports the Infrastructure initiative.
NOTICE PROVIDED
All meeting noticing requirements were met.
ATTACHMENTS
Att 1 – Proposed Amendment to the PCJPB Service Agreement
STAFF CONTACT
Charlie Evans, Assistant Engineer
[email protected]
(650) 522-7320
Jimmy Vo, Engineering Manager
[email protected]
(650) 522-7319