Title
Recommendation to Adopt of Plans and Specifications and Authorize a Call for Bids for Raised Median and Curb Bulb-Out Improvements on Grand Street at Wood School, No. P.W. 03-14-16. (Public Works 4210310)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: John A. Russo, City Manager
Re: Adopt Plans and Specifications and Authorize a Call for Bids for Raised Median and Curb Bulb-out Improvements on Grand Street at Wood School, No. P.W. 03-14-16
BACKGROUND
In 2012, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) issued a call for projects for Cycle 10 of the state-legislated Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. Public Works Department staff submitted a grant application to improve a mid-block crossing on Grand Street in front of Wood Middle School and Rittler Park. The grant submittal was based on feedback from Caltrans staff, Wood and Lum School staff, AC Transit staff, Recreation and Park Department staff, adjacent neighbors, and engineering analyses. Staff obtained public comment on the preliminary project concept during the January 25 and March 28, 2013 Transportation Commission meetings.
DISCUSSION
The project elements are shown below:
· A raised concrete and landscaped median;
· Median striping;
· A more visible crosswalk with ladder striping;
· Sidewalk bulb-outs adjacent to the midblock crossing;
· Graffiti resistant fencing on the adjacent public walkway;
· ADA improvements;
· Bike lane restriping;
· Four additional Redwood trees in adjacent Rittler Park; and
· Updated signs.
After obtaining the grant, staff held two public workshops at Wood School - one on December 10, 2013 and the other on March 20, 2014. Community members requested an additional sidewalk bulb-out on the west side of the mid-block crossing. A landscaped median also was preferred. In response to these comments, Public Works staff added a sidewalk bulb-out by the public walkway, and maintenance monies will supplement the grant funds for a landscaped median, which includes a stamped concrete border and drought tolerant native plants and irrigation. Other community comments included the desire for a crossing guard at the midblock crossing and a cycle track along Grand Street between Otis Drive and Shore Line Drive, which are not within the scope of this intersection improvement project. Construction is expected to begin in July 2014.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The project is budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program (Project No. 91306-13), with monies from the SRTS Grant (Fund 310).
The total cost for the SRTS project is $308,000. The grant covers 90 percent totaling $276,900 with a 10 percent local match totaling $31,100. The City Council approved the local match monies from the Transportation Development Act Bicycle/Pedestrian Fund on May 7, 2013. This project will not impact the General Fund.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This project supports several Transportation Elements of the General Plan policies, including Policy 4.1.1.a that directs staff to "improve pedestrian crossing in areas of high use."
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project is Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(b), Existing Facilities.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt plans and specifications and authorize a call for bids for raised median and curb bulb-out improvements on Grand Street at Wood School, No. P.W. 03-14-16.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert G. Haun, Public Works Director
By,
Gail Payne, Transportation Coordinator
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Fred Marsh, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Plans
2. Specifications