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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-13 City Council (14)City of Pale Alto C ty Manager’s Report 3 TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AGENDA DATE: January 13, 1997 CMR:105:97 SUBJECT:Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to File an Application for 1997-98 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Funds for Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Projects REOUEST Annually in January, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) accepts grant applications for Transportation Development Act Article 3 funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects for the upcoming fiscal year. It is recommended that Council authorize staffto submit TDA grant application documents for the 1997-98 fiscal year. RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit grant applications for the following two projects in the following priority order: 1) Wilkie Way Bike Bridge Renovation Pah_a~,Amount Construction $33,602 2) Arastradero Road Bike Lane Project Design $35,000 A map showing the location of the Wilkie Way and Arastradero Road projects is included as Attachment 1. :~---LI-~ MP~I ATI: _--. The recommended actions in this report are consistent with existing Comprehensive Plan Transportation Policy 12: promote bicycle use, and Transportation Program 33: complete the Bikeway Master Plan. CMR: 105:97 Page 1 of 4 t~XECUTIVE SUMMARY Annually in January, all dries in the County have the opportunity to apply for State TDA Article 3 funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects for the upcoming fiscal year. Applications must be submitted by January 17th concurrently to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the MTC. At the County level, the project proposals will be reviewed by the County Bicycle Advisory Committee and VTA staff. A priority list of projects willbe developed for review and approval of the VTA Board of Directors, whose recommendations will be forward to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. MTC staff estimates that, Santa Clara County will be entitled to approximately $1,323,000 in "IDA funds in 1997-98, a 4 percent decrease from the 1996-97 funding level. The VTA recently adopted revised priority setting guidelines for the TDA project proposals. Under the new guidelines, 70 percent of the available funds ($858,075) will be assigned to the "Guarantee Fund" to be distributed to local jurisdictions on a population apportionment basis. Palo Alto’s guaranteed amount is $33,602, based on the City’s 3.63 percent of the County population. The remaining 30 percent of the funds ($464,925) will be reserved in the "Discretionary Fund" and will be allocated on a competitive basis according to project merit. Whereas the guidelines previously required the discretionary funds to be allocated equitably among the 5 supervisorial districts, the new guidelines allow all jurisdierions throughout the County to compete equally for these funds. The VTA review criteria will continue to emphasize projects that enhance safety, are multi-purpose, fill in missing links, and mitigate safety problems. Projects that stress these criteria will be positioned better to compete for discretionary funds. This year staffis recommending that the City apply for TDA funding for two projects that have been included in the 1996-98 Capital Improvement Program: (a) $33,602 in TDA guaranteed funds for construction of the Wilkie Way Bike Bridge Renovation Project; and (b) $35,000 in TDA discretionary funds for the design phase for the Arastradero Road Bike Lane Improvements. Wilkie Way Bicycle Bridge Renovation (CIP 19708) This bicycle bridge across Adobe Creek at the end of Wilkie Way was constructed in 1974 and has deteriorated over the pasttwenty years. In order to improve the safety of the bicyclists and pedestrians who use the bridge, .and preserve its long-term viability, this CIP project was created. The project includes repair of the existing wood plank deck and overlay of a plywood, non-skid surface, installation of a new ADA-standard railing, and other related improvements. The project is to be phased over two years, with design in 1996/97 and cons~etion in 1997/98,: Last year, Palo Alto applied for, and MTC approved, a grant of $30,000 in 1996/97 TDA funds for the design phase of the bridge renovation project. The construction costs are CMR:105:97 Page 2 of 4 estimated to be $110,000. It is recommended that Palo Alto use the City’s $33,602 in guaranteed TDA funds to fund a portion of the construction cost. The remaining costs would be covered by the Street Improvement Fund. ¯ Arastradero Road Bike Lanes (CIP 19803) This project was included in the 1996-98 CIP budget with funding of the design phase identified in 1997/98 and construction in 1998/99 to be determined depending upon funding availability. The project involves the replacement of the existing sidewalk bike paths with on-street bike lanes from just east of Gunn High School to Foothill Expressway, to improve bicycle commuting to Gunn High School and to the Stanford Research Park. The project will require widening of the roadway for approximately 300 feet in advance of the Arastradero/Miranda intersection, to accommodate the installation of a westbound bike lane and relocation of the right turn lane, landscaped strip, and sidewalk. The total:project cost is estimated to be $185,000 ($35,000 for design and $150,000 for construction). Staff believes that this project is a good candidate, for funding with the discretionary fimds, since it will complete a missing link in the local bike lane system, provide direct linkage to the longer bike lane network on the County expressway, and enhance safety for commuter bicyclists. Staff, therefore, recommends that the City submit an application for $35,000 in discretionary TDA funds for the design phase, and indicate to the VTA and MTC that additional TDA funds will be requested for the construction.phase in 1998/99. At minimum, the City would¯ be entitled to 1998/99 guaranteed funds and could seek additional discretionary funding for the project to cover a larger proportion of the construction budget. Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee Review As required by the MTC grant application policies, the TDA project proposals were reviewed by the PaloAlto Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) earlier this month. The committee voted unanimous approval of the project priorities recommended in this report. A memorandum from PABAC is included in the packet with the same agenda number as this report ...... Instead of pursuing the actions reeomrnended by staff, Council could consider the following alternatives: (1) not submit an application for TDA funding and utilize funding for these projects from the Street Improvement Fund; (2) not submit TDA funding applications and direct staff not to pursue these projects further; or (3) submit TDA funding applications for other bieyele/pedestrian projects identified by Council. CMR:105:97 Page 3 of 4 FISCAL IMPACT Since TDA funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, if these grants are applied for and secured, City funds would need to be appropriated for the project expenditures and then reimbursed by TDA funds. If"diseretionary" funding is not approved for the Arastradero Road bike lanes project, staff would propose that the design phase costs be covered by the Street Improvement Fund to enable the project to move forward. Otherwise, the City could delay the project by. one year and reapply for funding in 1998/99, in which case, at minimum, the City’s Guaranteed funds could be applied to this project. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT This request for funds is not considered a project under the California Environmental Quality Act; therefore, no environmental assessment is needed at this time. However, under the provisions of Section 15301 of the State Guidelines (CEQA), as amended, the Wilkie Way Bridge Renovation Project has been found to be exempt from CEQA review requirements. "A_T_T_ACHMENTS/EXHIBITS. 1. Project Location Map 2. Resolution Authorizing Filing of Application for TDA Funds 3. Memorandum from Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority re Call for 1997-98 TDA Projects Prepared By: Gayle Likens, Senior Planner DEPARTMENT HEAD REVIEW: KENNETH R. SCHREIBER Director of Planning and Community Environment CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: City Manager Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee Principal, Gunn High School Rosemarie Bednar, PAUSD CMR: 105:97 Page 4 of 4 z NOI i o ATTACHMENT 1 ¯-ATTACtiMENT 2 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THECITY OF PALO ALTO AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A CLAIM WITH THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR ALLOCATION OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997-98 WHEREAS, the Transportation Development Act ("TDA"), as amended (Public Utilities Code section 99200 et seq.), provides for the disbursement of funds from the Local Transportation Fund of the County of Santa Clara for use by eligible claimants for the purpose of providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the TDA, as amended, and pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations thereunder (21 Cal. Admin. Code section 6600 et seq.), a prospective claimant wishing to receive an allocation from the Local Transportation Fund shall file its claim withthe Metropolitan Transportation Commission; and WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto is an eligible claimant for TDA funds pursuant to Public Utilities Code section 99234, as expressed in the City of Palo Alto’s opinion of counsel, dated December 30, 1996; and WHEREAS, TDA funds from the Local Transportation Fund of Santa Clara County will be required in fiscal year 1997-98 for the purpose of improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities in Palo Alto; and WHEREAS, this claim is in accordance with the policy in the PaloAlto Comprehensiv.e Plan to promote bicycleuse; NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows: SE_CTION i. The Council hereby approves and authorizes the City Manager toexecute and file an appropriate claim, together with all necessary supporting documents, wit~ the MetropolitanTransportation Commission for an allocat~on of S~xty-eight Thousand Six Hundred and Two Dollars ($68,602) in TDA funds in fiscal year 1997-98, for the purpose of providing the following pedestrian and bicycle projects in Palo Alto: (I) Wilkie Way Bridge (2) Arastradero Road Bike Lanes Amount $ 33,602 $ 68,602 970107 he 0031482 1 SECTION 2. The City Clerk is hereby directed ~to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in conjunction with the filing of the claim, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission is requested to concur in these findings and grant the allocations of funds as specified herein. SECTION 3. This request for funds is not considered a project under the California Environmental Quality Act, and therefore, no environmental assessment is needed. INTRODUCED AND PASSED : AYES : NOES : ABSENT : ABSTENTIONS : ATTEST :APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM:CityManager Senior Asst. City Attorney Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services Director of Planning and Community Environment Chief Transportation Official 2970107 lae 0031482 ATTACHMENT 3 3331 North First Street ,San Jose, CA 95134-1906 TO: FROM: DATE: Transportat; Agency Santa Clara County Bus, Light Rail, Congestion Managemen! MEMORANDUM TDA Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Grant Applicants Teehnica~~ ~o.~embers Walter C. Streeter, Prinei-ffpal T~a~sportation Planner December 6, 1996 SUBJECT: Call for Projects, TDA-3 FY 1997-1998 Program At its regular meeting of December 5, 1996, the VTA Board of Directors approved modifications to the local criteria for establishing project priorities for the TDA Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. Those.modifications are attached. For the FY 1997-98 program, MTC is requesting that the original and one copy of each completed project application be submitted to MTC .by January_ 17. 1997. Applicants should also forward one copy of each application directly to me as required for the countywide priority-setting process. Please forward copies of your applications to me at 3331 N. First, Bldg. B, San Jose, CA 95134, also h,Y.~. When preparing project applications, please remember: TDA funding guidelines require that cities and counties establish bicycle advisory committees (BAC) and adopt comprehensive bicycle plans to be eligible for funds for bicycle projects. This requirement does not apply to pedestrian only projects. There are several jurisdictions that are in various stages of preparing bicycle plans. MTC may waive the plan requirement if a jurisdiction can demonstrate progress toward completion of a plan for this year’s cycle. If you have recently completed a plan or wish to demonstrate progress and have the requirement waived, please let me know by January 17, 1997. In addition, please mail a copy of your current bike plan to me if we do not already have the most recent on file. Project submittals should include any rcseind/realloeation requests for projects allocated in FY 1993-94 and expiring bnJune 30, 1997, or.projects that have a change in workscope. It is the responsibility of applicants to monitor project expiration deadlines and to apply for reseind/realloeation of funds in a timely manner. Rescind/reallocation requests not received in a timely manner may result in loss of funds to the applicant. To assure your rescind/reallocation request is processed, please send them to MTC and a copy to me by January 17, 1997. Claimants who have received disbursements or obligated Article 3 funds during FY 1995-96, must submit a certified fiscal audit to MTC and the State Controller by December 31, 1996. Claimants who did not receive or obligate Article 3 funds during FY 1995-96 are required to submit a letter to MTC stating that no expenses were incurred. These doeurnents must be received by MTC prior to the allocation of FY 1997-98 TDA funds. Additional information on the TDA Article 3 procedures and criteria can be found in the MTC Fund Application Manual or in Attachment A of MTC Resolution No. 875 (TDA Article 3, Pedestrian/Bicycle Projects: Procedures and Project Evaluation Criteria). Copies of MTC’s Procedures and Project Evaluation Criteria and Bicycle Plan Requirements are attached for your information. Also attached is the most recent status of city and County compliance prepared bythe VTA Planning and Development office. If this information should be updated, please notify me as soon as possible. Seventy percent (70%) of this year’s projected allocation is guaranteed to jurisdictions based on population. The attached worksheet details eaehjudsdietion’s guarantee amount and any adjustments that have been made to date. The figure in the Adjusted Guarantee Amount column is your jurisdiction’s guarantee amount for IcY 1997- 1998. Any future adjustments to the county’s overall projected fund estimate may result in changes to the amount of funds available for discretionary projects. However, based on adopted VTA policy, the guarantee amounts will remain constant. Please complete one application for each project you are submitting for consideration and indicate whether a project is for guarantee funding or for discretionary consideration. All guarantee projects must fit within the dollar amount of your jufisdiction’s guarantee. Projects must beprioritized (l-n) for discretionary funding. If you have any questions about the criteria, application; or process, please feel free to call me at (408) 321-5713. COUN~ CITY FY 1997/98 TDA Article 3 i ii~: Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Fund Calculation TOTAL POPULATION 111196 $1,323,000 TDA 3.0 Estimate for FY 97198 $926,100 Guarantee (70%) Fund $396,900 Discretionary (30%) Fund $858,075 Adjusted Guarantee Fund $464,925 Adjusted Discretionary Fund $1,323,000 Total TDA 3.0 Estimate for FY 97198 CALIFORNIA SANTA CLARA Campbell Cupertino Gilroy Los Altos Los Altos Hills Los Gatos Milpitas Monte Sereno Morgan Hill Mountain View Palo Alto San Jose Santa Clare Saratoga Sunnyvale Unincorporated 32,231,000 POP 1,612,300 Percent 38,250 2.37% 43,650 2.71% 34,000 2.11% 27,300 1.69% 7,800 0.48% 28,950 1.80% 59,700 3.70% 3,280 0.20% 27,950 1.73% 71,300 4.42% 58,500 3.63% 849,400 52.68% 98,000 6.08% 29,600 t .84% 126,100 7.82% 108,500 6.73% 100.00% Adjusted GuaranteeAmt:GuaranteeAmt: $21,971 $0 TFCA Trade $25,072 $25,072 $19,529 $19,529 $15,681 $15,681 $4,480 $4,480 ¯"$16,629 $16,629 $34,291 $34,291 $1,884 $1,884 $16,054 $0 TFCA Trade $40,954 $40,954 $33,602 $33,602 $487,893 $487,893 $56,291 $56,291 $17,002 $17,002 $72,431 $72,431 $62,322 "$32,322 TFCA Trade $926,089 $858,063 FOOTNOTE: TOTALS MAY NOT EQUAL SUM DUE TO INDEPENDENT ROUNDING. Source: California Department of Finance, Report 96 E-1 TFCA Trade: This note indicates that all or part of this year’s guarantee was traded for funds in the Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) program. PAGE 1 Population Data Source: California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit FY 1997-1998 TDA Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Fund Pro rg_L~! The follo~ing staff recommendations were adopted by the VTA Board of Directors on December 5, 1996, for use in the FY 1998 Program: Staffreeommends maintaining the current program’s emphasis on projects that enhance safety, are multi~purpose, provide a missing link, implement the Countywide Bicycle System, and mitigate traffic problems. Currently, 70% of the annual allocation is guaranteed to local jurisdictions based on population, with 30% available on a competitive basis. Staff is recommending no change to the current 70/30 split. Staff recommends eliminating the requirement that discretionary funds be allocated equitably among the 5 supervisorial districts. Local jurisdictions are already guaranteed 70% of the funds, assuring equitable distribution; the discretionary program should award funds based on projeet merit. 4. Inter-jurisdictional projects should be encouraged. Staff recommends that local jurisdictions be held to their Guarantee fund amounts. In other words, the sum of any one jurisdietion’s Guarantee request should not exceed that jurisdietion’s Guarantee amount. Project requests beyond that amount must compete for Discretionary funds and be stand-alone, "useable segment" projects. Local Guarantee fund targets will be published at the time of the official call for projects. Because Guarantee fund targets are projections, there are sometimes gaps between the projected and actual fund amount available.to jttrisdietions. Staff recommends that, should the "actual" amount be lower that the "projected" amount, .the first call on Discretionary funds should be to cover the funding gap. Convei’sely, should the "aetuar’ amount be more than the "projected" amount, that overage should go into the Discretionary fund and be available to competitive projects. Staff recommends allowing the transfer of Guarantee funds between cooperating jurisdictions. 8. Staff recommends that the existing fund "banking" process, by which jurisdictions can save up to 3 years of funding for one large project, continue to be available. However, a jurisdiction must identify a project and a.budge,,t .for that project to justify the "banking" of funds at the time of application. 9. staff recommends continuation of the "phasing" process to allow large projects to be constmeted over several funding years, again with a project budget and phasing plan identified at the time of application. 10. Staff recommends flexibility for changes in project scope that do not impact the intent or delivery of the original project, making the reseind/realloeate process unnecessary for such minor changes in scope.