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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-07-16 City CouncilTO: Attention: C ty City of Palo Alto Manager’s Report HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL Finance Committee FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AGENDA DATE: July 16, 1996 CMR:336:96 SUBJECT:Proposed Framework for Prioritizing Traffic/Transportation Projects REQUEST At the time of the FY 1996-98 budget kick-offmeeting, staff indicated that they would return with a proposed framework for prioritizing a list of traffic/transportation projects, that were identified in an informational staffreport (CMR: 180:96) included with the draft budget and related documents. The purpose of this staff report is to present such a framework for further consideration. RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends that the Finance Committee review the framework for prioritization of traffic and transportation projects and recommend the following actions to Council: 1.Proceed/continue with the four projects that do not require General Fund and Street Improvement Fund monies. The four projects are the following: Utility_ Fund Traffic Signal System Evaluation Study Traffic Signal Timing Study Assessment District Funding Downtown Parking Structure Feasibility Study State Transportation Development Funds Bicycle and Route Map Project CMR:336:96 Page 1 of 18 Incorporate the traffic/transportation infrastructure projects into the Citywide Infrastructure Master Plan (IMP) process (with exceptions as noted) and let them compete on their own merits, with other infi’astructure needs.The traffic/transportation infrastructure projects are the following: Traffic Management and Control a. Citywide School commute Safety Study (Exception: Proceed with Phase 2 study, with modified scope of work) b. Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan c. Neighborhood (Local and Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program d. E1 Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project e. Major Intersection Improvement Projects f. Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project g. Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") (Exception: Proceed with PVEA funded design development) Bike and Pedestrian Facilities a. Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project (Exception: Proceed with TDA funded design portion) b. California Avenue Underpass Improvement Project (Exception: Proceed with funded feasibility study) c. Arastradero Road (Gunn High School) Bike Lane Project d. Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project CMA Annual Membership Dues - Continue to pay annual City membership dues [Source: Street Improvement Fund]. Local Bus Shuttle System - Staff will consider funding for the planning and design work for a Local Bus Shuttle System ($50,000) in conjunction with other City needs, as part of the development of next year’s budget (FY 97-98) [Source: General Fund]. Local Bus Shuttle System - Staff will consider funding for an initial service level ($100,000 to $300,000) for a Local Bus Shuttle System, in conjunction with other City needs, as part of the development of the next two year budget (FY 98-99 and 99-00) [Source: General Fund]. CMR:336:96 Page 2 of 18 Traffic Education Program -Staff will consider fimding for a Traffic Education Program ($75,000), in conjtmction with other City needs, as part of the development of the next two year budget (FY 98-99 and 99-00) [Source: General Fund]. Truck Route and Weight Limit Project -Staff will consider funding for a Truck Route and Weight Limit Project ($125,000), in conjunction with other City needs, as part of the development of the next two year budget (FY 98-99 and 99-00) [Source: General Fund]. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The traffic/transportation projects discussed in this staff report are all important, worthwhile projects. However, they, along with a wide variety of other Citywide infrastructure needs, far exceed the City’s financial capability for funding. Therefore, it is important to prioritize the projects. This report is intended to provide a framework for considering such projects (prioritizing them within similar groups), and to coordinate them with broader efforts to develop a Citywide Infrastructure Master Plan. EXECUTIVE SIIMMARY BACKGROUND As part of the 1996-98 budget review kick-offmeeting on March 25, 1996, the Finance Committee was presented with several budget issue information reports. One of those budget issue staff reports was CMR:180:96, entitled "Traffic Safety Program" (Attachment 1, pages 3-12), which provided information on a number of ongoing and proposed programs and projects related to traffic/transportation, as well as the magnitude of potential cost implications for such projects. Included in the lis’t of projects and programs were the following: Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project California Avenue Underpass Improvement Project Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan Traffic Signal Evaluation Study E1 Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project Major Intersection Improvement Projects Citywide School Commute Safety Study Truck Route and Weight Limit Project CMR:336:96 Page 3 of 18 o Traffic Education Program -Staff will consider funding for a Traffic Education Program ($75,000), in conjunction with other City needs, as part of the development of the next two year budget (FY 98-99 and 99-00) [Source: General Fund]. Truck Route and Weight Limit Project -Staff will consider funding for a Truck Route and Weight Limit Project ($125,000), in conjunction with other City needs, as part of the development of the next two year budget (FY 98-99 and 99-00) [Source: General Fund]. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The traffic/transportation projects discussed in this staff report are all important, worthwhile projects. However, they, along with a wide variety of other Citywide infrastructure needs, far exceed the City’s financial capability for funding. Therefore, it is important to prioritize the projects. This report is intended to provide a framework for considering such projects (prioritizing them within similar groups), and to coordinate them with broader efforts to develop a Citywide Infrastructure Master Plan. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND As part of the 1996-98 budget review kick-offmeeting on March 25, 1996, the Finance Committee was presented with several budget issue information reports. One of those budget issue staff reports, was CMR:180:96, entitled "Traffic Safety Program" (Attachment 1, pages 3-12), which provided information on a number of ongoing and proposed programs and projects related to traffic/transportation, as well as the magnitude of potential cost implications for such projects. Included in the list of projects and programs were the following: Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project California Avenue Underpass Improvement Project Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan Traffic Signal Evaluation Study E1 Camino Real Intersection Safety .Improvement Project Major Intersection Improvement Projects Citywide School Commute Safety Study Truck Route and Weight Limit Project CMR:336:96 Page 3 of 18 Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") CMA Annual City Membership Dues Neighborhood (Local and Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program Local Bus Shuttle System Traffic Education Program Bicycle Plan and Route Map Project Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project Arastradero Road (Gunn High School) Bike Lane Project Downtown Parking Structure Feasibility Study Traffic Signal Timing Project Red Light (Photo Radar) System (to be addressed in a separate staff report from Police Department) Many, but not all, of these projects and programs involve an initial study phase (planning and feasibility), which may be relatively modest in terms of funding requirements, but could, and very likely would, lead toward major capital improvement projects and services requiring very large financial investments during the next ten years or more. Therefore, there is a need to develop a frmnework for addressing these projects. FRAMEWORK FOR PRIORITIZATION Initially, consideration was given to the possible development of a prioritization/ranking process based upon such factors as volumes (vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists), safety (accident rates, severity, and risk), comfort and convenience (pedestrian fliendliness, perceived safety/risk? travel time, delay, driver behavior), etc. While such an approach would present an interesting theoretical exercise, it was not pursued because it would not reflect the reality of funding source eligibility, project status and commitment, and ongoing efforts to evaluate Citywide infrastructure needs. As a means to develop a framework for understanding and a process for addressing this formidable list of projects and associated funding implications, staff has developed a multi-step process comprised of the following: STEP 1: SORT by funding type. STEP 2: CATEGORIZE by general project type. STEP 3: SUB-CATEGORIZE by sub-group types. STEP 4: PRIORITIZE within sub-group type. CMR:336:96 ’ Page 4 of 18 Exhibit 1 is a summary illustration of the complete framework. The following sections describe the process and the framework. STEP ONE Given the City’s current efforts to develop an Infi’astructure Master Plan for potential General Fund and Street Improvement Fund projects, a logical first step is to sort the projects by funding source. The proposed projects fall into four distinct funding categories, among which projects cannot, generally,-be switched or interchanged. The four funding categories are: Utility Fund (Electric) Assessment District Funding State Transportation Development Funds General Fund and Street Improvement Funds The proposed projects, sorted according to these four ftmding categories, are as follows: Utility Fund Traffic Signal System Evaluation Study Traffic Signal Timing Project Assessment District Funding Downtown Parking Structure Feasibility Study State Transportation Development Funds Bicycle and Route Map Project General Fund and Street Improvement Fund Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project California Avenue Underpass Improvements Project Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan E1 Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project Major Intersection Improvement Projects Citywide School Commute Safety Study Truck Route and Weight Limit Project Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") CMA Annual City Membership Dues CMR:336:96 Page 5 of 18 Neighborhood (Local mad Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program Local Bus Shuttle System Traffic Education Program Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project Arastradero Road (Gunn High School) Bike Lane Project STEP TWO A next logical step is to categorize the General Fund and Street Improvement Fund group of projects into "Infrastructure Projects" and "’Other Projects". Infrastructure Projects are defined as those that generally involve a major, one-time, physical change, including both design and construction, as well as the possibility of some initial level of study and planning (feasibility). Other Projects are those that do not fit the infi’astructure defmition. The projects included in the General Fund and Street Improvement Fund group, categorized according to Infrastructure Projects and Other Projects are as follows: General Fund and Street Improvement Fund Infrastructure Projects Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project California Avenue Underpass Improvements Project Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan E1 Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project Major Intersection Improvement Projects Citywide School Co~mnute Safety Study Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Proje.ct Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") Neighborhood (Local and Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project Arastradero Road (Gtmn High Schoo!) Bike Lane Project Other Projects Truck Route and Weight Limit Project CMA Annual City Membership Dues Local Bus Shuttle System Traffic Education Program ~TEP THREE While the broader topic of the development of an Infrastructure Master Plan (General Fund and Street Improvement Fund) is still in its early stage, current discussions include an initial categorization into a number of project types (e.g. buildings, parks, trees, CMR:336:96 Page 6 of 18 bridges, sidewalks, etc.). Two such categories that are currently proposed for Transportation/Traffic type infrastructure projects are (i) Traffic Management and Control and (ii) Bike and Pedestrian Facilities. Additional categories or sub-categories may evolve as the work on the development of the Infrastructure Master Plan continues. At this stage, however, the projects that are included in the Infrastructure Projects group are further categorized as follows: General Fund and Street Improvement Fund Infi’astructure Projects Traffic Management and Control Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan E1 Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project Major Intersection Improvement Projects Citywide School Cormnute Safety Study Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") Neighborhood (Local and Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program Bike and Pedestrian Facilities Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project ¯ California Avenue Underpass hnprovement Project Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project Arastradero Road (Gtum High School) Bike Lane project Other Projects Truck Route and Weight Limit Project CMA Annual City Membership Dues Local Bus Shuttle System Traffic Education Program The projects that are included in the Other Projects group are not further categorized at this point. CMR:336:96 Page 7 of 18 STEP FOUR The next level of consideration involved a prioritization of the projects included in each of the groups/sub-groups of projects: (a) Traffic Management and Control, (b) Bike and Pedestrian Facilities, and (c) Other Projects. The prioritization has been established based upon the following considerations: 2. 3. 4. Type of project (maintenance, renovation, new) Scale and scope of project (size, time, cost) Existing Council direction (Council interest, approved project) Relationship to Comprehensive Plan Proposed Prioritization of Traffic Management and Control Projects 1.Citywide School Commute Safety Study 2.Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan 3.Neighborhood (Local and Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program 4.E1 Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project 5.Major Intersection Improvement Projects 6.Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project 7.Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") Prioritization Considerations for Traffic Management and Control Projects 1. Citywide School Commute Safety Study This project provides for the implementation of a series of recommendations that are forthcoming fromthe City School Commute Safety Study - Phase 1, which is currently coming to a conclusion (to be reviewed by Policy and Services Committee in September) and Phase 2 which was scheduled to be conducted during FY 1996-97. Funding ($50,000) for the study portion of Phase 2 is provided in the City’s recently adopted FY 1996-97 operating budget (Transportation Division). ¯ Given recent information from the Palo Alto Unified School District, regarding their major school building program and related interim measures for temporary school relocations, it is anticipated that the scope of work for the Phase 2 study will be totally changed. It is likely that recommendations from Phase 1 and Phase 2 will require several hundred thousand dollars (i.e., approximately $300,.000). These recommendations are directly related to the provision of improved safety for clfildren traveling to and from school and, therefore, are a high priority. Typically, flnplementation of the recommendations can be done in several parts over a period of time. CMR:336:96 Page.8 of 18 o Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan This project is to provide for the permanent installation of a traffic management plan for the Lytton neighborhood. A six-month trial plan was approved and funded ($74,000) by Council (C~ No. 19623), and installation was completed in May of this year. If, after the trial period is completed, a decision is made to implement the plan on a permanent basis, additional funding in the range of $150,000 or more will be required. The draft new Comprehensive Plan makes specific reference to the implementation of traffic cahning measures to slow traffic on local and collector residential streets, as does the existing Comprehensive Plan. Neighborhood (Local and Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program This is a proposed program that would establish and formalize City policies and programs relating to the protection of neighborhood streets from impacts of vehicular traffic. Currently, Council funds such projects on an ad hoe basis. The proposed program recommends establishing an annual ongoing budget of $100,000 for the design and installation of traffic calming devices on local-and collector streets. This project is relatively small in terms of annual cost, and Council Members have expressed an interest and desire for such a formalized program. While the program would be new, it would replace what has been. occurring on a more informal, ad hoe, basis over the past 20 plus years. The draft new Comprehensive Plan makes specific reference to the implementation of traffic Calming measures to slow traffic on local and collector residential streets, as does the existing Comprehensive Plan. o E1Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project This is a supplemental component to an existing approved project. Funding ($160,000) for traffic signal and intersection improvements to improve school commute safety has already been approved for a joint City/Caltrans project at the E1 Camino/Maybell intersection. When the modifications are completed, a large residual area will be created for which some kind of landscaping treatment should be provided. The supplemental component is for design and construction of the area at an estimated cost of $65,000. The benefit of the supplemental component will be visual in nature and is not directly related to safe travel. CMR:336:96 Page 9 of 18 5. Major Intersection Improvement Projects This is an ongoing CIP (19073) to design and implement traffic operational improvements and bike related improvements at selected intersections, per the adopted City policy resulting from the Citywide Land Use and Transportation Study. The next project for which fund~g is needed is at the Page Mill/Hanover intersection. An amount of $150,000 has been included for FY 1997-98; and an additional $500,000 is proposed for FY 1999-00. The primary source of funds is the Traffic Impact Fee for the Stanford Research Park, subject to sufficient funds being generated in a timely’ manner. Street Improvement Funds have typically, been used for these intersection improvement projects in order to supplement Traffic Impact Fees and other sources. 6. Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project This is a proposed new program, in response to an existing Council assignment, that would develop, design and construct physical changes to five arterial roadways that are proposed to be designated as "residential arterial"in the draft new Comprehensive Plan. In November¯ 1995, Council formally expressed an interest in proceeding with this project. This is a large, complex project that could lead to improvements costing $800,000 to $1,000,000 per mile, or $10 to $12 million for all five residential arterials (12 miles of roadway). An amount of $250,000 is needed for the initial feasibility and planning work. The draft new Comprehensive Plan makes specific reference to creating a new designation of residential arterial and to the use of landscaping and other visual improvements to reduce traffic impacts and improve the general environment. 7. Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") This is a long-range project to bring about a major land use and circulation ¯ plan for the area centered around the Palo Alto Caltrain Station. Funding requirements include $400,000 for initial design and environmental review, $6 million for complete design; and $28 million for construction. An amount of $200,000 of state/federal money will be made available, subject to successful ongoing grant application and approval steps. Council has expressed interest and support for this project in the past. The draft new Comprehensive Plan makes specific reference to pursuing the development of this project. CMR:336:96 Page 10 of 18 Proposed Prioritization of Bike and Pedestrian Facilities Projects 1.Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project 2.California Avenue Underpass Improvement Project 3.Arastradero Road (Gunn High School) Bike Lane Project 4.Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project Prioritization Considerations for Bike and Pedestrian Facilities Projects Wilkie Way Pedestrim~rBike Bridge Renovation Project This project provides for the renovation of an existing pedestrian/bike bridge that has deteriorated over the past twenty years. It is a relatively small project in terms of size and cost ($140,000). Council has approved a FY 96/97 CIP (#19708) project for the design and construction of the renovation project. Funding ($30,000) from a State grant program (Transportation Development Act - TDA) has already been approved for the design portion of the project. The bridge provides an essential pedestrian/bike linkage over Adobe Creek, which is consistent with and supportive of Comprehensive Plan Policies, included in the current plan, as well as the draft new plan~ Califonfia Avenue Underpass Improvemem Project This project provides for improvements to an existing pedestrian/bike under crossing that is inadequate, heavily used and does not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. It is a relatively large project in terms of total cost ($2 to $3 million or more). Council has already approved a FY 93/94 CIP (19401) project for funding ($30,000) an initial feasibility study to determine the type of improvements to be made. This under-cr0ssing provides an essential pedestrian/bike linkage beneath the Caltrain tracks and Alma Street at Califomia Avenue. The draft new Comprehensive. Plan includes specific reference to improvement of pedestrian and bicycle access to and between local destinations. Arastradero Road (Gunn High School) Bike Lane Project This project is to provide on-street bike lanes along the segment (300 feet) of Arastradero Road adjacent to Gulm High School. It is a relatively small project in tenns of size and cost ($185,000). The project is eligible for reimbursement from State TDA funds, subject to TDA grant approval and funding availability. The City’s FY 1996/97 application for TDA funds indicated the intent to request FY 1997/98 TDA funds for the design phase CMR:336:96 Page 11 of 18 of this project. This project is a safety improvement to an existing problem area and is one of several recommendations that have come out of the City/School efforts to study and improve school commute safety. Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project This project is to provide new pedestrian/bike grade separations at the Caltrain railroad tracks and Alma Street at four different cross street locations. It is a potentially very large cost project, at $4 to $5 million or more per location ($16 to $20 million at four locations). Council has already approved a FY 1994-95 CIP (19502) project with funding ($150,000) for undertaking an initial feasibility study to determine and evaluate the options for implementing such a project. The purpose of the project is to address safety concerns for school children mad other pedestrians and bicyclists who cross the Caltrain tracks. The draft new .Comprehensive Plan. includes specific reference to improvement of pedestrian and bicycle access to and between local destinations mad to the study of projects to depress bikeways and pedestrian walkways under Ahna Street and the CalTrain tracks. Proposed Prioritization of Other Projects 1.CMA Annual City Membership Dues 2.Local Bus Shuttle System 3.Traffic Education Progrmn 4.Truck Route and Weight Limit Project Prioritization Consideration for Other Projects CMA Annual City Membership Dues Dues are paid by the City of Palo Alto to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority for the City’s share of the Countywide Congestion Management Program. Palo Alto has been an active participant in the agency and has benefited from the cooperative efforts among active members, as well as from accessing state gas tax monies and federal and state grants that far exceed the dollar value of the annual dues in the amount of $73,000 (1996). Therefore, it is an important priority that the City remain an active member of this agency. CMR:336:96 Page 12 of 18 o Local Bus Shuttle System This proposed new project would establish a community based, local bus system serving Palo Alto residential neiOaborhoods. Council Members have expressed strong interest in such a system; and throughout the process of the development of the draft new Comprehensive Plan, there was consistent and strong interest and support for such a system by residents and committees. While the initial money need for such a system is relatively small, it would likely grow to quite a large amount on a repetitive aunual basis. Initially, a sum of $50,000 to $100,000 is required for planning and design work, and $100,000 to $300,000 per year for a pilot project service delivery. A more complete Citywide system would likely cost $1 to $2 million per year, or more. The draft new Comprehensive Plan includes specific reference to evaluating and testing a local transit system. o Traffic Education Program This is a proposed new trial program that would develop and implement a two-year, multi-faceted education program aimed at informing and influencing drivers’ perspectives, decisions, mad behavior regarding traffic management, operations, and safety. Funding required for the program is relatively modest ($50,000 for first year and $25,000 for second year) but, if effective, could lead to an expanded ongoing program requiring $100,000 per year. The draft new Comprehensive Plan makes specific reference to utilization of engineering, enforcement and educational tools to improve traffic safety. o Truck Route and Weight Limit Project This is a proposed new study in response to an existing Council assignment to investigate the feasibility of changes to the City’s truck regulations, including reduction in the existing truck weight limit and/or changes to the existing designated truck route system. While Council has formally expressed an interest in such a study, no funding has been approved. An amount of $125,000 is required for the study, and a relatively modest amount of $30,000 would probably be required to implement physical changes (siglls). A reduction in the truck weight limit will affect many more trucks and require a much higher level of enforcement, which is not currently available. CMR:336:96 Page 13 of 18 ALTERNATIVES Council or Committee may choose to slfift specific projects to different groups or sub- groups, as well as alter the priority of projects within each group/sub-group. In addition, an alternative approach to dealing with some of the traffic/transportation infrastructure projects would be to fired the initial feasibility portion of the project outside of, and apart from, the Infrastructure Master Plan development process. The subsequent design and construction work, would appropriately remain within the IMP process.- The additional projects for which tlfis might be considered include: a.Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project b.Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project Funding of a feasibility study for the second project is already approved through a prior year CIP. The first project is an important issue for Palo Alto, but would require approval of $250,000 for the feasibility study portion. The downside of proceeding now with the feasibility study, apart from the IMP process, is that it reduces the level of funding available for other worthy projects and could result in recommendations for which the costs for implementation are simply too high to ever fund, given other important and competing Citywide infrastructure projects. SANTA CLARA COUNTY TAX MEASURE In November 1996, Santa Clara Cotmty voters will be asked to approve a nine-year, half- cent salestax to raise $1.1 billion for a mix of roadway and transit projects throughout the County. Current information indicates that a portion of such funding ($68 million) would be directed to CalTrain related projects. Wlfile it is not clear as to what the specific nature of such projects might include, the following four projects, from those discussed in this staff report, might have some potential for eligibility, if the tax measure is indeed approved by the voters. a.California Avenue Underpass Improvement Project b.Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project e.Local Bus Shuttle System d.Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") While it is clearly premature to asstune (1) that any of these projects would be eligible and (2) that they would compete successftdly for proceeds of this tax measure that is yet to be voted upon, it is clear that competition for such funds will be high, and having the initial CMR:336:96 Page 14 of 18 planning/feasibility work done for any of these projects would enhance its competitiveness. Funding for four of the projects is available, already approved, and cannot be used for any of the other projects. Therefore, the staff recommendation is to proceed/continue with the three projects that do not require General Fund and Street Improvement Fund monies. The four projects are the following: Utility_ Fund Traffic Signal System Evaluation Study Traffic Signal Timing Project Assessment District Funding Downtown Parking Structure Feasibility Study State Transportation Development Funds Bicycle and Route Map Project Funding for Citywide infrastructure needs goes well beyond this set of transportation/traffic projects and is currently undergoing a comprehensive review and development of an Infrastructure Master Plan for the City. Therefore, the staff recommendation is to incorporate the traffic/transportation infrastructure projects into the Citywide Infrastructure Master Plan process (with exceptions as noted) and let them compete, on their own merits, with other infrastructure needs. The exceptions address the planning and feasibility portions of selected projects for which such funding is already approved. This planning and feasibility work is important to understanding the magnitude of potential infrastructure funding requirements. The traffic/transportation infrastructure projects are the following: Traffic Management and Control 1o Citywide School Co~mnute Safety S .tudy (Exception: Proceed with Phase 2 study, with modified scope of work) 2. Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan 3. Neighborhood (Local and Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program 4. E1 Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project 5.-~Major Intersection Improvement Projects CMR:336:96 Page 15 of 18 6. Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project 7. Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") (Exception: Proceed with PVEA funded design development) Bike and Pedestrian Facilities 1. Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project (Exception: Proceed with TDA funded design portion) 2. California Avenue Underpass Improvement Project (Exception: Proceed with funded feasibility study) 3. Arastradero Road (Gunn High School) Bike Lane Project 4. Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation The one anomaly to the above approach concerus the Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project. Council has previously approved a CIP project, including $150,000, for a feasibility study for providing a grade separation of the CalYrain railroad tracks and Alma Street, at four cross street locations. Staff reco~mnends tlfis project be incorporated into the Citywide Infrastructure Master Plan process (as noted above), including the feasibility study portion, rather than proceeding now with the feasibility study. This is a new project, with major cost ramifications and should compete with other infrastructure needs. Funding for projects included in the Other Projects group require General Fund or Street Improvement monies, which in turn would have some impact on reducing the available funding base for the Citywide Infrastructure Master Plan. Therefore, staff recommends the following: . Other Projects 1.CMA Annual Membership Dues - Continue to pay annual City membership dues(S73,000). [Source: Street Improvement Fund]. Local Bus Shuttle System - Staff will consider funding for the planning and design work for a Local Bus Shuttle System ($50,000) in conjunction with other City needs, as part of the ,,development of next year’s budget (FY 97-98) [Source: General Fund]. 3.Local Bus Shuttle System - Staff will consider funding for an initial service level ($100,000 to $300,000) for a Local Bus Shuttle System, in conjunction with other IEMR:336:96 Page 16 of 18 So City needs, as part of the development of the next two year budget (FY 98-99 and 99-00) [Source: General Fund]. Traffic Education Program -Staff will consider funding for a Traffic Education Program ($50,000), in conjunction with other City needs, as part of the development of the next two year budget (FY 98-99 and 99-00) [Source: General Fund]. Truck Route and Weight Limit Project -Staff will consider funding for a Truck: Route and Weight Limit Project ($125,000), in conjunction with other City needs, as part of the development of the next two year budget (FY 98-99 and 99-00) [Source: General Fund]. FISCAL IMPACT The fiscal impact of the .recommendations made by staff, on the General Fund, is as follows: Reduced expenditures: Withdraw approved funding ($150,000) for Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project feasibility study and let this project compete, with other Citywide infrastructure needs, for inclusion in the Infi’astructure Master Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Required environmental analysis will be completed on a project by project basis as part of the project planning and design work. ATTACHMENTS 1.CMR:180:96, Budget Issue: Traffic Safety Program, March 25, 1996 2.Meeting Notice, July 5, 1996 CMR:336:96 Page 17 of 18 Prepared By: Marvin L. Overway, Chief Transportation Official Department Head Review: KENNETH R. SCHREIBER Director of Planning and Community Environment City Manager Approval: C CC:Planning Commission Susan Frank, Chamber of Commerce Julia Fremon, Stanford University 48 Neighborhood Representatives and Residents CMR:336:96 Page 18 of 18 Traffic/ Transportation EXH Projects iibility Utility Fundty D,oooTraffic Sig Traffic Sight, Design & Implementation $1 to 2 million Funding Approved $300,000 $160,000 $160,000 Assessment ! Downtown &000 $8 to $12 millionI $80,000 State Transp! Bicycle PIoI ~,000 ,General Fund ~o, ooo Street Improve! ,,000 1,000 $40,000 ’1 $25,000 $140,000 $2to 3million $185,000 S5to 2omillion $30,000 $30,000 So $15o, ooo $95,000 $74,ooo So $0, $o So So 50,000 30,000 $300,000 $15o,ooo $100,000/yr $65,oooS65o,ooo $10-12million $34 million 3,000 I, 25,000 $73,000 $0,5-2 million~r $75,ooo $3o, ooo $73,000 $o So THE SUBJECT OF THIS REPORT ISA COUNCIL PRIORITY BUDGET 1996-98 City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL ATTACHMENT 1 FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: VARIOUS AGENDA DATE: MARCH 25, 1996 CMR:180:96 SUBJECT:BUDGET ISSUE: TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM This is an information report and no Council action is required. The City Council has identified traffic safety as its priority for both 1996-97 and 1997-98. The purpose of this report is to provide information on current City programs and projects which attempt to address this priority, and to provide Council with information on the magnitude of potential costs for future traffic safety projects and associated funding chall,e~nges. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Responsibility for the City’s traffic safety programs is jointly shared by the Police and Public Works Departments and the Transportation Division of the Planning Department. Funding for the traffic programs has come, in large part, from the General Fund, supplemented by the Street Improvement Fund (gas tax). In the past, the City has also been able to fund a modest number of transportation improvement projects, in part with federal and state monies, matched by some amount of local monies. Recently, the interest/need for traffic safety projects has increased substantially, and previously committed funding sources are no longer sufficient to meet all of the identified needs. Compounding this is the fact that some of the traffic projects now being proposed are the first steps leading toward future decisions that will likely involve multi-million dollar ihvestrnent decisions, for which there is, again, no identifiable funding. Therefore, staff believes there is a need to review the current status of traffic safety projects and develop an overall strategy that reflects financial capabilities. This is especially important, given the significant unfunded infrastructure needs the City currently faces, as well as the challenge to maintain, and in some cases even augment, current levels of services with limited financial resources. CMR:180:96 Page 1 of’13 POLICY IMPLICATIONS Staff recommends the Council set a policy direction for priofitizing current and future traffic safety programs and projects, given limited funding and competing priorities. ~UND Resp.onsibility for the City’s traffic safety programs is shared between the Police (traffic enforcement and education), Public Works (streets and sidewalks; and maintenance of traffic projects) and Planning ~(Transportation Division -- traffic engineering and education) Departments. Police Traffic Programs The total costs associated with the entire Police Traffic "Services functional area for the current fiscal year are $1.3 million. The City Council authorized additional General Fund expenditures for Police Department Traffic programs. These include the addition of a traffic safety officer position, to be added to the Traffic Team ($72,500), and a police motorcycle program. Currently, two motor officers are using newly purchased motorcycles for traffic enforcement purposes. Three other motor officers will have completed their training and begin traffic enforcement through the use of their motorcycles by th.e, end of the fiscal year. Due to the additional training requirements and substantial equipment price increases, the total costof the program has been higher than originally projected. At the present time, the.. costs associated with the initial training and equipping of five motor officers totals $62,000, compared to an original estimate of $17,000. Several other programs, such as the neighborhood speed watch and safety Checkpoints, have also been initiated. Total costs for these programs do not exceed $1,000. In addition, Police staff is pursuing the use of automated intersection enforcement through red light cameras. The red light system produces photographic evidence of vehicles committing red light violations. Use of this type of system for actual enforcement purposes was just authorized by the Legislature, effective January 1, 1996. The system consists of two compone.nts: an integrated portable enforcement unit that can be moved fi:om one intersection to another; and fixed wiring and detection loops, which are installed in the roadway, and a cabinet which is mounted on a pole. The fixed portion is installed at each intersection at which the portable unit will be used. The unit consists of a computer, high- speed camera, flash, digital loop signal processor and memory card system. New technology allows an optional component to record green light speeding violations. No funding has been requested or approved, as staff is still in the process of gathering information. Initial capital costs are estimated to be $280,000 per intersection, assuming four cameras per intersection (one in each direction). These costs do not include maintenance, which would probably require staffing. Because of the prohibitive cost, staff has explored CMR:180:96 Page 2 o1’ 13 contracting out for this service. Staff.has learned that there are vendors who.offer a turnkey program. Under this program, the vendor pays for purchase and installation of the cameras, as well as maintenance and the processing of the violations. In return, the vendor receives 90 percent of the citation revenue. Streets and Sidewalks The status of Palo Alto streets and sidewalks is discussed in a separate report on infrastructure, titled Budget Issue: Conceptual Framework for Considei:ation of 1996-98 Capital Improvement Program (CMR: 165:96). In summary, funding for the City’s street resurfaeing and sidewalk repair programs comes from two sources, the General.Fund and Street Improvement Fund. In the General Fund, $1 million is annually allocated from utility user tax (UUT) revenues, along with $400,000 in non-UUT funding. The Street Improvement Fund provides another $0.9 million to $1 million for street resurfaeing. Inadequate UUT revenue is discussed in another Budget Issues Report. Although the Street Improvement Fund, ._which relies on state gas tax monies and interest earnings, has traditionally been used primarily to fund the City’s street resurfacing program, some monies have also been allocated each year for minor traffic or bicycle safety improvements, Or as local match for projects involving federal and .sIate funding. In recent years, however, the number and cost of such projects has escalated sharply, to the point that projections now show that the Fund’s reserve balance will be totally exhausted within the next two years. Exhibit 1 provides a summary overview of the status of the Street Improvement Fund. This means that, unless Council determines the prior commitment of funding for street resurfaeing should be scaled back, the General Fund will have to take on such traffic and bicycle safety improvements, or increase its share of funding the total street resurfacing program budget. Traffic En~neering Capital Improvement Projects and Progams As mentioned above, the source of funding for some of the major traffic safety projects has been federal and state funds received through competitive application procedures. These totaled about $5 million over a ten-year period, for a mix of project types, including ¯ intersection improvements, railroad crossing improvements, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and mobility assistance transport services. Local funds were used to match federal and state funds, as well as fully fund such projects as neighborhood traffic control measures (road bumps, street closures, islands, etc.). At the present time, there are a number of outstanding traffie-i’elated assignments and proposals that, in the aggregate, would require a substantial amount of funding, well beyond the current resources of the City. Many, but not all, of these projects involve an initial study phase (planning and feasibility), which may be relatively modest in terms o.f funding C~IR:180:96 Page 3 ot" 13 requirements, but would lead toward Capital improvement projects and se.rvices requiring very large financial investments during the next ten years. Projects which have either had some_(though not all required) funding allocated, or which are in the conceptual stage, are discussed below. Identified costs are those for consultants, contractors and!or service delivery. They do not include City staff costs to administer and manage the various phases of the work (study, design, construction). Public ,Works maintenance cost estimates are shown, however, where applicable. Pedestrian/Bike Grade ~geparation Project: This is a feasibility study to assess the various options for providing pedestrian/bike grade separations at the CalTrain railroad tracks and Alma Street at four different cross street locations: Meadow Drive, Charleston Road, Churchill Avenue and Palo Alto Avenue. A draft scope of work for the feasibility study has been prepared. A consultant to do the work has not yet been hired. The purpose of the study is to address existing concerns about safety related to CalTrain. These concerns are likely to intensify, as plans to Operate more trains and provide increased service come to fruition. Discussions to date have concluded that the prospects for elevating CalTrain or placing it underground are highly unlikely. The prospect for providing full vehicle grade separations is also unlikely. The potential for providing pedestrian and bieycle~-,only grade separations, however, appears to be somewhat more realistic. An amount of $150,000 from the Street Improvement Fund is already budgeted for the feasibility study. The cost for design and construction of an under-crossing at any one of the cross street locations is likely to reach $4 to $5 million or more per location 1:$16 to $20 million at four locations). California Avenue Underpass Improvements: This a feasibility study for improvements to an existing California Avenue pedestrian/bike under-crossing of the CalTrain railroad tracks and Alma Street, at the California Avenue CalTrain station. Since this study includes similar issues and requires the same type of expertise as the Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project, the two projects have been combined for this study phase. A draft scope of work for the feasibility, planning and conceptual design phase has been prepared. A consultant to do the work has not yet.~een hired. The purpose of the study is to assess various options for improving/replacing the existing California Avenue under-crossing. The existing under- crossing is a well utilized facility that serves as an important linkage in the City’s bikeway network and is used as a major pedestrian connection between the residential neighborhood east of Alma Street and the CalTrain station and California Avenue business district. The existing under-crossing is old and has some Unattractive, as well as limiting, features. The width of the facility is quite narrow, pedestrian and bicycle conflicts occur, lighting is poor and the general appearance is unattractive. In addition, the current facility dbes not .meet the CMR:180:96 Page 4 of 13 current state and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for handicapped accessibility. An amount of $30,000 from the General Fund is already budgeted for the feasibility study. The order of magnitude cost for design and construction of a new under-crossing at this location is likely to reach $2 to $3 million or more. Once completed, Public Works Operations support is anticipated to cost $10,000 to $20,000 per year for scheduled weekly sweeping; two to three service calls per week for broken glass, etc.; graffiti removal; sign maintenance; energy coasts, etc. Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan: This is a trial implementation of a traffic management plan for the Lytton Avenue neighborhood. The plans and specifications for the trial installation are complete. The project is now in the bidding phase and installation is scheduled to start in April 1996. The purpose of the traffic management plan is to address concerns expressed by residents regarding the amount and speed of traffic, and a feeling that safety, noise, comfort, and quality of life in the neighborhood are being compromised. The trial implementation plan is the result of an extensive and collaborative study process that assessed actual conditions, considered various alternatives, and developed a recommended plan. Based upon past experience, it is likely that the trial i .mplementation plan will eventually lead to the installation of a permanent plan. An amount of $74,000 from the Street Improvement Fund is already budgeted for the trial installation and evaluation. If, after the trial period is completed, a decision is made to implement the plan on a permanent basis, the amount of additional funds could be in the range of $150,000 or more. Public Works estimates it will require $7,500 per year to maintain the project. Traffic Signal System Evaluation Study: This is a study to evaluate the City’s existing traffic signal control system, with respect to its remaining useful life and capabilities, to address current needs and establish a recommended program for enhancement/replacement. The scope of work for the project has been prepared. The current system and equipment are reaching the end of their useful lives, and lack the capability to perform, additional functions important.to efficient and effective traffic control and management. The study will develop the understanding required to establish a systematic annual investment plan that will provide the system capabilities required for Palo Alto. A consultant to do the work has not been hired. An amount of $100,000 from Utilities Funds is already budgeted for this evaluation study, as part of an existing Capital Improvement Program (CIP). It is likely that the results of the study ~vill be a recommended improvement program costing $1 to $2 million over a period CMR:180:96 Page 5 of 13 of several years. A sum of $300,,000 is available from an already-approved federal/state (RSTOP) application. Remaining funds are anticipated to come from the Electric Fund. El Camino Real Intersection Safety lmprovemen.t Project: This is a currently approved project for which a supplemental component is proposed. The approved project involves traffic signal modifications and related intersection improvements, to improve pedestrian and bike safety at three locations along El. Camino Real, which were identified in the Meadow/Charleston School Corridor Safety Study. When the modifications that will occur at the El Camino/Maybell intersection are completed, the curb and sidewalk modifications wall result in the creation of a large area behind the curb in the southeast comer of the E1 Camino Way/El Camino Real intersection. The design and implementation of a proper treatment for this area is substantially beyond the scope and funding of the intersection operational improvement project. Since the area is relatively large and could provide an opportunity to implement Comprehensive Plan urban design objectives for the E1 Camino corridor, it is proposed that this additional component be phased, to allow for full resident and board reviews and participation. Funding for the traffic signal improvements, in the amount of $160,000 from the Street Improvement Fund for cost sharing with Caltrans, has been preciously approved. No funding has .been approved for the large area landscaping component, the proposed budget for which is $25,000 for design and $40,000 for construction. Public Works estimates it will require $5,000 per year once the project is complete, for signs, striping and paving for the already approved project¯ Major Intersection Improvements Projects: This is an ongoing capital improvement project to design and implement traffic operational improvements and bike-related improvements at selected intersections, per adopted Council policy resulting from the Citywide Land Use and Transportation Study.. A current project for improvements at the Page Mill/Foothill/ Junipero Serra intersection is already funded. The current proposal is to pursue the Page MilL/Hanover intersection improvement project. The purpose of the proposed Page Mill/Hanover project is to provide operational improvements for vehicles and bicyclists using this intersection. The scope of the project includes widening Hanover Street to provide a second right-turn lane in the northbound direction and bicycle-lanes in both directions, re-striping Page Mill Road to accommodate a second left-turn lane in both directions, replacing the old traffic signal hardware, and optimizing the signal timing. NO funding is currently approved for the Page Mill Road/Hanover project. An amount of $150,000 is needed for the design work which is proposed for FY 1997/98, and $500,000 for construction which is proposed for FY 1999/00. The source of funds is the Traffic Impact CMR:180:96 Page 6 of 13 Fee for the Stanford Research Park, subject to sufficient funds being generated in a timely manner. This project has been submitted for federal and state funding consideration, but has not been selected and, realistically, is unlikely to qualify (i.e. rate high enough in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s regional evaluation). In addition, there are several more major intersection improvement projects, yet to be designed and constructed. These include: Oregon Expressway/Middlefield Road, Page Mill Road!El Camino Real, and Foothill/Arastradero/Hillview/Miranda. These projects are currently estimated to cost $5 to $7 million or more. Citywide School Commute Safety Study: Phase 1 is the current study to evaluate existing school commute safety issues in the north part of the City. The study will be completed in mid-1996. It is likely that this Phase 1 study will result in a series of recommendations, some of which would require new funding for implementation of physical changes and/or services. The purpose of the Phase 1 study is to identify traffic issues and concems related to school commute corridors and commute safety for Palo Alto students traveling to and from school; and to develop recommendations to improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety; and reduce conflicts, accident potential, and traffic congestion along school commute routes. The Phase 1 study portion is already fully funded ($45,000) from the General Fund as part of the City’s 1995-96 operating budget. The purpose of Phase 2 would be to address the same issues as Pha~e !, but for the south part of the City. The Phase 2 study will be included in the City Manager’s Proposed 1996-98 Budget ($50,000). The study is planned to start in the fall of 1996 and be completed in mid- 1997. It is likely that this Phase 2 study will result in a series of recommendations, some of which would require new funding for implementation of physical changes and/or services. At this time, it is premature to estimate the costs associated with any recommendations that will be forthcoming from the study - Phases 1 and 2 -’except to suggest that it may likely be some hundreds of thousands of dollars (i.e., plus or minus $300,000), rather than tens of thousands. Public Works maintenance support is estimated to total $9,000 to $12,000 per year. Truck Route and Weight Limit Project: This is a proposed study to investigate the feasibility of changes to the City’s truck regulations, including reduction in the existing truck weight limit, and/or changes to the existing designated truck route system. A draft scope of work has been prepared for the study. A consultant to do the work has not been hired. The purpose of this study is to address concerns expressed by residents living along University Avenue and Embarcadero Road regarding the number, size, speed and related impacts of trucks. The study is to provide the information regarding: (1) the impacts of reducing truck weight limits on streets that are proposed to be classified as a residential arterial, (2) the CMR:180:96 Page 7 ot" 13 possibility of Oregon Expressway being designated as a truck route, with or without a change in the weight limits, and (3) whether and how the City can work with neighboring cities to develop a broad are.a, multi-jurisdictional approach to truck traffic on this portion of the Peninsula. The study is intended to provide a t~eehnieal information base and a public process that will enable an informed and constructive discussion and analysis of truck-related issues and options, and provide the basis for consideration of possible changes to the City’s truck regulations. No funding is currently approved for this project. An amount of $125,000 will be required for the study. The results of the study are likely to concern regulatory changes, signing changes and increased enforcement requirements, rather than major infrastructure costs. If implemented, the cost for signing changes would probably be over $30,000. A reduction in the track weight limit will affect many more tracks and, therefore, will require a higher level of enforcement activity if it is to be effective. The Police Department is not able to predict at this time how it will accommodate that additional workload. Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project: This proposed program would develop, design and construct physical changes to five arterial roadways (Embarcadero Road, University Avenue, Charleston Road, Arastradero Road, and Mid.,dlefield Road) that are proposed to be designated as "residential arterial" in the new Comprehensive Plan. A draft .scope of work for the feasibility, planning and conceptual design phase has been prepared. A consultant to do the work has not been hired. The purpose of this project is to address concerns expressed by residents living along arterial streets that are bordered by residential neighborhoods, by developing, designing and constructing physical changes and street improvements, to reduce the impact of traffic and improve the quality of life along the residential arterial streets. The intent of the project is to reduce traffic speed, calm traffic, improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, and enhance the aesthetic character of these streets, but not to appreciably reduce traffic volumes or to alter current traffic patterns. The types of improvements to be considered include improvements such as landscaped medians, gateways, intersection treatments, traffic signal changes and visual variations. No funding is currently approved for this project. An amount of $250,000 is estimated to be required for the feasibility and planning work for five residential arterials and schematic design work for one. Subsequent schematic design work for the other four residential arterials will require in the range of an additional $200,000. The order of magnitude cost for final design and construction of physical changes to each of the five residential arterials (12 miles of roadways) is likely to reach $800,000 to $1,000,000 million per mile, or $10 to $12 million for all five residential arterials. For Embarcadero Road alone, the design and construction costs would probably reach $2 to $3 million. Public Works support is estimated to cost $30,000 per year. CM:R:lS0:96 Page 8 of 13 Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team"): This is a long-range project to bring about a major land use and circulation plan for the area centered around the Palo Alto Caltrain Station and the University Avenue/Alma Street/railroad underpass/El Camino Real facilities. Funding requirements for this proposed project include: $400,000 to bring the project through the schematic design and environmental review stage; $6 million for the preliminary and final design work; and $28 million for construction. An amount of $200,000 in Petroleum Violation Escrow Account (PVEA) funds has been made available though state legislation, but is still subject to successful grant application and approval steps. This money is on a reimbursable basis and, therefore, would require up-front financing from other City funds, with reimbursement to follow as funds are expended and billed. There are also some preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of increasing the funds for this project up to $400,000, by solicitation of funds fxom other entities (Joint Powers Board, Stanford University, Coun~ Transit), as well as possibly $50,000 in additional funding from the City of Palo Alto. CMA Annual City Membership Dues: These are dues paid by the CityofPalo Alto to the Santa Clara Transportation Agency for the City’s share of the countywide Congestion Management Program. Several years ago, the City approved the Joint Powers Agreement which precipitated the formation of the Congestion Management Agency (CMA), and has since remained an active member at both the policy and technical level. The primary goal of the CMA is to ensure that traffic in Santa Clara County improves, or at least does not worsen, as population increases. Annual membership dues for the City of Palo Alto are approximately $73,000. The source of funding to date has been the Street Improvement Fund. Neighborhood (Local & Collector StreeO Traffic Calming Program: This proposed program would establish and formalize City policies and programs relating tO the protection of neighborhood streets from impacts of vehicular traffic. The purpose of this proposed traffic calming program is to be more responsive to resident concerns about traffic problems on local and collector streets. The proposed program, as currently drafted, would establish defined formal procedures, criteria, and funding, in order to respond efficiently and fairly to residents’ concerns regarding speeding, inappropriate through-traffic volumes, and accidents on local and collector streets. City Council involvement would be focused on the more complex traffic calming projects. Currently, funding for traffic calming measures has occurred on an ad hoc basis at the conclusion of Council-assigned neighborhood traffic studies, through the Budget Amendment Ordinance process rather than the annual Budget/CIP process. The proposed program recommends establishing an annual ongoing budget of$100,000 per year, as part of the CIP, for design and installation of such devices. Funding has not been identified, however. Public Works support is estimated at $5,000 to $10,000 per year. C1~IR:180:96 Page 9 of 13 Local Bus Shuttle System: This proposed program would establish a community based, local bus system serving Palo Alto residential neighborhoods and local area destinations (commercial areas, transit stations, schools, cultural and social centers, etc.). The purpose of this program is to provide Polo Alto residents with a convenient, user fi’iendly bus System that will serve as an attractive alternative to the automobile, as well as provide improved mobility to persons without access to an automobile. The intent is to work with Stanford University staffto develop and implement an expansion and/or extension of its Marguerite bus service, through appropriate service delivery and cost. sharing arrangements. The Marguerite system provi@s user-fi’iendly, convenient service and does it at a lower cost than other bus systems. No funding is currently approved for this project, other than a City payme.nt to Stanford University of $14,000 each year for the past several years, as a share of the cost for the Marguerite noon-time shuttle service between the Stanford University campus and downtown Palo Alto. In order to establish an effective "Marguerite style" service for Palo Alto, planning and design work of $50,000 to $100,000 is required, and service start-up costs in the range of $100,000 to $300,000 per year are required. A local bus system that provides a reasonable level of service frequency and geographic coverage throughout Palo Alto is likely to cost $1 to $2 million per year, or more. There is no identifiable source of funds for this service, other than the General Fund, parking-related charges, or some new source. No appreciable portion, if any, would be offset by passenger fares. Traffic Education Program: This proposed trial Program would develop and implement a two-year, multi-faceted education program aimed at informing and influencing drivers’ perspectives, decisions and behavior regarding traffic management, operations and safety issues in Palo Alto. The purpose of this project is to complement enforcement arid engineering efforts wi~ education, as part of a comprehensive strategy to address traffic concerns..The scope of the project will be to identify primary issues, gather existing. information, formulate a strategic plan foreducation and develop materials and action plans for implementation. Examples might include: a transportation plan brochure that consoli- dates-and effectively communicates Palo Alto’s comprehensive multi=faceted approach to traffic management and safety and provides guides to how the public can help reduce traffic impacts; or a campaign to challenge people to "respect the law" -- speed limits, red lights, stop signs, basic courtesies -- through the schools, newspapers, and focused public awareness. No funding is currently approved for this project. An amount of $50,000 will be required for the first year and $25,000 for the second year. If this approach is shown to be effective, an expanded ongoing program could require $100,000 per year. C1~fl~:180:96 Page 10 of 13 Bicycle Plan and Route Map Project: This is a proposed project that would develop a bicycle plan and bikeroute map for Palo Alto, to promote and encourage greater use of bicycles and to maintain eligibility for state Transportation Development Act (TDA) funding.- The purpose of this project isto prepare a complete bicycle plan, including an update of the bikeway master plan, and produce improved, more detailed,-multiple-color bicycle routes map, which would be more useful to current bicyclists, promote and encourage greater use of bicycles, and more appropriately reflect the community’s commitment to bicycle transportation, as well as meet eligibility requirements for state TDA funds established by the Metropolitan Transl~ortation Commission 0wrc). No funding is currently approved for this project. An application for 1996/97 state TDA funds was submitted in January 1996. The proposed budget for this project is $40,000..The project is eligible for reimbursement from state TDA funds, subject to TDA grant approval and TDA funding limitations. Wilkie Way Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Renovation Project: This is a proposed project to renovate an existing pedestrian/bike bridge cros.sing on Adobe Creek at the end of Wilkie Way. The pedestrian/bike bridge was constructed in 1974 and has deteriorated over the past twenty years. The deck has warped and weathered unevenly, and the riding surface has deteriorated, as have the railings and beams of the bridge. In order to improve the safety of the bicyclists and pedestrians who use the bridge, and preserve the bridge’s long-term viability, substantial renovation is required. The recommended project includes repair of the existing wood plank deck and an overlay of a plywood non-skid surface, installation of a new ADA-standard railing, and other related improvements. Design costs of $30,000 are included in the 1996-97 CIP. An application for 1996/97 state TDA funds was also submitted in January 1996, requesting reimbursement Of $30,000 for the design portion of the project and indicating intent to request 1997/98 state TDA funds in the amount of$110,000 for construeti0n. This project is eligible for reimbursement from state TDA funds, subject to TDA grant approval and TDA funding limitations. Public Works support is estimated to cost $5,000 to $10,000 per year. Arastradero RoadBike Lane Project: This proposed project is to widen Arastradero Road by five feet, for a distance of approximately 300 feet, in order to install on-street bike lanes along a segment of Arastradero Road adjacent to Gunn High School. The purpose of this proposed project is to provide a missing link in the on-street bike lane network along Arastradero Road, adjacent to the Gurm High School site, thereby removing the existing disincentive to bicycle commuting along this main access .corridor and providing for improved, and safer bicycle access to Gunn High School, the Stanford Research Park, and other destinations. The project involves the replacement of existing sidewalk bike paths with on-street bike lanes in both directions. This would require widening of the roadway by 5 feet CMR:180:96 Page 11 of 13 for a distance of approximately 300 feet in advance of Miranda Avenue, to ac,commodate the installation of the westbound bike lanes,, relocation of a right-turn lane, and landscaped planting area and sidewalk. No funding is currently approved for this project. An application for 1996/97 state TDA was submitted in January 1996, indicating intent to request 1997/98 state TDA funds in the amount of $35,000 for the design portion of.the project and intent to request 1998/99 state TDA funds in the amount of $150,000 for cons~aetion. This project is eligible for. reimbursement from state TDA funds, subject to TDA grant approval and TDA funding limitations. ~ Public Works maintenance is estimated to cost $5,000 to $10,000 per year. Other Projects: Finally, there are several major ongoing similar transportation related projects that are in progress (design and construction), which are already fully funded or would be through an assessment district. These include: 0 0 0 0 Alma Street Pedestrian/Bike Bridge Project Embarcadero Pedestrian/Bike Bridge and Path Project Page Mill/Foothill Intersection Improvement Project Downtown Parking Structure Feasibility Study Exhibit 2 shows all of the projects discussed in this report, along with related costs. ATTACHMENTS Exhibit 1 Street Improvement Fund Summary Exhibit 2 Traffic Safety Programs Project Descriptions CMR:180:96 Page 12 of 13 The following two project descriptions have been added to the previously published staff report- Budget Issues: Traffic Safety Program (CMR:180:96; March 25, 1996) Downtown Parking Structure Feasibility Stu@: This project is to examine the feasibility of building one or more parking structures within the downtown business district. Work is already proceeding on the study, which involves, an evaluation of parking needs, alternate sites, and design options. The feasibility study will be completed by the end of 1996, at wlfich time a decision will need to be made regarding whether or not to proceed with the design and construction of one or more such structures. An amount of $80,000 is already budgeted for the feasibility study. If, atler the feasibility study is completed, a decision is made to build one or more parking structures in the downtown area, the costs for design and construction of such structures could reach $8 to $12 million or more, depending upon the number and size of the structure(s). Historically, parking improvements in the downtown area have been paid for through the formation of an assessment district, and it is anticipated that this same approach will be used for any future structtwe(s). Traffic .Signal Timing Project: This project is to establish updated traffic signal timing for most of the City’s 80 traffic signals. The project involves collecting traffic volume data at each intersection, at various times throughout the day, and subsequent analysis and evaluation to determine traffic signal timings for each location, including coordination where applicable. An amount of $160,000 from Utilities Funds is already budgeted for this project, as part of an existing Capital Improvement Program (CIP). A sum of $160,000 is available from an already approved federal/state (RSTOP) grant. CMR: 180:96 Page 12a PREPARED BY:Marvin Overway, Chief Transportation Official - Emily Harrison, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services Lynne Johnson, Assistant Police Chief DEPARTMENT HEAD APPROVAL: Chris Durkin, Chief of Police CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: Ken Schreiber, Director, Planning and Community Environment Emil’~arrison Deputy .City Manager, (Ju~. ~" Fleming \ CC: n/a C~1R:180:96 Page 13 of 13 00 0 0 o 0 0 000o000O000 0 00000000000000 0 0 0 0 ~ MEETING NOTICE ATTACHMENT 2 July 5, 1996 This notice was sent to 48 Neighborhood Representatives and Residents The Finance Committee of the Palo Alto City Council will review and discuss a r.P.£_qposed Framework For Traffic/Transportation Projects at its regular meeting on Tuesdayl July 16, 1996. The purpose of the proposed framework is to order and prioritize a set of nineteen traffic/transl~ortation studies, programs and projects. The meeting will be in the Council Chambers, First Floor, Civic Center, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto and. begins at 7:00 p.m. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The list of Traffic/Transportation Projects includes the following: Pedestrian/Bike Grade Separation Project California Avenue Underpass Improvement Project Lytton Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan Traffic Signal System Evaluation Study .~ El Camino Real Intersection Safety Improvement Project Major Intersection Improvement Projects Citywide School Commute Safety Study Truck Route and Weight Limit Project Residential Arterial Traffic Calming Project Intermodal Transportation Center Project ("Dream Team") CMA Annual City Membership Dues Neighborhood (Local and Collector Street) Traffic Calming Program Local Bus Shuttle System Traffic Education Program Bicycle Plan and Route Map Project Wilke Way Pedestrian/Bike,Bridge Renovation Project Arastradero Road (Gunn High School) Bike Lane Project Downtown Parking Structure Feasibility Study Traffic Signal Timing Project An existing informational report, briefly describing each project, was provided to the City Council on March 25, 1996 (CMR:180:96) and is available now from the City’s Transportation Division, sixth floor, Civic Center, 250 Hamilton Avenue, 415 329-2520. A new report to the Finance Committee discussing a proposed framework for traffic/ transportation projects will be available after 8:00 a.m. Friday, July 12, 1996, in the Transportation Division office. If you have any questions, please feel free to call 415 329-2520.