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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 245-09TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT DATE: May 18,2009 CMR: 245:09 REPORT TYPE: CONSENT SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to File an Application for 2009/2010 Transportation Development Act Funds in the Amount of $256,317 for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment A) authorizing submittal of Transportation Development Act (TDA) grant application documents for fiscal year 2009-2010 requesting $256,317 for the following bicycle/pedestrian projects in the City of Palo Alto: VTA Bicycle Expenditure Program Fund: 1. Park Boulevard Bicycle Boulevard project Local Agency Guarantee Funds: 2. Purchase and installation of bike racks 3. Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 4. Directional Guide Signs on City Bike Routes 5. Enhance Crosswalks at Various Locations Total BACKGROUND $60,000 $50,000 $55,000 $40,000 $51,317 $256,317 The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) issued a call for bicycle and pedestrian projects on March 11, 2009 for the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Transportation Development Act Article 3 funding program. The deadline to submit project applications to VTA was on April 15, 2009 (with which staff complied). A Resolution adopted by the City Council supporting the project submittals is due to VTA on May 29, 2009. VTA staff will review the project proposals for eligibility, conlpleteness and compliance. The resulting countywide list of projects will be reviewed by the VTA Advisory Committees before adoption by the Board of Directors in June. The countywide list will be forwarded to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and MTC will issue funding allocations in the fall. There are two components to the TDA Article 3 program in Santa Clara County: CMR:245:09 Page 10f6 1. Bicycle Expenditure Program Per VTA Board policy, 30% of Santa Clara County's TDA fund is dedicated for projects that are on the Valley Transportation Plan 2030 Countywide Bicycle Plan Bicycle Expenditure Program (BEP) list. There is $688,144 available for BEP projects this year. Palo Alto has three projects on the VTA Countywide Bicycle Expenditure Plan (BEP) list that would be eligible for funding from the reserve for BEP projects: (1) Bicycle Boulevards Network Project, (2) California Avenue Caltrain Undercrossing Replacement Project, and (3) Highway 101/Adobe Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Grade Separation. 2. Guarantee Funds The remaining 70% of this year's TDA funds ($1,402, 166) will be assigned to the Guarantee Fund. The monies in the Guarantee Fund are distributed to local jurisdictions on a population-based apportionment formula. These monies are available to local jurisdictions exclusively for eligible projects of their choosing as per TDA guidelines. There is no competition amongst local jurisdiction to acquire these funds for eligible projects. The total TDA Guarantee fund estimate for the Santa Clara County is $2,102,166, which includes the current year 70% allocation of this year's TDA funds plus funds banked or rescinded by agencies in prior years. Palo Alto's total guaranteed amount, including banked funds from prior years, is $196,31 7. DISCUSSION Staff proposes to request a total of $256,317 in TDA funds this year, including an allocation of $60,000 from the VTA Bicycle Expenditure Program (BEP) fund for the Park Boulevard Bicycle Boulevard project, which is one of the projects in the City's bicycle boulevards network implementing program, a BEP project. The City is also requesting allocation of $196,317 from the Guarantee share for the four additional projects that are described in detail below: Bicycle Expenditure Program Project Park Boulevard Bicycle Boulevard Project This project was identified in the priority projects list in the adopted Palo Alto Bicycle Transportation Plan and is also on the VT A Countywide Bicycle Expenditure Plan (BEP) list. This project would be eligible for funding from the $688,144 funds reserved for BEP projects. The VTA BEP includes $4,000,000 for the Bicycle BoulevardslBike Lanes Project, which includes implementation of the entire list of the high priority bicycle boulevards (Class III bikeways) and bike lane (Class II bikeways) projects included in the Palo Alto Bicycle Transportation Plan. Palo Alto is eligible to apply for these funds as projects develop but is ineligible to apply for feasibility study for any project. Staff anticipates drawing upon these funds for future bicycle boulevard projects and other high priority projects in Bicycle Transportation Plan. Palo Alto received $75,000 from the BEP for the MaybelllDonald bicycle boulevard in 2006. This year staff is submitting a request to the VTA for $60,000 in TDA BEP funds for the implementation of the Park Boulevard Bicycle Boulevard Project. The Park Boulevard corridor was identified as a bicycle boulevard priority in the adopted CIP Project PL-04010 (Bicycle Boulevards Implementation) because of its importance as a bicycle route amongst cyclists. It provides a convenient connection from the City's south boundary all the way to the downtown area. The route connects two major regional transit stations, several schools, a newer medical center, two commercial business districts, and Stanford University. CMR:245:09 Page 2 of6 Park Boulevard runs parallel to (and in between) Camino Real and Alma Street, both of which are major arterials with high travel speeds and no bike lanes. The Park Boulevard Bicycle Boulevard Project would include enhancements to make the bike route more attractive and safer for cyclists. Such enhancements would include modifications to vehicular traffic calming barriers to make them more user friendly for bicyclists, reversing of I-way or 2-way stop controls to reduce the number of stops cyclists travelling along the route would need to make, and the potential addition of speed humps to further calm vehicular traffic. Consistent signage throughout the route indicating its status as a bicycle boulevard would encourage its use by bicyclists and would also provide a warning to vehicle drivers. Staff is in the process of working with neighborhood residents and the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee to finalize the plan for the Park Boulevard corridor. Staff considered submittal of Palo Alto's other two projects on the BEP, the California Avenue underpass replacement and the Highway 101 pedestrianlbicycle bridge in south Palo Alto, for funding as well. Both are at the feasibility study stage and VT A staff verified that TDA funds cannot be used to fund feasibility studies. However, as part of the Palo Alto Capital Improvement Program, staff has included funding of $100,000 in 2010/2011 for a feasibility study for the Highway 101 PedestrianlBicycle overpass/underpass. The City is also seeking federal funding for this project working with our Congressional representatives. Guarantee Fund Projects Bike Rack Installation Project Staff is proposing that the City's request for Guarantee Funds also include $50,000 to purchase and install additional bike racks in the commercial and business districts citywide and at City facilities. The City's existing reserve of bike racks has been exhausted, and, without new racks, staff would not be able to replace damaged bike racks or respond to citizen requests for installations of new bike racks where needed. With this funding, staff will be able to install about 50-100 bike racks. These funds are required to be used within 3 years of allocation but the City will be able to purchase and store racks for future use, if all are not used within 3 years. This request also responds to Council direction in December 2008 to pursue measures to encourage bicycling to the City's business districts. Palo Alto typically uses an inverted-U bicycle rack. It is 36" high and constructed of 2 3/8" galvanized pipe and holds two bikes. The rack provides good support to the bicycle, and users are able to lock both the wheels and frame of the bicycle to the rack. The rack has no sharp edges or moving parts and is virtually maintenance free. Racks are installed in public right-of-way and are placed to avoid conflicts with pedestrians and parked vehicles, usually near the curb and away from building entranceways or crosswalks. Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan The existing Palo Alto Bicycle Transportation Plan contains a recommended bikeways network to meet the needs of all bicyclists. It features bicycle boulevards, bike lanes on arterial streets, new bicycle/pedestrian grade separations, and spot improvements at key intersections. The Plan also details recommended best practices for bicycle education and outreach programs, bicycle facilities design and maintenance, and enforcement. The Palo Alto Bicycle Transportation Plan was adopted by the City Council in November 2003. The Bicycle Plan should be updated every 5 years to meet requirements for Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account funding. The Bicycle CMR:245:09 Page 3 of6 Plan fulfills Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Program T-18: "Develop and periodically update a comprehensive bicycle plan" and Program T -19: "Develop, periodically update, and implement, a bicycle facilities improvement program that prioritizes critical pedestrian and bicycle links to parks, schools, retail centers, and civic facilities." Staff has been advised by VT A staff that, in order to qualify for TD A funding, the Plan must be expanded in scope to incorporate a pedestrian facilities element, thus creating a Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. A total of $55,000 in Guarantee Funds is proposed to retain contract services to update and expand the existing plan as required, in coordination with the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee and other community stakeholders. Directional Guide Signs on City Bicycle Routes The City of Palo Alto's Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) has been working with staff for several years identifying numerous locations along designated bicycle routes and popular cycling corridors that do not currently provide directional signage to connecting routes and/or major attractions. PABAC has identified over 50 locations that would benefit from additional bicycle route identification and new way-finding signage. As part of this project, staff would work with PABAC to identify the most needed and top priority locations along currently identified bicycle routes, and install signage as soon as possible. A total of $40,000 of requested funds would be devoted to the proposed signage work. Enhanced Crosswalks at Various Locations This project would consist of installing supplemental features to enhance basic marked crosswalks with physical features including, but not limited to, raised pavement, pedestrian refuge islands, bulbouts, and lighted crosswalk warning systen1s or actuated warning systems. The installations will be at an existing or new crosswalk at various locations in the City of Palo Alto including ones that are a part of the California Avenue business district streetscape improvement project. A total of $51,317 in Guarantee Funds is requested to enhance the existing crosswalks. Staff estimates that a minimum of 2-3 crosswalks will be enhanced, and possibly more depending on the complexity of each location. Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee Review As required by the MTC grant application policies, all five projects mentioned above were reviewed by PABAC at the April meeting and the committee supports all projects and funding for their implementation. TDA Grant Requirements The TDA grant funds are allocated on a three-year basis. The funds are claimed by the City on a reimbursement basis. MTC requires that City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing staff to submit appliqations requesting TDA funding. Since 2002, the MTC has attached findings to the resolution authorizing submittal of the TDA grant application. Staff has provided sufficient information in this staff report to support the required findings and is not aware of any issues that would preclude the Council from adopting the findings for this grant request. CMR:245:09 Page 4 of6 RESOURCE IMPACT No local match is required for TDA Guarantee funds, and a 20% local match is required for BEP funds. The City Council has already approved funding in the Bicycle Boulevards CIP Project (PL-040 1 0) that can be used toward the local match for the Park Boulevard BEP project. However, because TDA funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, the City will have to spend the budgeted funds and then apply for reimbursement by TDA funds. The capital funding and the staff resources in the Planning and Transportation Division are available to implement these projects in the coming years. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The recommended actions in this report are consistent with Comprehensive Plan transportation policies, the Bicycle Transportation Plan and the Transportation Strategic Plan. Bicycle Boulevards are identified as high priority projects in those documents. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The proposed modifications under four proj ects (installing bike racks, installing guide signs, enhancing crosswalks and Park Boulevard Bicycle project) are minor upgrades to existing residential and commercial street right-of-way and would not result in any new impacts to the existing environment. These projects are considered as a minor alteration to the existing street system, and are, therefore, categorically exempt (Class 1 Exemption, Section 15301) from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Funding the update of the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is not considered a defined project under CEQA. An environmental review will be conducted when the master plan is prepared. PREPARED BY: DEPARTMENT HEAD: --------+-~=-~~~~~---------------------- irector of Planning and Community Environment CITY MANAGERAPPROVAL: _____ ~ ___ .. __ ~__"__ ________ _ JAMES KEENE City Manager ATTACHMENTS A. Resolution Authorizing the Filing of Application for TDA Funds B. TDA Article 3 Project Application Forms C. Memorandum from Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority CMR:245:09 Page 5 of6 D. Project area map for Park Boulevard cc: Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee CMR:245:09 Page 6 of6 ATTACHMENT A NOT YET APPROVED Resolution No. Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Authorizing the City Manager to File an Application for 2009/2010 Transportation Development Act Funds for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects WHEREAS, Article 3 of the Transportation Development Act (TDA), Public Utilities Code (PUC) Section 99200 et seq., authorizes the submission of claims to a regional transportation planning agency for the funding of projects exclusively for the benefit and/or use of pedestrian and bicyclists; and WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), as the regional transportation planning agency for the San Francisco Bay region, has adopted MTC Resolution No. 875, Revised, entitled "Transportation Development Act, Article 3, PedestrianlBicycle Projects," which delineates procedures and criteria for, submission of requests for the allocation of "TDA Article 3" funding; and WHEREAS, MTC Resolution No. 875, Revised requires that requests for the allocation of TDAIArticle 3 funding be submitted as part of a single, countywide coordinated claim from each county in the San Francisco Bay region; and WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto desires to subnlit a request to MTC for the allocation of TDA Article 3 funds to support the projects described in Attachment B to this resolution, which are for the exclusive benefit and/or use of pedestrians and/or bicyclists. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: SECTION 1. The Council declares it is eligible to request an allocation of TDA Article 3 funds pursuant to Section 99234 of the Public Utilities Code. SECTION 2. The Council finds that there is no known pending or threatened litigation that might adversely affect the project or projects described in Attachment B to this resolution, or that might impair the ability of the City of Palo Alto to carry out the project. SECTION 3. The Council finds and detemlines that those matters set forth in Attachment A to this resolution are true and correct. SECTION 4. The Council agrees that the City shall maintain, or provide for the maintenance of, the projects and facilities described in Attachment B for the benefit of, and use by the public. SECTION 5. The Council directs that a certified copy of this resolution and its attachments, and any accompanying supporting materials shall be forwarded to the congestion management agency, countywide transportation planning agency, or county association of 090514 syn 0120349 2 NOT YET APPROVED governnlents, as the case nlay be, of Santa Clara County for submission to MTC as part of the countywide coordinated TDA Article 3 claim. SECTION 6. The Council finds that the proposed modifications under four projects (installing bike racks, installing guide signs, enhancing crosswalks and Park Boulevard Bicycle project) are minor upgrades to existing residential and commercial street right-of-way and would not result in any new impacts to the existing environment. These projects are considered as a minor alteration to the existing street system, and are, therefore, categorically exempt (Class 1 Exemption, Section 15301) from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Assistant City Attorney 090514 syn 0120349 2 Mayor APPROVED: City Manager Interim Director of Planning and Conlmunity Environment Director of Administrative Services NOT YET APPROVED ATTACHMENT A Findings 1. The City of Palo Alto is not legally impeded from submitting a request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the allocation of Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funds, nor is the City of Palo Alto legally impeded from undertaking the projects described in "Attachment B" of this resolution. 2. The City of Palo Alto has committed adequate staffing resources to complete the projects described on Attachment B. 3. A review of the projects described in Attachment B has resulted in the consideration of all pertinent matters, including those related to environmental and right-of-way permits and clearances, attendant to the successful completion of the projects. 4. Issues attendant to securing environmental and right-of-way permits and clearances for the projects described in Attachment B have been reviewed and will be concluded in a manner and on a schedule that will not jeopardize the deadline for the use of the TDA funds being requested. 5. The project described in Attachment B complies with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.). 6. As portrayed in the budgetary descriptions of the projects in Attachment B, the sources of funding other than TDA are adequate for completion of the projects. 7. The projects described in Attachment B are for capital construction and/or design engineering; and/or for the nlaintenance of a Class I bikeway which is closed to motorized traffic; and/or for the purposes of restriping Class II bicycle lanes; and/or for the development or support of a bicycle safety education program; and/or for the development of a comprehensive bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities plan, and an allocation of TDA Article 3 funding for such a plan has not been received by the City of Palo Alto within the prior five fiscal years. 8. The projects described in Attachment B which are bicycle projects have been included in a detailed bicycle circulation element included in an adopted general plan, or included in an adopted comprehensive bikeway plan (such as outlined in Section 2377 of the California Bikeways Act, Streets and Highways Code section 2370 et seq.) 9. Any project described in Attachment B that is a "Class I Bikeway," meets the mandatory minimum safety design criteria published in Chapter 1000 of the California Highway Design Manual. 10. The projects described in Attachment B are ready to commence implementation during the fiscal year of the requested allocation. 11. The City of Palo Alto agrees to maintain, or provide for the maintenance of, the projects and facilities described in Attachment B, for the benefit of and use by the public. 090514 syn 0120349 2 ATTACHMENT B TDA Article 3 Project Application Form Fiscal Year of this Claim: 2009/2010 Applicant: City of Palo Alto Contact person: RuchikaAggarwal Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto CA 94303 E-Mail Address: ruchika.aggarwal@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-617-3136 Secondary Contact (in event primary not available) Gayle Likens E-Mail Address: gayle.likens@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2136 Short Title Description of Project: Park Boulevard Bike Boulevard project Amount of claim: $60.000 Functional Description of Project: This project consists of implementing improvements along Park Boulevard to convert this street into a bicycle boulevard (a Class II bikeway) Financial Plan: List the project elements for which TDA funding is being requested (e.g., planning, environmental, engineering, right-of-way, construction, inspection, contingency, audit). Use the table below to show the project budget. Include prior and proposed future funding of the project. If the project is a segment of a larger project, include prior and proposed funding sources for the other segments. Project Elements: The project would include making enhancements to the bike route by installing traffic calming measures and signage so it is safer for bicyclists. Cost includes construction. contingencies and inflation. Funding Source All Prior FYs Application FY Next FY Following FYs Totals TDA Article 3 $60,000 $60,000 list all other sources: 1. 2. 3. 4. Totals $60,000 Project Eligibility: YES?/NO ? A. Has the project been approved by the claimant's governing body? (If "NO," provide the approximate date approval is No anticipated). Approval is anticipated on May 18th• B. Has this project previously received TDA Article 3 funding? If "YES," provide an explanation on a separate page. no C. For "bikeways," does the project meet Caltrans minimum safety design criteria pursuant to Chapter 1000 of the California yes Highway Design Manual? (Available on the internet via: http://www.dot.ca.gov). D. Has the project been reviewed by a Bicycle Advisory Committee? (If "NO," provide an explanation). yes no E. Has the public availability of the environmental compliance documentation for the project (pursuant to CEQA) been evidenced by the dated stamping of the document by the county clerk or county recorder? (required only for projects that include construction). F. Will the project be completed before the allocation expires? Enter the anticipated completion date of project (month and yes year) June 2010 G. Have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project or facility, or has the claimant arranged for such yes maintenance by another agency? (If an agency other than the Claimant is to maintain the facility provide its name: -----1 Short title description of project: Park Boulevard Bicycle Boulevard: The Park Boulevard corridor is currently used as a bicycle route and is popular with cyclists as it provides a convenient connect from the City's south boundary all the way to the downtown area. The route connects two major regional transit stations, several schools, a newer medical center, two commercial business districts, and Stanford University. Park Boulevard runs parallel to (and in-between) El Camino Real and Alma Street, both of which are Major Arterials with high travel speeds and no bike lanes. The proposed Bicycle Boulevard Project would include enhancements to make the bike route more attractive and safer for cyclists. Such enhancements would include modifications to vehicular traffic calming barriers to make them more user friendly for bicyclists, reversing of I-way or 2-way stop control to reduce the number of stops cyclists travelling along the route would need to make, and the potential addition of speed humps to further calm vehicular traffic. Consistent signage throughout the route indicating its status of a bicycle boulevard would encourage its use by bicyclists and also provide a warning to vehicle drivers. Attachment B TDA Article 3 Project Application Form Fiscal Year of this Claim: 2009/2010 Applicant: City of Palo Alto Contact person: Ruchika Aggarwal Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto CA 94303 E-Mail Address: ruchika.aggarwal@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-617-3136 Secondary Contact (in event primary not available) Gayle Likens E-Mail Address: gayle.likens@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2136 Short Title Description of Project: Installation of Class III bike racks Amount of claim: $50.000 Functional Description of Project: This project consists of purchasing and installing bike racks in business districts citywide and at city facilities. Financial Plan: List the project elements for which TDA funding is being requested (e.g., planning, environmental, engineering, right-of-way, construction, inspection, contingency, audit). Use the table below to show the project budget. Include prior and proposed future funding of the project. If the project is a segment of a larger project, include prior and proposed funding sources for the other segments. Project Elements: Cost includes purchasing bike rack units. labor. installation and contingencies. Funding Source All Prior FYs Application FY Next FY Following FYs Totals TDA Article 3 $50,000 $50,000 list all other sources: [1. 2. 3. 4. Totals $50,000 Project Eligibility: YES?/NO? A. Has the project been approved by the claimant's governing body? (If "NO," provide the approximate date approval is no anticipated). Approval is anticipated on May 18th. B. Has this project previously received TDA Article 3 fllnding? If "YES," provide an explanation on a separate page. no C. For "bikeways," does the project meet Caltrans minimum safety design criteria pursuant to Chapter 1000 of the California yes Highway Design Manual? (Available on the internet via: http://www.dot.ca.gov). D. Has the project been reviewed by a Bicycle Advisory Committee? (If "NO/' provide an explanation). yes no E. Has the public availability of the environmental compliance documentation for the project (pursuant to CEQA) been evidenced by the dated stamping of the document by the county clerk or county recorder? (required only for projects that include construction). F. Will the project be completed before the allocation expires? Enter the anticipated completion date of project (month and yes year) June 2010 G. Have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project or facility, or has the claimant arranged for such yes maintenance by another agency? {If an agency other than the Claimant is to maintain the facility provide its name: 1 I Short title description of Project: City of Palo would like to install additional bike racks in commercial and business districts citywide and in City facilities. Palo Alto uses an inverted-U bicycle rack. It is 36" high constructed of 2 3/8" galvanized pipe and holds two bikes. The rack provides good support to the bicycle, and users are able to lock both the wheels and frame of the bicycle to the rack. The rack has no sharp edges or moving parts and is virtually maintenance free. Racks are installed in public right of way and are placed to avoid conflicts with pedestrians and parked vehicles, usually near the curb and away from building entranceways or crosswalks. Attachment B TDA Article 3 Project Application Form Fiscal Year of this Claim: 2009/2010 Applicant: City of Palo Alto Contact person: Ruchika Aggarwal Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto CA 94303 E-Mail Address: ruchika.aggarwal@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-617-3136 Secondary Contact (in event primary not available) Gayle Likens E-Mail Address: gayle.likens@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2136 Short Title Description of Project: Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian plan Amount of claim: $55.000 Functional Description of Project: Financial Plan: List the project elements for which TDA funding is being requested (e.g., planning, environmental, engineering, right-of-way, construction, inspection, contingency, audit). Use the table below to show the project budget. Include prior and proposed future funding of the project. If the project is a segment of a larger project, include prior and proposed funding sources for the other segments. Project Elements: Consultant services contract for preparation of plan. Funding Source All PriorFYs Application FY Next FY Following FYs Totals TDA Article 3 $55,000 $55,000 list all other sources: 1. 2. 3. 4. Totals $55,000 Project Eligibility: YES?/NO? A. Has the project been approved by the claimant's governing body? (If "NO," provide the approximate date approval is No ! anticipated). Approval is anticipated on May 18th. B. Has this project previously received TDA Article 3 funding? If "YES," provide an explanation on a separate page. no C. For "bikeways, II does the project meet Caltrans minimum safety design criteria pursuant to Chapter 1000 of the California NIA Highway Design Manual? (Available on the internet via: http://www.dot.ca.gov). D. Has the project been reviewed by a Bicycle Advisory Committee? (If "NO," provide an explanation). yes no E. Has the public availability of the environmental compliance documentation for the project (pursuant to CEOA) been evidenced by the dated stamping of the document by the county clerk or county recorder? (required only for projects that include construction). F. Will the project be completed before the allocation expires? Enter the anticipated completion date of project (month and yes year) June 2010 G. Have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project or facility, or has the claimant arranged for such yes maintenance by another agency? (If an agency other than the Claimant is to maintain the facility provide its name: ) Short title description of Project: Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian plan: The Bicycle Transportation Plan contains a recommended bikeways network to meet the needs of all bicyclists. It features bicycle boulevards, bike lanes on arterial streets, new bicycle/pedestrian grade separations, and spot improvements at key intersections. The Plan also details recommended best practices for bicycle education and outreach programs, bicycle facilities design and maintenance, and enforcement. The Palo Alto Bicycle Transportation Plan was adopted by the City Council in November 2003. The Bicycle plan should be updated every 5 years to meet requirements for Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account funding. The Bicycle Plan fulfills Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Program T -18: "Develop and periodically update a comprehensive bicycle plan" and Program T -19: "Develop, periodically update, and implement, a bicycle facilities improvement program that prioritizes critical pedestrian and bicycle links to parks, schools, retail centers, and civic facilities." Attachment B TDA Article 3 Project Application Form Fiscal Year of this Claim: 2009/2010 Applicant: City of Palo Alto Contact person: Ruchika Aggarwal Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto CA 94303 E-Mail Address: ruchika.aggarwal@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-617-3136 Secondary Contact (in event primary not available) Gayle Likens E-Mail Address: gayle.likens@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2136 Short Title Description of Project: Installing directional guide signs on City bicycle routes Amount of claim: $40.000 Functional Description of Project: These will provide informational directional signage on City bicycle routes to advise bicyclists of connecting bike routes and/or major attractions. Financial Plan: List the project elements for which TDA funding is being requested (e.g., planning, environmental, engineering, right-of-way, construction, inspection, contingency, audit). Use the table below to show the project budget. Include prior and proposed future funding of the project. If the project is a segment of a larger project, include prior and proposed funding sources for the other segments. Project Elements: Cost includes design & purchasing signs. labor. installation and contingencies. Funding Source All Prior FYs Application FY Next FY Following FYs Totals TDA Article 3 $40,000 $40,000 sources: 1. 2. 3. 4. Totals $40,000 Project Eligibility: YES?/NO? A. Has the project been approved by the claimant's governing body? (If "NO," provide the approximate date approval is No anticipated). Approval is anticipated on May 18th • B. Has this project previously received TDA Article 3 funding? If "YES," provide an explanation on a separate page. no C. For "bikeways," does the project meet Caltrans minimum safety design criteria pursuant to Chapter 1000 of the California yes Highway Design Manual? (Available on the internet via: http://www.dot.ca.gov). D. Has the project been reviewed by a Bicycle Advisory Committee? (If "NO," provide an explanation). yes no E. Has the public availability of the environmental compliance documentation for the project (pursuant to CEQA) been evidenced by the dated stamping of the document by the county clerk or county recorder? (required only for projects that include construction). F. Will the project be completed before the allocation expires? Enter the anticipated completion date of project (month and yes year) June 2010 G. Have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project or facility, or has the claimant arranged for such yes maintenance by another agency? (If an agency other than the Claimant is to maintain the facility provide its name: Short title description of Project: Directional Guide Signs: The City of Palo Alto's Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) has been working with City Staff for several years identifying numerous locations along designated bicycle routes and popular cycling corridors that do not currently provide directional signage to connecting routes and/or major attractions. P ABAC has identified over 50 locations that would benefit from additional bicycle route identification and new way-finding signage. As part of this project, City Staff would work with P ABAC to identify the most needed and top priority locations along currently identified bicycle routes, and install signage as soon as possible. Attachment B TDA Article 3 Project Application Form Fiscal Year of this Claim: 2009/2010 Applicant: City of Palo Alto Contact person: Ruchika Aggarwal Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto CA 94303 E-Mail Address: ruchika.aggarwal@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-617-3136 Secondary Contact (in event primary not available) Gayle Likens E-Mail Address: gayle.likens@cityofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2136 Short Title Description of Project: Enhance crosswalks Amount of claim: $5t317 Functional Description of Project: The project includes installing new crosswalks and enhancing existing crosswalks at various locations in the City including ones that are a part of the California Avenue business district streetscape improvement project. Financial Plan: List the project elements for which TDA funding is being requested (e.g., planning, environmental, engineering, right-of-way, construction, inspection, contingency, audit). Use the table below to show the project budget. Include prior and proposed future funding of the project. If the project is a segment of a larger project, include prior and proposed funding sources for the other segments. Project Elements: Cost includes design& installation of crosswalks. labor. installation and contingencies. Funding Source All Prior FYs Application FY Next FY Following FYs Totals TDA Article 3 $51,317 $51,317 list all other sources: 1. 2. 3. 4. Totals $51,317 Project Eligibility: YES?/NO ? A. Has the project been approved by the claimant's governing body? (If"NO," provide the approximate date approval is No anticipated). Approval is anticipated on May 18th• B. Has this project previously received TDA Article 3 funding? If "YES," provide an explanation on a separate page. no C. For "bikeways," does the project meet Caltrans minimum safety design criteria pursuant to Chapter 1000 of the California NIA Highway Design Manual? (Available on the internet via: http://www.dot.ca.gov). D. Has the project been reviewed by a Bicycle Advisory Committee? (If tlNO," provide an explanation). yes no E. Has the public availability of the environmental compliance documentation for the project (pursuant to CEQA) been evidenced by the dated stamping of the document by the county clerk or county recorder? (required only for projects that include construction). F. Will the project be completed before the allocation expires? Enter the anticipated completion date of project (month and yes year) June !O G. Have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project or facility, or has the claimant arranged for such yes maintenance by another agency? (If an agency other than the Claimant is to maintain the facility provide its name: ---1 Short title description of Project: Enhance crosswalks: This project consists of installing supplemental features to enhance basic marked crosswalks with physical features including, but not limited to, raised pavement, pedestrian refuge islands, bulbouts, and lighted crosswalk warning systems or actuated warning systems. The installations will be at an existing or new crosswalk at various locations in the City of Palo Alto, as determined by the City Transportation Engineer. TO: FROM: DATE: ATTACHMENT C SANTA (LARA Valley Transportation Authority MEMORANDUM TDA Article 3 Bicycle and PedestriaThProgram Grant Applicants Technical Advisory Committee Members Bill Hough, Transportation Planner III March 11, 2009 SUBJECT: Call for Projects, Transportation Development Act Article 3 FY 200911 0 Program TDA Article 3 Funds Available This memorandum serves as the General Call-for-Projects for the FY 200911 0 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Program funding cycle. There are two components to the TDA Article 3 program: 1. Bicycle Expenditure Program The VTA Board of Directors took action on August 3, 2000 to dedicate 30% of Santa Clara County's TDA Article 3 fund estimate to projects on the VTP 2030 Countywide Bicycle Plan Bicycle Expenditure Program (BEP) List. There is $688,144 available for BEP projects this year. Your project must be on the Board-adopted BEP list, an update of which is scheduled for the April 2009 Board meeting. BEP project sponsors must submit MTC's TDA Article 3 Project Application Form. If you plan on submitting an application in the 2009/10 cycle, please contact Michelle DeRobertis at (408) 321-5716 or Michelle.DeRobertis@VTA.org before April 3, 2009. However, applications are not due until April 1 0, 2009. 2. Guarantee Funds Table 1 below shows each city and the County's "Guarantee" share of MTC's TDA Article 3 Estimate. There is $1,402,166 available for "Guarantee" projects this year. This guarantee share is based on California Department of Finance (DOF) population projections and funds banked or rescinded from previous years, where applicable. Your agency's total applications cannot exceed its guarantee share. Application Due Date: Date: April 10, 2009 Time: 4:00 PM To: Bill Hough, Transportation Planner III Page 1 of 5 Table 1 2009110 TDA ARTICLE 3 ESTIlYIATE FOR SANTA CLARA COl:NTY I Guarantee Amount Agency (Includes banked and rescinded funds from prior years.) Campbell $39,860 Cupertino $55,135 Gilroy $§2,328 Los Altos $28,079 Los Altos Hills $25,949 Los Gatos $48,749 Milpitas $68,899 Monte Sereno $5,817 Morgan Hill $38,924 Mountain View $78,354 Palo Alto $196,317 San Jose $982,087 Santa Clara $114,638 Saratoga $31,355 Sunnyvale $207,294 Santa Clara County $98,380 $2,102,166 .. RescindlReallocation Requests The guidelines for rescinding and reallocating TDA Article 3 projects have been amended by MTC. Previously, sponsors were allowed to rescind projects and reallocate the funds to other projects immediately. However, MTC is now only allowed to allocate up to their estimate in any given year. Sponsors may still rescind projects, but VTA cannot reallocate them until the next TDA funding cycle. Funds rescinded in 2009 will be added to the sponsor's guarantee in 2010. It is the responsibility of the project sponsor to monitor project expiration deadlines and to apply for rescind/reallocation funds in a timely manner. Failure to do so will result in the sponsor losing the funds. Banking of Funds TDA Article 3 funds may be banked for up to two years plus one year to prograITI funds. To bank TDA funds, project sponsors must submit a letter stating that funds will be banked and the TDA Article 3 eligible project to which banked funds will go to. banked funds are not programmed by the end of the 3rd Year, they will be redistributed to the Countywide TDA Article 3 Pool for the following fiscal year. If you are planning to bank funds, please send a letter to that effect to Bill Hough at the address below. 2 of 5 Project Types and Guidelines Your TDA Article 3 project must be ready to implement within ONE year of the application cycle. Eligible Project Types The following project types are eligible for TDA Article 3 Funding: • • • • Design & construction of on and off-street bicycle facility projects -including but not limited to bicycle parking. Design & construction of on and off-street pedestrian facility projects Maintenance of Class I bikeways (unlimited) Maintenance of Class II bikeways. Countywide, the total funds allocated to Class II bikeway maintenance cannot exceed 20% of the total countywide TDA estimate. Call Bill Hough at (408) 321-5735 if you plan to exceed 20% of your agency's guarantee amount. • Bicycle Safety Education Programs (not more than 500/0 of the project's budget and not more 5% of the countywide TDA Article 3 funds) • Comprehensive Bicycle & Pedestrian Facilities Plans (not more than once per jurisdiction every 5 years) . • Projects identified in a recent (within 5 years) comprehensive local bicycle or pedestrian plan • Annual TDA Article 3 Audits Other Eligibility & Procedural Issues Environmental clearance is required for construction projects only. If you are submitting an application for design, you are not required to submit a County stamped notice. Additional information on the TDA Article 3 procedures and criteria can be found in the MTC TDA Article 3 Rules and Procedures, which is available on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission website at: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/funding/STA-TDAlRES-0875.doc Bicycle Advisory Committee and Bicycle Plan Requirement Cities and counties may not receive TDA Article 3 funds for bicycle projects unless the jurisdiction has established a Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) and the project is included in an adopted plan as stipulated in the MTC TDA Article 3 Rules and Procedures. This requirement does not apply to pedestrian projects. VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines The VTA Board of Directors approved the VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines update on December 13, 2007. The purpose of the Guidelines is to provide a uniform set of optimum standards for the planning, design, and construction of bicycle facilities that are part of the countywide bicycle system. Bicycle projects funded by TDA Article 3 funds must comply with the Guidelines. For a copy of this document, please contact Michelle Page 3 of 5 DeRobertis at (408) 321 16 or Michel1e.DeRobertis0)vta. org. It is also available on the VTA website at http://www.vta.org/scheduleslbikewaysJ)rogram.html Application Submittals MTC's TDA Article 3 Project Application Form is located at: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/funding/STA-TDAlTDA_Article_3_Claim_Forms.doc Project sponsors must use this form to subnlit applications. Completed project applications should be submitted to VTA by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2009. (See detailed submittal instructions below.) Complete one application for each project. PLEASE NOTE: VTA should receive ~ of each project application. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 2009/10 TDA A . I 3 D '1 d N P . t S b 'tt I R rtlc e etal e ew rOJec u ml a equlrements N umber of Copies Item 1 per agency Cover letter that indicates whether application is for guarantee and/or BEP funding. The cover letter must include a statement i that the project must be ready to implement within ONE year of the application cycle. 2 per agency Governing body resolution wording and Council Resolution supporting the project(s) (due on May 29, 2009). The sample is on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission website: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/funding/STA-TDA/ 2 per project MTC's TDA Article 3 Application (See Application Form- available on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission website: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/junding/STA-TDAI) 2 per project A vicinity map showing the project's general location in your jurisdiction 2 per project A detail map showing the project and phases where applicable 2 per project Documentation of environmental clearance (jor applicable projects). The county clerk must stamp the environmental document. Please send applications to: Bill Hough, Transportation Planner III Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Programming & Grants 3331 North 1st St., Bldg. B2 San Jose, CA 95134-1906 Page 4 of 5 I Evaluation Process, Programming and Drawing Programmed Funds VTA staff will review project applications. The resulting countywide program will be reviewed by the VTA advisory committees before adoption by the VTA Board of Directors at its June 2009 meeting. The VTA Board adopted project priorities will be forwarded to MTC for review and adoption. Once NITC has adopted the program, MTC's Finance Section will issue allocation instructions to your agency. These instructions will provide your agency with guidance on invoicing and annual audit and reporting requirements. All project invoicing goes directly to MTC. All work must be completed by June 30, 2012 and MTC needs to receive reimbursement requests by August 1, 2012. TDA Audit Information In accordance with MTC Resolution 875, all claimants that have received an allocation of TDA funds are required to submit an annual fiscal and compliance audit to MTC and to the Secretary of Business and Transportation Agency within 180 days after the close of the fiscal year. Your audits are due to MTC by December 31 of each year. Failure to submit the audit will prohibit MTC from making a new TDA allocation. If no TDA funds were expended during the fiscal year, the applicant should file a statement to that effect with MTC. Please contact MTC's TDA program manager Bob Bates, at 510-817-5733 or bbates@mtc.ca.gov, for additional information on audit requirements. Page 5 of 5 The City of Palo Alto ragg_. :zoo&.OS.13 10:23:24 (l1cc-<'n"""'GIs$'GIs\admIn~_.mclb) I/i ATTACHMENT D Project area map for Park Boulevard Bike project Attachment D This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS ---0' 1500' ThIs document Is a graphic rep<asentatlon triy 01 beet lIVeiabIe IIOU'C8S. The CHy 01 Palo Alto assunes no responsI)IIIIy lot MY 1IITlln. 101989 to 2009 CHy 01 Palo Alto