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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-19 City Council (9)TO: City of Pa]!o Alto C ty a ager’s epert 2 FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT DATE: SUBJECT: MAY 19, 2003 CMR:283:03 ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR 2003/2004 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT FUNDS FORBICYCLE 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 to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for Fiscal Year 2003- 04 for the projects indicated below. Guarantee Fund Projects: o South of Forest Area/Palo Alto Medical Foundation Caltrain Pedestrian Bicycle Undercrossing Project ("Homer Undercrossing Project") Funding Request $293,000 RescindYReallocation Requests: Bike Baffles Replacement Project Pedestrian Crosswalk Warning System Project $15,993 $20,000 BACKGROUND The VTA issued a call for projects in late March for the Fiscal Year 2003-04 Transportation Development Act Article 3 Program for bicycle and pedestrian projects. VTA staff will review the project proposals for eligibility, completeness and compliance. The VTA Advisory Committees will review the resulting countywide program before adoption by the Board of Directors in June. The 2002-03 TDA funding estimate for the Santa Clara County is $2,203,237. Under the policy guidelines adopted by the VTA in August 2000, approximately $1,070,063 of the available funds will be assigned to the Guarantee Fund and distributed to local jurisdictions on a population-based apportionment formula. Palo Alto’s guaranteed amount is $37,397, CMR:283:03 Page 1 of 7 based on the City’s 3.53 percent of the county population. The remaining $1,128,043 will be reserved for countywide projects in Tier 1 of the 10-year Countywide Bicycle Plan Expenditure Program. Palo Alto’s has two Tier 1 projects, the Embarcadero Bike Path Project and the Homer Undercrossing Project. DISCUSSION Homer Undercrossing Last year Palo Alto requested and secured $200,000 in TDA funds for the Homer Undercrossing Project. The grant was classified as an advance against the City’s annual Guarantee Fund amount (roughly $35,000 per year). Palo Alto agreed to forego receiving future TDA guarantee funds until this advance is covered by the annual guarantee allocation normally due to Palo Alto in future years, Therefore, this year Palo Alto is not eligible for a grant from the Guarantee Fund. However, since the project is included in the VTA Bicycle Expenditure Program (BEP), it is eligible to compete for the $1,128,043 TDA funds reserved for the Tier 1 BEP projects. The attached grant request of $293,000 is for a TDA allocation from the BEP set-aside. The total cost of the Homer Undercrossing Project, based on the 100 percent design, is estimated to be $5.1 million. To date, staff has secured a total of $5.1 million in funding from various grant and local sources. However, $293,000 in programmed-but-unexpended state STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program) funds may be in jeopardy, due to the state budget crisis. The California Transportation Commission is in the process of establishing statewide priorities for the allocation of STIP funds this year. The Homer Undercrossing is currently in the category of"non-capacity construction projects," which is a low priority for allocation. In April, the Commission directed the CTC staff to work with Palo Alto to consider reclassifying this project on the higher priority category in the next STIP allocation as a "project at risk of losing significant other funding." A CTC decision on allocation of STIP funds to the Homer Undercrossing Project is expected at either the May or June CTC meeting. Last year, for the first time, MTC attached findings to the resolution authorizing submittal of the TDA grant application. Finding No. 6 states that, per the portrayal of "the budgetary, description of the projects in the grant application, the sources of funding other than TDA are adequate for completion of the project." By adopting the attached resolution and its findings, Council would be reconfirming its prior actions directing staff to proceed with the Homer Undercrossing project. Council agreed to the findings last year and staff again recommends that Council approve the resolution and findings. Rescind/Reallocation Requests In addition to the new grant request for the Homer Undercrossing project, two existing grants are scheduled to expire on June 30, 2003 for projects that are in progress but will not CMR:283:03 Page 2 of’] be completed by the end of June. To preserve these funds, the City needs to request that these grants be rescinded and reallocated for FY 2003-04, as permitted under the TDA application guidelines. The reallocations would be valid for three years. These include: Bike Baffles Replacement Project - Palo Alto received a $15,993 TDA grant for this project in 2000 This project is currently in design and will be completed in FY 2003/04. These funds have not been spent, as the project has not reached the construction phase. Pedestrian Crosswalk Warning System Project - Palo Alto received a $20,000 TDA grant for this project in 2000. The Transportation Division is currently designing an enhanced lighted crosswalk installation for the intersection of Park Boulevard and Page Mill Road. Staff expects the project to be installed within the next 6 months. Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory_ Committee Review Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee is on record in support of the Homer Undercrossing and endorsed the previous application for TDA funds for this project. The Committee discussed this grant application on May 6, but could not formally endorse the application due to the lack of a quorum. RESOURCE IMPACT No local match is required for TDA funds. However, because TDA funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, if the City receives TDA funds it will have to spend its own funds and then apply for reimbursement. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The recommended actions transportation policies. in this report are consistent with Comprehensive Plan ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW On April 8, 2002, the City Council adopted the Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Homer Avenue Caltrain Undercrossing Project, finding that there is no substantial evidence that the project would have a significant effect on the environment. Under the provision of Section 15301 of CEQA, the Bike Baffles Redesign project and the Lighted Crosswalk Project were found to be minor changes to existing projects and therefore exempt from the CEQA environmental review. CMR:283:03 Page 3 of 7 ATTACHMENTS A.Resolution Authorizing the Filing of Application for TDA Funds B.Memorandum from Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority C.TDA Article 3 Grant Application PREPARED BY: DEPARTMENT HEAD: Transp/~ion Projects Manager ~EVE EMSLIE Director of Planning and Community Environment CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: HARRI’, Assistant City Manager cc: Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee CMR:283:03 Page 4 of 7 ATTACHMENT A ~i RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO TO REQUEST THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COHMISSION FOR THE ALLOCATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2003/2004 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT, ARTICLE 3 PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE PROJECT FUNDING 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 pedestrians and bicyclists; and ~EREAS, 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, Pedestrian/Bicycle 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 al!ocation of TDA Article 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 submit 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 bicyclLsts; NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows: SECTION i. 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 Counci! 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. 030514 syn 0091244 SECTION 3. The Council finds and determines 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 governments, as the case may be, of City of Palo Alto for submission to MTC as part of the countywide coordinated TDA Article 3 claim. SECTION 6. The Council adopted Mitigated Negative Declarations for the Homer Undercrossing Project on April 8, 2002. Under the provision of Section 13301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bike Baffles Redesign Project and the Lighted Crosswalk Project were found to be minor changes to existing projects and therefore exempt from the CEQA environmental review. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST:APPROVED: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Attorney Mayor City Manager Director of Planning and Community Environment Chief Transportation Official 030514 syn 0091244 2 ATTACHMENT A Findings o o o o 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. The City of Palo Alto has committed adequate staffing resources to complete the projects described on Attachment B. 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 permits and clearances, attendant to the successful completion of the projects. 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. The project described in Attachment B comply with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA, Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.),and that the City of Palo Alto is in possession of the document(s) supporting such compliance, said document(s) having been made available to for public review and stamped by the County Clerk or County Recorder of the county in which the claimant is located. 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. The projects described in Attachment B are for capital construction and/or design engineering; and/or for the maintenance 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 030514 syn 0091244 o o i0. ii. 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 Paio Alto within the prior five fiscal years. 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.) Any project described in Attachment B that is a "Class I Bikeway," meets the mandatory minimum safety design criteria published in Chapter i000 of the California Highway Design Manual. The projects described in Attachment B are ready to commence implementation during the fiscal year of the requested allocation. 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. 030514 syn 0091244 Resolution Attachment ]3 page 1 of 2 TDA Article 3 Project Application Form Fiscal Year of this Claim: 2003-2004 Applicant: City of Palo Alto Contact person: Gayle Likens, Transportation Projects Manager E-Mail Address: gayle.likens@citvofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2136 Secondary Contact (in event primary not available) loseph Kott, Chief Transportation,Official E-Mail Address: joseph.kott@citvofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2578 Short Title Description of Project: Homer Avenue Undercrossing Amount of claim: $293,000 Functional Description of Project: Construction of a new pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing of the Caltrain railroad right-of-way approximately 800 feet south of the Palo Caltrain Station platform. The project will connect the South of Forest Area (SOFA) neighborhood to the Caltrain station, campus of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and points beYond. Financial Plan: Below, please list project components being applied for such as plarming, eng-Lneering right-of-way, construction, contingencies, etc.; also provide project budget showing total cost of project and other funding sources. If this is a segTnent of a larger project, include prior and proposed funding sources for other s%m:aents. Project Components: desig-n and construction of civil° structural, lighting, and landscaping improvements, construction management, inspection and contingencies Funding Source TDA Article 3 List all other sources: 1. CMAQ 2. STIP 3. TFCA 4. TEA 5. Local 6. TLC (submitted) Totals All Prior FYs $200,000 Application FY 2003104 $293,000 (Tier I Next FY Following FYs Totals $493,000 (G) $2,035,510 $2,035,510 $330,00 TBD($293,000)$37,000 $325,000 $325,000 $502,000 $502,000 $1,275,000 $1,275,000 $464,000 $464,000 $5,131,510 $5,131,510 YES?/NO? yes yes Project Eligibility: A. Has the project been approved by the claimant’s governing body? (If "NO," use the next page to provide the approximate date approval is anticipated) B. Has this project previously received TDA Article 3 funding? If "YES," provide an explanation on the next page C. For "bikeways," does the project meet Caltrans minimum safety desig-n criteria pursuant to Chapter 1000 of the California Highway Desig-n Manual? (Available on the intemet at: hrm:,’iwww.dot.ca.gov,,’hqoppd/hdm/chaprers/tlOOl.htrn) D. Has the project been reviewed by a Bicycle Advisory Committee? (If "NO," use the next page to provide a sound explanation) 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 recorder7 F. Will the project be completed within the three fiscal year time period (including the fiscal year of funding) after which the allocation expires? Enter the anticipated completion date of project (month and year) lune 2004 G. Have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project7 yes yes yes yes yes 0 0 0 0 0 ~5 A ~1T A C L A R A Valley Transportation Authority 7 ATTACHMENT B MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: TDA Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Grant Applicants Technical Advisory Committee Members John R. Sighamony, Transportation Planner I ~ March 21, 2003 SUBJECT:Call for Projects, Transportation Deve!opment Act (Article 3) FY 2003/04 Program I. TDA Article 3 Funds Available Project Application Due Date: Date: April 21, 2003 Time: 4:00 PM To: John R. Si~hamony, Transportation Planner I Guarantee Funds The chart on Page #2 shows each city and the County’s "Guarantee" share of MTC’s TDA Article 3 Estimate. This guarantee share is based on the December 2002 California Department of Finance (DOF) population projections and funds banked from previous years, where applicable. Your agency’s tot~ applications cannot exceed its guarantee share. Tier 1 Bicycle Expenditure Program Attachment A shows the VTP 2020 Countywide Bicycle Plan Tier 1 Bicycle Expenditure program list. The VTA Board of Directors took action on August 3, 2000 to dedicate 30% of TDA Article 3 fund estimate to Tier i projects. There is $1,128,043 available for Tier 1 Bicycle projects this cycle, which includes previous years banking and adjustments. Sponsors will need to submit a formal application. If you would like to submit a Tier i funding request in the 2003/04 cycle, please contact Celia Chung at (408) 321-5716 or John Sighamony at (408) 321-5693 before April 4, 2003. However, applications are not due until April 21, 2003. Page 1 of 5 2003/04 TDA ARTICLE 3 ESTIMATE FOR SANTA CLARA COUNTY $1,414,304 2003/04 TDA Fund Estimate $994,437 Guarantee (70%) Fund including prior years $1,128,043 Tier 1 Bicycle Fund (30%) including prior years SANTA CLARA CO.Population Pop. Percent Guarantee Amount Campbell 38,400!2.23%1 $22,206 Cupertino 52,2001 3.04%I $30,187 Gilroy*43,9501 2.56%1 $92,717 Los Altos 27,8501 1.62%1 $16,105 Los Altos Hills*8,0001 0.47%I $9,554 Los Gatos 28,9501 1.68%$16,741 Milpitas 63,800]3.71%$36,895 Monte Sereno*1 3,5201 0.20°/61 85,433 Morgan Hill !34,800i 2.02%!$20,124 Mountain View i 71,600 4.16%1 $41,405 Palo Alto I 60,500 3.52%$34,986 San Jose 918,0001 53.38%$530,869 Santa Clara I 104,3001 6.07%$60,315 Saratoga 30,450 1.77%1 $17,609 Surmyvale 132,8001 7.72%1 $76,797 Unincol~orated !100,5001 5.84%I $58,118 I 1,719,6201 100.00%I $1,070,063 *Guarantee Amount includes prior year banking and paybacks TOTALS MAY NOT EQUAL SUM DUE TO INDEPENDENT ROUNDING. Source: California Department of Finance, Report 02 E-2 Rescind]Reallocation Requests Attachment B is a rescind/reallocation form. Sponsors must include all rescind!reallocation requests for projects allocated in FY 2001/2002 and expiring on June 30, 2003 as well as projects that have significantly changed their work scopes. It is the responsibility of the project sponsor to monitor project expiration deadlines and to apply for rescind!reallocation of funds in a timely manner. Failure to do so will result in the sponsor losing the funds. To submit a rescind/reallocation request, the sponsor must complete and submit a rescind/reallocation form and submit it, with copies of the ori~zlal TDA Article 3 application, to VTA. These requests are due with the current year.project applications on April 21, 2003. Page 2 of 5 II. Project Eligibility, Ell~ble 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 John Sighamony at (408) 321-5693 if you plan to exceed 20% of your agency’s guarantee amount.) Bicycle and Pedestrian project development Bicycle Safety Education Programs (not more than 50% 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) Annual TDA Article 3 Audits Bicycle Advisor~T Committee and Plan Requirement Cities and counties may not receive TDA Article 3 funds for bicycle projects unless the jurisdiction has established a Bicycle Advisory Committee 0BAC) and adopted a comprehensive bicycle plan. This requirement does not apply to pedestrian projects. ~A Bicycle Technical Guidelines The ~A Board of Directors approved the VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines on October 7, 1999. 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 standards. For a copy of this document, please contact Celia Chung at (408) 321-5716 or Celi~Chung@~a.org. Other Eligibilitv & Procedural Issues Additional information on the TDA Article 3 procedures and criteria can be found in Attachment C - Local TDA Article 3 Program Policies & Criteria, and in the MTC Fund Application Manual, which is available from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Paga 3 of 5 III. Application Submittals MTC’s TDA Article 3 application form is included as Attachment D. Completed project applications should be submitted to VTA by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2003. (See detailed submittal instructions below.) Applicant should complete one application for each project. PLEASE NOTE: VTA should receive 2 unstapled, three-hole punched copies of each project application. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 2003/2004 TD)k Article 3 Detailed New Project Submittal Requirements Number of Copies Item i per agency Cover letter which indicates which projects are for guarantee and/or Tier i funding 2 per agency Governing body resolution wording. (A copy is included with the call for projects.) 2 per agency Counci! Resolution supporting the project(s) (due on May 19, 2003) 2 per project MTC’s TDA Article 3 Application (See Attachment D - available in electronic format) 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. The environmental document must be stamped by the county clerk. 2002/03 Detailed Rescind/Reallocation Request Requirements Number of Copies Item 1 per agency Rescind/Reallocation Form 2 per project Original TDA Article 3 Application Please send applications and requests to: John Sighamony, Transportation Planner I Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Congestion Management and Highway Programs 3331 North First St., Bldg. B San Jose, CA 95134-1906 Page 4 of 5 Evaluation Process, Programming and Drawing Programmed Funds VTA staff will review project applications and Rescind/Reallocation requests for eligibility, completeness, and compliance. The resulting Countywide program will be reviewed by the VTA Advisory Committees before adoption by the VTA Board of Directors at its’ June 5, 2003 meeting. The VTA Board adopted project priorities will be forwarded to MTC for review and adoption. Once MTC 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. Projects prioritized in the 2003/04 cycle must be fully invoiced and reimbursed by September 30, 2005. 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 31st of each year. Failure to submit the audit wil! 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 for additional information on audit requirements. Page 5 of 5 Tier Attachment A VTP 2020 Countywide Bicycle Plan Bicycle Expenditure Program (BEP) 1 Proiect List - Adopted By VTA Board of Directors. October 10. 2002 ID# Sponsor B13 Campbell B06 Campbell B!5 County B19 County B01 Cupertino B08 Cupertino B05 Gilroy B20 ~Lol Altos B21 Altos Bll Milpitas B10 Morgan Hill B04 Mr. View B22 Palo Alto Palo Alto San Jose San Jose Project Improvements on Hamilton Avenue from Salmar to Creekside (Hwy 17) Total Recommended Cost BEP funding $1,500 VTA/S. Clara/ S. Jose Santa Clara Saratoga Saratoga Sunnyvale VTA B23 B02 B03 B14 B07 B18 B24 B09 B25 Los Gatos Creek Trail (Mozart - San Tomas) Almaden Expressway (Ironwood - Koch, southbound) Bikeway Shoulder Delineation on Expressways Mary Avenue Bike/Pedestrian Overcrossing (I-280) San Tomas Aquino-Saratoga Creek (Tantau - Barnhart) Uvas Creek Trail connection to Gilroy Sports Park Hetch Hetchy Bike Pathway Stevens Creek Feasibility S~udy Union Pacific Bike!Pedestrian Overcrossing (Gflbralt2.r - Montague) West Little Llagas Creek Trail (Spring - Watson~Nle) Stevens Creek Trail, Reach 4 North Homer Ave. Undercrossing Embarcadero Bike Path Los Gatos Creek Trail CIAncoln - Auzerais) Los Gatos Creek Trail (Auzerais - Santa Clara) River Oaks Bridge at Guadalupe River San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail (Hwy 237 to city limits) Cox Ave P~klroad - Improve Grade Crossings Union Pacific Railroad/De Anza Trail (Reach 3) Borregas Ave Bike!Pedestrian Overcrossings at H~ 101& Rt. 237 Pilot parking program Total:l $800 $2,000 $625 $6,800 $840 $470 $435 $I00 $3,000 $1,500 82,700 $4,906 $1,496 $2,000 $3,000, $2,714 $15,000 $875 $2,497 $6,487 $200 $59,9451 $1,200 $640 $1,600 $500 $.348 $80 $2,400 $1,200 $500 $70O $300 $1,600 $2,400 $250 $5,000 $375 81,998 $5,175 $o2,319J Page A-1 City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and Community Environment ATTACHMENT C April 17, 2003 Transportation Division John Sighamony, Transportation Planner I Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Congestion Management and Highway Programs 3331 North First Street, Bldg. B San Jose, CA 94134-1906 Dear Mr. Sighamony: Enclosed are two copies of the TDA Article 3 grant application materials for bicycle/pedestrian projects in the City of Palo Alto for in 2003-04. Palo Alto is not eligible for guarantee fund monies this year, as the City received an advance of $200,000 last year for the Homer Undercrossing project. This year, Palo Alto is requesting an additional allocation of $293,000 from the Bicycle Expenditure Program fund for the Homer Undercrossing Project, as a back up for the potential loss of STZP funds for the project. In addition, there are two rescind and reallocation requests for previous allocations. Tier 1 Bicycle Expenditure Program 1. Homer Undercrossing/South of Forest Area CaltTain Pedestrian Bicycle Undercrossing Project Funding Request $293,000 Rescind/Reallocation Requests 1. Replacement of baffles in the California Avenue Undercrossing and US 101 Overcrossing 2. Pedestrian Walkway Lighted Warning System $15,993 $20,000 The City Council will consider adoption of a Resolution of support for these TDA applications on Monday, May 12Lb. The fully executed Council Resolution will be sent under separate cover shortly thereafter. Sincerely, Transportation Projects Manager Enclosures 250 Hamilton Avenue P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto, CA 94303 650.329.2520 650.617.3108 fax Resolution Attachment ]3 page ! of 2 TDA Article 3 Project Application Form Fiscal Year of this Claim: 2003-2004 Applicant: CiW of Palo Alto Contact person: Gayle Likens, Transportation Projects Manager E-Mail Address: gayle.likens@citvofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2136 Secondary_ Contact (i~ event primary not available) Joseph Kott, Chief Transportation Official E-Mail Address: joseph.kott@ci _tyofpaloalto.org Telephone: 650-329-2578 Short Title Description of Project: Homer Avenue Undercrossing Amount of claim: $293,000 Functional Description of Project: Const3-uction of a new pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing of the Caltrain railroad right-of-way approximately 800 feet South of the Palo Caltrain Station platform. The project will connect the South of Forest Area (SOFA) neighborhood to the Caltrain station, campus of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and points beyond. Financial Plan: Below, please list project components being applied for such as planning, engineering right-of-way, constn~.cfion, contingencies, etc.; also provide project budget showing total cost of project and other funding sources. If this is a segment of a larger project, include prior and proposed funding sources for other segments. Project Components: desig-n and construction of civi!, sffuctural,., lighting, and landscaping improvements, construction management, inspection and contingencies Funding Source TDA Article 3 list all other sources: 1. CMAQ 2. STIP 3. TFCA 4. TEA 5. Local 6. TLC (submitted) Totals All Prior FYs Application FY Next FY Following FYs Totals 2003/04 $200,000 $293,000 (Tier 1)$493,000 (G) $2,035,510 $2,035,510 $330,00 TBD ($293,000)$37,000 $325,000 $325,000 $502,000 $502,000 $1,275,000 $1,275,000 $464,000 $464,000 $5,131,510 $5,131,510 Project Eligibility: A. Has the project been approved by the claimant’s governing body? (If "NO," use the next page to provide the approximate date approval is anticipated) B. Has this project previously received TDA Article 3 funding? If "YES," provide an explanation on the next page C. For "bikeways," does the project meet Caltrans minimum safety design criteria pursuant to Chapter 1000 of the California Highway Design Manual? (_Available on the internet at: http://wx~-w.dot.c~.govihq/oppd/hdm !chapters/t1001 .htm) D. Has the project been reviewed by a Bicycle Advisory Committee? (if "NO," use the next page to provide a sound explanation) 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? F.Will the project be completed within the three fiscal year time period (including the fiscal year of funding) after which the allocation expires? Enter the anticipated completion date of project (month and year) June 2004 G. Have provisions been made by the claimant to maintain the project? " ES?/NO? yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Short Title Description of Proiect: Resolution No. INSERT ?,,K.rMBER Attachment B page 2 of 2 TDA Article 3 Project Application Form Explanatory Comments Page The Homer Avenue Undercrossing project consists of the design and construction of a new pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing of the Caltrain railroad rig~ht-of-way approximately 800 feet south the Palo Alto Caltrain station platform. This project is a joint partnership between the City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto Medical Foundation and the Caltrain Joint Powers Board that will enhance the efficiency and connectivity of pedestrian and bicycle travel across the commuter rail line by creating a key link between local medical facilities, residential neighborhoods, regional transit, and the commercial and retail district near Palo Alto’s downtown core. Specifically, the project will connect the South of Forest Area (SOFA) mixed use neighborhood to the new campus of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, a major health care provider in Palo Alto, the Cattrain station and points beyond, including the Stanford University campus. The project will increase opportunities for local bicycle and pedestrian trips and commute trips, and fosters integration of bicycle and pedestrian trips with regional transit and rai!. The project implements the transportation policies for the area identified in City’s Comprehensive Plan as well as the Coordinated Area Plan for the SOFA neighborhood, which was achieved through extensive community consensus building process. This project is included in the TIP as project SCL991016 and SCL010045. To date, there is a total of $5.1 million in federal, state and local funds committed to the project. This is a high priority project for the City of Palo Alto, the adjacent neighborhoods, businesses, Caltrain, and local bicycle groups. TDA funds are being requested to backfill a potential loss of $293,000 in STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program) funds for this project. Staff has submitted requests to Caltrans to extend the $293,000 in unexpended STIP funds for 20 months and has obtained Caltrans approval of advance construction for the STIP funds. However, due to the state budget crisis, the California Transportation Commission is in the process of establishing statewide priorities for the allocation of STIP funds this year. The Homer Undercrossing is currently in the category of "noncapacity construction projects" that is in a low priority which is unlikely to be allocated. Staff submitted a formal written request to the CTC and attended the CTC meeting on April 4, 2003 to present the City’s request that the project be moved into the higher category of "projects at significant risk of losing other funding." The Commission directed CTC staff to work with Palo Alto to consider reclassifying this project on the higher priority category in the next STIP allocation as a project at risk of losing significant other funding. CTC allocation of STD funds to the Homer Undercrossing Project is expected at the May or June CTC meeting. The project is currently out to bid and staff expects to bring the award of contract to Council in June. Enter explanatory comments below, as required due to certain "YES" or ’nO" answers to items "A" through " "G" on the Project Application Form, or to provide information that will not fit on the application form, or to provide information that will clarify any potential confusion concerning the scope, cost or schedule for the project. l 0 0 o~ 0 To: County: Date: Auditor Santa Clara June 28, 2000 Metropolitan Transportation Commission TDA ALLOCATION INSTRUCTION Identification Number Ref. 2001-3270-080 Transportation Development Act Funds Pursuant to California Public Utilities Code Section 99235 and 21 Cal. Code of Regs. Section 6659 Fiscal Year 2000-2001 x x Original Instruction Revised Instruction No. __ Disbursement Authorization No. ( Reserve Authorization Claimant: Attention: City of Palo Alto P.O. B’ox 10250 Palo Att0,: CA19430 ! Joseph K0tt, Chi~f Transportation Official Authorization: PUC 99233~3 Total:~location: $15,993. Purpose: Article 3, P~destrian & Bicycle Projects Project Description: Replace existing ngrrow baffles that slow bike traffic in California Avenue Undei-crossing ~:US 101 Overcrossing. Terms and Conditions.’. These funds are reserved in the Local Transportation Fund (LTF) of .Santa Clara County for a pe:~od of 3 years. EligibLe costs must be incurred on or before June 30, 2003. Funds not drawn by Septe:mber 30, 2003, cease to be allocated and on that date revert to the unallocated balance of the Local Tra~sportation Fund (LTF). MTC will issue disbursement authorization upon receipt from claimant of invoice or other documentation substantiating actual expenditure or financial obligation. Funds expended pursuant to this allocation instruction must be included in City ofPalo Alto’s annual certified fiscal audit required by PUC §99245. Disbursement is not authorized Disbursement is authorized in the amount of $ Balance not authorized for disbursement $ Single payment (to meet actual financial obligation)Quarterly (in advance) Other: Sig~ed Eva Sun Accounting Supervisor FY 01 -ART 3 Master.doc To~ County: Date: Auditor Santa Clara June 28, 2000 Identification Number Ref. 2001-3270-081 Metropolitan Transportation Commission TDA ALLOCATION INSTRUCTION Transportation Development Act Funds Pursuant to California Public Utilities Code Section 99235 and 21 Cal. Code of Regs. Section 6659 Fiscal Year 2000-2001 X X Original Instruction Revised Instruction No. Disbursement Authorization No. ( Reserve Authorization Claimant: Attention: City of Palo Alto P.O. Box 10250 PaloAlto, CA 94301 Joseph Kott, Chief Transportation Official Authorization: PUC 99233.3 To~aF~ltocation: $20.000. Purpose: Article 3, Pedestrian & Bicycle Projects Project Description: Engineer, construct, and inspect pedestrian walkway warning system at Homer Avenue midblock Crosswalk, Parkway Blvd/Page Mill Crosswalk, or Fabian Avenue midblock Crosswalk using in-roadway LED strobe lights. Terms and Conditions: These funds are reserved in the Local Transportation Fund (LTF) of Santa Clara County for a period of 3 years. Eligible costs must be incurred on or before June 30, 2003. Funds not drawn by September 30, 2003, cease to be allocated and on that date revert to the unallocated balance of the Local Transportation Fund (LTF). MTC will issue disbursement authorization upon receipt from claimant of invoice or other documentation substantiating actual expenditure or financial obligation. Funds expended pursuant to this allocation instruction must be included in City ofPalo Alto’s annual certified fiscal audit required by PUC §99245. Disbursement is not authorized Disbursement is authorized in the amount of $ Balance not authorized for disbursement $ Single payment (to meet actual financial obligation) Quarterly (in advance) Other: Sig-ned Eva Sun Accounting Supervisor FY 01-ART 3 Master.doe