HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-09 City Council (16)TO:
FROM:
City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Repo--"
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL /
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNIN~
DATE:
SUBJECT:
APRIL 9, 2001 CMR:191:01
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CiTY
MANAGER TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR 2001/02
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT FUNDS 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 2001/02 for the following projects:
1.Enhanced Crosswalk Installations
2.Bicycle Parking Facilities
3.Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Education Program
4.Embarcadero Bridge and Bike Path Project
5.Replacement of Willow/Waverley Street bike bridge
Total
$50000
$5,209
$5,000
$95,510
$6,567
$162.286
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency (VTA) issued a call for projects for the
Fiscal Year 2001/02 Transportation Development Act Article 3 program for bicycle and
pedestrian projects (Attachment B). VTA staff will review the project proposals 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 on May 2, 2001.
The 2001/02 TDAfunding estimate for the Santa Clara County is $2,480,376. Under the
policy guidelines adopted by the VTA in August 2000, 70 percent 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 $60,209,
based on the City’s 3.54 percent of the County population. The remaining 30 percent of
the funds will be reserved for countywide projects in Tier 1 of the 10 year Countywide
Bicycle Plan Expenditure Program. Palo Alto’s only Tier 1 project is the replacement of
CMR:!91:01 Page 1 of 4
He Caiifornia Aven~ie pedestrian underpass, which is currently the subject of a feasibility
DISCUSSION
.Staff is recommending that the City’s 2001/02 TDA grant application focus on
pedestrian-related needs, due to the merit of the recommended projects and the fact that
the City’s bicycle plan study is still in process and will not be completed until Summer
2001. When the bicycle plan is complete, it will include a priority list .of specific
improvements for Council consideration. Upon adoption by the Council, the bicycle plan
will be used as the guide in establishing TDA application priorities in future years.
Staff is recommending that the City submit TDA applications for three new projects and
request for reallocation of two existing grants that are scheduled to expire on June 30,
2001, which have been delayed for unforeseen reasons.
New Guarantee Fund Projects
1.Enhanced Crosswalk Installations ($50,000)
The City Council recently adopted guidelines for the evaluation of requests for
crosswalks at mid-block locations and at uncontrolled intersections. These
guidelines take into consideration the total effect of factors including pedestrian
and traffic volumes, vehicle speed, vehicle gaps, visibility and illumination at the
proposed crosswalk site. The guidelines identify the need tO use speci.al
treatments to enhance safety at such crosswalk installations. The special
treatments include One or. more of the following: raised crosswalks, bulbouts,
median refuges, lighted crosswalks and actuated warning systems.
This funding would supplement a $20,000 TDA grant received in 2000-01 for a
lighted crosswalk installation. By combining this grant with the requested TDA
funding, staff would be able to implement 2-3 enhanced crosswalk projects at
locations that meet the adopted criteria.
o Bicycle Parking Facilities ($5,209)
The City’s reserve supply of bicycle racks is low. This funding will be used to
purchase bicycle racks to install in new locations or to replace damaged or poorer
quality bike racks in the business districts and at City facilities.
Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Education Programs in Palo Alto Schools ($5,000)
This year the City and Palo Alto Unified School District jointly fimded new
pedestrian safety education presentations in Grades K-2 and a part-time
Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Coordinator position to support and coordinate the
overall bicycle and pedestrian safety programs for Grades K-6. The total cost of
CMR: 191:01 Page 2 of 4
the program is approximately $11,000. This program has been well received this
year and is recommended to continue in FY 2001/02. TDA funds may be used to
offset up to 50 percent of the cost.
Reallocation of Existing Grants
5.Replacement of the Willow/Waverley Bridge ($6,567)
Palo Alto received a $20,000 TDA grant for this project in 1998, as the City’s
local share contribution to the cost of this project. The remaining unused balance
of the grant funds is $6,567, which is scheduled to expire on June 30th. The City
of Menlo Park is the lead agency for this project and has secured over $240,000 in
grant funds for the project from San Mateo County. Recently, Menlo Park staff
notified Palo Alto that the project has been delayed and they will not begin the
design .work until next fiscal year.
Embarcadero Bridge and Bike Path Project ($95,510)
This project has funding from a number of sources, including $800,000 in TEA-21
funding which must be encumbered by September 30, 2001. Staff is working to
seek formal approval of the project from the Public Utilities Commission prior to
proceeding with a construction contract. The TDA funds are still an integral part
of the funding package for this project and need to be reallocated to FY 2001-02 to
coincide with the project implementation schedule.
Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee Review
As required by the MTC grant application policies, the TDA project proposals were
reviewed by the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) earlier this month. A
memorandum from PABAC is included as Attachment C.
RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no local match requirement for TDA funds. However, because TDA funds are
disbursed on a reimbursement basis, if these grants are secured, City funds need to be
appropriated for the project expenditures, which then would be reimbursed by TDA
funds. If these grant applications are successful, staff will return to Council with a
Budget Amendment Ordinance indicating there would be no fiscal impact.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The recommended actions
transportation policies.
in this report are consistent with Comprehensive Plan
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This request for funds is not considered a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA); therefore, no environmental assessment is needed at. this time.
However, the enhanced crosswalk project, and the bicycle parking facilities project are
CMR:191:01 Page 3 of 4
each minor alterations to existing facilities and are exempt from environmental review
requirements under section 15301 of CEQA. The bicycle/pedestrian safety education
program in the elementary and middle schools is not a project under CEQA.
ATTACHMENTS
A.Resolution Authorizing the Filing of Application for TDA Funds
B~Memorandum from Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
C.Memorandum from Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee
PREPARED BY: Gayle Likens, Senior Planner
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
~,. EI~W-ARI~ G0(WF
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
EMILY .HARRISON
Assistant City Manager
Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee
City/School Traffic Safety Committee
CMR: 191:01 Page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT~
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A. CLAIM WITH THE
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR
ALLOCATION OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT FUNDS
FOR FISCAL .YEAR 2001-2002
WHEREAS, the Transportation Development Act. ("TDA"), as
amended (Public Utilities Code section 99200 et seq.), provides for
the disbursement of funds from the Local Transportation Fund of the
County of Santa Clara for use by eligible claimants for the purpose
of providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the TDA, as amended,
and pursuant to the applicable rules and regulations thereunder (21
Cal. Code of Regulations section 6600 et seq.), a prospective
claimant wishing to receive an allocation from the Local
Transportation Fund shall file its claim with the Metropolitan
Transportation Cormaission; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto is an eligible claimant for
TDA funds pursuant to Public Utilities Code section 9.9234, as
expressed in the City of Palo Alto’s opinion of counsel,, dated
March 26, 2001; and
WHEREAS, TDA funds from the Local Transportation Fund of
Santa Clara County will be required in fiscal year 2001-2002 for
the purpose of improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities in Palo
Alto; and
WHEREAS, this claim is in accordance with the policy in the
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan to promote bicycle use;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does
hereby RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION i. The Council hereby approves and authorizes the
City Manager to.execute and file an appropriate claim, together
with all necessary supporting documents, with the Metropolitan
’Transportation Commission for an allocation of One Hundred Sixty-
Two Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars ($162,286.00) in TDA
funds in fiscal year 2001-2002 for the purpose of providing the
following pedestrian and bicycle projects in Palo Alto:
010328 syn 0090820
Project
Enhanced Crosswalk Installations
Amount
$ 50,000
2.Bicycle Parking Facilities $ 5,209
3.Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Education $ 5,000
Program
4.Embarcadero Bridge and Bike Path $ 95,510
5.Replacement of Willow/Waverley $ 6,567
Bike Bridge
Total $162,286
SECTION 2. The City Clerk is hereby directed to
transmit a copy of this resolution to the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission in. conjunction with the filing of the
claim, and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission is requested
to concur in these findings and grant the allocations of funds as
specified herein.
SECTION 3. This request for funds .is not considered a
project under the California Environmental Quality Act,and
therefore, no environmental assessment is needed.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:City Manager
Senior Asst. City Attorney Director of Administrative
Services
Director of Planning and
Community Environment
010328 syn 0090820
2
Chief Transportation
Official
ATTACHMENT B
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
TDA Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Grant Applicants
Technical Advisory Committee Members
Marcella M. Rensi, Senior Transportation Planner
March 1, 2001
SUBJECT:Call for Projects, Transportation Development Act (Article 3)
FY 2001/02 Program
TDA Article 3 Funds Available
Guarantee Funds
Attachment A shows each city and the County’s "Guarantee" share of MTC’s TDA
Article 3 Estimate. This guarantee share is based on 2000 California Department of
Finance (DOF) population projections.
Tier 1 Bicycle Expenditure Program
Attachment B shows the VTP 2020 Countywide Bicycle Plan Tier 1 Bicycle
Expenditure Program project list~ The VTA Board of Directors took action on August
3, 2000 to dedicate 30% of TDA Article 3 fund estimate to Tier 1 projects. This makes
$728,672 available for Tierl Bicycle projects this year. Sponsors will need to submit a
formal application. If you would like to submit a funding request in the 2001/02 cycle,
please contract Marcella Rensi at (408) 321-5717 or Celia Chung at (408) 321-5716
before March 15,2001.
Project Eligibility
Eligible Project Types
The following project types are eligible for TDA Article 3 Funding:
¯Design & construction ofon 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)
¯Bicycle and Pedestrian project development
Page 1 of 3
¯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 Advisory 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 (BAC) and adopted a
comprehensive bicycle plan. This requirement does not apply to pedestrian projects.
There are several jurisdictions that are in Various stages of preparing bicycle plans.
MTC may waive the plan requirement if a jurisdiction can demonstrate progress toward
completion of a plan for this year’s cycle. If you have recently completed a plan or
wish to demonstrate progress and have the requirement waived, please contact Celia
Chung at (408) 321-5716 before March 15, 2001. Please mall a copy of your current
bike plan to Celia.
VTA Bicycle Technical Guidelines
The VTA Board of Directors approved the VTA BicYCle Technical Guidelines on
October 7, 1999. The purpose of the Guidelines is to provide, consistency in the
design, construction and maintenance of bicycle facilities that are a part of the
countywide bicycle system. Bicycle projects funded by TDA Article 3 funds should be
consistent with the Guidelines. For a copy of this document, please contact Celia
Chung.at (408) 321-5716 or Celia.Chtmg@vta.org.
Other Eligibility & Procedural Issues
Additional information on the TDA Article 3 procedures and criteria can be found in
Attachment C - Local TDA A~icle 3 Program Policies & Criteria, and in the MTC
Fund Application Manual, which is available from the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission..,
Rescind/Reallocation Requests
Attachment D is a rescind/reallocation form..Sponsors must include all
rescind/reallocation requests for projects allocated in FY 1998/1999 and expiring on
June 30, 2001 as well as projects that have significantly changed their work scopes. It
is the responsibility of 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
original TDA Article 3 application, to VTA.
Page 2 of 3
Application Submittals
MTC’s TDA Article 3 application form included as Attachment E. Completed project
applications should be submitted to VTA by close-of-business on Monday, March 26,
2001. (See detailed submittal instructions below.)
Complete one application for each project. PLEASE NOTE: VTA should receive 2_
unstapled, three-hole punched copies of each project application. "
Number of Copies
1 per agency
2 per agency
2 per agency
2 per project
2 per project
2 per project
2 per project
2001/2002 TDA Article 3 Detailed New Project Submittal Requirements
Item
Cover letter which indicates which projects are for guarantee and
Tier 1 funding
Legal Counsel Opinion certifying that agency is
a) Authorized to provide and assist public transportation and
b) eligible for TDA funds in accordance with the provisions of
PUC section 99233.3 and 99234
Council Resolution supporting the project(s)
MTC’s TDA Article 3 Application (See Attachment E - available
in eleCtronic format)
A vicinity map showing the project’s general location in your
jurisdiction
A detail.mapshowing the project and phases where applicable
Documentation of environmental clearance
2001/02 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:
Marcella Rensi, Senior Transportation Planner
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Congestion Management and Highway Programs
3331 North First St., Bldg. B
San Jose, CA 95134-1906
Evaluation Process
VTA staff will review project applications and Rescind/Reallocation requests for
eligibility, completeness, and compliance. The resulting Countywide program will be
Page 3 of 3
reviewed by the VTA Advisory committees before adoption by the VTA Board of
Directors at its’ May 2, 2001 meeting.
Page 4 of 3
Attachm~t A
2001/02 TDA ARTICLE 3 ESTIMATE
FOR SANTA CLARA COUNTY
ESTABLISHES CITY/COUNTY 2000/01 GUARANTEE ALLOCATIONS
ESTABLISHES 2001/02 TIER 1 BICYCLE PROGRAM FUND
$2,480,376
$(51,470)
$2,428,906
$1,700,234
$728,672
MTC Adopted .2001/02 TDA 3 Estimate
Prior Year Banking & Trades
2001102 TDA Fund Estimate
Guarantee (70%) Fund
Tier 1 Bicycle Fund (30%)
SANTA C LARA
Campbell*
Cupertino
Gilroy
Los Altos
Los Altos Hills
Los Gatos
Milpitas
Monte Sereno
Morgan Hill
Mountain View
Palo Alto
San Jose
Santa Clara
Saratoga
Sunnyvale
Unincorporated*
Population
1,736,700
40,850
52,900
4O, 15O
28,600
8,300
3O ,45O
65,300
3,470
33,100
76,000
61,500
923,600
102,900
31,300
133,200
105,200
Guarantee Amount includes prior
Pop.
Percent
Guarantee Amt
(Includes Banked Funds)
2.35%
3.05%
2.31%
1.65%
0.48%
1.75%
3.76%
0.20%
1.91%
4.38%
3.54%
53.18%
5.93%
! .80%
7.67%
6.06%
100.01%
year banking & paybacks
$66,462.18
$51,789
$39,3O7
$27,999
$8,126
$29,811
$63,929
$3,397
$32,4O5
$74,404
$60,209
$904,2O7
$100,739
$30,643
$130,403
$127,991
$1,751,822
TOTALS MAY NOT EQUAL SUM DUE TO INDEPENDENT ROUNDING.
Source: California Department of Finance, Report 00 E-1.
Page A-1
]])# Sponsor
B13 Campbell
B06 Campbell
B15 County
B01 Cupertino
B08 Cupertino
B17 Cupertino
B05 Gilroy
B11 Milpitas
B10 Morgan Hill
B04 Mt. View
B19 Palo Alto
B02 San Jose
B03 San Jose
B14 VTA/S.Clara/
S. Jose
B07 Santa Clara
B16 Santa Clara
B18 Saratoga
B09 Sunnyvale
B12 ~Sunnyvale
Attachment B
VTP 2020 Countywide Bicycle Plan
Bicycle ExpenditureProgram (BEP)
Tier 1 Project List- Adopted By VTA Board of Directors, July 7, 2000
Project
Improvements on Hamilton Avenue from Salmar to Creekside
.(Hwy 17)
Los Gatos Creek Trail (Mozart - San Tomas)
Almaden Expressway (Ironwood - Koch, southbound)
Mary Avenue Bike/Pedestrian Overcrossing (I-280)
San Tomas Aquino-Saratoga Creek (Tantau - Bamhart)
Union Pacific Railroad/De Anza Trail (Cupertino, County,. Los
G-atos, Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga)
Uvas Creek Trail connection to Gilroy Sports Park
Union Pacific Bike/Pedestrian Overcrossing (Gilbraltar -
Montague)
West Little Llagas Creek Trail (Spring - Watsonville)
Stevens Creek Trail, Reach 4 North
California Ave Undercrossing at Caltrain
Los Gatos Creek Trail (Lincoln - San Fernando) .
LOs Gatos Creek Trail (San Femando-Santa Clara)
River Oaks Bridge at Guadalupe River
San Tomas Aqnino Creek Trail (Hwy 237 to city limits)
Santa Clara Caltrain Bike/Pedestrian Overcrossing
Cox Ave Railroad - Improve Grade Crossings
Borregas Ave Bike/Pedestrian Overcrossings at Hwy 101& Rt.
237
Bernardo Ave Undercrossing at Caltrain Tracks
VTA Pilot parking program
Total:
Total
Cost
$1,500
$800
$2,000
$3,700
$500
$3,400
$470
$3,ooo
$1,500
$2,700
$5,000
$2,000
$3,000
$1,000
$9,000
$2,000
$125
$4,700
$1,300
$2oo
$47,895
Recommended
BEP funding
$1,20C
$64C
$1,60C
$2,960
$150
$2,720
$363
$2,400
$1,200
$5oo
$1,ooo
$1,600
$2,400
$200
$5,000
$1,600
$100
$3,760
$1,040
$1oo
$30,533
Page B-1
Attachment C
Local TDA Article 3 Program Policies & Project Criteria
Santa Clara County TDA Article 3 Program Policies & Criteria
The following policies were adopted by the VTA Board of Directors on August 7, 1997
and amended on August 3, 2000.
The TDA Article 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program shall emphasize projects that
enhance safety, are multi-purpose, provide a missing link, implement the
Countywide Bicycle System and/or City General Plans and/or City Bicycle Plans
and mitigate traffic problems.
The annual allocation of TDA Article 3 funds shall be as follows:
Seventy percent of the annual allocation shall be guaranteed to Member Agencies
based on population.
Thirty percent of the funds shall be allocated to projects in the Countywide Tier 1
Bicycle Expenditure Program for the 10-year period F¥ 2001/02 through F¥
2010/11.
3.Inter-jurisdictional projects will be encouraged.
4.A Member Agency is assured no more and no less than its Guarantee amount in a
single fiscal year. If the Guarantee amount is insufficient, the project sponsor may
"bank" Guarantee Funds for future project implementation.
5.Local Guarantee Fund targets will be published at the time of the official call for
projects.
6.Guarantee Funds may be transferred between cooperating Member Agencies.
7.Member Agencies may bank Guarantee Funds for up to 3 years for large projects
that meet program policies. However, a Member Agency must identify a specific
¯ project and a project budget to justify the banking of funds prior to submission of the
pri0ritized list to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
8.Large projects that meet program policies and have a phasing plan may be funded in
phases or segments in order to accommodate construction over several funding
years.
9.A project sponsor may make minor changes in project scope that does not impact the
intent or delivery schedule of the project.
10. The RescindiReallocate process shall be:
(A) A Member Agency may rescind a Guarantee Fund project and reallocate these
funds to any eligible project(s).
(B)Unless reallocated to the same project, unused Discretionary Funds will revert
to the Tier 1 Bicycle Fund for reallocation in the next cycle.
Page C-1
~!81o Alto Bicycle Advisory CommitteePABAC
ATTACHMENT C
April 4, 2001
Mayor Eakins and members of the Council:
On Tuesday, April 3, 2001, the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) discussed
the proposed list of projects for the annual application to the Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for
Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 funds for pedestrian and bicycle
projects.
By unanimous vote, PABAC forwards the following list of three new TDA applications
and two requests for reallocation of existing grants, as recommended by staff, for the
Council’s consideration:
1.Enhanced Crosswalk Installatiohs $50,000
2.Bicycle Parking Facilities $5,209
3.Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Education Program $5,000
4.Embarcadero Bridge and Bike Path Project (reallocation)$95,510
5.Willow/Waverley Street bike bridge replacement (reallocation)$6,567
Total $162,286
Sincerely,
Ellen Fletcher
Chair