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RESOLUTION NO. 2015-158 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2015-16 HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HSIP) CYCLE 7 GRANT APPLICATIONS AND COMMITTING MATCHING FUNDS THEREFOR
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The City of Chula Vista’s Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, is requesting approval to submit grant applications for the FFY2015-16 (Federal Fiscal Year) Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 7 Grant Program. HSIP funds are eligible for work on any publicly owned roadway or bicycle/pedestrian pathway or trail that improve user safety. Three candidate projects are proposed to be submitted prior to the July 31, 2015 deadline.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposal consists of an administrative funding solicitation without the assurance that these funds will be procured for future projects. Once the funding is obtained and the projects clearly defined, then, additional environmental review will be conducted and the appropriate determination will be made. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060 (c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
On April 27, 2015, Caltrans Division of Local Assistance announced Cycle 7 Call for Projects for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The purpose of the HSIP program is to achieve a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads, including non-State-owned public roads and roads on tribal land. Cities and counties are eligible to submit project proposals that would improve users safety on any publicly owned roadway or bicycle/pedestrian pathway or trail. For a project to be eligible a specific problem must be identified for correction and the proposed countermeasure must correct or substantially improve the condition.
The maximum federal HSIP reimbursement amount for any single HSIP project is $10,000,000. All project expenses that exceed the maximum federal HSIP reimbursement amount will be the responsibility of the project sponsor and will not be eligible for reimbursement. The grant also requires a local match of 10 percent, which would come from TransNet funds.
The following projects are recommended for submittal:
Proposed Project No. 1:
Traffic Signal Modifications at Broadway/“F” Street and Broadway/“G” Street
Project Location:
Broadway/“F” Street
Broadway/“G” Street
The proposed project is to upgrade and modify two existing traffic signals listed above. The proposed protected left-turn only phase movement is targeted at improving safety for motorists and pedestrians. The proposed improvements are the installation of ADA compliant push buttons with 4-part crossing instruction signs, installation of loop detectors, re-wiring the intersection, minor sidewalk improvements, construction of ADA compliant pedestrian ramps, enhanced re-striping and signage, and other required traffic control devices.
Total Estimated Cost: $517,000
(HSIP Contribution = $465,300, City Contribution = $51,700)
Proposed Project No. 2:
Pedestrian Crosswalk Enhancements at Various Locations & Signal Re-phasing at H Street/Woodlawn Avenue
Project Locations:
1. Fourth Avenue/Davidson Street
2. Fourth Avenue/Park Way
3. H Street/Oaklawn Avenue
4. H Street/Woodlawn Avenue
This project aims to improve pedestrian facilities at various uncontrolled and controlled locations through enhanced crossings, equipment, and/or signal operations.
This project will provide improvements to several existing uncontrolled pedestrian crossings which include a new warning system, striping, additional signage, and updating of curb ramps. In addition to this project, the signal at H Street and Woodlawn Avenue will be improved to provide protected left turn phasing for east and west traffic and upgrading of pedestrian facilities.
Total Estimated Cost: $437,300
(HSIP Contribution = $393,500, City Contribution = $43,800)
Proposed Project No. 3:
Palomar Street Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Signal Improvements
Project Location:
Palomar Street between Industrial Blvd and Broadway
The proposed project is to install sidewalk, ADA compliant ramps, bike lanes, and upgrade traffic signal equipment. Specifically, bike lanes will be installed on Palomar Street between Industrial Blvd to Broadway. Sidewalk will be installed south of the Palomar St and Murrell St signal. The intersection will also be re-phased. Pedestrian facilities at Murrell, Trolley Center Plaza Driveway, and Broadway signals will be upgraded per ADA requirements.
Total Estimated Cost: $415,900
(HSIP Contribution = $374,300, City Contribution = $41,600)
Caltrans administers the HSIP Program funds. Staff is currently preparing the grant applications for the all projects described in this report and plans to submit the applications, pending Council approval, to the Caltrans District Office before the July 31, 2015 deadline. Staff will return to Council for appropriation of funds if the proposals receive HSIP grant funds.
DECISION MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property, which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18705.2(a)(11), for purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100,et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. The HSIP grant supports three of these five goals; The Economic Vitality goal is supported as it helps foster opportunities for investing in Western Chula Vista to existing infrastructure by obtaining grants for missing and aging infrastructure improvements. Lastly citywide, the HSIP grant supports the Strong and Secure Neighborhood goal by ensuring that our roadways are safer.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
If the resolution is approved, the City will apply for Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funding. If a grant is awarded, staff will return to Council with a recommendation to accept the grant funds and appropriate the grant funds into the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. In addition, staff will return to Council and appropriate TransNet and/or Traffic Signal funds to meet the 10% local match requirement.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact at this time. If funds are awarded upon completion of the project(s), the improvements will require only routine City maintenance.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Project No. 1 Location Plat
2. Proposed Project No. 2 Location Plat
3. Proposed Project No. 3 Location Plat
4. Reso HSIP 2015 Grant Application
Staff Contact: Muna Cuthbert, Senior Civil Engineer