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RESOLUTION NO. 2018-038 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE SMART GROWTH INCENTIVE PROGRAM - CYCLE 4 THROUGH THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR PHASE 3 OF THE THIRD AVENUE STREETSCAPE PROJECT FROM F STREET TO E STREET, AND STATING THE CITY’S ASSURANCE TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
On December 15, 2017, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) released a call for projects for the Smart Growth Incentive Program (SGIP) Cycle 4. The City is requesting authorization to file an application for Phase 3 of the Third Avenue Streetscape Project from “F” Street to “E” Street.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The Project was adequately covered in previously adopted/certified Final Environmental Impact Report, FEIR-06-01 for the Chula Vista Urban Core Specific Plan (UCSP) and any and all addenda and amendments.
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Environmental Determination
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project was adequately covered in previously adopted Final Environmental Impact Report for the Chula Vista Urban Core Specific Plan (UCSP), Final Environmental Impact Report-06-01 (“FEIR-06-01”). Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on April 26, 2007 the City, acting as Lead Agency, certified FEIR-06-01 for the UCSP. On January 25, 2011 the City, acting as Lead Agency, having found and determined that certain amendments to the UCSP, including the referenced Third Avenue Streetscape improvements, would not result in significant unmitigated impacts and that only minor technical changes or additions to FEIR-06-01 were necessary and that none of the conditions described in Section 15162 of the State CEQA Guidelines calling for the preparation of a subsequent environmental document had occurred, adopted an Addendum to FEIR-06-01. Therefore, no further CEQA actions or determinations are necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Project Background/Description
Third Avenue between “H” Street and “E” Street is designated in the City’s Urban Core Specific Plan as a Smart Growth area, characterized as providing a variety of transportation choices, pedestrian-friendly access, and strong links between land uses and regional transportation. Smart Growth fosters distinctive and attractive communities with strong and unique identities, drawing people to them, thereby enhancing the area’s overall vitality and economic stability.
The Third Avenue Streetscape project, was split into three phases (Attachment 1), with construction complete for Phases 1 and 2 (“H” Street to just north of “F” Street). Design aspects in Phases 1 & 2 included:
- A Special Events Plaza adjacent to Memorial Park
- Additional street trees and tree up-lighting
- Community gateway features and directional signs
- Covered transit shelters with seating and ADA accessibility
- Decorative concrete and pavers
- Energy efficient roadway and pedestrian lighting
- Landscaping that is drought tolerant
- Open sidewalks that encourage outdoor dining
- Shorter pedestrian crossings and improved pedestrian and multi-modal accessibility
- Updated street furniture
The goal of the SGIP Grant is to fund comprehensive public infrastructure projects and facilitate compact, mixed-use, transit-oriented development and increase housing and transportation choices. City staff was successful in receiving grant funding through prior SGIP grant opportunities to help fund the construction of:
Phase 1: $2,000,000 in SGIP funds - Cycle 1
Phase 2: $1,344,671 in SGIP funds - Cycle 2
On December 15, 2017, the SANDAG Board of Directors released the call for projects for SGIP - Cycle 4. City staff has already prepared design plans for Third Avenue Streetscape - Phase 3 (Attachment 2), that continues the design aspects incorporated into Phases 1 & 2, but also addresses new storm water compliance requirements. The construction of Phase 3 will complete the final phase of the Third Avenue Streetscape Project. Construction cost of Phase 3 is currently estimated at $4,000,000, of which, the SGIP grant would potentially provide up to $2,500,000.
To assist in obtaining the necessary funds for construction, staff recommends that City Council approve the submittal of the SGIP grant application for the Third Avenue Streetscape - Phase 3 Project. In anticipation of receiving SGIP - Cycle 4 funding, the City is programming TransNet funds as the local match, as required by the SGIP grant, as part of the FY 2018/19 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council and has found that, Mayor Mary Salas has real property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Consequently, pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 2, sections 18700 and 18702.2(a)(11), this item presents a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.) for the above-identified member.
Staff is not independently aware, and has not 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 overall Third Avenue Streetscape project supports the Strong and Secure Neighborhoods goal. The project facilitates mixed-use, transit oriented development, that incorporates the City’s Complete Streets policy that addresses the needs for all modes of transportation for residents and visitors of the City alike.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
A total of $1,500,000 in TransNet funds, identified as matching funds in the grant application, will be budgeted as part of the FY 2018/19 CIP Program. Sufficient TransNet funds will be available in FY 2018/19; therefore, there is no additional impact to this fund.
If any of the grants are awarded, staff will return to City Council with a recommendation to accept and appropriate the funds as part of the Third Avenue Streetscape Project Phase 3.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Upon construction completion, the Third Avenue Village Association (TAVA) and the City will update an existing maintenance agreement to determine responsibilities for the streetscape’s maintenance. In general, the roadway, traffic signals, street lighting, street trees, and street pavers (for line and grade only) will require routine maintenance.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Third Av Streetscape - Phase Limits
2. Third Av Streetscape Phase 3 - Title Sheet
Staff Contact: Patrick C. Moneda, Senior Civil Engineer