To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Departmental
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Approve Plans and Specifications for the Oak Street and F Street Traffic Signal Project
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the attached plans and specifications for the Oak Street and F Street Traffic Signal Project;
2. Find that the project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301, Class 1(f) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to advertise the above-mentioned project as required by Section 22037 of the California Public Contract Code, with bids to be opened on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Road Fund (1200), Measure Z
DISCUSSION:
In response to public input and concerns for public safety at the intersection of Oak Street and F Street in the unincorporated urban area of Eureka, near Grant Elementary School, the Humboldt County Department of Public Works performed an Intersection Engineering Traffic Study. The study included collecting data of traffic volumes, intersection turning movements and investigating recent vehicle crashes. Public Works then determined that the Oak Street and F Street intersection meets the warrant requirements for a traffic signal per California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Public Works contracted with Mark Thomas and Company and subconsultant Fehr and Peers to prepare the attached plans and specifications for the project. The work proposed in the attached plans and specifications consists of removal of the existing pedestrian island, replacing existing curb ramps with American with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps, installing traffic signal poles, lights, pedestrian push buttons, and signal control facility, reconstructing the roadway for American with Disabilities Act compliant pedestrian crossings, and placing thermoplastic striping and pavement markings.
The project was evaluated for compliance with the CEQA and determined that the project described herein falls under Categorical Exemption Class 1 (f), Existing Facilities (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301). Class 1 (f) exemptions consist of the addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment, or topographical features including navigational devices. Installation of new traffic signals is a public safety action that falls under the Class 1 (f) exemption. There are no unusual circumstances or historical resources that would make this exemption inapplicable.
Accordingly, Public Works recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve the attached plans and specifications; find that the project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines; and, advertise the Oak Street and F Street Traffic Signal Project.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures |
FY22-23 Adopted |
FY23-24 * |
FY24-25 * |
|
Engineer’s Cost of Contract Items |
$0.00 |
$1,053,600.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Contingencies (5%) |
$0.00 |
$53,000.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Construction Engineering (15%) |
$10,000 |
$138,000.00 |
$10,000.00 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$10,000.00 |
$1,244,600.00 |
$10,000.00 |
|
Funding Sources |
FY22-23 Adopted |
FY23-24 * |
FY24-25 * |
|
General Fund |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Road Fund (1200-321) |
$0.00 |
$782,670.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Measure Z (100%) |
$10,000.00 |
$462,000.00 |
$10,000.00 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$10,000.00 |
$1,244,600.00 |
$10,000.00 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
There is no financial commitment until the Oak Street and F Street Traffic Signal Project is awarded. This project is being funded by Measure Z Funds for the amount of $482,00.00 and the Road Fund for the remaining amount of $782,600.00. The engineer’s cost estimate for the project is $1,053,600.00. Expenditure appropriations related to completion of the Oak Street and F Street Traffic Signal Project are included in the approved fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, the proposed 2023-24 and 2024-25 budgets for Road-Engineering in budget unit 1200-321.
The 2020-21 Annual Road Report, completed by the State of California, reflected an estimated negative fund balance of $5.9 million in the county’s Road Fund. Even after allocating nearly $6.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Road Fund in order to reduce the negative fund balance, the current estimated fund balance remains negative by approximately $4 million.
This negative balance is partially due to the timing of Federal Emergency Management Agency
reimbursements to the county, which can take years for the county to receive repayment. The
department utilizes other state and local funding, such as Regional Surface Transportation Program
funds, for the Humboldt County Road Fund match for reimbursable projects. Despite those additional
funding sources, Road Fund projects are underfunded and will very likely have a negative impact on
the General Fund if additional revenue sources are not secured.
Due to the negative fund balance, the Auditor-Controller did not provide approval of this item.
STAFFING IMPACT:
There is no impact to current staffing levels related to the advertisement of the Oak Street and F Street Traffic Signal Project.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework priority of providing for and maintaining infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
City of Eureka, Humboldt Bay Fire District, Grant Elementary School
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Not approve the project; however, staff does not recommend this alternative since the project will provide safety to pedestrian and vehicle users using local funds earmarked for the project
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Plans for the Oak Street and F Street Traffic Signal Project
2. Special Provisions for the Oak Street and F Street Traffic Signal Project
3. CEQA Notice of Exemption
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A