To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Departmental
SUBJECT:
title
Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Traffic Regulations in the Eureka, Arcata and Westhaven Areas
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Introduce an Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Humboldt Amending Section 421-3 Relating to Boulevard Stops in Westhaven Area; Amending Section 421-5 Relating to Boulevard Stops in the Eureka Area and Amending Section 431-35 Relating to Parking Restrictions in the Arcata Area, all of Title IV of the Humboldt County Code by title and waive the first reading;
2. Find that the proposed ordinance is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15301 - “Existing Facilities” and Section 15304 - “Minor Alterations to Land”;
3. Set the attached ordinance for adoption at least one (1) week away from the date of the Board of Supervisors meeting at which the ordinance is first introduced;
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to publish the pre-adoption summary of the attached ordinance and to post a certified copy of the full text of the ordinance in the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at least five (5) days prior to the Board of Supervisors meeting at which the ordinance will be adopted [California Government Code Section 25124(b)(1)]; and
5. Direct the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, within fifteen (15) days after adoption of the attached ordinance, to publish a post-adoption summary of the ordinance with the names of the Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance, and to post in the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors a certified copy of the full text of the adopted ordinance and amendments along with the names of those Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance [California Government Code Section 25124(b)(1)].
Body
Recommendation
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Roads Fund (1200325)
DISCUSSION:
This ordinance establishes the following traffic regulations:
BOULEVARD STOPS
1. The intersection of Eighth Avenue and Kingdom Road is a T intersection with yield controls on the west bound Eighth Avenue leg. Due to limited sight visibility, the west bound Eight Avenue leg will be changed from a yield sign to a stop sign.
2. The intersection of Montgomery Street and Wilson Street is a four-way intersection with yield controls on the north and south bound Montgomery Street legs. Due to limited sight visibility, the north and south bound Montgomery Street legs will be changed from a yield sign to a stop sign.
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
3. County Code Section 431-5 established parking on Fickle Hill Road in Arcata. Fickle Hill Road has two road numbers assigned to it. The county road number is C5J040 from Post Mile 0.000 to Post Mile 0.248 and the county road number is 5J040 from Post Mile 10.819 to Post Mile 11.150. This is to correct the incorrect road number in County Code for the Post Mile 10.819 to Post Mile 11.150 portion of Fickle Hill Road.
CEQA ANALYSIS
The proposed ordinance (Project) affects traffic regulations on existing county maintained roads. The installation of signs, striping, pavement markings, and/or other traffic control devices and appurtenances is done in accordance with the latest addition of the California Manual of Uniform traffic control devices; the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) set forth in 28 CFR 35.151 and 36 CFR part 1191 appendices B and D; State of California ADA set forth in the latest edition of the California Building Code Chapter 11B et seq.; and the Protection of Underground Infrastructure as set forth in Government Code Section 4215 et seq.
Such work is considered exempt pursuant California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15301. Paragraph (c) of said Section specifically cites an exemption for existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety, and other alterations such as the addition of bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, bicycle-share facilities and bicycle lanes, transit improvements such as bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, street trees, and other similar alterations that do not create additional automobile lanes).
In addition, minor excavations associated with such work are considered exempt pursuant California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15304. Paragraph (f) of said Section specifically cites an exemption for minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the attached ordinance will require the installation of a stop sign. The estimated cost associated with the required signage is $500 and is covered by the Humboldt County Road Fund.
The Road Fund (1200) has a negative balance. This 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.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by providing for and maintaining infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Law enforcement agencies
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to adopt the attached ordinance. However, this alternative is not recommended since it would not improve traffic safety in the relevant locations.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Humboldt Amending Section 421-3 Relating to Boulevard Stops in Westhaven Area; Amending Section 421-5 Relating to Boulevard Stops in the Eureka Area and Amending Section 431-35 Relating to Parking Restrictions in the Arcata Area, All of Title IV of the Humboldt County Code
2. Pre-adoption Summary
3. Post-adoption Summary
4. CEQA Notice of Exemption
5. Engineering & Traffic Survey (E&TS) for Yield or Stop Sign
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-11
Meeting of: 12/06/2022
File No.: 22-1458