Title
Staff Report for a City of San Leandro City Council Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Enter into a Project Funding Agreement with the Alameda County Transportation Commission for Discretionary Funding Related to the COVID-19 Rapid Response Bicycle/Pedestrian Grant Program; to Appropriate $75,000 in Grant Funds; and to Appropriate $75,000 of Matching Funds from Measure B Bike and Ped Fund Balance.
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The City was awarded a COVID-19 Rapid Response Bicycle/Pedestrian
Grant of $75,000 by the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) to install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at four intersections in the City.
Staff recommends the following actions:
• Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement that accepts $75,000 in grant funds from Alameda CTC;
• Appropriate $75,000 in grant funds; and
• Appropriate $75,000 in matching funds from Measure B Bike and Ped Fund Balance.
BACKGROUND
In summer 2020, ACTC announced funding for the COVID-19 Rapid Response Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program (Program) to support Alameda County’s economic recovery and growth from the impacts of COVID-19. The program funds are designated for quick-build transportation improvement projects that support improved bicycle and pedestrian accessibility to local businesses.
The Program goals include:
• To create, expand and improve bicycle/pedestrian access to local businesses, restaurants and employment centers;
• To restore local economic activities;
• To promote physical social distancing, enhance mobility and open spacing along transportation corridors to business districts and employment centers; and
• To enhance public health through transportation improvements that mitigate the risk and spread of COVID-19.
The City was granted $75,000 in discretionary grant funds for the subject project and is required to match the grant on a 1:1 ratio. A project agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions of the grant must be executed before the City is eligible to receive the funds.
On October 30, 2020, ACTC awarded the City a grant fund to install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at four (4) intersections to improve pedestrian crossing safety: Lewelling Boulevard/Calgary Street, Lewelling Boulevard/Dewey Street, Lewelling Boulevard/Andover Street and MacArthur Boulevard/Victoria Avenue. The grant requires that the construction of the associated crosswalk improvements must be completed no later than March 31, 2021.
Analysis
City was awarded $75,000 in discretionary grant funds to design RRFBs at four City intersections. The City’s required local match is $75,000, bringing the total project budget to $150,000. The Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian Fund has sufficient fund balance to accommodate this request.
If the City Council authorizes the City Manager to execute the grant agreement with ACTC, staff will proceed with the design and construction of the project. RRFBs consist of lighted signs placed in the sidewalk on each side of the crosswalk that when activated by pedestrians, provide a warning to drivers of people crossing the street. RRFBs are currently installed at several locations around town. Studies find that vehicle compliance with pedestrian right of way is improved with a rectangular rapid flashing beacon when compared to an unsignalized crossing.
Current Agency Policies
• Provide quality public safety services and grow our partnership with the community to keep San Leandro safe.
• Advance projects and programs promoting sustainable economic development, including transforming San Leandro into a center for innovation.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Policy T-3.6: Pedestrian Environment. Improve the walkability of all streets in San Leandro through the planning, implementing, and maintaining of pedestrian supportive infrastructure.
• Policy T-7.2: Capital Improvements. Identify capital improvements and other measures which improves the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles on San Leandro Streets.
• Policy T-7.7: Funding. Pursue grants for the improvement of pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle safety, including a greater focus on traffic law and speed enforcement.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
Properties adjacent to the work will receive a notification from the Contractor prior to the work.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney’s Office reviewed the agreement, and it is approved as to form.
Fiscal Impacts
Execution of the agreement will provide $75,000 in funds for the design and installation of RRFB at four crosswalks and will require the City to provide $75,000 in matching funds.
Budget Authority
Appropriations requested by this action:
Source Account No. Amount
Grant Funds 150-36-440 $75,000
Measure B Bike & Ped 144-36-440 $75,000
Total Proposed Project Funding: $150,000
Attachment to Related Legislative Files
Draft Funding Agreement
PREPARED BY: Austine Osakwe, Senior Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department