Title
Staff Report for Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate the Purchase of a Portion of 501 143rd Avenue to Widen the Public Right-of-Way at the Corner of 143rd and Washington Avenue to Allow for the Relocation of a Signal Controller Box
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that Council authorize the City Manager to enter into negotiations with the property owner and if successful enter into an agreement to acquire 67.5 sq. ft. in fee and 155.67 sq. ft. for a temporary construction easement at the property owned by Public Storage to relocate the signal controller box located just behind the curb at the northeast corner of 143rd and Washington Avenues.
BACKGROUND
On more than one occasion, trucks making a turn from 143rd onto Washington Avenue have cut the corner too short and the tires have gone over the curb, hitting and disabling the signal controller box. The sidewalk is too narrow at this corner to allow the box to be moved back without obstructing the walkway.
Analysis
Staff believes that by moving the signal controller box back behind the sidewalk area, damage to the signal controller box will be reduced. In this new location the traffic signal will remain operational without interruption from collisions, repair costs will be reduced and safety will be enhanced. It costs the City approximately $15,000 to repair the box each time it is hit.
This maintenance project will relocate the traffic control box from its current location at the curb on the northeast corner of 143rd and Washington Avenues to a concrete pad behind the sidewalk. The proposed location for the signal controller box is approximately ten feet away from its current location, just outside of the existing public right-of-way in the adjacent landscape area, and therefore property must be acquired.
Committee Review and Actions
At its November 8, 2011 meeting, the Facilities and Transportation Committee recommended that the full Council approve this action.
Applicable General Plan Policies
16.03 MAINTENANCE: Regularly maintain City streets and traffic control devices to ensure that streets operate safely and efficiently.
Environmental Review
This activity is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA section 15301(b) and (c).
15301. Existing Facilities Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. (b) Existing facilities of both investor and publicly-owned utilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewerage, or other public utility services; (c) Existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety).
Fiscal Impacts
This acquisition will cost approximately $3,000 and will be funded by existing appropriation in Account 210-18-132, Public Works Maintenance Projects.
Budget Authority
The Finance Director has reviewed and approved the funding for this action.
PREPARED BY: Tara Peterson, Administrative Services Manager, Engineering & Transportation Department