Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Accepting the Work for the Accessible Pedestrian Signal Upgrades 2012 Project, Project No. 2012.0220
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the work and authorize the City Manager to file the Notice of Completion, release the performance and payment bonds and release the maintenance bond upon successful completion of the one-year maintenance period.
BACKGROUND
Funded by the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), the New Freedom grant provides additional tools to assist Americans with disabilities as they overcome barriers to full participation in their communities.
The City of San Leandro was awarded $130,987 of New Freedom Grant funds through the FTA in May 2012 to install Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) devices at thirteen signalized intersections. In response to citizen requests, local funding was used to include two additional signalized intersections.
The project included installation of accessible pedestrian signal devices at fifteen signalized intersections. APS equipment communicates information about the WALK and DON'T WALK intervals at signalized intersections in non-visual formats (i.e., audible tones and vibrating surfaces) to pedestrians who are sight impaired, see attached photo. In addition, the project installed accessible curb ramps compliant with current standards at all intersections receiving the APS equipment, see photo attachment. These installations enhance the quality of life of both the mobility challenged and the sight impaired in the communities where they are installed.
The project also completed construction of traffic safety enhancements at two other locations. A Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) unit was installed on either side of the crosswalk at Wicks Boulevard at the Marina Community Center. The RRFB units are activated with a manual push button that energizes the flashing beacons to alert motorists of the presence of pedestrians on the crosswalk, see attached photo. The project also included installation of a speed feedback sign on Lake Chabot Road, which displays vehicle speeds with large bright LED numbers as the vehicles approach to alert motorists of their speed, see attached photo.
Attached is a list of the intersections where the various devices were installed in the project.
Analysis
Construction is complete. The work was inspected and deemed to comply with the contract documents and City standards.
With the successful implementation of this project, the City has improved access for both the mobility challenged and sight impaired. In addition, the project has generally helped to enhance public safety.
Previous Actions
On October 21, 2013, the City Council adopted a resolution that established a San Leandro Title VI program, which was a requirement to receive Cycle 4 New Freedom grant funds from the FTA.
On June 15, 2015, by Resolution No. 2015-108, the City Council awarded a contract for construction of the work to Ray’s Electric.
Committee Review and Actions
The project was reviewed and supported by the City Council Facilities and Transportation Committee on October 10, 2012.
Applicable General Plan Policies
This action is consistent with Transportation Goal No. 14 of the General Plan and Action Item 14.07: Pedestrian Environment.
Permits and/or Variances Granted
Two encroachment permits were obtained; one from Caltrans for the APS and accessible ramp improvements at seven signalized intersections on East 14th Street, and one from the County of Alameda Public Works Agency for the APS and accessible ramps improvements at two signalized intersections on East 14th Street at Fairmont Drive and at Bayfair Drive.
Environmental Review
This project was deemed categorically exempt from CEQA per Section 15301(c) - Existing Facilities. A Notice of Exemption was filed with the County Recorder on May 5, 2015.
Board/Commission Review and Actions
The project was reviewed and supported by the San Leandro Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) on February 22, 2012.
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
This project was advertised on April 17, 2015 in the Daily Review as well as in three other newspapers whose circulation reflects the diversity of San Leandro. Staff also notified contractors interested in working with the City via email and sent plans to fifteen bid houses. Nearby residents and businesses were informed of the project via door hangers at the start of construction.
Fiscal Impacts
A summary of the construction contract with Ray’s Electric is below:
Original Contract $371,000.00
Change Orders ($ 11,466.77)
Total Contract Amount $359,533.23
The total project cost was $662,771.00, including design and construction administration, and the total appropriation for this project was $671,533.00.
Budget Authority
The project was funded as follows:
• $314,344.00 Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds in account 144-36-344 appropriated as part of the Fiscal Year 2012-13 budget, including $120,000 budget adjustment in Fiscal Year 2014-15.
• $130,987.00 Access Pedestrian Signals project funds in account 150-38-344 appropriated as part of the Fiscal Year 2012-13 budget.
• $66,202.00 Annual Sidewalk Program - Bicycle and Pedestrian funds in account 150-36-006 appropriated as part of the Fiscal Year 2012-13 budget.
• $50,000.00 Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds for Marina Community Center Pedestrian Improvements project in account 144-36-300 appropriated as part of Fiscal Year 2012-13 budget.
• $100,000.00 general funds in account 210-38-385 received from developers fair share contributions for signal improvements appropriated as part of Fiscal Year 2011-2012 budget.
• $10,000.00 from Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds for San Leandro Blvd. Rehab/Williams to Hudson project in account 144-38-350 appropriated as part of Fiscal Year 2014-15 budget.
ATTACHMENTS
• List of Locations
• Photo Exhibit
PREPARED BY: Nicole Noronha Castelino, Associate Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department