Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Authorizing Submission of a Request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for the Allocation of Fiscal Year 2017-18 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project Funding to Install Pedestrian Improvements
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a request to the MTC for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2017-18 TDA Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle project funding to install pedestrian improvements.
BACKGROUND
In the nine-county Bay Area region, the MTC makes TDA funds available for pedestrian/bicycle purposes. The funds are from the Local Transportation Fund, which is from the State Legislature initiating a one-quarter percent sales tax in Alameda County in 1972. Each year, the MTC allocates TDA Article 3 funds to eligible claimants after review of applications from counties and congestion management agencies. Alameda County is responsible for submitting an annual program of projects that are initiated by each local agency in the county. The TDA grant funds are distributed by population.
Analysis
Annually, the City applies for TDA grant funds from the MTC for pedestrian improvements throughout the City. The City is entitled to $62,700 for this next fiscal year (FY 2017-18). Additionally, the City has been allocated an advance of $20,000 from the FY 2018-19 allocation for a total current allocation of $82,700. The City is able to request an advance because some Alameda County jurisdictions are not using their allocations this year.
The TDA funds will be used to install the following: disabled access ramps and sidewalk at various locations citywide. The work will be completed as part of the City’s Annual Street Sealing project (2018.0070) and the end result is a more accessible City.
Previous Actions
• The City Council annually authorizes staff to apply for these funds
• On May 2, 2016, by Resolution No. 2016-052, the City Council authorized the filing of a claim with the MTC for allocation of TDA Article 3 funds for FY 2016-17
Applicable City Council Goals and General Plan Policies
This project is consistent with the following 2017 City Council Goal which reads,
“Maintain and enhance San Leandro’s infrastructure.”
This project is also consistent with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Goal T-3 of the 2035 General Plan and Action T-3.7.C: Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Improvements which reads,
“Improve crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections in the City through the use of variable pavement materials, small curb radii, bulb-outs, street trees and landscaping near corners, and other measures which shorten pedestrian crossings or increase driver awareness of non-vehicle traffic. Continue to ensure that sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities meet the principles of universal design and meet legally mandated and best practices requirements for accessibility.”
Board/Commission Review and Actions
On February 23, 2017, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee reviewed and approved the proposed project for the use of TDA funds as required by the MTC.
Environmental Review
The work to be performed is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act according to Public Resources Code §21084 and CEQA Guidelines Article 19, Section 15301 “Existing Facilities”.
Fiscal Impacts
$82,700 is the amount the City is allocated by MTC in FY 2017-18, and there is no required match. Grant funds will need to be appropriated and will be reimbursed once all of the spending is complete.
Budget Authority
$82,700 is the amount the City is allocated by MTC in FY 2017-18. The City’s proposed biennial budget reflects a TDA program revenue of $72,426 for Project 2018.0070 “Annual Street Sealing”. The difference in revenue of $10,274 will be added to Project 2018.0070 with a mid-year budget adjustment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachments to Resolution
• Attachment A - Findings
• Attachment B - Application Form
PREPARED BY: Michael Stella, Principal Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department