Title
Staff Report for a City of San Leandro City Council Resolution to Approve a Revocable License Agreement with PCC Structurals, Inc. to Allow the Private Installation and Operation of a Lighted Crosswalk Warning System on Hester Street
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a Revocable License Agreement with PCC Structurals, Inc., to allow the private installation and operation of a lighted crosswalk warning system on Hester Street.
BACKGROUND
PCC Structurals Inc. (“PCC”) is a manufacturing business located at 414 Hester Street. Last year, PCC acquired a parking lot at 415 Hester Street to provide additional parking for its employees. Walking between the business and the parking lot requires PCC employees to cross Hester Street on foot at mid-block. Given the speeds and volumes of vehicle traffic on Hester Street, PCC worked with City staff to enhance pedestrian safety with a marked crosswalk and accessible curb ramps at the crossing. PCC is now interested in further enhancing safety for its employees by installing and operating a lighted crosswalk warning system. Installing and operating private equipment within the public right-of-way requires a Revocable License Agreement with the City.
Analysis
The lighted crosswalk warning system proposed by PCC on Hester Street is manufactured specifically for the purpose of enhancing pedestrian safety. It is classified as a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (“RRFB”) in the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The same type of RRFB system is installed by the City at several pedestrian crossing locations within the community. The RRFB system causes yellow lights to flash beneath standard crosswalk warning signs when a button is pushed by a pedestrian entering the crosswalk. The flashing lights and signs alert a driver to the presence of a pedestrian within the crosswalk.
Although the RRFB system will be installed within the public right-of-way on Hester Street, PCC will be responsible for all installation, operation, and maintenance costs, with no financial support from the City. PCC will also assume all liability for the system during the lifetime of its operation. If PCC fails to properly operate or maintain the system, or if the system becomes obsolete, the City can ask that it be removed. The proposed Revocable License Agreement includes all terms, obligations, requirements, and restrictions.
Current Agency Policies
• Maintain and enhance San Leandro’s infrastructure.
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.B Pedestrian Safety Improvements. Develop programs to improve pedestrian safety at both controlled and uncontrolled intersections throughout the City. Programs that use features such as countdown crosswalks, lighted crosswalks, rectangular rapidly flashing beacons, accessible pedestrian signals, and similar features should be explored.
• Policy ED-2.1 Business-Friendly City. Maintain a collaborative and supportive relationship between the City and the private sector that emphasizes the ease of doing business in San Leandro.
Permits and/or Variances Granted
PCC Structurals, Inc., obtained Encroachment Permit E18-0289 to install pedestrian curb ramps on opposite sides of Hester Street to align with the marked crosswalk installed between 414 and 415 Hester Street.
Environmental Review
The improvements that may result from execution of a Revocable License Agreement are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act according to CEQA Guidelines Section 15311 “Accessory Structures”.
Legal Analysis
The City Attorney’s Office prepared the proposed Revocable License Agreement and concurs with its contents.
Fiscal Impacts
The proposed action will have no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment to Related Legislative Files
o Revocable License Agreement between PCC Structurals, Inc., and the City of San Leandro
PREPARED BY: Michael Stella, P.E., Principal Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department