REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Filing of the Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Applications for Pedestrian and Bicycle Projects
Report
BACKGROUND
TDA Article 3 is a source of funds created by State legislation and processed through the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) which annually returns to each region in the State, sales tax revenues that are to be used for bicycle and pedestrian projects. In order to receive funds in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015/16 funding cycle, the City of Sunnyvale must submit potential projects to the VTA and MTC. The potential projects must be reviewed by the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC), must be in an approved bicycle or pedestrian plan, have environmental clearance prior to expenditure (for construction projects only), have an authorizing resolution (Attachment 1), and be able to begin construction within one year. In FY 2015/16, $108,329.00 is guaranteed to the City for eligible projects.
The BPAC considered FY 2015/16 TDA candidate projects at its March 19, 2015 meeting (Attachment 2).
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan, Chapter 3, Land Use and Transportation Element:
· Policy LT 5.5 - Support a variety of transportation modes.
· Policy LT 5.7 - Pursue local, state, and federal transportation funding sources to finance City transportation capital improvement projects consistent with City priorities.
· Policy LT 5.8 - Provide a safe and comfortable system of pedestrian and bicycle pathways.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The selected projects are exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15301(c), minor alteration of existing highways and streets, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities involving negligible expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of determination.
DISCUSSION
The determination of candidate TDA Article 3 projects for FY 2015/16 was based on review of budgeted projects in the Resource Allocation Plan, as well as unbudgeted projects, review of TDA eligibility requirements, consideration of the Pedestrian Safety and Opportunities Study, Bicycle Capital Improvement Program and Bicycle Plan, School Traffic Study, citizen requests, as well as, Commission members' and staff's knowledge of bicycle and pedestrian facility safety needs in the City. Staff identified and presented two potential projects to the BPAC:
· Green Bike Lanes at conflict points along Evelyn Avenue between Pastoria Avenue and Carroll Avenue:
Recent three years crash data shows a total of 7 bike related collisions, six of those resulted in injuries at this location. Painting the already existed bike lanes at conflict areas with high visibility green paint is a further enhancement to these bike lanes, and will result in reduced bike crashes at this location.
· Installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) System at the intersection of Henderson Avenue and Lily Avenue:
Lily Avenue is stopped controlled at its intersection with Henderson Avenue. Ponderosa Park and Elementary School are located in northwest quadrant of the intersection; therefore the intersection has a very high pedestrian and bike traffic, over 220 pedestrians cross this intersection during peak hours alone. Recent three years crash data shows four pedestrian collisions all resulting in injuries at this location. Modification to this intersection is included in the City's School Traffic Study. Installation of a RRFB system for crossing Henderson Avenue will provide additional warnings to the drivers of the high number of pedestrian and bike crossings at this intersection.
FISCAL IMPACT
TDA Article 3 is a program that reimburses cities for the incurred costs of selected projects. No local matching funds are required for Guarantee Fund projects. The VTA estimates the City will receive funds in the amount of $108,329.00 from the City Guarantee Fund apportionment. New revenue constitutes a positive fiscal impact.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
The BPAC also held a public hearing on this item at its March 19, 2015 meeting (Attachment 2).
BOARD/COMMISSION AND STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution requesting MTC for allocation of $108,329.00 of TDA funds for FY 2015/16 for Green Bike Lanes at conflict points along Evelyn Avenue and installation of a RRFB system crossing Henderson Avenue at the intersection of Henderson Avenue and Lily Avenue.
The BPAC voted in favor of the recommendation 4-3.
Staff
Prepared by: Shahid Abbas, Transportation and Traffic Manager
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Robert A. Walker, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Approving FY 2015/16 TDA Article 3 Application
2. Excerpt of the draft minutes of the BPAC meeting of March 19, 2015