REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
March 21, 2019
FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, Director
Department of Transportation
BY: BELINDA R. McMILLAN HAENER, Administrative Manager
Department of Transportation/Administration Division
LINDA TAYLOR, Senior Management Analyst
Department of Transportation/Administration Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions related to submitting a funding request to the California Department of Transportation Low Carbon Transit Operations Program:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301/Class 1of the CEQA Guidelines
2. RESOLUTION - Authorizing submission of funding requests to the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program for the third year of Increased Frequency Weekend Bus Service and Extended Night Service, purchase and installation of real-time bus stop displays, and execution of related Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Forms
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301of the CEQA Guidelines; and approve a Resolution authorizing the Director of Transportation or designee to submit 2018-19 Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funding requests to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for (1) the third year of service for Increased Frequency Weekend Service, (2) the third year of service for Extended Night Service, and (3) to purchase and install real-time bus stop displays, and to execute all necessary documents to accept the funding on behalf of the City if the requests are funded.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2015, Council approved a continuing authorizing resolution to enable the department to apply for and receive LCTOP funding annually. Caltrans is now requesting the department provide a new resolution each year that specifies the projects to be funded with the year funding allocation. The attached resolution includes both the authorization to execute funding agreements and specifies the projects to be funded.
In previous years of this program, FAX utilized LCTOP funding for tripper service and for the first and second years of service for the increased frequency weekend service and for the extended night service. For the FY19 allocation, FAX proposes to utilize LCTOP to fund the third year of service for both the weekend and night services and to purchase and install real-time bus stop displays. This will be the final year LCTOP funding will be utilized for the two services as there is a three-year funding maximum for new services. The services will continue as part of the regular FAX operating budget once the LCTOP funding is exhausted.
BACKGROUND
Senate Bill 862 (2014) included the LCTOP to fund transit-specific projects in California to serve disadvantaged communities (DACs) and improve air quality. The legislation named Caltrans as the administrative agency for LCTOP and defined project sponsors (eligible recipients) that may receive the funding, which includes the Department of Transportation/FAX. The statutes related to state-funded transit projects require an implementing agency to abide by various regulations and Caltrans has developed guidelines for the purpose of administering and distributing LCTOP funds to local agencies.
The program requires recipient agencies to provide a resolution from their governing body each year to approve the projects. In 2015, Council provided this approval through a continuing authorizing resolution. LCTOP funding received in prior cycles is currently funding the first and second years of service for both the increased frequency weekend service and the extended night service. This resolution is to approve applications/funding for the third year of both services and for the purchase and installation of real-time bus stop displays.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
Staff has performed a preliminary assessment of this project and has determined that it falls within the Categorical Exemption set forth in Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines, which exempts minor alteration of existing public structures and facilities involving no expansion of use beyond that existing at this time, because the addition of the real-time bus stop displays will install displays of approximately 34” x 12” to existing structures at established bus stops to provide bus arrival information to passengers. Furthermore, Staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund from this request. LCTOP grant projects will be funded 100 percent through LCTOP revenues, with no local match requirement.
Attachments:
Resolution
Certifications and Assurances