Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Jim Eggemeyer, Director of Office of Sustainability
Subject: City/County Association of Governments Safe Routes to School and Green Streets Infrastructure Pilot Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing the County of San Mateo to accept a grant in the amount of $250,000 from the City/County Association of Governments and authorizing the Director of the Office of Sustainability or his/her designee to execute a funding agreement with the City/County Association of Governments for the Safe Routes to School and Green Streets Infrastructure Pilot Program.
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BACKGROUND:
In July 2017, City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) authorized Safe Routes to School and Green Streets Infrastructure Pilot Program (Pilot Program), including a competitive Call for Projects for grant funding of up to $2 million to member agencies. The purpose of the grant program is for C/CAG member agencies to construct demonstration projects that integrate Safe Routes to School (SRTS) improvements with green infrastructure for stormwater management to show cost effective means of making it safer for children to walk and bike to school, while simultaneously improving water quality and enhancing communities throughout San Mateo County. Each agency was eligible to apply for a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $250,000 per project. Proposed projects had to include balanced combinations of SRTS and stormwater management features.
On October 20, 2017, the Office of Sustainability submitted a grant proposal to C/CAG for the Pilot Program Call for Projects. On December 14, 2017, the C/CAG Board approved allocation of $250,000 to fund the County’s grant proposal, the Fair Oaks Community School Green Infrastructure and SRTS Improvements Project.
DISCUSSION:
The Fair Oaks Community School Green Infrastructure and SRTS Improvements Project will include improvements to two intersections within a quarter mile radius of Fair Oaks Community School in North Fair Oaks. The project will include a biotreatment area to minimize ponding and treat stormwater runoff. The project will also include several pedestrian improvements including upgrading a crosswalk to a high visibility ladder-style crosswalk to improve pedestrian visibility and slow traffic through the intersection, installation of pedestrian-activated flashing light-emitting diode (LED) pedestrian signs to alert drivers when pedestrians are using the crosswalk, installation of advance yield road surface markings to decrease vehicle encroachment into the crosswalk, and installation of Americans with Disability Act (ADA) curb ramps. The project will also include educational signage in English and Spanish at the biotreatment area to describe the project features. The Office of Sustainability will coordinate with the Department of Public Works for project planning, design, and construction. Grant activities will occur over a two-year time period, with project design in 2018 and project construction completed by October 1, 2019, as per the grant requirements.
The resolution prepared for this grant acceptance includes authorization for the Director of the Office of Sustainability, or his/her designee, to execute a funding agreement and any other documents associated with acceptance of this grant funding from C/CAG.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
Approval of the resolution contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of an Environmentally Conscious Community through the construction of a public green infrastructure project, and provides benefits such as water quality improvement, groundwater replenishment, and reduction of heat island effect. Approval of this resolution also contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Livable and Healthy Community by creating an attractive streetscape and reducing potential injuries from traffic and traffic-pedestrian collisions. In addition, walking and bicycling reduces risk of chronic disease and improves social cohesion, reducing rates of crime.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Grant funds in the amount of $250,000 will be included in the Office of Sustainability’s FY 2018-19 mid-term budget. When project expenditures are incurred, the Office of Sustainability will seek reimbursement from C/CAG.
The grant required at least 15% matching funding from the County. The Office of Sustainability has committed approximately $68,000, which is allocated in its FY 2018-19 budget.
ATTACHMENT:
Funding Agreement between City/County Association of Governments and the County of San Mateo