HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 - CC-10 - Maintenance Agreements for SR-55 Gateway - 7/1/2014CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: JULY 1, 2014
ITEM NUMBER:
SUBJECT: MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS FOR SR -55 GATEWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
DATE: JUNE 19, 2014
FROM: PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT - TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTATION BY: ERNESTO MUNOZ, PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: RAJA SETHURAMAN, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
MANAGER, (714) 754-5032
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Approve the Agreement for Maintenance of the proposed Gateway Monument Sign
(Attachment 1) and a Landscape Maintenance Agreement (Attachment 2) between
the City of Costa Mesa and the State of California Department of Transportation
(Caltrans) for the SR -55 Gateway Improvement Project.
2. Authorize the Public Services Director to work with Caltrans to make minor
adjustments to the agreements.
3. Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the final agreements.
BACKGROUND:
In January 2008, Public Services staff was successful in capturing a $500,000 grant
from Transportation Enhancement Activities (TEA) program funds for the SR -55
Gateway Improvement Project. The project proposes to significantly improve the
streetscape at the terminus of the SR -55 Freeway directly north of 19th Street by
installing enhanced landscaping and a gateway entry monument sign.
Over the past three years, staff and the consultant team have completed the design
phase of the project and held several design review meetings with Caltrans as the
project is within their jurisdiction. In November 2012, the City Council approved the
Gateway Monument sign concept for the project as well as the landscape
improvements (Attachment 3).
The City obtained final project approvals from Caltrans in late 2013, and awarded the
construction contract on December 3, 2013. At present, Caltrans is implementing a
safety improvement project in the area, which includes construction of a new concrete
barrier as well as roadway surface improvements. This project is expected to be
completed by September 2014. The City's Gateway Improvement Project will follow
this project.
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ANALYSIS:
The Gateway Monument Sign program administered by Caltrans requires that
maintenance responsibilities of installed signs rest solely with the respective agencies.
Attachment 1 is the agreement for the maintenance of the City -proposed Gateway
Monument Sign within Caltrans right-of-way. The agreement requires the City to
maintain the sign as well as to assume any liability associated with the sign.
Caltrans also requires that local agencies maintain any enhanced landscaping installed
within their right-of-way. The City has assumed similar responsibilities in certain other
areas within Caltrans jurisdiction including Downtown Costa Mesa. Attachment 2 is the
landscape maintenance agreement which establishes the City's responsibilities for
proper maintenance of landscaping installed as part of the Gateway Monument Sign
project.
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved both documents as to form. Staff
requests City Council approval of the agreement in order to obtain the final
encroachment permit for the construction phase of the project. Staff also requests
authorization for the Public Services Director and the City Attorney to accept minor
changes to the agreements as it undergoes final review from Caltrans.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
One alternative would be to not approve the agreements. However, this alternative would
preclude the City from moving forward with the construction phase of the SR -55 Gateway
Improvement project. This will also result in loss of significant funds expended by the City
to date on this project and $500,000 in grant funds towards the construction phase of the
project.
FISCAL REVIEW:
Construction funding is derived from the Transportation Enhancement Activities (TEA)
grant in the amount of $500,000 and Gas Tax revenues in the amount of $135,000.
Maintenance funding for the sign and landscaping will be budgeted starting Fiscal Year
2016-17 as part of City's Operating Budget.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney's office has reviewed the attached agreements and has approved the
documents relative to form.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached agreements and authorize
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute them. This will facilitate the initiation of the
construction phase of the SR -55 Gateway Improvement project.
RAJA SETHURAMAN ERNESTO MUNOZ
Transportation Services Manager Public Services Director
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ATTACHMENTS: 1. Agreement for Maintenance of Monument Sign
2. Landscape Maintenance Agreement
3. SR -55 Gateway Improvement Prosect
DISTRIBUTION: Chief Executive Officer
Assistant CEO
City Attorney
City Clerk Division