TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $221,200, offset by federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant funds
from Caltrans; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $221,200, offset by a transfer of HSIP funds from the Capital Grant Fund. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to appropriate funds for the purchase and delivery of 18 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) systems (a system is comprised of a pair of RRFBs, and all related equipment including: flashing beacons, pedestrian push buttons, solar-powered engines, on-board controllers, signposts, and signage - one RRFB for each side of a crosswalk). To improve the level of safety provided to pedestrians as they cross the roadway, eighteen intersections have been selected to receive improvements. The intersections are excellent candidates for the installation of pedestrian crossings with enhanced safety features.
The Department of Public Works received a grant from Caltrans in the amount of $250,000 for installation of the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at eighteen crosswalks throughout Long Beach. City Council approved receipt of the grant in 2018. In December 2021, ITB PW21-069 was awarded to Myers & Sons Inc. and ABCO for the RRFBs. This recommendation will appropriate the funds necessary to utilize the grant funding to complete the project.
Per City of Long Beach (City) standards, high visibility continental crosswalks along with pedestrian warning signs and solar powered pedestrian warning flashers will provide enhanced pedestrian comfort and safety once installed at the eighteen intersections. Currently, the crossings at the intersections are uncontrolled and many are along major arterials. The proposed intersections are typically surrounded by several pedestrian generators. Based on the historical collision reports, City staff identified the highest pedestrian involved collision locations citywide. The RRFBs will be installed along with ADA and crosswalk marking improvements at the crosswalk locations listed below.
1. 4th St & Cerritos Ave
2. 10th St & Belmont Ave
3. Atlantic Ave & 21st St
4. Atlantic Ave & 53rd St
5. Atlantic Ave & 68th St
6. Cherry Ave & 14th St
7. Cherry Ave & 55th St
8. Cherry Ave & 65th St
9. Magnolia Ave & 21st St
10. Magnolia Ave & Burnett St
11. Ocean Blvd & Falcon Ave
12. Ocean Blvd & Molino Ave
13. Pacific Ave & 12th St
14. Santa Fe Ave & 16th St
15. Studebaker Rd & Keynote St
16. Temple Ave & 15th St
17. Wardlow Rd & Gondar Ave
18. Wardlow Rd & Webster Ave
An Invitation to Bid was conducted which resulted in seven bidders and no protests. The bids were each within the threshold to award a contract without City Council approval. Two contracts were awarded, one to each Myers and Sons Hi-Way Safety, Inc. and ABCO, to ensure the most responsive and efficient procurement of RRFB equipment that meets City requirements and standards.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner-Mckinley on March 24, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on March 18, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
Solar-powered RRFBs are self-sufficient and will not draw AC power from the grid. Improvements to the pedestrian experience (i.e., safety and comfort) may encourage more local trips by non-motorized means which may have some impact to the City and State’s emission reduction goals.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is request on April 12, 2022, to appropriate the grant funding to ensure the purchase order is in place expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total aggregate amount of the project will not exceed $221,200 and is funded by Caltrans grant funds. An appropriation increase in the amount of $442,400 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount, $221,200 will be offset with Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds received from Caltrans. The remaining $221,200 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of HSIP funds. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER