TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $2,819,033, offset by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Measure R Highway Sub-Regional Program grant funds (MR315.60), for the design and construction of a soundwall on northbound Interstate 605 near Spring Street;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $2,819,033, offset by a transfer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Measure R Highway Sub-Regional Program grant funds from the Capital Grant Fund; and
Accept Categorical Exemption CE-20-017. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to increase appropriations for the soundwall on northbound Interstate 605 (I-605) near Spring Street (Project). The Project is a recommended I-605 Early Action Project to construct approximately 883 lineal feet of soundwall between the Coyote Creek Channel and East Spring Street (Attachment A). The purpose of the Project is to preserve and enhance the health and quality of life in the corridor, and to remedy a noise issue resulting from Caltrans’ removal of trees that had previously served as a noise barrier for the El Dorado Lakes condominium development.
The original Funding Agreement for $250,000 in Measure R Early Action funds for environmental and design work for the Project was approved by the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG) on August 25, 2015, and by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors on December 4, 2015. An additional $100,000 in Measure R Early Action funds was approved by the GCCOG on August 22, 2017, and by Metro on October 26, 2017, for a total of $350,000. Additional funds are now needed to complete the design, construction, and other associated costs in accordance with the I-605 Corridor Aesthetic Master Plan. On February 25, 2020, an additional $2,819,033 in Measure R Early Action funds were approved by the GCCOG and approved by Metro on June 25, 2020 for a total of $3,169,033.
On November 7, 2016, the original Funding Agreement with Metro, under the authority of City Council Resolution No. RES-16-0099 was executed, formalizing the terms and conditions for use of Project Measure R funds. On March 13, 2018, the City Council approved an appropriation increase to $350,000 for design.
In conformance with California Environmental Quality Act, Categorial Exemption CE-20-017 was issued for this project (Attachment B).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on September 1, 2020 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on September 16, 2020.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 6, 2020, to ensure timely completion of the Project, which is anticipated to start construction in Summer of 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Project is estimated at $3,169,033, and is fully funded by Measure R grant funds made available under the Measure R Highway Sub-Regional Program. All eligible expenses will be fully offset by grant reimbursement revenue and no matching funds are required. Grant funding in the amount of $350,000 is currently appropriated. An appropriation increase in the amount of $5,638,066 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount, $2,819,033 will be offset with Measure R reimbursement revenues received from Metro. The remaining $2,819,033 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of Measure R funds from the Capital Grants Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. The number of additional local jobs created by the Project will not be known until contractors complete hiring and construction has commenced.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER