TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $2,716,524, offset by Proposition C funds from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $2,716,524, offset by transfer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Proposition C funds from the Capital Grant Fund. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to increase appropriations for the 1st Street Pedestrian Gallery Project (Project).
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) awarded the City of Long Beach (City) funding for the Project as part of Metro’s 2015 Call for Projects. The grant agreement was executed on April 1, 2022 under the authority of Resolution No. RES-07-0097, which was approved by the City Council on July 10, 2007. This approval also formalized the terms and conditions of the administration of State and Federal projects and the Master Agreement specified each agency’s role regarding the funding. The proposed Project seeks to improve the pedestrian experience for the public, including transit riders, visitors, and local commuters. Funding is also proposed to adaptively reuse the Blue Line Rail Car #100 (Blue Line Car) for future activation.
The Project proposes to enhance the public realm through the re-envisioning of the 1st Street Corridor located at 1st Street between Pacific Avenue and Elm Avenue. The Public Works Department was granted $2,716,524 of Proposition C funds for pedestrian improvements including new street and pedestrian level lighting to increase visibility, safety and provide visual interest, as well as informational and wayfinding signage, directional markers, historic relief maps, sidewalk art, colorful pavers, scramble crosswalks, landscaping, and additional seating and trash receptacles (Attachment A).
The proposed Project will also include the installation of the Blue Line Car between Long Beach Blvd and Elm Ave. The Blue Line Car was donated by Metro and accepted by the Long Beach City Council on April 20, 2021. Funding for the installation of the Blue Line Car and associated improvements will be obtained through additional funding from the 4th Supervisorial District Proposition C funds that will become available after the of the environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The Public Works Department has performed preliminary field investigations, utility locations, and surveys to support the future architectural and engineering designs. In the coming months, City staff will conduct public outreach to inform the 1st Street improvements and begin environmental review and detailed design.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on July 13, 2022, and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush July 18, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
Improvements resulting from this Project will encourage non-motorized forms of transportation such as walking and will also encourage use of public transport. Landscaping will be California native, low maintenance plantings to save water.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on, August 2, 2022, to continue the planning and design phase of the Project and complete CEQA processes.
FISCAL IMPACT
The preliminary estimated cost for the Project is $6,525,000 which includes environmental review, design, construction, construction management, inspection, labor compliance, and project oversight. The current funding sources includes $185,459 in Gas Tax, $325,000 in Measure M Local Return, and $100,000 in Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds, which are appropriated in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Additional appropriation of $2,716,524 of Proposition C from Metro is being requested within this recommendation.
In addition, the City anticipates receiving approximately $1,500,000 from the 4th Supervisorial District Proposition C funds, $100,000 from Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) Catalytic Development funds, and $300,000 from LACDA Renovate Façade Improvement Program funds. Staff will return to the City Council for these appropriations when they become available. The Proposition C from Metro match requirement is $905,507 and will be partially funded with current project appropriation and with the forthcoming 4th Supervisorial District Proposition C funds to be received at the completion of the CEQA. A funding gap of approximately $1.3 million is identified for the Project. Staff is finalizing the funding plan for the Project and will return to the City Council for approval at a later date.
An appropriation increases in the amount of $5,433,048 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount $2,716,524 will be offset with Proposition C reimbursement revenues to be received from Metro. The remaining $2,716,524 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of Proposition C funds from the Capital Grant Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group.
The 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