July 27, 2004
SUBJECT: Authorization for Filing and Acceptance of Trails and Open Space Grant Program Funds for the Calabazas Creek Trail Project, Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Required Grant Agreements, and Budget Modification No. 1
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City of Sunnyvale has received grant funding for a Calabazas Creek Trail – Phase II project from the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) Trails and Open Space Grant Program. Staff recommends Council adopt the resolution authorizing the filing and acceptance of funds for the Calabazas Creek Trail – Phase II project from the Trails and Open Space Grant Program and authorizing the City Manager to execute the required Grant Agreement, and approve Budget Modification No. 1 to appropriate the grant funds to the Calabazas Creek Trail – Phase II project.
This project includes the installation of a low water crossing under either Tasman Drive or Highway 237 along Calabazas Creek. The Phase I portion of the Calabazas Creek Trail project was appropriated in FY 1999/2000, funded by ISTEA and Transportation Development Act grant funds. Construction of Phase I was recently advertised and received one bid. Staff is evaluating the bid, and anticipates construction to be complete by Fall 2005.
The total Trails and Open Space Grant award amount is $200,000; there is no local match requirement.
BACKGROUND
The Trails and Open Space Grant Program was initiated in April 2003 under the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program. The Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program was approved by Santa Clara County voters in November of 2000 and is funded by a countywide special parcel tax. Under the Trails and Open Space Program, the SCVWD provides grants to local governments and other organizations for the acquisition and development of neighborhood, community, and regional parks and recreation lands and facilities.
This portion of the Calabazas Creek Trail will succeed the first phase of this trail project, for which the design is complete. The first phase of the trail project will establish a paved pedestrian and bicycle trail adjacent to Calabazas Creek from Mission College Boulevard to Old Mountain View-Alviso Road through the upgrade of an existing maintenance road. In addition, Phase I includes the construction of a bridge over Calabazas Creek in order to link trail users from the west side to the trail located on the east side of the creek channel. The trail will allow public access and serve the Lakewood Village residential neighborhood, Fairwood Park, and John W. Christian Greenway. Phase I of the Calabazas Creek Trail project is anticipated to be complete in Fall 2005.
The Trails and Open Space Grant Program funds will be used for Phase II of the Calabazas Creek Trail project, which will construct a low water crossing under either Tasman Drive or Highway 237. This connection will provide improved public access and safety through bypassing a physical barrier of cross street traffic. This project will greatly enhance the public’s ability to experience the natural environment of Calabazas Creek and increase the recreational and alternative transportation opportunities in the region. This phase of the trail project is anticipated to be complete in 2007.
The Sunnyvale Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) has continually supported the Calabazas Creek Trail Project. This support was reaffirmed at its May 15, 2003 meeting, when it reviewed the Calabazas Creek Trail Project application for the SCVWD Trails and Open Space Grant Program.
EXISTING POLICY
Land Use and Transportation Element C3.5.4 - Maximize the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Land Use and Transportation Element N1.3.3 – Design streets, pedestrian paths, and bicycle paths to link neighborhoods with services.
Bike Plan Policy BP.A3 - Develop means of accommodating bike access near parks, flood control districts, utility facilities and other institutional uses.
Bike Plan Policy BP.A3.a - Research and assess the feasibility of developing a system of off-street bicycle trails utilizing flood channels, utility rights of way, and other linear parcels.
Bike Plan Policy BP.A3.c- Explore the joint use of Santa Clara Valley Water District-owned land for trail purposes.
DISCUSSION
On August 29, 2003, the SCVWD Board awarded the City of Sunnyvale a $200,000 grant for Phase II of the Calabazas Creek Trail project. Since that time, Water District and City staff have been developing a grant agreement for fund disbursement. The grant agreement for the Trails and Open Space Grant Program requires a City Council resolution authorizing filing and acceptance of funds for the Calabazas Creek Trail – Phase II project from this Program. Staff recommends that the Council adopt the resolution and authorize the City Manager to execute the grant agreement. The resolution is included as Attachment A of this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff recommends Council approve Budget Modification No. 1 to appropriate the Trails and Open Space Grant funds in the amount of $200,000 to the Calabazas Creek Trail – Phase II project. There is no local match required for this project. The trail will be maintained within the existing Department of Public Works operating budget.
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BUDGET MODIFICATION NO. 1
FISCAL YEAR 2004/2005
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Current |
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Increase
(Decrease) |
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Revised |
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Capital Projects Fund
General Sub-Fund |
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Revenues: |
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Trails and Open Space Grant |
$ 0 |
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$200,000 |
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$200,000 |
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Expenditures:
Calabazas Creek Trail – Phase II Project |
$ 0 |
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$200,000 |
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$200,000 |
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PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt the resolution as shown in Attachment A authorizing the filing and acceptance of funds for the Calabazas Creek Trail – Phase II project from the Trails and Open Space Grant Program and authorizing the City Manager to execute the required Grant Agreement. Approve Budget Modification No. 1 to appropriate the grant funds to the Calabazas Creek Trail – Phase II project.
2. Adopt the resolution as shown in Attachment A with modifications and approve Budget Modification No. 1.
3. Do not take action at this time and forfeit the Trails and Open Space funds.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative 1.
Prepared by:
Tanya Higgins
Casual Professional
Reviewed by:
Jack Witthaus
Transportation and Traffic Manager
Reviewed by:
Marvin A. Rose
Director, Public Works
Reviewed by:
Mary J. Bradley
Director, Finance
Approved by:
Amy Chan
ATTACHMENTS