REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO
AND RECORD OF ACTION
July 14, 2020
FROM
BRENDON BIGGS, Interim Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Finding for the Americans with Disabilities Act Ramp and Sidewalk Project on Balsa Avenue and Other Roads, Barstow Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Find that the Americans with Disabilities Act ramp and sidewalk project on Balsa Avenue and other roads in the Skyline East community of Barstow (Project) is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act, Class 1, Section 15301(c) (existing facilities).
2. Approve Project as defined in the Notice of Exemption and direct the Clerk of the Board to file and post the Notice of Exemption.
(Presenter: Brendon Biggs, Interim Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The Department of Public Works (Department) is funded by Gas Tax revenues, fees, and other state and local funding. The requested actions are administrative in nature with minimal financial impact. Sufficient appropriation is included in the 2020-21 Road Operations budget (6650002000 34H15018).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Project involves replacing existing curb ramps at various locations along Balsa Avenue and Hawthorne Drive in the Skyline East community of Barstow, in accordance with current design standards and pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as reconstructing spandrels and cross-gutters. The Project also includes replacing sidewalk panels and curb and gutter at various locations along Balsa Avenue, Hawthorne Drive, Hemlock Avenue, Iris Drive, Oleander Place, Rose Lane, Fern Drive and Banyan Street. All work for the Project will be done within the existing road right-of-way.
Environmental staff of the Department has reviewed this Project and determined that a categorical exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15301(c) is appropriate. This exemption is specific to existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities. The exemption allows for the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. When the Board of Supervisors (Board) considers the environmental finding, the filing and posting of a Notice of Exemption is recommended.
The Project aligns with the County and Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives of ensuring development of a well-planned, balanced and sustainable County and providing for the safety of County residents by improving access for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities.
PROCUREMENT
The Department anticipates bringing the Project’s specifications, as well as a recommendation to advertise for competitive bids to the Board for consideration in August 2020, with the bid opening in September 2020, and the award of contract in October 2020.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Suzanne Bryant, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on June 9, 2020; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on June 19, 2020; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on June 28, 2020.