REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 10, 2024
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Finding and Plans and Specifications for the Summit Valley Road Project in the Hesperia Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve the Summit Valley Road Project in the Hesperia area as defined in the Notice of Exemption.
2. Find that the Summit Valley Road Project in the Hesperia area is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15061(b)(3) the “Common Sense Exemption” and Section 15304 Class 4 (Minor Alteration of Land).
3. Approve plans and specifications for the Summit Valley Road Project in the Hesperia area, as signed and sealed by a registered civil engineer.
4. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works to advertise the Summit Valley Road Project in the Hesperia area for formal bids.
5. Direct the Department of Public Works to file the Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, 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). On July 9, 2024 (Item No. 36), the Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the Capital Improvement Program Summit Valley Road Project in the Hesperia area (Project) and an allocation of American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for reimbursement of eligible costs for the Project. Sufficient revenue and appropriation are included in the Department of Public Work’s (Department) 2024-25 Road Operations budget (6650002000 H15255) and will be included in future recommended budgets as necessary.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Project involves the installation of centerline channelizers and warning signs in both directions on Summit Valley Road, as well as the re-painting of faded double yellow stripes at various segments. The work will occur along a 5.40-mile stretch of Summit Valley Road, starting from 1.36 miles north of State Route 138 and extending to the south city limits of the City of Hesperia.
The Department’s environmental staff 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 15061(b)(3) and Section 15304 Class 4 is appropriate. This Project is exempt under Section 15061(b)(3) "common sense exemption" because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that project activities may have a significant effect on the environment. This Project is exempt under Section 15304 Class 4 “Minor Alterations to Land” as a result of minor public or private alterations of land.
The Project aligns with the County and the Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives of providing the safety of the traveling public by installing centerline channelizers on Summit Valley Road and performing related signing and striping improvements.
The Project specifications include an allowance in the amount of $25,000 for unforeseen differing site conditions and utility conflicts.
PROCUREMENT
The Project will be advertised to invite formal bids in accordance with Section 22037 of the California Public Contract Code. The Department anticipates returning to the Board for an award of the construction contract in Fall 2024.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 12, 2024; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on August 19, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on August 23, 2024.