REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
July 09, 2024
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Plans and Specifications for the Stanfield Cutoff at State Route 38 Project in the Big Bear Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Stanfield Cutoff at State Route 38 Project in the Big Bear Area.
2. Authorize the Director of Public Works to advertise the Stanfield Cutoff at State Route 38 Project in the Big Bear Area for formal bids.
(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). The Stanfield Cutoff at State Route 38 Project in the Big Bear Area (Project) is funded by Measure “I” 2010-2040 Mountains Subarea Major Local Highways Program, which is administered by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, the State of California, State Highway Operations and Protection Program Minor B funds. Sufficient appropriation is included in the Department of Public Works (Department) 2024-25 Road Operations budget (6650002000 14H15055) and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Project is to install a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 38 (also known as North Shore Drive) and Stanfield Cutoff to improve the intersection’s efficiency, traffic flow, and pedestrian/public safety. The Project work includes reconstruction and installation of a single-lane roundabout with a multi-use path, crosswalks and sidewalks, curb, gutter, curb ramps in accordance with current design standards and pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, utility relocations, street lighting, tree and vegetation removal, installation of drainage features, and new signage and striping to accommodate the roundabout intersection.
On September 29, 2020 (Item No. 48), the Board of Supervisors (Board) entered into non-financial Cooperative Agreement No. 20-945 with the City of Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority for the Project, which will terminate upon completion of the Project or on December 30, 2025, whichever occurs first.
On March 2, 2021 (Item No. 33), the Board entered into Cooperative Agreement No. 21-155 with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which authorized the County to receive $300,000 in State Highway Operations and Protection Program Minor “B” funds from Caltrans for the design and construction phases of the Project. This agreement will terminate upon Caltrans’ acceptance of the Project.
On October 6, 2022, Caltrans, acting as the Lead Agency for the Project (as it occurs partially on a State Highway), reviewed and approved compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and determined this Project is categorically exempt as it has no significant impacts on the environment. The County, as the responsible agency for the Project, concurs with the Caltrans findings. Additionally, pursuant to the delegated authority from the United States Forest Service, Caltrans reviewed the Project for compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act and determined the Project is categorically excluded pursuant to Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 771.117(c). The Department will incorporate avoidance and minimization measures to ensure protection of cultural and biological resources during construction.
On November 15, 2022 (Item No. 63), the Board determined the Project was exempt under the CEQA, approved the Project as defined in the Notice of Exemption, and directed the Clerk of the Board to file and post said notice.
On April 23, 2024, (Item No. 49), the Board approved Amendment No. 2 to Cooperative Agreement No. 00-1017 with Caltrans to include the cost sharing of maintenance and operation costs for facilities located at Stanfield Cutoff and State Highway 38. In the original agreement, approved by the Board on October 3, 2000 (Item No. 24), the County and Caltrans agreed to share the cost of maintaining and operating electrical facilities located at shared intersections, which through Amendment No. 2 now include facilities located at Stanfield Cutoff and State Highway 38.
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 traffic flow and access for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities.
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 Summer 2024.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on May 31, 2024; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on June 3, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on June 7, 2024.