REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
July 9, 2024
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Finding for the South San Bernardino Area Americans with Disabilities Act Ramps Project
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Find that the South San Bernardino Area Americans with Disabilities Act Ramps Project is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15301(c) Class 1 (existing facilities) and Section 15303(d) Class 3 (new construction or conversion of small structures).
2. Approve the South San Bernardino Area Americans with Disabilities Act Ramps Project as defined in the Notice of Exemption.
3. Direct the Department of Public Works to file and post 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 the item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The South San Bernardino Area Americans with Disabilities Act Ramps Project (Project) will be funded with Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) revenue. Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the Department of Public Works (Department) 2024-25 Road Operations budget (6650002000 H15031) and will be included in future recommended budgets as necessary.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Project involves installing new and reconstructing existing curb ramps at various locations along Pedley Road and Monterey Avenue, in accordance with current design standards and pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Other improvements include pavement reconstruction on Pedley Road and Court Street and installation of a storm drain and appurtenant structures on Pedley Road from Court Street to Little Third Street. All work for the Project will be done within existing right-of-way.
This Project was prioritized by the Board of Supervisors (Board) as part of the SB 1 RMRA Account Project List for 2019-20 (Revised) and 2020-21, which was approved on April 21, 2020 (Item No. 45). Updates to existing ADA compliant curb ramps, and installation of new ADA compliant curb ramps for the Project are required under the federal “2013 Department of Justice/Department of Transportation Joint Technical Assistance on the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps when Streets, Roads, or Highways are Altered through Resurfacing” guidelines.
On March 21, 2024, the Department’s environmental staff 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) Class 1 and Section 15303(d) Class 3 is appropriate. The Class 1 exemption allows for repair and maintenance activities on existing roads, sidewalks, gutters, and similar facilities that involve negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination. The Class 3 exemption allows for the construction of new water main, sewage, electrical, gas and other utility extensions, including street improvements of reasonable length to serve such construction. When the Board considers the environmental finding, the filing and posting of a Notice of Exemption is recommended.
The Project aligns with the County and the Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives of ensuring development of a well-planned, balanced and sustainable County by preserving and improving the structural integrity of existing road surfaces and access for pedestrians, including those with disabilities.
PROCUREMENT
The Department anticipates presenting the Project plans and specifications, as well as a recommendation to advertise for formal bids, to the Board for consideration in Spring 2025.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on June 11, 2024; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on June 14, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on June 20, 2024.