REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 21, 2024
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Finding and Specifications for the San Bernardino Avenue Phase I Project in the Fontana Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Find that the San Bernardino Avenue Phase I Project in the Fontana Area 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 15332(d) Class 32 (in-fill development projects).
2. Approve the San Bernardino Avenue Phase I Project in the Fontana Area as defined in the Notice of Exemption.
3. Approve the specifications for the San Bernardino Avenue Phase I Project in the Fontana Area, as signed and sealed by a registered civil engineer.
4. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works to advertise the San Bernardino Avenue Phase I Project in the Fontana 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 additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The San Bernardino Avenue Phase I (Project) in the Fontana Area will be funded by the Department of Public Works (Department) with Gas Tax revenue and the Department’s existing General Fund allocation for Maintenance of Effort. Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the Department’s 2023-24 Road Operations budget (6650002000 34H15219) and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Project involves pavement rehabilitation of approximately 1.26 miles of San Bernardino Avenue, from Cherry Avenue east to Fontana Avenue, including pavement striping and markings, and other work appurtenant thereto. All work for the Project will be done within the existing right-of-way. The Project will require Americans with Disabilities Act curb ramp compliance within the Project limits; however, curb ramps will be completed under the separate San Bernardino Avenue Widening Phase II project with the same limits as Phase I.
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 15301(c) Class 1 and Section 15332(d) Class 32 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 32 exemption allows for the approval of the Project, which will not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality and meets the conditions to qualify as an in-fill project pursuant to section 15332(d). 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 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.
The Project’s specifications include an allowance in the amount of $200,000 for unforeseen differing site conditions associated with utility conflicts and/or soil conditions.
PROCUREMENT
The Project will be advertised 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 April 24, 2024; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on May 1, 2024; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on May 6, 2024.