REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 14, 2021
FROM
BRENDON BIGGS, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Finding for the Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Project on Macy Street, Muscoy Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Find that the Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Project on Macy Street in the Muscoy area is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15302 Class 2 (replacement or reconstruction) and Section 15303(d) Class 3 (street improvements).
2. Approve the Sidewalk, Curb, and Gutter Project on Macy Street in the Muscoy area 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, 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 revenue, fees, and other state and local funding. The requested actions are administrative in nature with minimal financial impact. Sufficient appropriation is included in the 2021-22 Road Operations budget (6650002000 20H15019).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This Sidewalk, Curb, and Gutter Project on Macy Street in the Muscoy area (Project) is listed as a priority in the San Bernardino County Regional Safe Routes to School Plan administered by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority in consultation with, and on behalf of, San Bernardino County (County) and the 24 incorporated cities. The Project involves street asphalt improvements and installing new curb, gutter and sidewalk for approximately 390’ on the west side of Macy Street, between Darby Street and Blake Street, in the Muscoy area. The Project will aid the students and parents at Muscoy Elementary School by providing a continuous sidewalk between Darby Street and Blake Street, thereby eliminating a sidewalk gap created by previous improvements constructed by others. The Project will require the acquisition of additional right-of-way, which will be presented to the Board of Supervisors (Board) as a separate item in the future.
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, Sections 15302 and 15303(d) is appropriate. Section 15302 exemption allows for replacement or reconstruction of existing structures or facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. Section 15303(d) exemption allows for street improvements. When the Board considers the environmental finding, the filing and posting of a Notice of Exemption is recommended.
Pursuant to delegated authority from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on June 28, 2021, the County’s Department of Community Development and Housing reviewed the Project for compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and determined the Project is Categorically Excluded pursuant to Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 58.34(a)(12).
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 plans and specifications, as well as a recommendation to advertise for competitive bids to the Board for consideration in the Summer of 2022.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Suzanne Bryant, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 18, 2021; Finance (Jessica Trillo, Administrative Analyst, 387-4222) on August 20, 2021; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on August 26, 2021.