REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 15, 2022
FROM
BRENDON BIGGS, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
California Environmental Quality Act Finding for the Stanfield Cutoff at State Route 38 Project in the Big Bear Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Find that the Stanfield Cutoff at State Route 38 Project in the Big Bear area is exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15301(c) Class 1 (repair and maintenance) and Section 15302 Class 2 (replacement or reconstruction).
2. Approve the Stanfield Cutoff at State Route 38 Project in the Big Bear area as defined in the Notice of Exemption and direct the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors 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 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, State of California, and the State Highway Operations and Protection Program Minor B funds. The requested actions are administrative in nature with minimal financial impact. Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the Department of Public Works (Department) 2022-23 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 (SR-38) and Stanfield Cutoff (also known as North Shore Drive) to improve the intersection’s efficiency, traffic flow, and pedestrian/public safety. The Project work includes reconstruction and installation of a single-lane roundabout, crosswalks, sidewalks, and lighting. The Project will require the acquisition of additional right-of-way, which will be presented to the Board of Supervisors (Board) at a future date.
On September 29, 2020 (Item No. 48), the Board entered into Cooperative Agreement (Contract No. 20-945) with the City of Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority for the Project. On March 2, 2021 (Item No. 33), the Board entered into Cooperative Agreement (Contract No. 21-155) with the California Department of Transportation for the Project.
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, Sections 15301(c) and 15302 is appropriate for portions within County Maintained Road System. Sections 15301(c) and 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines allow for repair or maintenance activities on existing streets that involve negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing, and for the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures at the same location and having the same purpose and capacity as the structure being replaced. When the Board considers the environmental finding, the filing and posting of a Notice of Exemption is recommended.
On October 6, 2022, the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), acting as the Lead Agency for the Project as it occurs partially on a State Highway, reviewed and approved compliance with 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 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 (NEPA) 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.
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 and providing for the safety of County residents by improving traffic flow and 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 considerations at a future date, after the right-of-way is cleared.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 20, 2022; Finance (Carl Lofton, Administrative Analyst, 387-5404) on October 28, 2022; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on October 31, 2022.