HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-2016 Item 17 CDBG Curb Ramps project
Meeting Date: 5/17/2016
FROM: Daryl Grigsby, Director of Public Works
Prepared By: David Athey, Supervising Civil Engineer
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) CURB RAMPS
2016 PROJECT, SPECIFICATION NO. 91445
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve Plans and Specifications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Curb Ramps 2016 project, Specification No. 91445; and
2. Authorize staff to advertise for bids and authorize the City Manager to award the contract if
the lowest responsible bid is within the Engineer’s Estimate of $118,000.
DISCUSSION
This project is part of an ongoing program to construct sidewalk ramps throughout the City of
San Luis Obispo. The program is partially funded through Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) and City General funds. The ramps provide access, and implement the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state accessibility requirements.
As such, they meet one of the fundamental criteria of CDBG funding – to provide access to the
disabled.
In anticipation of future work in Pavement Maintenance Areas 1 and 8, a number of non -
compliant curb ramps will be upgraded. The project consists of ten corners with existing ramps
that do not meet current accessibility regulations. The ramps were selected based on their
location along a major arterial (Santa Rosa) or past accessibility complaints (Patricia Drive).
Replacement of the selected ramps will provide continuous access along both street corridors.
Recent data collection shows the City has 2,436 intersection locations where pedestrians cross
the street. 690 (28%) corners meet current ADA standards. 1229 (50%) crossing locations
already have a transition ramp provided. However, many of these ramps were built years ago
and do not conform to the latest accessibility standards, e.g., having steep grades, having steep
cross-slopes or not having the required truncated domes. The remaining 535 (22%) crossing
points continue to have a curb between the street and sidewalk.
Currently, city practice is to prioritize ADA ramp compliance construction or retrofit on streets
scheduled for near future paving and to individual requests made by citizens. In addition to
CDBG ramp upgrades, the City also upgrades ADA access through other Capital Improveme nt
Projects. Recent upgrade examples include two additional ADA parking spaces at the
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Sinsheimer Pool facility, a ramp and upgraded parking spaces for City Hall, and upcoming
accessible restroom facilities at Fire Station 2.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project uses Federal CDBG funds, and National Environmental Protection Act clearance
has been obtained through the County of San Luis Obispo. A Categorical Exemption of
Environmental Impact, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act has been
obtained from the Community Development Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
This project is included in the 2015-17 Financial Plan, pages 3-109 to 3-111. The total
anticipated budget needed for project construction is $153,600. The current project budget is
$105,000, which leaves a $48,600 shortfall. Therefore, staff recommends that additional funds
be allocated from the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Master Account to complete the
needed budget. The Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Account currently has a balance of
$499,665 of which $300,000 is available for this project and the 2016 Roadway Sealing Project.
A Budget Amendment Request will be completed at the time of contract award to transfer
funding into this project’s account.
CDBG CURB RAMPS 2016, SPECIFICATION NO. 91445
Proposed Funding by Source Construction Costs Estimate
2015 CDBG Grant: $105,000 Construction: $118,000
R&R Master Account (90346) $48,600 Contingencies: $33,600
Materials Testing: $1,500
Printing: $500
Total $153,600 Total for Construction $153,600
ALTERNATIVES
Deny authorization to advertise. The City Council may choose not to authorize project
advertisement. This is not recommended because the CDBG Curb Ramp project is mostly
supported by grant money and the project provides ADA access to City sidewalks.
Attachments:
a - Council Reading File - 91445 Plans
b - Council Reading File - Curb Ramps 2016 Specials
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