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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/4/2019 Item 14, Grigsby City of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum DATE:June 4, 2019 TO: City Council FROM: Daryl Grigsby, Public Works Director VIA: Derek Johnson, City Manager DJ SUBJECT: Council Correspondence Public Works response to Council questions from April 17, 2019 Strategic Budget Direction At the April 17, 2019 Council meeting on Strategic Budget Direction, the City Council had questions on three issues regarding Public Works Department projects. The issues were; 1. Are there any strategies to enhance transit service in the southern and newly developed parts of the City? 2. 3. What will be the timing of the Mission Plaza restroom given Council direction to continue with the project as scoped in the 17-19 Financial Plan, and not pursue alternatives to move the restroom outside the Plaza as presented during Public Comment. Noted below are responses to each of these three questions. 1. Transit service Transit service was expanded in 2017, and all revenue is committed to preserving that level of service. Staff, however, are identifying cost-neutral service enhancements and are working with University, County and SLOCOG stakeholders to identify additional funding support opportunities. Below are follow-up actions specific to south end transit service as raised during Public Comment at the April Strategic Budget Direction Community Development and Public Works are exploring an MOU and/or recommendation to Partner with Peoples Self-Help Housing to apply for a state grant. This grant could support the development of affordable housing units and potentially fund an additional transit vehicle for new service and additional pedestrian opportunities. Building upon the success of the Route 1A ridership at the SLO Airport, the Route 1B th expansion to the airport is being accelerated. This will begin on June 16 and will provide additional transit service to the south of the city, with twice-an-hour bus service. This by the hour and the added area can be encompassed within the same hour. Strategic Budget Direction Responses Page 2 As new housing developments are constructed in the southern portions of the city, transit opportunities will be important in providing alternative modes of travel. We anticipate Righetti Ranch to be potentially accommodated by shifting existing bus service from less productive areas (e.g. rural Orcutt Rd.) into the new neighborhoods. Others, however, like Avila Ranch - and even the existing Margarita Area - present challenges because expanding the route into those neighborhoods would degrade current hourly bus service to less frequent service. Therefore, new funding would need to be identified for that additional service. Staff will keep Council updated on efforts to improve service to new housing developments. 2. Green Fleet Below is current status of the In June of 2014 the green fleet consisted of: o three hybrid sedans o one hybrid SUV o one electric forklift. As of June 2019, the green fleet is: o three hybrid sedans o seven plug-in hybrid sedans o o one medium duty truck with a plug-in hybrid aerial lift o one heavy duty truck with a plug-in hybrid aerial lift o one electric forklift. o 63 of the 91 diesel powered vehicles have been fueled with renewable diesel since August of 2016. Renewable diesel is a low carbon petroleum free fuel that is 100% renewable and sustainable. Emissions are reduced up to 80% depending on the type of vehicle or equipment o The city has added an electric-assist bicycle to the vehicle pool as an option for staff to use on short work-related trips. Next steps o Three hybrid patrol vehicles on order that are expected to arrive and be in service late 2019. o Five additional hybrid patrol vehicles will be ordered as replacements within the next two years. o Two heavy duty, two engine powered, hydro cleaner trucks scheduled for replacement within the next two to three years. One engine powered unit will be specified for the replacements. o Staff is exploring purchase of additional electric-assist bicycles that would reduce reliance on utilization of pool cars. o The Fleet Manager is tasked with exploring low emission or alternative fuel options wherever possible, and stays informed of improvements and updates relative to alternative fuel options for various classes of equipment . Strategic Budget Direction Responses Page 3 3. Mission plaza restroom: as produced a site plan and restroom building layout. The current site plan design is consistent with the Mission Plaza Concept Plan that was produced in 2017. The design consultant is currently scoped to produce a 30% concept plan to get the project entitled. Presentations to the PRC, ARC, CHC and City Council are scheduled as noted below. PRC - 7/3/19 ARC - 8/19/19 CHC - 9/23/19 Council - 10/15/19 Current scope includes a 30% design set and is scheduled to be complete February 2020. 100% Construction Documents are anticipated to be finalized by December 2020. Construction is anticipated for Fall 2021 pending funding approval in the 2021-23 Financial Plan.