REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL June 19, 2014 FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director Public Works Department BY: SCOTT L. TYLER, PE, Interim Assistant Director Public Works Department, Traffic and Engineering Services Division CRAIG HANSEN, Supervising Real Estate Agent Public Works Department, Real Estate Services Section SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to the installation of the Shields Avenue and Brawley Avenue traffic signal (Council District 1) 1. Adopt a finding of a Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Sections 15301/Class1 and 15332/Class 32 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Environmental Assessment No. EA-12-020 2. Approve the partial acquisition of 0.1415 acres of a parcel of property in the amount of $48,000, owned by Victor and Rita Ann Valdez, for the construction of a fully actuated traffic signal at the intersection of Shields Avenue and Brawley Avenue ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the City Council: 1. Adopt a finding of a Categorical Exemption per staff determination pursuant to Sections 15301/ Class 1 and 15332/Class 32 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, Environmental Assessment No. EA-12-020. 2. Approve the partial acquisition of 0.1415 acres of a parcel of property owned by Victor and Rita Ann Valdez in the amount of $48,000 for the construction of a fully actuated traffic signal at the intersection of Shields Avenue and Brawley Avenue and that Council authorizes the Public Works Director, or his designee, to sign all documents necessary to complete the transaction as delegated by City Manager. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The City of Fresno has experienced major growth west of Freeway 99 in recent years. Presently, the intersection of Shields and Brawley is a four-way stop. The proposed right-of-way acquisition is part of a Federally-funded grant project to improve the intersection. The improvements would replace the existing stop signs with a fully actuated traffic signal. The property owner(s) Victor and Rita Ann Valdez, have agreed to the compensation of $48,000 for this partial acquisition of property. BACKGROUND The intersection of Shields Avenue and Brawley Avenue was not that many years ago a rural intersection controlled by stop signs. As the City of Fresno developed, commercial projects and housing tracts have become more prevalent. The intersection has been documented to meet traffic signal warrants and is next on the priority list of signal installations. The project includes a traffic signal, curb ramps and curb returns to the ultimate width on the west side of Brawley Avenue and transitional pavement. In 2009 an application was made to the Fresno Council of Governments under the "CMAQ Call for Projects." On October 15, 2009, the Council adopted Resolution 2009-213 authorizing submission of application and acceptance of funds for this project. When completed in fiscal year 2015, there will be improved circulation, safety and access. The project is also consistent with the policies of the General Plan. The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed Purchase and Sale Agreement. The partial acquisition of 0.1415 acres property located at the southwest corner of Brawley Avenue and Shields Avenue (APN 312-300-18) was appraised by James Palmer, MAI. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS The proposed project is partially funded by federal funds, and is subject to state and federal environmental review requirements. Project documentation, including an EIR, has been prepared in compliance with both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Caltrans is the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act. In addition, Federal Highway Administration's responsibility for environmental review, consultation, and any other action required in accordance with applicable Federal laws for this project is being, or has been, carried out by Caltrans under its assumption of responsibility pursuant to Chapter 3 of Title 23, United States Code, Section 326 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated June 7, 2010, executed between the FHWA and the State. The State has determined that the project is a Categorical Exclusion under 23 CFR 771.117(d). The determination was issued on April 20, 2012. Further, staff has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and has determined that it falls within the Class 1 and Class 32 Categorical Exemptions set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Sections 15301(c) and 15332 as this is an acquisition to construct a fully actuated traffic signal, which will not result in the expansion of capacity of Shields or Brawley Avenues, and this project constitutes in-fill development. Furthermore, none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project. LOCAL PREFERENCE N/A FISCAL IMPACT The $676,900 Shields and Brawley traffic signal project which is located in Council District 1 will have no impact upon the General Fund. The project is being funded by a Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant, with local match provided by the Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact Fees. Attachments: Vicinity Map Exhibit A Acquisition Map Exhibit B