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 PAMELA PARR, Project Manager Public Works Department, Real Estate Services Section SUBJECT ..Title Approve the partial acquisition of approximately 14 square feet of a parcel of property in the amount of $500, owned by Berdine G. Hill, for the construction of a traffic signal at the intersection of Butler Avenue and Willow Avenue. Staff has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and has determined that it falls within the Class 1 Categorical Exemption set forth in Section 15301of the CEQA Guidelines which exempts the addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities or mechanical equipment or topographical features including navigational devices (Council District 5) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Approve the partial acquisition of approximately 14 square feet of a parcel of property owned by Berdine G. Hill in the amount of $500 for the construction of a traffic signal at the intersection of Butler Avenue and Willow 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 Presently, the intersection of Butler Avenue and Willow Avenue is a three-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, Berdine G. Hill, has agreed to the compensation of $500 for this partial acquisition of property. BACKGROUND The City received Federal funding to construct a traffic signal at the intersection of Butler Avenue and Willow Avenue to replace the existing three-way stop control. The project includes a traffic signal, curb ramps and curb returns at the intersection. It was determined that additional right of way was necessary at the southwest corner in order to construct an ADA compliant curb ramp. The intersection has been documented to meet traffic signal warrants and is on the priority list of signal installations. On October 15, 2009, Council adopted Resolution 2009-213 authorizing the submission of applications and acceptance of funds for this project. When the project is completed in 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. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS Staff has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of this project and has determined that it falls within the Class 1 Categorical Exemption set forth in Section 15301of the CEQA Guidelines which exempts the addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities or mechanical equipment or topographical features including navigational devices. Staff has determined that none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 apply to this project. Staff recommends that the Council, based on its own independent judgment, adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption per staff determination, pursuant to Class 1 Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines for the project. LOCAL PREFERENCE The local preference was not implemented based on conditions of the Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. FISCAL IMPACT The Butler Avenue and Willow Avenue traffic signal project is located in Council District 5. The overall cost of the project is $533,300 and it is funded by Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant, with local match provided by the Traffic Signal Mitigation Impact Fees. The project will not have any impact to the General Fund. 2014-06-19 Butler/Willow Traffic signal APN 473-071-13 Attachments: Vicinity Map Exhibit A Acquisition Map Exhibit B