REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director Public Works Department BY: RANDALL W. MORRISON, PE, Assistant Director Public Works Department, Engineering Division MELISSA BLAU, Projects Administrator Public Works Department, Transportation Project Management Section SUBJECT ..Title ***RESOLUTION - Approving the application for project funding from the San Joaquin River Conservancy and authorizing the Director of Public Works or Designee to accept project funds and execute all application and funding related documents with the San Joaquin River Conservancy on behalf of the City of Fresno for the construction of a Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements at Audubon Drive and Del Mar Avenue (Council District 2) (Subject to Mayor's Veto) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution approving the application to the San Joaquin River Conservancy Project Funding Program seeking up to $1,200,000 for the construction of a traffic signal and intersection improvements at Audubon Drive and Del Mar Avenue, and authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee(s), as a representative(s) of the City of Fresno to conduct negotiations, execute, submit, and sign all documents including but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests, and other documents which may be necessary for the completion of the proposed project. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The approval of the San Joaquin River Conservancy project funding agreement will allow the City of Fresno to fund construction of the traffic signal and intersection improvements at Audubon Drive and Del Mar Avenue. The construction of this project would comply with the required mitigation measures identified in the Final Environmental Impact Report for the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project. The engineering design is currently underway by Public Works staff for the traffic signal and intersection improvements at Audubon Drive and Del Mar Avenue. The project will be ready to bid and award a construction contract upon approval of the grant funding for construction. BACKGROUND In 2018, the San Joaquin River Conservancy updated the San Joaquin River Parkway Interim Master Plan (Master Plan) that was originally adopted in 1997. The updated Master Plan describes public access and recreational improvements along a 22-mile stretch of the San Joaquin River between Friant Dam and State Route 99. This update provided a plan to guide future improvements that would improve public access and recreational facilities in the area located along the south side of the San Joaquin River just north of the Palm Bluffs, between State Route 41 and Spano Park, near the intersection of Palm Avenue and Nees Avenue within Fresno City limits. The River West Eaton Trail Extension will provide increased public access to the river for residents of nearby disadvantaged communities, and for residents of the City of Fresno by extending the existing Lewis S. Eaton Trail from Woodward Park westward under State Route 41 and downstream along the San Joaquin River for about 2.4 miles and creating designated access points with parking areas at the following three locations spread throughout the project site: * State Route 41 and Perrin Avenue * Spano Park (near the intersection of Palm and Nees Avenues) * Riverview Drive (near the intersection of Audubon Drive and Del Mar Avenue) The design will create parking for 105 vehicles and 3 horse trailers and create a school bus drop off location along with new restrooms, park benches, approximately 3.0 miles of multiuse trails, and 2 viewing areas. The proposed design elements will generate opportunities for the public to engage in a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, trail running, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and wildlife viewing. As part of the Final Environmental Impact Report prepared for the project, a traffic signal at the intersection of Audubon Drive and Del Mar Avenue was identified as a mitigation measure to improve public safety efforts and reduce traffic impacts to the area. The engineering design for the project is underway and currently being prepared by the Public Works Design Section staff progressing to final construction documents. Public Works staff has applied for project funding from the San Joaquin River Conservancy for the construction costs of the traffic signal. The Resolution prepared requests approving the application for the project funds and authorizing the Director of Public Works or Designee to accept project funds and execute all application and funding related documents. The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 this action is not a "project." LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not implemented as this item does not involve the bid or award of a construction or services contract. FISCAL IMPACT The project is located within Council District 2. This request will have no impact to the General Fund, as the funds will provide up to $1,200,000. If awarded, the proposed funding will be reflected through appropriations included in the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Attachments: Vicinity Map Resolution