REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL June 25, 2020 FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, Director Department of Transportation BY: BELINDA MCMILLAN HAENER, Administrative Manager Department of Transportation/Administration Division LINDA TAYLOR, Senior Management Analyst Department of Transportation SUBJECT ..Title ***RESOLUTION - Authorizing submission of funding requests to the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program for bus service operating support, installation of solar lighting at bus stops, and the planning and design of accessibility improvements to ADA bus stops, execution of grant award documents if awarded, and execution of related Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Forms (Subject to Mayor's Veto) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends Council approve a resolution authorizing the Director of Transportation or designee to submit a 2019-20 Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funding requests to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to fund three projects: (1) operating support for upcoming service changes; (2) the installation of solar lighting at bus stops; and (3) the planning and design of ADA bus stop accessibility improvements. Additionally, staff recommends the Director of Transportation or designee execute and file all necessary funding documents on behalf of the City and execute the required Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Forms. The resolution is being resubmitted because the amount of operating support for upcoming service changes was estimated at $800,000; however, the actual amount is $832,746. No other previously submitted amounts changed. The State is requesting actual amounts on the resolution. At the time the resolution was submitted, April 9, 2020, the actual amount was unknown. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 2015, Council approved a continuing authorizing resolution to enable the department to apply for and receive LCTOP funding each year. Caltrans is now requesting the department provide a new resolution each year that specifies the projects to be funded with that year funding allocation. The attached resolution includes both the authorization to execute funding agreements and specifies the projects to be funded. In previous years of this program, the department utilized LCTOP funding for tripper service and for the first, second, and third years of service for the Increased Frequency Weekend Service and for the Extended Night Service, as well as to purchase and install real-time bus stop displays. As there is a three-year funding limit for new services, this year the LCTOP funding will be used to provide the first year of support for upcoming service changes, as well as the installation of solar lighting at bus stops and the planning and design of ADA bus stop accessibility improvements. The Increased Frequency Weekend and Extended Night Services will now continue as part of the regular FAX operating budget. BACKGROUND Senate Bill 862 (2014) included the LCTOP to fund transit-specific projects in California to serve disadvantaged communities (DACs) and improve air quality. The legislation named Caltrans as the administrative agency for LCTOP and defined project sponsors (eligible recipients) that may receive the funding, which includes the City of Fresno Department of Transportation/FAX Division. The statutes related to state-funded transit projects require an implementing agency to abide by various regulations, and Caltrans has developed guidelines for the purpose of administering and distributing LCTOP funds to local agencies. The program requires recipient agencies to provide a resolution from their governing body each year to approve the projects. In 2015, Council provided this approval through a continuing authorizing resolution. LCTOP funding received in prior cycles is currently funding the third and final year of service for both the Increased Frequency Weekend Service and the Extended Night Service. This resolution is to approve applications/funding for the first year of planned service changes and for the installation of solar bus stop lighting and planning/design of ADA bus stop accessibility improvements. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING Staff has determined that these projects fall under Class 1 categorical exemption for CEQA because they consist of ongoing operations and minor alterations to existing structures, involving no expansion of use, in the form of the installation of solar lighting at existing bus stops. Furthermore, staff has determined that none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions set forth in the CEQA guidelines apply to this project. Council previously adopted the categorical exemption on April 9, 2020. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference was not considered because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund from this request. LCTOP grant projects are expected to be funded 100 percent through LCTOP revenues. Attachments: Resolution Certifications and Assurances