DATE: August 22, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Agreement with the City of Reedley for Reedley City Street Improvements
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute Agreement with the City of Reedley for the Reedley City Street Improvements (Phase X), Community Development Block Grant Project No. 21571, effective upon execution through February 27, 2024, total not to exceed $527,878.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will provide Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the Reedley City Street Improvements (Phase X), Project No. 21571. The funds are available from the City of Reedley’s (City’s) CDBG allocation included in the County’s 2021-2022 Action Plan approved by your Board on May 11, 2021, the 2022-2023 Action Plan approved by your Board on June 21, 2022, and the City’s other available CDBG funds. The Project cost is estimated at $709,312. The City of Reedley (City) will provide a local financial contribution of $181,434 to complete the Project. This item pertains to a location in District 4.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may reject the Project and direct the City to propose a different eligible use for its CDBG funds. However, a different use would require an amendment to the Action Plan and may impact the County’s ability to meet its CDBG expenditure timelines, set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The total estimated Project cost is $709,312. CDBG funds in the amount of $527,878 are included in the FY 2023-2024 Department of Public Works and Planning - Community Development Block Grant Org 7205 Proposed Budget. The recommended agreement amount is available from the City’s 2022-2023 and 2021-2022 CDBG allocation, as listed in the 2022-2023 and 2021-2022 Action Plans. The funds are provided on a reimbursement basis. The City will provide a local financial contribution of $181,434 in excess of the CDBG funds that may be necessary to complete the Project by February 27, 2024.
DISCUSSION:
HUD annually allocates CDBG funding using a formula based on census data for the County and its partner cities. Using the same formula, the County then reallocates a portion of the CDBG funds to its partner cities through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for the purpose of carrying out housing and community development activities. The JPA permits the partner cities to select eligible projects for submission to the County for consideration. Under the JPA, the County is responsible for the overall administration of the CDBG Program and for the contract management of each project receiving CDBG funds. The recommended agreement contains a mutual indemnity clause consistent with the JPA.
The Project, which was approved by your Board for inclusion in the 2021-2022 Action Plan on May 11, 2021 and the 2022-2023 Action Plan on June 21, 2022, involves reconstructing ‘E’ Street from 10th Street to 12th Street, including installation of American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant driveway approaches and ramps, which may require modifying the existing storm drain facilities, sidewalk, curb, and gutter to accommodate the proposed improvements, all located within the existing City right of way. The Project will improve the road travelling surface for vehicles and bicycles and ensure safe and accessible pedestrian access. The Project is expected to be completed by February 27, 2024.
In addition to providing funds for the Project on a reimbursement basis, the recommended agreement requires the City to prepare the design plans and specifications for the Project in conformance with Federal and State regulations governing Federally funded projects. The recommended agreement also provides that the City will be responsible for the advertising and awarding of the Project to the lowest responsible bidder and for completion of the necessary construction engineering. The County agrees to review and approve the plans and specifications for compliance with Federal regulations prior to the City advertising the Project for bid. The City agrees to maintain the improvements after the Project is completed.
Environmental Assessment No. CD21571 was completed for the Project under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Based on the environmental review, the Project is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA Guidelines under Section 15301, Class 1 - Existing Facilities. Under Section 15301, a Class 1(c) exemption consists of the operation, repair, maintenance or minor alteration of existing public facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use, including existing highways, streets, and sidewalks. It has also been determined that the Project is exempt, per Section 58.34 (a)(12) of the NEPA Guidelines, because the Project meets the requirements for a categorical exclusion under Section 58.35 (a)(1) and (2).
With your Board’s approval, the CDBG allocation of $527,878 will be made to the City of Reedley for the Reedley City Street Improvements (Phase X) Project listed in the County’s 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Action Plans.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 8, May 11, 2021
BAI #11, June 21, 2022
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Location Map
On file with Clerk - Agreement with the City of Reedley
CAO ANALYST:
Salvador Espino