Title
Approve and Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) to execute a Funding Agreement between the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) and the County of Monterey for the Wayfinding Sign Program.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve and authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) to execute a Funding Agreement between the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) and the County of Monterey for the Wayfinding Sign Program.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On May 25, 2016, the TAMC Board of Directors adopted the Regional Pedestrian and Bicyclist Wayfinding Plan for Monterey County (“Wayfinding Plan”) and authorized the submission of grant applications to implement the Wayfinding Plan. In 2020, TAMC was awarded $1,931,000 in Local Transportation Funds and State SB 1 Local Partnership Program funds for development and implementation of the Wayfinding Plan within TAMC’s boundaries.
The County of Monterey desires to improve driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian safety on County roads; and, implementing TAMC’s Wayfinding Plan, to the extent practicable, is one means of doing so. Implementing uniform wayfinding signage throughout Monterey County will provide an effective tool for all, especially visitors, and encourage active transportation by designating clear directions and distances to various assets throughout the County.
Pursuant to the Funding Agreement, TAMC will be responsible for procurement and initial installation of signs and posts via an Encroachment Permit issued by the County. The Funding Agreement contemplates that the County will issue the Encroachment Permit at no cost to TAMC. The Encroachment Permit will specify the County roads to receive signage along with related conditions as to specific location, etc. After installation, TAMC will provide a supply of decorative sign toppers for future use by the County if needed to replace any of the non-standard “decorative” sign toppers. The Funding Agreement term is for ten (10) years, during which time the County will be responsible for replacement of any damaged signs/posts. Such future maintenance will be handled under the County’s road maintenance efforts funded by the Road Fund. Staff estimates an approximate amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) for future maintenance for the 10-year time period, based on typical sign replacement costs.
There are some County roads included in TAMC’s Wayfinding Sign Program which County staff feel are inappropriate for inclusion in this sign installation effort; therefore, staff will work with TAMC and omit those from the Encroachment Permit that is ultimately approved for this project. This is because staff does not wish to encourage use of the TAMC-selected roads for which the existing conditions might pose potential safety hazards to pedestrians and/or bicyclists.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed the proposed Funding Agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
The impact to the General Fund from this Funding Agreement is approximately $1,000 due to encroachment permit fees not collected for the installation of the proposed signs on county road right-of-way. The Road Fund will have up to an additional Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in estimated future sign maintenance cost over the 10-year life of the Funding Agreement. The additional maintenance costs will be budgeted as part of PWFP’s regular maintenance and operation expenditures.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This item supports the Board’s efforts to provide adequate infrastructure and ensuring the County has access to its share of funding generated by Measure X.
__Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Enrique Saavedra, PE, Chief of Public Works, (831) 755-8970
Reviewed by: Tom Bonigut, PE, Assistant Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
The following attachment is on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Attachment A - Wayfinding Sign Program Funding Agreement