Agenda Report on MOU between cities

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Page 2 of 2 Agenda Report for October 15, 2002 October 7, 2002 Redlands was eliminated. Additionally widening and realigning Live Oak Canyon Road from San Timoteo Canyon Road to 1-10 in Yucaipa was also eliminated. These options were eliminated because of the expectation of preserving the Badlands and a subsequent insurmountable fight with the environmentalists regarding the current conservation efforts. Additionally the Circulation Element for the City of Redlands General Plan calls for only a two-lane road for San Timoteo Canyon Road. It was agreed by both Redlands and Loma Linda believes using California, as an alternative is more realistic. SANBAG and the consultants for the CETAP process project by the year 2020 there will be 35,000 cars traveling Reche Canyon Road. At the present times the vehicular estimates are at 15,000 cars per day. With the heavy traffic projections, it is important the City of Colton actively participate regionally in any development of the road alignment study, project study report and preliminary environmental study. In this day of tight federal funding, the corresponding jurisdictions believe it is absolutely necessary to have these document complete in order to secure the $10 plus million it will take to make the necessary improvements. DISCUSSION /ANALYSIS The Cities of Moreno Valley and Colton and the Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino are seeking a consultant firm or team to prepare a Road Alignment Study, Project Study Report (PSR) and Preliminary Environmental Study (PES) for Reche Canyon Road and Reche Vista Drive. The segments to be studied extend from Reche Vista Drive at the intersection with Heacock and Perris in the City of Moreno Valley to Reche Canyon Road at Barton Road in the City of Colton. The roadway segments under study also traverse unincorporated portions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The study will be used to develop a master plan for future improvements of Reche Canyon Road and Reche Vista Drive in the four participating jurisdictions. It is anticipated that this project will serve as the basis for subsequent activities including preparation of environmental documentation (possible EIS), submission for federal funding and General Plan Amendments where necessary in the participating jurisdictions. This Cooperative Agreement is the first step in our coordinated effort to finalize a fixed alignment to match existing alignments and minimize traffic congestion. The Project Study Report (PSR) identifies the ultimate configuration of the roadway with respect to such factors as cross-section, land geometry and traffic control. As part of the PSR environmental clearances can be completed that would enable the participating jurisdictions to acquire any new right of way. The City of Moreno Valley is the lead agency within the Cooperative Agreement that allows Moreno Valley to release the Request for Proposal. All jurisdictions are participants in the selection process prior to hiring the consultant. However, Moreno Valley as the lead agency will execute and monitor the consultant contract during the length of this project. FINANCIAL IMPACT The total cost of the contract is estimated not to exceed $275,000. Each participating jurisdiction's estimated cost is 25% each, up to $68,750. This funding is part of the $400,000 of bond funds allocated from the Santa Ana River Redevelopment Project Area approved by agency resolution on February 1, 2000. At the present time the Agency has a Construction Management agreement with the City that was amended and approved on June 4, 2002. Within this Agreement is matching funds for the Washington Street Mitigation Grant Project. The City is currently waiting for the Notice to Proceed from Caltrans prior to beginning the project. Staff recommends using a portion of the $149,000 until the $68,750 can be transferred from the Santa Ana River Redevelopment 1998 Tax Allocation Escrow Account. Once the appropriate paper work is complete, funds from the Escrow Account will reimburse the Construction Management account for this project. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT There are no environmental impacts associated with entering into this Cooperative Agreement and releasing the Request for Proposal.