COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

October 4, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

October 16, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Approval of the Installation of Speed Control Devices on Los Banos Avenue - Moss Beach Area

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to install two (2) speed control devices on Los Banos Avenue between Airport Street and Park Avenue, once the administrative fees have been paid as required by the Residential Speed Control Device Program (“Program”).

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all.

Goal 7: Maintain and enhance public safety of all residents and visitors.

We believe the installation of speed control devices will reduce traffic speeds and improve pedestrian and traffic safety on these residential streets.

BACKGROUND:

A majority of the property owners on Los Banos Avenue petitioned the Department to install speed control devices as required by the Program. Traffic surveys conducted by the Department confirmed that speed control devices are warranted based on the Program criteria.

Your Board previously adopted resolutions that approved the installation of speed humps on various County maintained roads including Harte Street, 3^rd Street and
5^th Street in the Montara area.

DISCUSSION:

Staff worked closely with the project proponents for Los Banos Avenue to determine the best locations for the speed humps, and developed draft plans based on standard traffic calming parameters. Meeting notices were sent to all property owners and residents within the project areas deemed to be immediately impacted by speed humps (13 property addresses). Draft plans were presented at the neighborhood meeting, which was held on August 23, 2007, along with copies of our traffic surveys. Representatives from eleven (11) of the addresses attended. The plans were adjusted to reflect the neighborhood’s observations of traffic conditions, and to avoid conflicts between speed humps and other facilities such as driveways. Exhibit ‘A’ is a map depicting the proposed locations of the speed humps on Los Banos Avenue.

We believe the installation of speed control devices is exempt from the requirements for preparation of an EIR under Section 15301(F) Class 1, of the California Environmental Quality Act and, on that basis, request your approval of the filing of a Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk. The project is also exempt from the requirements for a Coastal Development Permit, and the Planning and Building Department has approved a Coastal Development Exemption (CDX).

We estimate the construction of the speed humps will take approximately three days. The work will be performed by an independent contractor.

A resolution has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The cost of installing two (2) speed humps is estimated at $3,300.00 each ($6,600.00 total). The net cost of installing the speed control devices is proposed to be financed with Road Funds. There is no impact to the General Fund.

The Program requires that the project proponents pay the Department an administrative fee of $400 per speed control device. Not all of the administrative fees as required by the Program have been paid as of the writing of this report. Therefore, the proposed resolution provides that your Board’s approval of the proposed speed humps does not authorize the installation of the devices on a specific street until the fees have been paid. The resolution also provides that the fees must be paid within six (6) months or the authorization to install the speed humps is terminated.

We have notified the property owners on Los Banos Avenue and within 300’ of the project area, as provided by the Program, of the meeting where your Board will consider our recommendation to install the speed humps. We have also sent a copy of our staff report to the emergency response agencies that serve the area and to the Midcoast Community Council. We will report any comments that we receive.

Enclosure:

Exhibit ‘A’ – Map of Speed Hump Locations