COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

March 21, 2008

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 8, 2008

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 Scenic Drive - Palomar Park Area

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works to install four (4) speed control devices on Scenic Drive between Edgewood Road and Clifford Road, once the administrative fees have been paid as required by the Residential Speed Control Device Program (“Program”), and to file with the County Clerk a Notice of Exemption from the requirements for preparation of an EIR under the California Environmental Quality Act; and directing the Director of Public Works to monitor the effectiveness of the speed control devices and to evaluate any impacts that the installation of the speed control devices may have on traffic on other County maintained roads in the immediate area.

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, or “speed humps” will reduce traffic speeds and improve pedestrian and traffic safety on these residential streets.

BACKGROUND:

A majority of the property owners on Scenic Drive have 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 Los Banos Avenue, Harte Street, 3^rd Street and 5^th Street in the Montara area, Santa Clara and Sequoia Avenues in the Sequoia Tract area, and Orange Avenue and Sharon Road in the West Menlo Area.

DISCUSSION:

Staff worked closely with the project proponents including County Fire and the California Highway Patrol to determine the best locations for speed humps on Scenic Drive, and developed draft plans based on standard traffic calming parameters. A neighborhood meeting was scheduled for January 17, 2008, and notices were sent to all property owners and residents within the area deemed to be immediately impacted by speed humps. Draft plans were presented at the neighborhood meeting, along with copies of our traffic surveys. 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 Scenic Drive.

We have determined that the installation of speed control devices is exempt from the requirements for preparation of an Environmental Impact Report 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.

Construction of the speed humps should take approximately three (3) 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 four (4) speed humps is estimated at $12,800 total ($3,200 per speed hump). 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 Scenic Drive 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 Palomar Park Community Association. We will report any comments that we receive to your Board.

Enclosure:

Exhibit ‘A’ – Map of Speed Hump Locations