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cq<iFORN�P City Council Staff Report
JUNE 7, 2006 NEW BUSINESS
Subject: Appointment of Council Member to the Gene Autry Trail Gateway
Landscaping Improvements Project, Project Team
From: David H. Ready, City Manager
Initiated by: Public Works and Engineering Department
SUMMARY
The Public Works and Engineering Department submitted an application to the
Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC), and following a competitive
selection process, was awarded a $1,374,755 federal grant through the Transportation
Enhancement (TE) program. The grant is for the Gene Autry Trail Gateway
Landscaping Improvements Project, and will provide funding for landscaping
improvements at the Gene Autry Trail/Vista Chino intersection, including the future
median, parkways and vacant parcel at the southwest corner. The intent is to
implement the General Plan's vision of a "Gateway" entry to Palm Springs at this
location. Due to the importance of this public project, and the architectural and
aesthetic nature of it, staff is recommending that City Council appoint a member to
serve on a "Project Team" to coordinate with staff on various phases of this project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Appoint one member from the City Council to serve on the "Project Team" for the Gene
Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements Project, which will consist of the
proposed following members:
. (1) City Council member
. (1) Planning Commission member
. (1) Planning Department staff member
. Public Works Director/City Engineer
. Assistant Public Works Director/Assistant City Engineer
Alternatively, if City Council's schedule does not allow for participation in the Project
Team, it is recommended that an additional Planning Commission member be proposed
to serve on the Project Team.
Item No. J ./`"'0.
City Council Staff Report
June 7, 2006 - Page 2
Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements Project
STAFF ANALYSIS:
On June 8, 2005, the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) released a
Call for Projects using federal funds made available through the Transportation
Enhancement (TE) Program. The TE Program provides federal funds for transportation
related projects that enhance the quality of life, in or around transportation facilities. TE
funds are apportioned to the State and are included in the State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP).
The Public Works and Engineering Department realized the value of the TE funds, as
the TE Program provides funding for transportation improvements that would be difficult
to otherwise fund with gas tax, Measure A, or other local funding. The Department
previously applied for and received TE funds for the Gene Autry Trail and Ramon Road
median landscaping project, which was completed in 2004. Similarly, Department staff
reviewed opportunities for other landscaping or "transportation enhancement"
improvements, and prepared a project application for the Gene Autry Trail Gateway
Landscaping Improvements. This project will install landscaping within the new median
to be constructed on Gene Autry Trail between Vista Chino and Via Escuela (as part of
the Gene Autry Trail widening project), including the adjacent parkways, as well as
creating a "Gateway" entry monument sign and landscaped area at the southwest
corner of Vista Chino and Gene Autry Trail.
The proposed project has been estimated to cost $2,220,000 (including design,
construction administration and contingencies). The approved TE funding was
established at $1,374,755 requiring a City "local match" of$845,245.
The General Plan includes a Policy that proposes a "Gateway" entry to Palm Springs at
the Gene Autry Trail/Vista Chino intersection. Due to the importance of this gateway to
the City, and the opportunity provided by the TE funding, a significant architectural and
aesthetic capital improvement project will involve selecting the best professional design
team, and coordinating the preliminary and final landscaping and other improvement
plans through the City's Major Architectural Approval (MAA) process. Staff is
recommending that the normal "Project Team" that would be comprised of staff
members be supplemented by a City Council member, as well as a Planning
Commission member.
The Project Team will be involved with the following project phases:
1. Reviewing all submitted "Proposals" in response to the City's issuance of a Request
for Proposals for landscape architecture and other services to design this project.
2. Coordinating with other Project Team members on the consultant selection process,
including interviews with final consultants.
3. Recommending the selected consultant.
4. Participating on regular meetings with the selected consultant to coordinate the
preliminary design theme for the project.
5. Providing guidance and review of preliminary and final designs for the project as it
proceeds through the MAA process.
City Council Staff Report
June 7, 2006- Page 2
Gene Autry Trail Gateway Landscaping Improvements Project
6. Advising the Architectural Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, and City
Council on issues associated with the final proposed design, recommended for
approval by the City.
Once a final design has been submitted and approved through the City's MAA process,
the Public Works and Engineering Department staff will proceed with coordinating
preparation of final construction documents and the construction phase ofIlhe project.
FISCAL. IMPACT: IFinance Director Review:
None.
David J. Barakian Thomas J. W on
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Assistant City Manager
David H. Ready, City "5a`ger