I. RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the Council Consider and Certify an Environmental Determination For the Forest Street Phase 4 Reconstruction Project and Further Direct Staff to File a Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk’s Office in Compliance With The California Environmental Quality Act.
II. BACKGROUND:
Phase 4 of the Forest Street Reconstruction Project which consists of demolition of existing improvements, clearing and grubbing, sawcutting, installation of curb and gutter, curb, sidewalk, curb ramps, driveway approaches, valley gutter, median island, A.C. pavement, aggregate base, storm drain main, storm drain manholes, storm drain inlets, sewer main, sewer manholes, jack and bore, LED street lights, electrical conduit, electrical wire, pull boxes, traffic striping, traffic signage, bike lane striping from Polk to Elm, existing utility lid adjustment, and construction surveying. This project also includes improvements at Truman and Elm Ave as part of the Active Transportation Plan's effort to increase safety on Elm Ave.
The City Council awarded the construction bid at their last meeting and staff needs to file an environmental document with the Clerks office to satisfy the requirements of CEQA and Caltrans.
III. DISCUSSION:
In accordance with California environmental Quality Act (CEQA) this activity constitutes a project under the statute and an environmental determination must be made. Therefore, staff has reviewed the project scope and subsequently has determined that this project is categorically exempt pursuant to section 15302 related to minor alternations to land.
The proposed project includes the reconstruction of an existing arterial street and said improvements do not include an increase in capacity or use beyond its current use. The proposed project would not result in any significant effects related to biological resources, traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality, and the site would be adequately served by all required utilities and public services. The proposed construction activity is expected to occur within the existing right-of-way.
With council approval staff will submit the attached notice of exemption to the Fresno County Clerk in accordance with CEQA.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
None.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
The processing fee for the notice of exemption is $50.00 and will be absorbed by project funding. | | |