Report Prepared by: Richard Maddox, PE, Interim City Engineer
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Authorize the City Manager to Execute a Design Professional Service Agreement with JLB Traffic Engineering and a Supplemental Appropriation From Fund 2001 - (Former) Measure C for an Engineering and Traffic Study (Speed Zone Study) in the Amount of $115,000
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing the City Manager to execute a Design Professional Service Agreement with LB Traffic Engineering and a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $115,000 to complete the 2024 Speed Zone Study from Fund 2001 - (Former) Measure C.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving a supplemental appropriation from the unencumbered, unreserved fund balance of Fund 2001 - (Former) Measure C in the amount of $115,000 for a Speed Zone Study; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Design Professional Service Agreement with JLB Traffic Engineering.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Chapter 7 of Division 11 of the State of California Vehicle Code (CVC) indicates that prima facie speed limits on local streets are 25 miles per hour on residential roadways, and either 55 or 65 miles per hour on rural highways. On other local streets the CVC also provides for intermediate speed limits that a local authority may by ordinance determine and declare the posted speed limit found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly and safe movement of traffic. The basis for setting the speed is by an engineering and traffic speed survey (speed zone study).
In addition to the above requirements, Sections 40801 and 40802 of the CVC dealing with speed traps, indicate that radar equipment cannot be used to enforce speed limits unless justified by an engineering and traffic speed survey conducted within the last seven years. The City of Merced’s existing speed zone study will be expiring in 2025 and City speed limits would become unenforceable by radar without an updated engineering and traffic speed survey adopted by ordinance.
The City of Merced Engineering Division of the Development Services Department has solicited proposals for the engineering and traffic speed survey. The Engineering Department received 5 proposals with JLB Traffic Engineering being the lowest most responsible bid.
Funding for the engineering and traffic survey must be secured to move forward with the study. Current funding for this study, which is projected to be $115,000, is not currently in the Police or Engineering budgets. Therefore, it is recommended that the (Former) Measure C Fund allocation be made. Administration and management for the study will be funded by the Development Services Department. This study will take approximately six months, and postponing funding for the study until the next fiscal year will result in the inability of the Police Department to conduct speed enforcement by radar.
This engineering and traffic speed report will outline the procedures used to formulate the posted speed, make any recommendations for additional traffic control signs and markings, and will fully meet the requirements of the California Vehicle Code and the Courts for the next seven years. This engineering and traffic speed survey will allow the City of Merced Police Department to enforce speed limits by use of radar; following adoption of the ordinance, and the installation of appropriate signs and markings will be evaluated by the Public Works Department.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Completion of the 2024 Speed Zone Study requires an appropriation from Fund 2001 - (Former) Measure C, in the amount not to exceed $115,000.
This budget amendment will require an affirmative vote of 5 Council Members to pass.
ATTACHMENTS
1. JLB Proposal
2. Engineering and Traffic Speed Survey Proposals
3. Speed Study Bids
4. Design Professional Service Agreement