Report Prepared by: Theron Roschen, PE, City Engineer
Title
SUBJECT: Supplemental Appropriation from the General Fund FY 16/17 Balance for an Engineering and Traffic Study (Speed Zone Study)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Approves a supplemental appropriation not to exceed $100,000 to complete the 2017 Speed Zone Study.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion authorizing a supplemental appropriation from the General Fund balance not to exceed $100,000 to transfer to the Development Services Fund 017, and authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
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 of 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 has expired and currently City speed limits are 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. Before evaluating the proposals, funding for the engineering and traffic survey must be secured. Current funding for this study, which is projected to be $100,000, is not currently in the Police or Development Services budgets. Therefore, it is recommended that the General 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 continue to prolong 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 2017 Speed Zone Study requires an appropriation from the General Fund in the amount not to exceed $100,000.