City staff told the July 24 meeting that two grant opportunities with the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) would be valuable for pedestrian access and longer‑term corridor design, and council authorized submission of both applications.

Sidewalk gaps and ADA improvements: Public Works staff presented a prioritized list of about a dozen sidewalk segments citywide where curb ramps, driveway pathing or missing sidewalks create barriers for people walking and using wheelchairs. Staff said an intern and staff specialists reviewed the city’s ADA inventory and prioritized segments that would improve access to schools, the library and shopping areas and be deliverable within grant budgets. Staff told council they will seek approximately $850,000 for a multi‑segment construction package, with outreach to adjacent property owners and final design occurring before construction.

Bay Avenue design (PS&E): Staff also proposed applying for RTIP funds to advance the Bay Avenue corridor from conceptual design to PS&E (plans, specifications & estimates) so the project will be shovel‑ready for larger state or federal construction grants. Staff described the corridor study work completed in 2024–25 and said the preferred alternative adopted earlier included roundabouts at Bay/Hill and Bay/Capitola; the RTIP application would fund the next design phase (staff estimated about $500,000) and further public outreach. Council authorized staff to submit both applications.

Why it matters: If funded, the sidewalk package would remove ADA barriers at several locations and improve safe access to key destinations; PS&E funding for Bay Avenue would let the city seek construction dollars for a corridor redesign. Council members asked staff to consider additional design elements (for example, parking changes, landscaping, and traffic‑responsive signals) during subsequent design work and emphasized outreach to affected residents and businesses.

The council’s vote authorized staff to prepare and submit the RTIP applications; staff said the RTC awards will be announced later in the calendar year and that the projects would proceed through design and public engagement if selected.