BPAC recommends using $600,000 in TDA funds to supplement Evelyn Avenue multiuse path construction

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission on May 15 recommended that City Council apply $600,000 of the commission’s Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 allocation to supplement the construction phase of the Evelyn Avenue multiuse path project. The recommendation passed on a roll‑call vote, 6‑0 with one abstention.

Staff told commissioners the city had approximately $811,925 in TDA Article 3 funds available for FY2025–26 (figure stated by staff during the meeting) and presented five candidate uses: Poplar Avenue sidewalk construction (Safe Routes to School); rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and curb extensions at two crosswalks; supplemental elements for the Evelyn Avenue multiuse path (two RRFBs and vertical separation between trail and vehicle lanes); a high‑visibility crosswalk and curb extensions at Gale and Iris for another Safe Routes to School location; and converting remaining part‑time bike lanes on Homestead Road to full‑time status (signs/posts).

Staff recommended the Evelyn Avenue supplemental funding because: (1) the project is already under active design and has state grant funding for design and construction; (2) without the supplement some safety enhancements identified at 95% design — including two RRFB crossings and vertical separation from traffic — could be dropped; and (3) the completed project would form a cross‑county bicycle corridor segment that supports regional bicycle travel and connects to neighboring jurisdictions’ plans. Staff said the supplemental $600,000 would allow the city to keep the additional safety elements in the construction package.

Commission discussion focused on comparative priorities. Several commissioners said they preferred directing limited local TDA dollars to a project already under active design (Evelyn) rather than dividing funds among smaller, standalone safety pieces that are harder to procure as single contracts. Others noted neighborhood safety priorities — notably high‑use Safe Routes to School crosswalks such as Gale & Iris and Poplar near Peterson Middle School — and asked whether smaller safety hardware (an RRFB at one location) could be funded instead. Staff explained that small standalone devices are difficult to bid as single‑location contracts because of economies of scale and the city’s procurement constraints.

Commission action: Commissioner Bonet moved that BPAC accept staff’s recommendation (Alternative 1) to allocate $600,000 to the Evelyn Avenue multiuse path construction supplement and bank the remaining TDA balance for future use. The motion was seconded and carried on roll call, 6‑0 with Vice Chair Dave abstaining.

What’s next: BPAC’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for inclusion in the FY2025–26 budget process; Council has final authority to allocate TDA Article 3 funds. Staff will return with a Council report and, if council approves the supplement, include the safety enhancements in the construction package and proceed to bid.

Speakers (selected): City staff (project/finance presentation); Commissioner Bonet (mover of recommendation); Commissioner Melman (supported Evelyn project); commenters raised Safe Routes to School priorities for Poplar and Gale & Iris during the discussion.

Clarifying details: staff stated TDA Article 3 funds available at the meeting (approximately $811,925 as noted by staff); staff recommended using $600,000 for Evelyn supplemental construction; without the supplemental funding, two RRFB crossings and additional vertical separation elements identified at 95% design may be removed from the contract due to budget shortfall.

Provenance: topic introduced in staff report for agenda item (transcript excerpt: "For this fiscal year, we have a total of, 800, $11,925 in, TDA funding...") and topic closed with the roll‑call vote statement (transcript excerpt: "The motion carries 6 0 1 with vice chair Dabbe abstaining.").