Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Streets And Highways topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Atwater council directs staff to pursue mix of restriping and overlays for $1.2M in RSTP funds
Summary
City staff presented options for roughly $1.2 million in RSTP exchange funds; council members and residents emphasized immediate restriping for safety while saving or combining funds for larger overlays. Staff will return with a budget amendment reflecting council direction.
City staff asked the Atwater City Council for direction on spending about $1.2 million in Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) exchange funds, and the council directed staff to pursue a mix of restriping projects and targeted overlays rather than reserving the whole amount for a single large resurfacing.
City Manager Chris (staff) and Public Works Director Justin Vincent presented a menu of options including restriping (Juniper between Shaffer and 1st, Atwater Boulevard between 1st and Shaffer), smaller overlays (Carter Way, Mitchell, Cedar and Drakeley) and larger resurfacing candidates (Atwater Boulevard full-depth reclamation, Bellevue Road). Chris framed the recommendation as a diversified approach: "...do a little bit of everything," he said, suggesting restriping now and saving or bundling funds for overlays and larger investments such as Greensands widening.
Councilmembers and residents repeatedly emphasized safety and visibility. Several speakers urged prioritizing Shafer Road and stretches where fog, rain and truck traffic make faded striping hazardous. A resident said the lanes are difficult to see at night and in fog; another warned the rough pavement near the high school jolts vehicles.
Staff estimated restriping options would cost under $400,000, leaving about $800,000 for overlays or other projects; a package of restriping plus several overlays came to an approximate total near the available fund balance. Council discussion favored implementing most restriping projects now and proceeding with a subset of overlays (Shafer overlay and smaller overlays) while exploring regional funding opportunities for larger segments of Bellevue.
No formal ordinance or final appropriation was adopted at the meeting. Instead the council gave staff clear direction to prepare a budget amendment and return with detailed costings and recommended project lists at a future meeting. Staff also said the city will coordinate with MCAG about regional eligibility for some projects.
Why it matters: The council's direction prioritizes immediate safety improvements (striping) while laying a path for long-term rehabilitation of major arterials through a combination of funding sources.
