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Home My WebLink AboutPW Transit Center Relocation Study UpdateSAN RAFAEL THE CITY WITH A MISSION Agenda Item No: 5.c Meeting Date: October 17, 2016 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Department: Public Works Prepared by: Bill Guerin, Director of Public Works TOPIC: SAN RAFAEL TRANSIT CENTER City Manager Approval: File No.: 18.06.65 SUBJECT: SAN RAFAEL TRANSIT CENTER RELOCATION STUDY UPDATE RECOMMENDATION: Accept the Informational Report BACKGROUND: Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is completing their construction of the Initial Operating Segment (IOS 1) from the Sonoma Airport to downtown San Rafael. This commuter rail service may start at the end of 2016. SMART is utilizing existing rail right-of-way to construct their new commuter rail system. SMART will eventually extend their rail service from San Rafael to Larkspur. The current Bettini Transit Center is located between Second and Third streets, just south of SMART's new downtown station. The existing rail system, originally constructed in the 1920's, runs through the middle of the Bettini Transit Center. SMART is planning on utilizing this rail right-of-way, which means that modifications are needed to the current Bettini Center to accommodate transit and rail safety in the area. In 2011, the City of San Rafael prepared a Station Area Plan which recognized this potential conflict. In 2014, the City of San Rafael hired Kimley-Horn Associates to examine the current Bettini Center and to develop alternatives that will safely accommodate rail and transit modifications in the vicinity. This work was supported by a grant from the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM). The study solicited input and included suggestions from Golden Gate Transit, Marin Transit, SMART, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), TAM, and the City of San Rafael. ANALYSIS: The Kimley-Horn presentation to Council is addressing two main issues: Interim Solution SMART is planning to reconstruct and utilize the current right-of-way which runs through the middle of the Bettini Center. This will occur at some time during SMART's Phase 2 construction operations, anticipated to start in the spring and summer of 2017 and continue through 2018. At the start of construction and thereafter, SMART's right-of-way will be fenced off and will FOR CITY CLERK ONLY File No.: 245 Council Meeting: 10/17/2016 Disposition: Accepted report SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Paae: 2 therefore preclude access by busses and pedestrians. This action will essentially cut the Bettini Center in half. Modifications to current bus movements within the Center will be needed for the transit center to remain active. Kimley-Horn has worked closely with all agencies to develop solutions that allow continuation of bus service at the transit center while the rail is constructed and while train service is initiated to Larkspur. 2. Lone -Term Solutions With SMART anticipating extending their services to Larkspur, Kimley-Horn also developed conceptual alternatives to provide a more permanent long-term transit center solution. The alternatives Kimley- Horn developed would either modify the current Bettini Center or use the city blocks north of the current center to house the permanent location. Kimley-Horn Associates, and the working group which was composed of staff from all agencies listed above, worked diligently to identify more than 10 solutions for a permanent relocation site. These alternatives were evaluated and now three solutions remain. Each of these, along with their advantages and disadvantages, will be addressed in the presentation. Upon completion of Kimley-Horn's report, it is our understanding that the transit agencies will move forward with the environmental analysis and public input process to identify the preferred solution and then begin design work for the selected alternative. Funding has been identified to construct the interim solution and the initial environmental and design work for the permanent project. Additional design money, right of way acquisition funding, and construction funding have not yet been assembled for the permanent transit center. ACTION REQUIRED: Accept the Informational Report Enclosures: None ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM INSTRUCTIONS: Use this cover sheet with each submittal of a staff report before approval by the City Council. Save staff report (including this cover sheet) along with all related attachments in the Team Drive (T:) --> CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS 4 AGENDA ITEM APPROVAL PROCESS 4 [DEPT - AGENDA TOPIC] Agenda Item # Date of Meeting: 10/17/2016 From: BILL GUERIN Department: PUBLIC WORKS Date: 10/6/2016 Topic: TRANSIT CENTER Subject: SAN RAFAEL TRANSIT CENTER RELOCATION STUDY UPDATE Type: ❑ Resolution ❑ Ordinance ❑ Professional Services Agreement ❑ Other: Presentation APPROVALS ® Finance Director Remarks: MM - approved - no fiscal impact ® City Attorney Remarks: LG -Approved 1010/16 ® Author, review and accept City Attorney / Finance changes Remarks: KM - Approved 10/10/16 ® City Manager Remarks: