HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11 - Citywide Sidewalk Replacement Program Update Public Works Agency
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Item # 11
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
April 20, 2021
TOPIC: Citywide Sidewalk Replacement Program Update
AGENDA TITLE
Receive and File Citywide Sidewalk Replacement Program Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file citywide Sidewalk Replacement Program update.
DISCUSSION
The Public Works Agency’s Maintenance Services Division assumed responsibility of the
Sidewalk Replacement Program in 2020, which oversees 800 miles of sidewalks (Exhibit
1). Staff evaluates sidewalks, curbs, and gutters to identify uneven surfaces that may
pose a risk to pedestrians. The goal is to improve safety, increase active modes of
transportation such as walking and biking, and comply with regulations set forth by the
American with Disabilities Act to reduce the potential for liability claims.
For Fiscal Year 2020-21, the City Council approved $1 million of General Fund monies
for dedicated sidewalk replacement. Staff surveyed reported areas with the highest need
and concentration of locations and developed a multi-phased plan to improve the
sidewalk conditions. Beginning in July 2020, the City has worked at an accelerated pace
and has replaced concrete at 1,061 sidewalk locations (approximately 90,000 square
feet), 2,957 linear feet of curb and gutter, and 2,430 linear feet of curb ramps in 12
neighborhoods throughout all six City Council wards (Exhibit 2).
Work began on June 30, 2020 in the Heninger and French Park neighborhoods when the
City Manager authorized the award of a contract to EBS General Engineering Services
Inc. utilizing $200,000 of Special Gas Tax funds.
On October 6, 2020, the City Council authorized $600,000 to perform sidewalk
replacement in other areas of the City, including North Windsor Park, Windsor Park, West
Grove Valley, Thornton Park, Fairbridge Square, and Park Santiago neighborhoods; work
was completed in December 2020.
On January 19, 2021, the City Council authorized the use of the remaining funds totaling
$600,000 to deliver additional sidewalk concrete improvements in the Windsor Village,
Receive and File Citywide Sidewalk Replacement Update
April 20, 2021
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Artesia Pilar, Pacific Park, and Santa Ana Memorial Park neighborhoods, with project
completion in March 2021.
In summary, since July 2020, staff has successfully expedited repairs at over 1,060
locations while maximizing the funds available by capitalizing on favorable pricing of
existing contracts. Staff utilized cost-saving methods by performing in-house tree root
shaving that produced savings of nearly $200,000 and contributed to the repair of over
175 additional locations. A long-term dedicated funding source is required to address the
large backlog of needed services. Staff will continue to pursue alternative funding sources
for concrete sidewalk replacement and has submitted a supplemental budget request for
$1 million of General Fund monies for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
Concrete Sidewalk Repairs: Fiscal Year 2020/21
Locations
(Sidewalk Square Feet)
Curb/Gutter
(Linear Feet)
Curb Ramp
(Square Feet)
1,061
(88,391)2,957 2,430
Concrete Sidewalk Repairs - Funding: Fiscal Year 2020/21
Project General Fund Special Gas
Tax
Total
July – August 2020 $0 $200,000 200,000
October – December 2020 $500,000 $100,000 600,000
January – March 2021 $500,000 $100,000 600,000
2020/21 Total $1,400,000
When sidewalks are in need of replacement and a funding source is not available,
sidewalk offset grinding or temporary asphalt ramping is used to immediately improve
conditions. Historically, the lack of a dedicated long-term funding source has created
challenges and a backlog of deferred sidewalk replacements nearing 10 years. The
current estimated amount to replace all reported damaged sidewalks is over $8 million.
As such, when balance is available, staff utilizes the limited amount of Special Gas Tax
funds from other roadway maintenance programs to complete small-scale projects.
Prioritization of work is focused on areas with the highest concentration of needed repairs,
with the future intent of providing proportionate levels of service in each of the City’s six
Council wards.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
Receive and File Citywide Sidewalk Replacement Update
April 20, 2021
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. 5-Year Sidewalk Improvement Program Plan
2. Heat Map & Sidewalk Replacement Areas
Submitted By: Nabil Saba, P.E., Executive Director – Public Works Agency
Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
EXHIBIT 1
PAGE 1 OF 2
EXHIBIT 1
SERVICE NEED - REPORTED LOCATIONS
PAGE 2 OF 2
Reported Locations: 2,815
(as of March 2021)
EXHIBIT 2