REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Joint Maintenance Agreement with Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for the Caltrain Electrification Project
Report
BACKGROUND
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB) operates the Caltrain commuter rail system, for which it owns the right-of-way between San Francisco and San Jose (Caltrain Right-of-Way). The JPB is constructing the Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP), also known as the Caltrain Electrification project, which will electrify the rail operation on the Caltrain Right-of-Way. The PCEP requires the installation of several components on three City of Santa Clara public overcrossings (Overcrossings) over the Caltrain Right-of-Way to separate the Overcrossings from the electrified rail system for safety reasons. The PCEP proposes installing enhanced pedestrian barriers and fixtures (PCEP Facilities) to the Overcrossings at De La Cruz Boulevard, Scott Boulevard, and the Lafayette Street pedestrian bridge crossing, as shown in the Location Map (Attachment 1).
The PCEP Facilities consist of modifications to the existing fencing on the Overcrossings that will enhance the barrier between the Overcrossings and the new electrified rail system (Attachment 2), and shielding that will help isolate the overcrossing from electrical systems as a safety precaution (Attachment 3). Staff reviewed this proposal, did not find any conceptual concerns with the PCEP Facilities and is reviewing an encroachment permit application for JPB to install PCEP Facilities on the De La Cruz Boulevard Overcrossing. The encroachment permit application(s) for the other two overcrossings will be submitted at a future date. The PCEP Facilities will be reviewed, permitted and constructed by the JPB per the encroachment permits and the attached Agreement is required for the JPB to properly operate and maintain its PCEP Facilities.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of the Joint Maintenance Agreement with the JPB (Agreement), included as Attachment 4, is to address the long-term operational and maintenance responsibilities of the PCEP Facilities located on the Overcrossings. The JPB agrees to maintain the PCEP Facilities on the Overcrossings and obtain the necessary additional encroachment permits from the City prior to performing any future maintenance to the PCEP Facilities on the Overcrossings. The City will continue to inspect and maintain the Overcrossings structures.
In the event the PCEP Facilities are ever required to be removed to allow for City maintenance and/or replacement of the Overcrossings, per the Agreement, the JPB must remove and reconstruct them (or portions thereof) at their sole cost. The PCEP Facilities will improve safety related to the Caltrain Electrification project at no cost to the City for construction or maintenance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The potential environmental impacts of the PCEP were addressed in the Final Environmental Impact Report certified by the JPB on January 8, 2015.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than staff time and expense. The JPB is responsible for all construction and maintenance costs of the PCEP Facilities.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Joint Maintenance Agreement with the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board for the maintenance of Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project (PCEP) Facilities at De La Cruz Boulevard, Scott Boulevard, and the Lafayette Street pedestrian bridge crossing; SC 19,207.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
2. Pictures of Proposed Screening at De La Cruz Boulevard and Scott Boulevard Overcrossings
3. Example Image of Additional Shielding under Overcrossing
4. Joint Maintenance Agreement with Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board